Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

12. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guinea¹

Washington, October 23, 1964, 6:57 p.m.

398. Embtel 274.² In response repeated expressions of concern by Ben Bella during past eight months that US in contact with Algerian opposition elements to detriment his regime, Dept has assured Ben Bella at highest level Department that US in no way involved with opposition. We have stated our willingness to look into matter if GOA will submit specific evidence that can properly be investigated. In late August Algerian Ambassador brought back to Washington impression that Ben Bella finally satisfied with USG assurances and considered matter closed, at least for time being.

As reftel makes clear, Ben Bella does not in fact consider matter closed. You might therefore take appropriate opportunity to give substance of foregoing to Toure to emphasize US concern and our efforts to allay Ben Bella’s suspicions, which are totally without foundation. You may also suggest US would welcome his help or advice on what else we might do to achieve this end.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL ALG–US. Confidential. Drafted by Stoltzfus, cleared by Newsom and Pelletreau, and approved by Trimble. Repeated to Algiers.
2. Dated October 22. (Ibid., POL 1 THE CONGO–US)