74. Letter From President Johnson to King Idris1
Your Majesty:
The United States is deeply conscious of the pressures on those who seek to maintain significant traditional relationships between Arab [Page 111] nations and their friends in the West. I am well aware of the steadfastness of the position of Your Majesty and of Libya in this situation. We in turn are determined to assist in the preservation of the sovereignty and dignity of the nations of the area and of the peace which, through so many critical years, has been generally maintained.
We particularly value our long relationship with Libya and its friendship and cooperation during the years since independence. We hope with you for sustained freedom and progress in accordance with Libya’s rich endowment, its traditions, and its constitution.
Mindful of this valued association and common hope, the United States regards as highly important the political independence and territorial integrity of Libya under Your Majesty.
Libya’s first line of defense is, of course, its own forces, and we have informed Your Majesty’s Government of our willingness to cooperate with Libya and other friends of Libya in the continued strengthening and modernization of these forces. Libya’s own expanding resources will provide a base for the strengthening of these defenses.
But a nation’s strength lies also in its friends. I can assure you that the United States could not remain indifferent to an unprovoked and aggressive attack on Libya. We would in such an event consult immediately with the Government of Libya and other interested governments on the necessary and appropriate steps to meet the situation within the framework of the international obligations and constitutional procedures of all concerned.
Of course, the presence of friendly military facilities within Libya provides a further deterrent to such aggression and would be a significant factor in our ability to lend assistance in such circumstances.
I look forward, Your Majesty, to continued close and friendly relations between the United States and Libya over the years to come.
Sincerely,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–1 LIBYA. Secret. Circular airgram CA–2580, September 2, transmitted the text of the letter to the Embassy in Tripoli with instructions that it be delivered at an appropriate moment as soon as possible after the presentation of Ambassador Newsom’s credentials. (Ibid., POL 15–1 US/Johnson) David D. Newsom, who replaced Ambassador Lightner, presented his credentials on October 16. He presented the letter to King Idris on November 8.↩