Office of the Historian
  1. Home
  2. Historical Documents
  3. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXI, Africa
  4. Document 113

113. National Security Action Memorandum No. 340

Washington, April 5, 1961.

TO

  • The Secretary of State

SUBJECT

  • Memorandum on Moroccan Bases, dated March 28, 1961, from Acting Secretary Bowles 1

I am returning herewith the subject memorandum and attachment.

The memorandum of March 23, 1961 (attached to reference memorandum) on “Status and Problems of U.S. Bases in Morocco,” appears a suitable basis for exploring a new policy towards the Moroccan bases. I suggest, therefore, that the Department of State take the leadership in seeking the views of Defense, CIA and ICA as the memorandum suggests. After these soundings, a definite recommendation should be made to me by the Department of State, with dissenting comment from other agencies if they desire. In particular, these appear to be the critical questions.

1.
Should an early beginning be made in the transfer of the Nouasseur base?
2.
Should U.S. assistance—possibly through American airlines—be granted in converting that base to civilian use?
3.
Should withdrawal of the U.S. Navy from Kenitra be contemplated?
4.
Should we seek a Moroccan commitment to the long-term maintenance of U.S. Navy Communications at Sidi Yahia and Bouknadel?
5.
Should we associate ourselves with the goal of a denuclearized Africa?
6.
Should we seek a firm Moroccan commitment to keep Soviet forces out of the surrendered bases?
7.
Should we seek to negotiate the notion of a U.S. return to the surrendered bases at a time of crisis?
John F. Kennedy
  1. Source: Department of State, S/S-NSC Files: Lot 72 D 316, NSAM 34. Secret.↩
  2. Document 112.↩