Office of the Historian

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

Washington, April 24, 1964, 5:38 p.m.

448. Wheelus. Embassy may inform GOL Ambassador Lightner accompanied by a Special Representative, Ambassador G. Lewis Jones, who has been designated to represent the U.S. in base discussions, prepared meet with Foreign Minister Mazziq in Baida April 29 to open discussions on base question.

Following are instructions for Ambassadors Lightner and Jones for April 29 meeting:

Initial UK-GOL meeting on bases indicates opening session will be limited to formalities. U.S. objectives April 29 should be: (1) to make clear U.S. not prepared to agree to an abrogation of agreement or immediate liquidation of Wheelus Base and related areas; (2) assure GOL we are, nevertheless, prepared understand problems of GOL, changes which have taken place in Libya, and, in light these, examine all aspects of the problem on the basis of the existing agreement of 1954, believing that this framework will permit a thorough examination of the problem.

Accordingly, on assumption Libyan side will again present request for abrogation and liquidation based on parliamentary resolution of March 16, Ambassador Lightner should reply:

1.
U.S. believes Wheelus Base relationship is significant for Libya’s own security as well as being of importance to the United States and other nations friendly to both.
2.
U.S. has agreed to discuss this relationship on the basis of the existing agreement of 1954 and believes that this framework will permit a thorough examination of the problem.
3.
Should the examination of the problem disclose areas where changes appear to be necessary, the United States is prepared to negotiate on these points to bring about a solution satisfactory to both parties.
4.
As an indication of the desire of the United States to provide full opportunity for a thorough examination of the problem, the United States has, following the pattern of other recent negotiations, appointed the Honorable G. Lewis Jones as a Special Representative with the rank of Ambassador, to meet with the Libyan Government representatives on this question as desired.
5.
The United States is ready to proceed with the discussions at such time as the Libyan Government may desire.

While U.S. does not wish encourage Libyans believe current pressures on them necessitate changes in Wheelus relationship, we do not believe changed atmosphere and pressures on bases can be denied. If, therefore, question pressures and changes raised, Ambassador may state U.S. has followed recent events but believes base relationship remains matter to be resolved by countries directly involved.

Additional detailed instructions are being prepared for use in later substantive discussions.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–4 LIBYA–US. Confidential. Drafted by Newsom; cleared by Bronez, Tasca, Assistant Legal Adviser for African Affairs Charles Runyon III, Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration Thomas Stern, and Warren; and approved by Harriman. Also sent to Baida and repeated to London, CINCUSAFE, and CINCEUR.↩