125. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson1
Attached is a subtle letter from Moroccan King Hassan,2 which his Finance Minister delivered to me yesterday. The FM is here to discuss his economic program and to talk to potential private investors.
Hassan is reinforcing his request for help against his drought—Morocco has lost about 50% of its cereals production this year. However, he does not come right out and ask. He relates his own agricultural program to your Food for Freedom message and your efforts to focus world-wide attention on the food problem. Only at the end of his letter does he describe briefly his own shortages.
We have already responded in several ways. On the emergency front, we sent Dick Reuter to Morocco (he was in Europe anyway) as [Page 185] your personal representative to look at the problem, both long and short range. We agreed to send 200,000 tons of wheat and to review the situation again in the fall when requirements are clearer. Our own tight supply will keep us from coming close to the 1.2 million tons the Moroccans think they need. But the Canadians and French are also helping, and we may be able to get close to 500,000 tons as the year goes on.
On the development front, we have two research teams there now—one from TVA—to lay out longer term projects to improve Morocco’s land and fertilizer use. The IBRD and the Germans are helping too. The Moroccan program is not quite so well-defined as Hassan suggests, but there’s a good chance to do a sound job there. These efforts are in line with Korry’s recommendations.
The Moroccans are reasonably satisfied with our response. I think Hassan just wanted to break the ice with you by highlighting a mutual interest in the food problem and showing he is a serious-minded fellow ready to help himself. He is looking forward to seeing you when he comes to the UN late this fall.
We will use your reply to let you weigh in on the substance of our program. I have asked State for a draft and for suggestions on timing.