277. Letter From President Reagan to King Hassan II of Morocco1
Your Majesty:
I wanted to avail myself of the opportunity of John Whitehead’s visit to Morocco to share some thoughts about recent regional developments and to solicit your views in return.
On numerous occasions, you have shared with us your keen insight into the problems of the Middle East. I would welcome your thoughts on the continuing conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors—a problem which remains a key concern for my Administration. If we are to achieve a comprehensive settlement that realizes the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, while protecting Israel’s security, the United States is convinced that the efforts of all involved must be redoubled. Morocco has an essential role to play in this regard, not least by helping to influence the debate within Arab circles in moderate directions—as you have done so ably on many occasions in the past.
Your Majesty, the continuing conflict in the Gulf constitutes a significant problem for us as well as for the moderate Arab states of the region. Our first desire is to see this agonizing war ended through immediate implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 598. The United States cannot stand by, however, and watch innocent shipping subjected to lawless attacks when we have the means to assist. As a reflection of our continuing commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters, I have therefore decided to make available U.S. assistance under certain circumstances to ships in distress, without increasing current force levels.
Your Majesty, as we continue to work together to resolve the problems that confront us, it is my sincere hope during this holy month of Ramadan that Morocco—under your wise guidance and leadership—will offer its collective prayers for peace, so that our peoples will one day be able to live in a world where stability and tranquility prevail.
With warm good wishes,
Sincerely,
- Source: Reagan Library, Near East and South Asia Affairs Directorate, William J. Burns Files, Morocco 1988. No classification marking.↩