140. Memorandum of Conversation1

SUBJECT

  • Military Assistance to Morocco

PARTICIPANTS

  • Ahmed Osman, Moroccan Ambassador to the United States
  • Mr. Joseph Palmer 2nd, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
  • Mr. John F. Root, Country Director for Northern African Affairs
  • Mr. Wingate Lloyd, Country Officer for Morocco
  • Mr. Alec G. Toumayan, Interpreter

Ambassador Osman stated he had been instructed by his Government to ask for clarification of the October 24 announcement of the resumption of arms shipments to Israel and certain other Arab countries.2 The Ambassador said the announcement covering deliveries of 6 F–5 aircraft on which agreement had been reached three (sic) years ago had caused some surprise in Rabat.

Mr. Palmer reviewed the imposition of the arms embargo in June, and explained that after considerable review the decision had been made to resume deliveries of previously planned items to certain countries. Mr. Palmer noted that in addition to the F–5s Morocco would be authorized to purchase $1.3 million worth of F–5 ammunition, and MAP shipments including spare parts and other items valued at $3 million would be resumed.

Ambassador Osman said Morocco understands the necessity of maintaining balanced treatment for Israel and the Arab countries. Morocco was concerned, however, by the unexpected manner in which the announcement was made, linking the resumption of arms deliveries to Morocco to the Arab-Israel hostilities. Mr. Palmer expressed regret that time had not permitted prior consultation with Morocco. He added that the decision to resume shipments to both Israel and the Arab states was taken in the same context as the original imposition of the arms embargo. Mr. Root observed in this connection that Morocco clearly [Page 213] sought in June to associate itself with the Arab cause in the Middle East hostilities.

Referring to King Hassan’s October 25 conversation with Ambassador Tasca on the Middle East situation, Mr. Palmer expressed appreciation for the insights which the King’s presentation provided, and reiterated our desire to discuss the subject with Morocco and other countries which approach the question from the same constructive standpoint. Referring to the Ambassador’s conversation with the King, Mr. Palmer emphasized that the U.S. has in no way delayed or hesitated in the expectation of a change of leadership in Cairo. He made it clear that Nasser’s departure was in no way a precondition to any U.S. action. Mr. Palmer noted welcome signs of re-thinking in Cairo, thanks in large measure to the efforts of Morocco and like-minded Arab governments.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–MOR. Confidential. Drafted by Lloyd in AF/AFN on October 31.
  2. Telegram 58945 to Rabat, Tunis, and Tripoli, October 24, announced the U.S. decision to resume limited and selective arms shipments to Israel and moderate Arab states. The Embassy in Rabat was informed that the United States would move forward with delivery of six F–5 aircraft with ammunition in completion of the May 1965 grant/credit sales agreement and the resumption of existing military assistance and grant and sales programs. The telegram noted that implementation of the $14 million credit sales program agreed to with King Hassan awaited Congressional action on the Foreign Assistance legislation. (Ibid.)