114. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations1
1894. Depcirtel 1309 and USUN 2899.2 In response Benhima request for definitive answer on US intentions with respect military assistance to Morocco prior his departure from New York January 29, you may convey following (Dept. also informing Moroccan Amb.): [Page 170]
- 1.
- US agreeable provide Morocco with squadron (12) F–5 aircraft on combined grant-credit basis dollar repayable designed minimize burden on Moroccan economy. Dollar repayable portion essential if Morocco to obtain latest high performance aircraft.
- 2.
- Aircraft deliveries will be worked out on basis factory production schedule and RMAF ability absorb. Hopefully delivery this advanced aircraft could begin within 12–18 months.
In addition to air package, Benhima may be informed US agreeable make available for sale for local currency or, possibly in part, as outright gift, certain surplus stocks for ground forces, including Scorpions, trucks, and ammunition. However, Benhima should not be left with impression US will be able to provide all items on Moroccan surplus list.
Embassy Paris should await further instructions prior informing GOF.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19 US–MOR. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Chase and Blake; cleared by Williams, Barbour in EUR/WE, Sisco, Lang in DOD/ISA, Hutchinson in AID, Moses in G/PM, and Komer; and approved by Ball. Repeated to Rabat, Paris, Algiers, and Madrid.↩
- Circular telegram 1309, January 22, and telegram 2899 from USUN, January 26. (Ibid., POL AFR and DEF 19 US–MOR, respectively)↩
- Telegram 396 to Rabat, January 29, informed the Embassy that Fredericks had conveyed the substance of telegram 1894 to Bengelloun that morning, but that the Ambassador had showed no enthusiasm or appreciation. (Ibid.) In telegram 705 from Rabat, February 2, Brown reported that he discussed its contents with M’Hammedi, who was immediately enthusiastic. (Ibid.)↩