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

34. Telegram 188030 From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations and the Interests Section in Algeria¹ ²

Washington, October 14, 1972, 1933Z

Subj:

• MEmorandum of Conversation—The Secretary and FM Bouteflika (Algeria)

October 12, 1972, 4 pm New York

1. Participants: Algeria—Foreign Minister Bouteflika; Ambassador Rahal, Perm Rep; Abdelkader Bousselham, Head, Algerian Interests Section, Washington; US—The Secretary; Mr. Newsom; Mr. de Seabra (interpreter)

2. Summary: In course of two hour discussion, Secretary expressed pleasure at improving US-Algerian relations, and outlined US position on MEe problems, terrorism, and hijacking. Bouteflika responded with restatement of GOA position on Palestine problems and ME questions, and said, regarding terrorism and hijacking, that GOA makes a distinction between banditry and the actions of national liberation movements. End summary.

3. The Secretary welcomed Bouteflika and said he hoped our relations could continue to improve even though there are obvious problems. Secretary said he was glad that El Paso/SONATRACH contract was going well.

4. Bouteflika replied that political problems are not permanent, in spite of their complexity. He did not believe that eventual solutions are impossible, nor did he consider particular solutions as pre-conditions for the resumption of diplomatic relations between our two countries. What we agreed upon the last time we met was to try to work together even more closely than if we had diplomatic relations. Bouteflika expressed his gratitude for everything secretary had done personally to increase number of projects of common interest to U.S. and Algeria.

5. Secretary replied we have managed to improve our relations with practically all nations. We hope economic relations between Algeria and the U.S. continue to develop. Both he and Asst Secretary Newsom are doing all they can to encourage Americans to be active in Algeria, and hope that following today’s meeting, additional progress will be made.

6. Secretary said U.S. wants to carry out policy of improved relations with Arab countries, because such a policy is in our interest. There is no reason why those relations cannot improve, in spite of serious problems that remain in Middle East. The Arabs have nothing to fear from U.S., U.S. has no ulterior motives and does not wish to interfere in their internal affairs. Only ME problem remains. We hope to play helpful role but Arab world does not speak with single voice, and this makes it difficult to move ahead. We hope at some point there is going to be a willingness to engage in active discussion on the part of all the parties concerned. Such discussions do not necessarily have to be face to face, but an active dialogue among nations is needed to see what can be done in matter of accommodations. Discussions can lead to interim agreement, which will be a first step toward a final solution. We see no alternatives; to have progress there must be a commitment to start discussions with a view to compliance with Resolution 242. We also recognize need for solution to problem of the Palestinian people.

7. Regarding terrorism, the Secretary said that while we recognize that acts such as blowing up planes, bombs through the mail and the kidnaping of diplomats, may appear justified in the minds of those committing them, as they believe they are serving a good cause, we feel that such acts set cause back. Acts of terrorism against innocent people cannot be admitted by civilized persons. We are not speaking of liberation movements or the Palestine problem, but of aviation. No cause, no matter how just, can justify blowing up or hijacking a plane. USG appreciates return of planes, crew and money (in the Western and Delta cases), and hopes that if GOA cannot extradite it can at least prosecute the hijackers. If GOA provides a safehaven, others will be encouraged and we and our children will face danger of being blown up. Algeria has a moderate and reasonable government and is attractive to American investment, but hijacking incidents have damaged Algeria’s image.

8. Bouteflika replied that USG is too committed to Israel. If US continues present policy, its interests in Arab world are doomed. He urged that in wake of Soviet withdrawal from Egypt, US revise its policy.

9. In course full discussion of Palestine problem, Bouteflika restated GOA position that key to ME settlement is justice for Palestinians. Palestinians are homeless and desperate. One should not judge them too harshly. It is israel, not the Arab states, that has blocked implementation of the Rogers Plan, the jarring memo of Feb 8, and efforts of the Big Four. Algeria will not hinder any peace initiative that is consistent with justice.

10. Concerning terrorism and hijacking, Bouteflika recalled that Algeria has considerable experience with this problem. French had hijacked a plane carrying Algerian leaders during Algerian revolution and Israeli plane had been hijacked by Palestinians to Algeria. In latter case, both Israeli crew and passengers had been released and some Palestinians freed. GOA recognizes that this is a serious problem and that there is a distinction between national liberation and banditry. Bouteflika referred to previous GOA suggestion that USG send GOA a document asking it not to permit hijacked aircraft to land and Secretary replied that this would create other problems concerning safety of aircraft crew and passengers. Bouteflika said GOA does not want to become haven for criminals but it is important not to make martyrs of the hijackers. (Bouteflika appeared unaware that two of hijackers in Delta case were escaped convicts). He said US and GOA should be able to work together regarding common criminals.

11. Bouteflika said GOA would jealously guard its own national independence and would support national liberation movements of peoples deprived of their rights by colonial powers. This includes support of liberation movements in Portuguese Africa, South Africa and Rhodesia, but not Morocco, where GOA considered King Hassan was legitimate ruler. Bouteflika said GOA is interested in developing its relations with U.S. and added that Black Panthers do not make any effective contribution to Algeria from revolutionary, ideological or moral standpoint.

12. In closing, Secretary expressed regret for any damage that may have occurred to Algerian Embassy in Hanoi Oct 11.

13. Above memcon is uncleared, FYI, and subject to revision.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 ALG. Confidential; Priority. It was repeated to Paris. Drafted by Lane and approved by Newsom.
2. The telegram transmitted an October 12 memorandum of conversation between Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bouteflika and Secretary of State Rogers, who summarized the positions of their respective governments on matters of common interest, including the Middle East and hijacking.