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

88. Telegram From the Embassy in Libya to the Department of State¹

Tripoli, June 22, 1967, 0945Z.

297. Reference: Tripoli 175.² Wheelus.

1. During audience with King June 21, I said I wished be certain he was aware our reply to government on base issue. He asked what “agreement” we had with government. I explained we had discussed approach with PM and planned have preliminary talk with GOL soon after which I might return for consultation. He commented, “The more delay the better”.

2. In this context, I stressed need get base operating again. I stressed also my disappointment at lack confidence in US on part RLAF. He said he was shocked by conduct RLAF, including informing Egyptians regarding movements at Wheelus. He had not told government yet, but he intended move RLAF away from Wheelus to base which would be near neither Tripoli nor Benghazi. When I asked about further development RLAF, he said it would be slow. We will give them a few advisors, he added.

3. My efforts suggest to him we might find common basis for cooperation with RLAF if they remained at Wheelus were unavailing, at least for moment.

4. Comment: Throughout audience, of which foregoing was part, King displayed relaxed relief that tough problems currently facing country were, under constitution, government’s responsibility, not his.

Newsom

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15 LIBYA–US. Secret; Priority. Repeated to CINCEUR, CINCUSAFE, and London and passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, NSA, COMAC, CINCSTRIKE, and USUN.
2. Dated June 16. (Ibid.)