Office of the Historian

142. Telegram From the Embassy in Morocco to the Department of State1

Rabat, February 3, 1968, 1258Z.

2723. For Katzenbach and Palmer.

1.
I am deeply concerned at King’s reaction to continued delay in US military assistance to Morocco. When I saw Prime Minister Benhima January 23 for first time since return from home leave, he asked me about delays in implementing 4 million dollar Presidential arms commitment. I explained limitations placed by Congress on military assistance and provided him with English texts of Conte-Long and Symington amendments.
2.
Two days later after I had supplied Prime Minister with unofficial French translations of texts of amendments he called me back and expressed deep concern, asking whether US was turning its back on its friends. I sought to reassure him by stressing that priority of Morocco based on strategic location and traditional close ties of friendship made US confident of being able to come through on 4 million dollar commitment. Officials of Executive Branch USG now engaged in devising procedures for administering military assistance under new Congressional guidelines. I urged that Morocco think in terms of strategy rather than [Page 215] tactics, of long term relationships rather than temporary short term expedients. Benhima understood allusion to recent GOM purchases of Czech ground equipment.
3.
When I saw Prime Minister again February 1 he told me King concerned that personal Presidential commitment might be negated by Conte-Long and Symington amendments. King had asked specifically what these limitations meant in terms of 14 million dollar arms package. Benhima left me in no doubt that King deeply disturbed and that only prompt implementation of Presidential arms commitment will allay his concern.
4.
Foregoing illustrates deep concern of King which I described to you when I was in Washington.
5.
My recommendation on 14 million dollar arms package which cites pertinent political, economic and military considerations follows by separate telegram. Urge prompt Presidential determination required to permit sale of arms to Morocco.
Tasca
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–MOR. Secret; Priority.↩