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

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

159266.

Washington, May 24, 1987, 0101Z

SUBJECT

• Id Al Fitr Message. Please deliver following message from President Reagan to King Hassan at appropriate time:

1. Quote: Your Majesty: I am particularly pleased in this bicentennial year of our Treaty of Peace and Friendship to convey my best wishes to you and the people of Morocco for the holy feast of Id Al-Fitr. May you and your people be blessed with achievements and success next year similar to those attained over the past year. I applaud your recent meeting with President Bendjedid, and hope that it will hasten progress toward peace and reconciliation in the Western Sahara.
I am confident that we can continue our strong history of mutual cooperation, which has been productive for both our peoples.
I look forward very much to your visit to the United States.² Your good friend, Ronald Reagan. [Unquote]

2. The White House does not plan to release text but has no objection if GOM wishes to do so.

Armacost

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D870641–0195, D870401–0553. Limited Official Use; Priority. Drafted in NEA/AFN from text received from the White House; cleared by Joann Alba (S/S–S), Zweifel, Benjamin Pascoe (S/S), and Michael Minton (S/S–O); approved by Ussery.
2. In telegram 143240 to Rabat, May 12, the Department instructed the Embassy, in discussions with Hassan, to “underscore interest of President Reagan, Secretary Shultz, and NSC in this visit. It would be regrettable if timing again becomes ‘the’ issue.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D870626–0663, D870363–0798)