Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXI, Near East Region; Arabian Peninsula

467. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Italy¹

Washington, December 14, 1967, 0208Z.

84379. State 83247² and 82442³ (Notal).

1. DeptOff telephoned YARG UN Delegate Jaghman December 13 to acknowledge on Secretary’s behalf PriMin al-Aini’s personal message (reftel). DeptOff expressed Secretary’s continuing personal friendship for YARG Prime Minister and noted our own view that compromise among contending Yemeni elements seems only way of ending country’s five-year civil war.

2. Jaghman expressed appreciation for December 8 meeting with DeptOffs (reftel) as well as for acknowledgment Al-Aini’s personal message. Noting DeptOff’s concern at status Yemen problem Jaghman asked what specifically YARG should do, for example should effort be made induce such moderate Royalists as FonMinShami and tribal leader Qasim Munassir come to Sanaa to collaborate with YARG. DeptOff recalled existence Arab Tripartite Committee, and described Sudanese PriMin Mahjub’s recent public statement calling for renewed action by it. On personal basis he thought it would be helpful if YARG could give Mahjub initiative positive response.

3. DeptOff then said we increasingly concerned re stories coming from Yemen indicating USG in some way involved on Royalist side. DeptOff quoted chapter and verse from recent tickers, citing in particular statement by YARG Culture Minister Marwani December 10 in Aden asserting “Yemeni authorities have seized documents proving that American, Belgian and French mercenaries are directing the disorders and the attempt to attack Sanaa.” Jaghman said he unaware these reports which he admitted caused him concern. He volunteered attempt do something about them, emphasizing YARG eager for USG do what it could in advising “others” not to exacerbate problem. DeptOff said we by no means confining our efforts to YARG alone but felt he should know Yemeni tendentious propaganda of type we now seeing hardly likely improve atmosphere. DeptOff noted these reports without foundation and recalled similar unfortunate propaganda by YARG last spring which had adversely affected our relations. Jaghman said he knew mercenaries were operating with Royalists including American named Conde. DeptOff replied Conde renounced US citizenship some years ago. As far as we aware only nine Americans in Yemen, eight of whom defenseless missionaries in Republican territory near Taiz. Ninth Bushrod Howard admittedly employed by Royalists but as far as we aware in non-combat role. In any case, would be unjustified for YARG spread propaganda condemning USG on basis putative private actions one American citizen.

4. Referring Tripartite Committee, Jaghman said Al-Aini was in close touch with Mahjub and was worried re further deterioration in situation. DeptOff suggested it would be opportune for YARG manifest more concrete interest in Tripartite Committee’s work than evidenced publicly hitherto. Jaghman expressed appreciation exchange views and indicated he would promptly contact PriMin.

Katzenbach

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 YEMEN. Confidential. Drafted by Brewer on December 13; cleared by Country Director for Italy, Austria, and Switzerland Wells Stabler; and approved by Battle. Repeated to Jidda, Aden, London, Moscow, USUN, Beirut, Amman, Kuwait, Paris, Rabat, and Tripoli.
2. Dated December 12. (Ibid.)
3. See footnote 2, Document 466.