305. Telegram 289739 From the Department of State to the Embassies in Belgium and France1 2
Subject:
- Coordination of Military Assistance for Zaire
Ref:
- (A) State 272205
- (B) Brussels 10731 (Notal)
1. Reftel A (being repeated to action addressees) outlines plans for US military assistance to Zaire. Dept thinks it useful that US military assistance efforts be coordinated to the extent possible with Belgian and french assistance efforts. In general we are attempting to avoid inefficient duplication of military aid and to develop a coordinated approach to speed the creation of a more effective military force in Zaire. To the extent that we can demonstrate that we are working with our allies to aid Zaire in the military field, congressional attitudes toward military assistance to Zaire may be affected. In meetings with President Mobutu the Secretary has raised the possibility of discussions among aid donors and it was agreed that they would be beneficial.
2. We have delayed making an approach to our allies pending finalization by State/Defense of the proposed military modernization program for Zaire and the presentation of our findings to President Mobutu (reftel A). Any long-term program obviously raises very basic questions about sources of equipment, training, funding, etc. there are a number of specific questions which we can readily identify.
3. In your discussions at an appropriately high level with your host government, you should:
—Stress our wish to be responsive to Zaire’s requests for assistance in the military field;
—Note that these requests raise a number of basic questions regarding the nature of the security threat, Zaire’s needs in light of the threat, and its capability to absorb modern equipment;
—Summarize very briefly the scope of the US military program being offered Zaire;
—Note that we wish to avoid duplication of effort and would like to develop an inventory of anticipated assistance and examine the possibility of developing an agreed division of labor and coordination in the area of military assistance;
—Stress the need for close cooperation between major donor nations so that presently envisioned military assistance, as well as future assistance (FY 1978 and beyond), for which Congress authorizes and appropriates funds, can be more effectively implemented;
—Finally, inform host government that the US is ready to send a State/Defense team to Paris and Brussels in early December for the purpose of reviewing the above and related questions if the host government would be prepared to enter into substantive discussions at that time.
4. For Ambassador Firestone. You may inform Van Elslande that the team will also be prepared to address the question raised in reftel B.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, State Archiving System. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Kinshasa and DOD/OASD/ISA. Drafted by Michael F. Gallagher and Thompson R.Buchanan in AF/C, cleared by PM, EUR/WE, EUR/NE, T, ISA, and DSAA. Telegrams 167 from Brussels, January 7, 1977, and 845 from Paris, January 11, reported the consultations. (Ibid.)↩
- The Department requested that the Embassies contact their host governments to inform them of U.S. military support for Zaire and U.S. willingness to consult on a coordinated assistance program.↩