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

30. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹ ²

Washington, March 11, 1972

SUBJECT:

• Letter to President Boumediene

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, David Newsom, has accepted a long-standing invitation to visit Algeria later this month. Secretary Rogers (Tab B) recommends that Newsom carry a letter from you to President Boumediene. The letter (Tab A) expresses your satisfaction in the growing contacts between Algeria and the US, notes that it is in our common interests to continue this trend and concludes with the general observation that this complements our efforts toward better understanding among nations around the world.

Algerian-US relations have developed over the last few years primarily through substantial commercial exchange. While the Algerians have not abandoned their philosophical positions on such issues as the Palestinian revolution and Vietnam, Boumediene’s pragmatic interest in developing Algeria has made possible a foundation for relating to the US in areas—primarily economic—matching Algeria’s needs. Out of this and despite political differences has grown a series of relationships over the last two years. Astronaut Frank Borman’s visit was one highlight; you and President Boumediene have exchanged various greetings; and you have sent your foreign policy report to him. A letter from you carried by Newsom would appropriately fit in the context of this already existing—albeit limited—series of exchanges.

RECOMMENDATION: That you sign the letter to President Boumediene at Tab A. [text cleared with Mr. Price]

Tab A

Letter From President Nixon to Algerian President Boumediene

Washington, March 13, 1972

Dear Mr. President:

On the occasion of his visit to Algeria, I have asked Assistant Secretary of State Newsom to convey to you my best personal wishes and my feeling of satisfaction with the favorable trend in relations between our two countries.

Those relations rest on a firm foundation of interests common to Algeria and to the United States. For this reason, they hold the promise of substantial benefits for both the Algerian and American people. I believe our governments have shown what can be done to promote advantageous cooperation and contacts despite differences in social systems and policies.

As you know, the United States is also engaged in major efforts to encourage understanding and cooperation in other areas of the world. Such efforts are essential to building the more stable world all of us want.

Please accept, Mr. President, my warm regards and best wishes for the prosperity of Algeria and of the Algerian people.

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 748, Presidential Correspondence, 1969–74, Algeria, Col. Houari Boumediene. Confidential. Sent for action. Tab B, dated March 7, is not printed.
2. Kissinger recommended that Nixon sign a letter of greeting to President Boumediene, to be delivered in Algiers by visiting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs David Newsom.