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

307. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Somalia¹

Washington, September 2, 1965, 5:22 p.m.

51. Ref: Mogadiscio’s 101.² Ethiopian-Somali Relations.

Department welcomes developing dialogue between PriMins. Difficulties which GSR sees from apparent IEG pre-condition against raising territorial problems would perhaps be overcome by verbal rather than written assurances. Further assurance that unacceptable topics not arise might be secured by establishment of agenda to which talks could be strictly confined by mutual agreement either written or oral.

Re economic agreements, history of Ethiopian-Somali relations makes it understandable that each side mistrusts other. On other hand, Department considers that very fact of IEG willingness enter discussions on possible areas of agreement in economic field is of itself significant. As talks progress, GSR will certainly be in position to safeguard its interests.

FYI: Although USG has been urging these courses of action on IEG for many months, we consider it preferable not discuss present demarche in Addis unless raised with us by IEG. Recommend, however, that Emb Addis check with Burney of IBRD for info and assessment of IEG thinking in field economic cooperation with GSR. End FYI.

In event IEG discusses its reported approach with Emb Addis, would seem appropriate point out that any gesture to lessen present tensions would go long way as earnest of intentions, e.g. return of Somali police plane. Emb Mogadiscio may wish same point to GSR.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL ETH–SOMALI. Confidential. Drafted by Hugh Campbell of AFN and Galanto, and approved by Blake. Also sent to Addis Ababa, and repeated to Nairobi and Rome for Ambassador Torbert (Hotel Victoria).
2. Telegram 101 from Mogadiscio, August 31, reported that the Somali Prime Minister had informed the Embassy that the Ethiopian Prime Minister had given the Somali Ambassador for his government’s consideration: 1) a draft bilateral agreement governing cessation of hostile propaganda on both sides and 2) a proposal for a bilateral conference to deal with economic problems on which agreement might be reached. (Ibid.)