368. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Morocco1
515. Following based on uncleared memcons with Moroccan Crown Prince State Department and Pentagon yesterday:2
In morning meeting with Penfield and subsequently with Secretary of Defense Gates in afternoon Crown Prince was told of (1) our desire carry out orderly evacuation bases by end 1963 as promised by President; (2) our willingness consider feasible suggestions for training Moroccans make eventual good use of base facilities for military or civil purposes; (3) US hope, as mentioned by President to King, of retaining certain communications facilities in Kenitra area (including Sidi Slimane) after 1963. Navy representatives explained in some detail role these facilities played in communications with 6th Fleet and other operational units Mediterranean–Red Sea area. Prince was assured [Page 812] these were purely relay (and not originating) facilities and that we were quite willing to examine means of playing down military character through, for example, use of personnel in civilian clothes and to extent feasible civilian contracting services and Moroccan employees.
Prince asked that we submit subsequently to his Foreign Minister detailed proposals this regard so Moroccans would understand precisely and fully what was involved and he promised that these proposals would be given most careful consideration. He said he could make no definite commitment now but that we could be certain he personally would go as far as possible to accommodate us. He said because of current political climate, which US diplomatic representatives would appreciate, we should not present him with formal request at this time and should await more propitious political moment before expecting definitive Moroccan answer. (On questioning he indicated outlook should be “much clearer” by next March.) He reminded us that any “reconversion” of installations should appear fully compatible with our commitment to military evacuation by end of 1963.
As result foregoing, we plan present to Foreign Minister M’hammedi, while still in U.S., memorandum3 setting forth requirements in detail; paper would not require immediate reply.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 771.56311/10–1360. Secret. Drafted by Root, cleared in substance with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and approved and signed for Herter by Witman. Repeated to Paris, USCINCEUR, EUCOM, CINCNELM, COMSIXFLT, and CINCUSAFE.↩
- A memorandum of the Prince’s conversation with Acting Secretary Dillon and other Department of State officials is ibid., 751S.00/10–1260. A memorandum of his conversation with Gates and other Department of Defense officials is ibid., 771.11/10–1260.↩
- Not found.↩