Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XXIV, North Africa

268. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Morocco¹

114161.

Washington, April 16, 1987, 0306Z

SUBJECT

• Vice President Receives Moroccan MinFin Berrada.

1. S (Entire text).

2. Summary: On 4/10, Vice President Bush received Moroccan Finance Minister Berrada accompanied by Amb. Bargach. Warm and friendly 45 minute conversation focused on importance of the bilateral relationship and of continuing cooperation. Other attendees included Don Gregg and Doug Manarchek of VP’s staff, Bill Burns (NSC) and Mike Ussery, Roger Merrick (notetaker) and Eliza Burnham (interpreter). End summary.

3. Vice President welcomed Berrada and Bargach saying that he was happy to be able to have them in his home. He asked that Berrada relay a short message to King Hassan: The United States truly values its important bilateral relations with Morocco; we have great respect for His Majesty King Hassan; we are pleased that the Oujda Accord was abrogated; the President looks forward to the visit of King Hassan to Washington; and we regard celebration of the bicentennial of the U.S.-Moroccan Treaty of Peace and Friendship as an important event which can convey greater understanding of Morocco to the American people.

4. Berrada replied that this truly was a visit of courtesy and friendship. Moroccans value United States’ democratic experience. He was pleased to be able to convey personally the great esteem which King Hassan has for the Vice President. Morocco has embarked upon a liberal democratic experiment: private sector is being encouraged; there is less government control; and, local institutions are being developed with greater authority. All of this constitutes a dramatic reorientation of Morocco’s economy. He continued that Morocco’s basic policy is to “support peace in the world.” Visit of Israeli PM Peres should be seen in this light; it symbolizes Morocco’s link between West and Arab world.

5. Vice President replied that he had intended to mention Peres visit in his opening statement. He clearly understood that this had not been an easy step for the King. He (Vice President) had been on a visit to region at that time and had spoken of King Hassan’s courage both in Israel and to Arab leaders including King Hussein. He then said it would be “wonderful” if a settlement to the Western Sahara dispute could be negotiated and expressed hope that Algeria “would come to relinquish its last vestiges of radicalism.”

6. Berrada replied that Morocco also wants peace in Western Sahara, but not at expense of Moroccan sovereignty. He noted that Algeria is five times the size of Morocco. As an economist, he appreciates the importance of better relations and trade with Algeria. He promised to convey V.P.’s statements to the King, particularly noting invitation for visit to Washington and that bicentennial be given all the importance that it deserves.

7. Vice President said that in summary our bilateral relations are extremely stable. He and President are grateful for King’s offer of base facilities. He could not think of a greater gesture from a friend than such an offer. He hopes, however, that U.S. will not have to burden Morocco with such a request. He then explained how we had tried to give additional assistance to Morocco through FY87 supplemental, and noted that $25 million of additional food assistance had been provided. He said that King should understand that this is not a question of will. Administration desires to go farther with assistance for Morocco; problem is simply a lack of means. “There is no question about our desire to go farther.”

8. Visit ended after five-minute tour of gardens at V.P.’s residence.

Whitehead

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D870606–0516, D870598–0037, D870294–0568. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Roger Merrick (NEA/AFN); cleared by Robert Downey (S/S–O), Quinn, Gregg, Zweifel, and Pearson; approved by Ussery. Sent for information to Algiers and Tunis.