117. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to President Nixon1 2
SUBJECT:
- Coup Attempt in Morocco
Situation:
The attempt to overthrow King Hassan II of Morocco apparently has failed, although some sporadic fighting continues and some of the rebels are still to be rounded up.
The latest reporting from our Embassy indicates that the situation seems to be normal everywhere in the country except Rabat. There is still, however, occasional firing in the downtown area of the capital city, particularly around the radio station and near army headquarters. The Royal Palace apparently is still in rebel hands. All known principals of the coup attempt are reported to be either dead or arrested.
From all indications King Hassan is unharmed and, after initially putting out to sea, he has returned to a small palace that he maintains outside of Rabat. In a radio statement, Hassan said Morocco had passed through the most serious crisis in its history and declared the army remains loyal.
Minister of Interior General Oufkir has been given full military and civilian powers to restore order and clean out the rebels and, for all practical purposes, is the man actually running the country at this moment. He is a very tough, well-seasoned and controversial figure characterized in the past by both his loyalty to the King and harshness in suppressing opposition. If he bails out Hassan this time, Oufkir can be expected to play a very influential role in the future. He is reported to be well disposed to the U.S. and the West but as a pragmatist he is capable of being accommodating to the Soviets if he thought this were in Morocco’s interest.
The Libyans reportedly have placed their armed forces on alert and have proclaimed their support for the rebels. The King reacted to this announcement with utter contempt. It is doubtful at this point that the Libyans will [Page 2] go beyond propaganda and perhaps threats. The Algerians have not committed themselves one way or the other and seem to be lying low. So far no other government in the area has taken any public position.
U.S. Action:
The State Department has reviewed its emergency evacuation plans for the some 5,000 American nationals in Morocco of whom 3,400 are military personnel and dependents stationed at the Kenitra Base. No Americans have been harmed or are in serious danger. Should the situation take an unexpected turn for the worse, ships from the Sixth Fleet could be rapidly positioned for evacuation purposes.
Ambassador Rockwell and the Department of State have recommended that you send a message congratulating King Hassan on the successful escape from the attempt on his life and expressing hope for future peace and stability. The situation appears to have clarified sufficiently to make such a gesture which will be greatly appreciated by King Hassan. I have approved dispatch of the attached message, leaving it to the Ambassador’s discretion as to manner and timing of delivery. He will advise when the message has been conveyed. We will then consider the possibility of acknowledging here to the press that you have sent a message.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 357, Subject Files, Morocco, Attempted Coup d’état, 10 July 1971. Secret. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. The congratulatory message, not published, was sent as telegram 124513 to Rabat, July 11. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 MOR)↩
- Haig reported that sporadic fighting continued in Rabat, that King Hassan was unharmed, and that General Oufkir had been charged with restoring order.↩