100. Paper Prepared in the Department of State1
SUBJECT
- Withdrawal from Moroccan Bases
Summary
This represents a final report under NSAM 232 of the virtual completion of actions with respect to U.S. bases in Morocco agreed upon between King Hassan II and President Kennedy in March 1963.
The three SAC bases were evacuated in December. U.S. naval personnel continue to operate the Naval Communications Facility in Kenitra, but as of December 16, 1963, under the Moroccan flag with their function ostensibly as a training mission to enable Moroccans to operate the base.
The withdrawals were carried out smoothly and on schedule. The U.S. Air Force was able to remove that equipment not excess to its needs. The Moroccan Government, despite repeated urgings, did not come forward with projects which could justify the retention of non-excess material in Morocco, except in one instance—the decision to convert Nouasseur into an international airport. Arrangements have been made to consider a Moroccan loan application for this purpose.
[Here follow Sections 1–7 of the paper.]
[Page 152]8. Conclusions:
Despite some unresolved details and possible problems ahead we believe that the situation surrounding our withdrawal and our chances of attaining the objectives we seek are generally favorable. Transfers of authority were smooth; there was minimal attendant publicity. The fact that our departure was on schedule is in itself likely to stifle criticism of those aspects of our withdrawal which may run counter to some Moroccan expectations. Morocco’s own troubles with Algeria make it unlikely it would stir up additional problems which would undermine sympathy for their cause. Our principal objective, retention of the U.S. Naval forces in Kenitra to operate the communications facilities beyond the end of 1963, has been so far agreed to without challenge.
Several recent and significant expressions of interest in continued cooperation with us have also come forward. Foreign Minister Guedira declared at Kenitra, “We are making by this ceremony the beginning of an era of cooperation, active friendship and dynamic work for the cause of peace and security.” Earlier in the day the King told our Ambassador the turnover ceremony would not mark the end of our relationship but a new phase and said he was sure we could work together in friendship.
Thus, on balance we are inclined to believe that the U.S. withdrawal from these installations in Morocco and the transfer of command at Kenitra were effected in good order.
On a broader plane, base conversion to civilian use in an underdeveloped country proved extremely difficult. Both our own procedures as well as Moroccan created problems. No commitments of like character should be made in the future without clear plans and agreed to sources of funding for property involved.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–10 MOR–US. Secret. Drafted by Officer in Charge of Moroccan Affairs Stephen H. McClintic. The source text was transmitted to McGeorge Bundy on February 4 under cover of a memorandum from Benjamin Read which reads: “Transmitted herewith is a final report under NSAM 232 of the action taken with respect to U.S. bases in Morocco agreed upon between King Hassan II and President Kennedy last March.” For text of NSAM No. 232, April 5, 1963, see Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, vol. XXI, pp. 231–232.↩