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

210. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to All African Posts Except Pretoria¹

Washington, May 25, 1966–6:48 p.m.

2325. 1. At reception for OAU, Ambassadors Washington, May 26, President expected to make statement concerning Africa (text in wireless file) which designed achieve five principal purposes:

a. Identification of US with basic African aspirations.

b. Encouragement of African efforts meet African problems, especially economic and social development.

c. Special note of African regional and subregional efforts.

d. Outline of fields where US already prepared take initiative if Africans so desire: regional organizations, trained manpower and education, health and telecommunications.

e. Invitation in general sense to Africans and other friendly governments examine anew their present and future efforts and announcement of US plan reappraise and strengthen its own efforts in Africa.

2. Begin FYI: Statement is calculated balance among several important considerations.

a. Need for identification with Africans in areas of constructive economic and social development.

b. Desire to identify certain initiatives that US can take if Africans so desire without arousing expectations that cannot be met.

c. Importance of encouraging further efforts by other friendly nations and international organizations.

d. Intention to initiate inquiry within US, both on implementation of immediate initiatives and redirection of policy and programs. Without anticipating outcome this inquiry, President’s remarks regarded as first step, and he or other high-level spokesman may make follow-up statement later in year.

3. Inquiry which is beginning immediately will be directed by Ambassador Edward Korry. His staff will be made up of both government officers and outside consultants. We cannot yet foresee exact timing or nature of report to President. End FYI.

4. Department desires President’s statement be brought to attention of highest levels you deem appropriate of government to which you accredited in manner best calculated to elicit interest and response within framework of considerations mentioned paragraph 2 above. If feasible, make approach on May 27.

5. Report reactions.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–1 US/Johnson. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Hadsel; cleared by NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary Rodger P. Davies, AID/AFR Assistant Administrator Edmond C. Hutchinson, and Bromley Smith. Approved and initialed by Palmer. Repeated to Pretoria, USUN, Tel Aviv, and Cairo.