Office of the Historian

98. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Benghazi, Libya0

Washington, October 19, 1962, 6:11 p.m.

78. Following based in part on uncleared memcons.1 Crown Prince visit to Washington proceeded smoothly and successfully. Met at airport by Vice President, Crown Prince acquitted himself well at this and other public appearances, with remarks appropriate to occasions, generally but not always read from prepared texts. Well prepared for his hour-long meeting with President, Crown Prince presented Libyan requests for financial aid during three to four year period of continuing financial [Page 145] need, and for military aid, dwelling particularly on Air Force needs. He also expressed Libyan apprehension at US decision sell Hawk missiles to Israel, urging President that decision not be put into effect. He further urged President take action relieve plight of Palestine refugees.

Foreign Minister in meeting with Secretary October 17 laid further stress on GOL financial straits, emphasizing GOL need to implement planned projects for benefit of people who otherwise will become susceptible to harmful influences from outside. Foreign Minister also noted GOL desire on return Libya that success achieved by Crown Prince be made known to Libyan people. Secretary explained our policy not tying aid announcements to visits. Further details of talks will follow separately.

Crown Prince has cancelled Detroit portion trip, will now proceed directly from San Francisco to New York October 21 with October 22 set aside for rest. Following lunch with U Thant and address to General Assembly, Prince and party now scheduled depart from New York at 1800 hours October 23.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 773.11/10-1962. Confidential. Drafted by Post on October 18; cleared by Carr, Jones, Steele, and Junkermann (DOD), Gookin, and Slater; and approved by Newsom. Also sent to Tripoli and pouched to London, Paris for the Embassy and USCINCEUR.↩
  2. The conversation between President Kennedy and Crown Prince Hasan on October 16 is recorded in four memoranda of conversation; ibid., 773.56/10-1662, and ibid., President’s Memoranda of Conversation: Lot 66 D 149.↩