77. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
Washington, February 25, 1966, 6:18
p.m.
4968. Ref: Deptel 4836.2 Subj: US–UK Talks.
- 1.
- Please inform Fonoff verbally
of following. Dept will do same with British Embassy here:
- A.
- US is willing to have talks on Libya as soon as this can be arranged. US participants would be Kitchen, Asst Secy for Politico-Military Affairs, and Root, Director Office of Northern African Affairs. US members of the Joint UK/US Planning Group in London could be on call for military advice if required. FYI—Consideration being given to participation from DOD/ISA—End FYI.
- B.
- We propose following agenda:
- 1.
- Consider arrangements for continuing diplomatic and intelligence exchanges concerning the circumstances in which aggression against Libya might occur and a range of political and political/military courses of action to deter or counter aggression.
- 2.
- To undertake preliminary exploration of these subjects, including identification in light of UK Defense Review, of UK capabilities to support the Libyan commitment.
- C.
- Referring to discussions of the British Defense Review, the US recalls the understanding reached between principals that objective of discussions now being proposed would be to study the problem and narrow it down, with understanding that US is unable to consider further commitments. In the circumstances, we would wish to limit the forthcoming discussions to an exchange of views under the above agenda.
- 3.
- FYI—Recent discussions with UK suggest British are now seeking a firm US commitment on the forces the US would be willing to make available to assist UK forces in carrying out UK’s treaty commitments. British seemed to be working on assumption that there would be little or no backup forces available from UK resources outside of Libya. We are not willing to concede this point. Only as actions under UK defense review begin to take shape will they (and we) be in position to consider various sources (BAOR or forces in UK) from which British could draw backup forces and necessary airlift. It may eventually turn out that under circumstances British will need our help, but burden would be on UK to prove necessary forces are not available from her resources. In meantime, [Page 115] we are prepared to continue exchanging information through political and intelligence channels on situation in Libya, and through UK/US Study Group on the size and type of forces likely to be required to meet various contingencies. Study Group would not identify, however, which country would provide specific forces—End FYI.
- 4.
- For Kitchen: Please inform London and Dept if you will be available March 7. S/S amending orders to London. We have informally told British March 7 looks suitable, subject to your schedule.
Rusk