366. Editorial Note
In the first quarter of 1960, U.S., French, and Moroccan officials in Washington, Paris, and Rabat held numerous discussions about the evacuation of U.S. bases in Morocco. Documentation on these conversations is in Department of State, Central File 771.56311. On April 23, the Embassy in Rabat received an undated note from the Moroccan Government protesting the transfer of the radar site at Saidia from U.S. to French authorities. Observing that the United States had previously transferred another base directly to Morocco, it stated the special procedures used for Saidia were unacceptable and in violation of U.S.-Moroccan agreements. Morocco did not recognize base agreements the United States had made with France before Moroccan independence, and was sure the United States would reconsider the manner in which it had relinquished Saidia. (Telegram 2295 from Rabat, April 24; ibid., 611.717/4–2460)
Ambassador Yost delivered the U.S. response to Prime Minister-Ibrahim on April 29. Explaining that France and the United States had jointly occupied all radar and control sites in the air defense complex, the note held that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Saidia and [Page 808] Mechra Bel Ksiri was in accord with U.S.-Moroccan agreements. The United States was convinced that, upon further examination, Morocco would agree it was not obligated to turn these bases over and that it could not transfer bases still occupied by French forces. (Telegram 2350 from Rabat, April 29; ibid., 771.56311/4–2960) Although Ibrahim continued to disagree with the procedure, the meeting was cordial, and Yost reported he believed the incident was over. (Telegram 2349 from Rabat, April 29; ibid.)