Office of the Historian

46. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Libya1

Washington, March 20, 1964, 7:33 p.m.

358. While events have moved most rapidly in Libya and Libyan opinion obviously aroused on base question, Department nevertheless desires do all possible, consistent with friendly Libyan-US relations, to [Page 75] create atmosphere and understanding among key elements in Libya which will permit useful discussion this question. In addition desiring continuing estimate of Libyan scene by Country Team based on widest possible contacts, we desire all elements take suitable occasion if and when you deliver note and GOL announces receipt stress following points as appropriate with GOL officials and key political figures.

1.
US in agreeing discuss base question without conditions has made major concession to Libyan government and opinion.
2.
US respects agreements and expects other nations to do same. We have never given up a base in Africa or Asia through renegotiation of agreement prior agreed expiration. Departures both Morocco and Saudi Arabia were at conclusion agreements with these countries. Thus agreement even discuss tenure represents major departure in desire friendly relations with Libya.
3.
Wheelus has provided benefits to Libya in employment, income, and security. It represents extensive complex which cannot be quickly abandoned without great loss both Libya and to US. Our desire make maximum use these facilities for benefit Libya would justify serious and possibly prolonged discussion.
4.
Wheelus has never been used in any manner against Libya or any other country. US has been careful insure its uses are not embarrassing to Libya. Its use on contrary in such cases as Congo has been valuable to Africa. Its use as relief base has been valuable to Libya as well as to Africa generally on many occasions.
5.
US very much concerned with future of US-Libyan relations after Wheelus matter settled. Therefore believe most important that GOL despite desire satisfy Parliamentary and public sentiment still bear in mind value which US friendship and support may have for Libya in future, particularly as growing Libyan oil revenues make country increasingly attractive target for subversion or aggression. While US desires continue closest friendship Libya as indicated by our willingness discuss Wheelus question including tenure of agreement, it is inevitable that relationship will change once this symbol our close cooperation goes.

Re proposed US statement (Tripoli’s 395)2 we do not intend initiate statement on note here, but intend reply questions along following lines:

“US has informed Libyan Government in response to its request that we are prepared to discuss the 1954 agreement in the same spirit of friendship, cooperation and mutual interest which has traditionally characterized relations between the two governments. We have indicated to the Libyans that we are prepared to receive any suggestions they might have on when the discussions might start.”

[Page 76]

Department has no objection if Embassy wishes emphasize in talking with press benefits US-Libyan relations, but on balance not inclined believe statement likely be useful in present situation.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–4 LIBYA–US. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Newsom; cleared by Hinman of AID, George L. Warren of G/PM, NE Deputy Director Harrison M. Symmes, and Bronez; and approved by Fredericks. Also sent to the Embassy Office in Baida and repeated to Cairo, London, and USCINCEUR.↩
  2. Dated March 18. (Ibid., DEF 15 LIBYA–US)↩