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

123. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Morocco¹

Washington, February 16, 1966, 4:37 p.m.

438. Following based on uncleared memcons and is FYI, Noforn, and subject to change upon review:

1. Driss M’Hammedi met with President for thirty minutes and with Secretary for ninety minutes on February 14. Atmosphere both talks most cordial and M’Hammedi seemed very pleased with reception.

2. He reviewed Ben Barka case but added nothing to what already known. He did say GOM sure allegations of any US involvement are completely untrue. Said GOM seeks only that justice pursue its course and full truth be made known. Morocco had every desire to limit damage to French-Moroccan relations. It was GOF diversion of matter from legal to political context and inadmissible demand that King dismiss his Minister that had forced GOM break silence and defend its good name. If France refrained from repetition unwise pronouncements, Morocco would certainly do nothing to aggravate situation.

3. Viet Nam situation discussed at length, with both President and Secretary expressing USG appreciation for GOM stand. Secretary expressed hope GOM and other moderates would take stronger lead in AF where he feared voice of moderation had been diminished by recent coups.

4. When M’Hammedi asked what pertinence Southeast Asia situation has for AF countries, Secretary replied Communist world sees AF as major target. AF countries can meet threat through forceful political action, in OAU and other meetings, by making it clear all rpt all outsiders must not interfere in Africa.

5. M’Hammedi then mentioned Moroccan fears in Libyan situation where aging king and oil revenues might prove temptation for UAR. He said GOM also much concerned at potential for trouble in Spanish Sahara. Concerned lest Spanish for sake of own prestige and pride might move to give territory autonomy. This would be grave mistake, since region lacks sufficient population, trained personnel, and infrastructure to handle own affairs. Might easily fall prey, through Mauritania and UAR, to forces of agitation, giving Communists chance to realize old dream of “window on Atlantic.”

6. Secretary hoped Morocco and Spain would not let matter become agitated but would somehow work out on bilateral basis, keeping in mind fundamental importance of good Spanish-Moroccan relations. Said he sure Spain attaches great importance to maintenance of such good relations. M’Hammedi replied this certainly King’s intention, to settle bilaterally, and he hoped US might put in good word.

7. M’Hammedi then recalled Secretary’s comments to Prince Moulay Abdullah last December suggesting US-Moroccan consultations on priorities for investment and development in Morocco. King had been most interested this proposal and would now like formally suggest both US and Morocco designate delegations to undertake talks in Washington or Rabat relative to improvement economic relations and formal structuring of continuing consultations in this field. He suggested such bilateral discussions might also embrace political subjects.

8. M’Hammedi extended formal invitation for US to send “high-ranking personage” to celebration of tenth anniversary Moroccan independence at Fez March 2 and 3. In leaving he mentioned GOM concern on manganese and phosphates, but noted Ambassador Laraki would take up with Department. He asked that Secretary receive Laraki to discuss if any major problems arose.

Ball

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 MOR. Confidential. Drafted by Chase; cleared by Root in AF/AFN, Beigel, Roberts in FE/VN, Burati in AID/AFR/NS, Symmes in NEA/NE, and Komer; and approved by Trimble. Repeated to Madrid, Paris, Algiers, Nouakchott, Tripoli, Tunis, Cairo, and by pouch to Saigon.