90. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Libya1
7607. Tripoli 185.2 Agree you are proceeding along right lines in conversation with Bishti. You may tell him we deeply gratified it is GOL’s policy retain ties with traditional friends, understand GOL’s present political problem and through discussion are anxious to help GOL surmount problem. We will welcome Bishti’s suggestions for how best to do so.
On availability info on 1964 negotiations we concur in reply you gave Bishti.
FYI. Bishti seems bothered mainly by problems resulting from proximity Wheelus to Tripoli. Our impression is he does not yet have clear idea of what he or GOL will want us to do and that he probably welcomes suggestions you make to him. End FYI.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 15 LIBYA–US. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Root, cleared by Colonel Kennedy in DOD/ISA, and approved by Palmer. Repeated to London, CINCEUR, and CINCUSAFE.↩
- In telegram 185 from Tripoli, July 15, Newsom reported that following the swearing in of a new Prime Minister and Cabinet, Bishti had told him that the Libyan Government’s policy was to retain ties with its traditional allies as possible, and that he wished Wheelus were farther away from Tripoli and less conspicuous. Newsom replied that Wheelus was an important installation and the United States hoped to retain it for as long as possible. However, the United States recognized the Libyan Government’s special problems and was prepared to discuss how it could help meet these. Newsom also told the Foreign Minister that he thought it preferable that the two of them discuss the various possibilities before any committees were formed. (Ibid.)↩