40. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Libya1
264. Libyan Appointed Ambassador Abidia during initial call on Governor Williams February 4 raised question future US assistance. Emphasizing Libya had been loyal friend of US and was grateful for assistance since 1951, Abidia said currents of change in Libya’s region were running against military bases, and Libya therefore could be increasingly subject to criticism by other governments in area. Certain African and Arab states might say they were receiving greater quantities of aid than Libya while not granting US Government comparable favors in return. Libya needed continued US assistance to counteract the effect of such troublesome allegations.
Abidia acknowledged US might say Libya no longer needed assistance from US. This was not case, and as indicated in remarks prepared for presentation to President with letter of credence, Libya while pleased pay tribute to technical, economic and military assistance which US had made available also wished to express hope at same time for continuation of assistance particularly at present time.
Abidia said oil revenues were not yet sufficient to support intended development projects. Abidia noted British, less wealthy than US, in 1963 agreed to continue commitment level of assistance for two more years. Abidia said US aid need not necessarily be in dollars but might be in form of technical assistance, machinery and military equipment.
Later Abidia asked whether US Government in deciding close down military bases had any intention close Wheelus.
In response Governor Williams while thanking Abidia for frankness of his statement said that in similar spirit of candor he must refer to position which had been taken by President Kennedy in conversation with Prime Minister Fekini last September. Both President Kennedy and President Johnson had taken a firm, public stand in favor of a level of foreign aid which was in keeping with necessity to maintain US responsibilities abroad. Congress had greatly reduced total amounts and some in Congress were particularly opposed to providing assistance to countries [Page 70] financially able to help themselves. Although in case of Libya and of other countries US willing take further look if requested, US had little room for maneuver. Governor said Ambassador should be aware we could not make a completely fresh study of a matter already weighed at considerable length. Matter, however, was not non-negotiable. As President Kennedy had clearly indicated we believe Libya has now reached point where it can pay for its own economic development and may in future be able to think of giving aid to less fortunate areas.2
As for Wheelus Base, agreement with Libya for use of facilities runs through 1971 and we are hopeful that we may continue cooperate in accordance this agreement. Base in Libya is not, we understand, among those which US Government plans close in near future.
Governor Williams emphasized that we believe that our relations with Libya rest on a firm foundation of mutual interest, sharing of common values and respect for each other’s way of life. While we might argue with Libya on some points such as assistance or the presence of an air base, such a dialogue need not effect our more basic relationship. Libya could be assured our moral support and, if necessary, material support. He recalled frankness with which President Kennedy had explored these matters with Prime Minister Fekini and referred to eloquent manner in which President Kennedy had indicated that presence of Wheelus Air Base was in mutual interest of Libya and US.
Abidia was apparently echoing familiar line taken repeatedly by Fekini. He said he hoped Department would take further look at aid problem. Dept Officer asked him whether views were shared by present government, and he affirmed they were. Embassy’s comments requested. Has Muntasir government raised question of US assistance or Wheelus since January 22? Can we assume Abidia approach represents views new Government?
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 17 LIBYA–US. Secret. Drafted by McClanahan; cleared by Newsom, Ellis in AID, and Colonel Heffner in DOD; and approved by Williams. Repeated to CINCEUR and pouched to London.↩
- On January 28, Assistant Secretary Williams sent a memorandum to Acting Secretary Ball noting that AID had proposed that no further economic aid funds be requested for Libya, which would mean closing out the AID mission in Libya and withdrawing 12 direct hire technicians by the end of FY 1964. Williams noted that the Bureau of African Affairs had reservations concerning the effects of the proposed termination, especially its effect on the future of the Wheelus Air Base in Tripoli, the only U.S. air base in Africa. (Ibid., AID (US) LIBYA)↩