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

61. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy Office in Baida, Libya¹

Washington, July 20, 1964, 9 p.m.

22. Following constitutes line you should take with King during expected audience with him this week. In advancing these points you should do so in context your desire acquaint King with current status Wheelus negotiations as we see them. You should not associate your approach with Maaziq’s remarks Cairo and should carefully avoid any appearance either of rebuttal Foreign Minister or criticism of him.

Suggest you preface remarks by stating you desire bring HM up to date on base matters as US see them, stressing that high level elements USG have been continuously and deeply concerned with exploration ways of meeting major policy problem posed for US by wholly unexpected March 16 demand by Libyan Parliament for abrogation 1954 agreement and evacuation Wheelus base. Preoccupation USG with this problem result not only of suddenness of Libyan demand but also prompted by grave concern over impact any hasty US decisions this matter, particularly with respect abrogation agreement, would have on US base rights arrangements world-wide as well as local arrangements Libya. Important training function of Wheelus in relation to US regional responsibilities also factor US cannot afford lightly to dismiss. Successful maintenance political stability and peace in critical areas of world directly depend on awareness would-be aggressors of US presence and extent of US commitment to peace. Consequently, US has necessarily had to view Wheelus question in this wider context. At same time, US has endeavored see Wheelus situation in Libyan terms as well. This evidenced by fact US has:

1. Accepted Libyan statement of February 23 that Wheelus agreement will not be renewed on expiration 1971;

2. Declared that by terminal date 1954 agreement US presence will have been withdrawn except for such Americans as GOL may agree should remain;

3. Agreed examine possible alternatives to Wheelus and has already begun to do so with promise to make available results of study in 1965;

4. Undertaken study to determine equipment and personnel that can be moved out of Wheelus, preliminary results of which indicate initial reductions can be made this year;

5. Sponsored proposal for closer identification Wheelus with Libyan national interests and for training of Libyans to operate base when US withdraws through Libyanization program and has recommended to GOL that measures to that end be developed soonest. US attaches substantial importance to cooperative efforts both governments this regard which it hopes will begin soon after GOL names its members Libyanization subcommittee;

6. Negotiated and is willing continue negotiate in good faith with GOL through intermediary of Special Representative designated by President for that purpose as evidence of importance US attaches to development mutually satisfactory solution to problem and longer term relations between both governments;

7. Agreed to military sales agreement to GOL on concessional basis with view strengthening Libyan defense establishment.

In concluding your remarks, you should recall the even and friendly course of US-Libyan relations since independence Libya and US desire preserve those relations in interest both countries over longer term. Essential element any such preservation must be determination not exaggerate differences which from time to time will inevitably arise between US and GOL. US has had major differences with other friendly governments in past. In all cases their resolution has depended upon recognition both sides that much more to be gained by mutual comprehension and acceptance each other’s basic good faith than by indifference to each other’s sensitivities and interest.

For Cairo:

View our continued desire keep Wheelus discussions in low key, and particularly avoid involvement UAR, suggest Embassy generally avoid any comments on Maaziq remarks if queried by local sources. However, no objection if Embassy wishes to draw on foregoing information in providing background to any sources friendly to US which might be interested US side of question.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15–4 LIBYA–US. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Blake; cleared by Warren, Runyon, Harriman, Judd, Tasca, Bronez, Lang in DOD, and Jones in NE; and approved by Newsom. Also sent to Tripoli and Cairo, and repeated to London, CINCEUR, and CINCUSAFE.