Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–5, Part 2, Documents on North Africa, 1969–1972

133. Telegram Secto 80/3838 From Secretary of State Rogers to the Department of State¹ ²

New York, October 12, 1972, 1744Z

FM Benhima (Morocco)
October 11, 1972, 3:00 PM.
Waldorf 35A

1. Participants: Morocco—FM Benhima; Ambassador Snoussi; US-The Secretary; Mr. Newsom; Mr. Connors (Reporting Officer); Mr. De Seabra (interpreter).

2. Summary: FM Benhima said that King has absolute confidence in US and all press reports to contrary are false. Benhima said that as King moves to broaden GOM by drawing in opposition elements, Morocco’s position on certain issues will harden. In this regard, FM said it is imperative that question of US bases in Morocco be re-examined before pressures rise from new government likely to emerge in coming months.

3. FM Benhima expressed King’s hope that Secretary visit Morocco. Secretary replied he is looking forward to another visit and would enjoy round of golf with King. Benhima replied that King is now too occupied to play very often put would be prepared to arrange a match.

4. Political developments: FM Benhima reviewed political developments in Morocco, describing two attempts on King’s life within past two years as effort by certain trusted men within army to overturn King for reasons not completely clear. He said army as whole was not involved. Benhima said Hassan has taken enlightened attitude in examining ways to ensure stability. FM said world press has not provided accurate description of current Moroccan political scene. King is now seeking closer cooperation with those elements of opposition which support fundamental Moroccan institutions. Benhima said GOM hopes that talks with opposition will lead to broadening of government and return to parliamentary system. Benhima said that French and Third World press has carried many false stories concerning Moroccan/US relations.FM emphasized that King has absolute confidence in US and all reports to contrary belong in world of fantasy. Secretary told FM that US places high value on its relations with Morocco and wishes see Morocco maintain stability and continue progress it has made. Secretary said President and other members of USG have highest regard for King. Recounting President Eisenhower’s great respect for King, Secretary said President Nixon has same feelings. Secretary expressed hope that King will continue have successful career and that unfortunate events of past will not be repeated.

5. US bases: FM Benhima said that as GOM broadens as result increased participation by opposition, its positions on certain issues may harden. One issue is that of US bases in Morocco. Benhima said that world scene has changed substantially since 1963 when joint communique established US bases in Morocco, need for bases is not now so imperative. In these circumstances, GOM would like early opportunity to re-examine entire question with US. Benhima said it is not question of closing all bases or removing all US technicians. However, three bases now in Morocco (included Kenitra) might be reduced to two. FM said that when King participates in African or non-aligned gatherings, others criticize him for permitting US to maintain bases in Morocco. King cannot argue from point of view of self-interest. US is not in Morocco defend it. In spain, there are well-known arrangements for US financial and military assistance. In Morocco there is no such justification; GOM provides bases to US only because of its friendship for US. Benhima added that Morocco economy does not even benefit indirectly from bases: US technicians at Kenitra receive all their supplies from US. Secretary asked whether criticism by other countries of US bases in Morocco does not constitute interference in Moroccan internal affairs. Benhima agreed but returned to argument that conditions over past ten years have changed noting that US has closed bases mentioned (Wheelus) and altered base arrangements elsewhere.FM said King has shown his independence by maintaining bases in face of pressure. Benhima said that situation should be re-examined now so that Morocco can take into consideration interests of US before pressures rise from new government. Secretary asked when new government likely to emerge. Benhima said it is not yet clear but suggested probably before April. Secretary said we would be back in touch on this matter.

6. Spanish Sahara: FM said additional issue of concern to King is that of Spanish Sahara. Morocco is concerned that Spain is not approaching matter in reassuring way. While Morocco agreed with Spain to take matter to UN, Spain has abstained on all UN resolutions for past two years. Opposition parties are very concerned, as are others in Morocco. Benhima said King could achieve national unity very quickly by challenging Spain on this issue, but would of course not precipitate such action. FM said Morocco is prepared to give Spain participation in Sahara phosphates and even to allow bases to protect its position in Canary Islands. Benhima said that Morocco is very concerned about increased Libyan activity in Spanish Sahara, noting that if Libyans provided arms so would Morocco. FM noted that PRC and USSR are also active in area, as well as Algeria. Benhima expressed hope that US could help persuade Spain to take more responsible position on issue. Secretary said that US cannot become involved in this matter; that it is something to be worked out between Spain and Morocco. Secretary noted he had communicated same word to Spain.

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15 MOR-US. Confidential; Exdis. It was repeated to Rabat and Madrid.
2. The telegram transmitted a memorandum of a conversation between Rogers and Behima, in which they discussed a range of issues, notably the need to reconsider U.S. bases in Morocco in order to placate the Moroccan opposition.