329. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guinea0
41. Guinean Ambassador handed revised aide-mémoire on Konkoure Dam, text of which follows:
“During the conversations between the Ambassador of Guinea and Under Secretary Dillon, on June 10, Ambassador Diallo expressed the interest of the Guinean Government in obtaining assistance for the construction of the Konkoure Dam (Souapiti). At that time, the United States informed the Guinean Government that the question of the Konkoure Dam survey was under study and that the United States hoped to be in a position to discuss the matter soon.
The United States Government is now pleased to inform the Government of Guinea that the United States Government would be prepared to undertake, at its own expense, a study of the Konkoure [Page 715] hydroelectric project, taking into account all information previously prepared and available with respect to the project. If the Government of Guinea so desires, the United States would be prepared to proceed expeditiously with the arrangements for completing an up-to-date study of the Konkoure Dam project.
Following this study, the United States Government will consider how it might assist financially, in addition to financial participation of other appropriate private and public sources, in the construction of this project, if the project is found to be economically and financially feasible and private financing for related aluminum smelter facilities is assured.
It is observed that the proposed Konkoure Dam and related aluminum operations in the Republic of Guinea form one of a number of power-aluminum complexes, such as the Volta, Kouilou and Inga projects, which are at some stage of consideration in several states of Africa by various governments, enterprises or international institutions. Aiso, the sale of Guinean bauxite or alumina may yield additional export earnings to Guinea by providing other aluminum-power complexes in Africa a useful source of supply. Pertinent aspects of these matters may warrant study at an appropriate time in relation to progress regarding the Konkoure Dam.
As the Government of Guinea is aware, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development has had wide experience in hydroelectric field and recourse to the Bank at the earliest feasible time could be very useful in the construction of this project.”
Assuming Guineans approve our offer, Dept intends make press release. Diallo has recommended simultaneous release in both capitals, probably next week. Embassy should provide GOG advance copy our release and inform Dept suggested release time, allowing 48 hours advance notice. Hope GOG will accept following text since unlikely we can agree significant changes:
[Here follows the text of a proposed press release. Since Guinea did not accept the U.S. offer, it was not released.]
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 870B.2614/7–2160. Confidential. Drafted by Cassilly; cleared by Kretzmann, Philip H. Valdes of the Office of Western European Affairs, and Eugene B. Abrams of the International Cooperation Administration; and approved by Ferguson.↩