132. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Ball to President Kennedy 0

SUBJECT

  • State Visit for the King of Morocco

In my opinion the time has come to extend to King Hassan II of Morocco, who has repeatedly and pointedly made clear his desire to meet you, a formal invitation to visit the United States. Ambassador Bonsal is strongly of the opinion that an invitation has become an essential factor in ensuring the King’s continued benevolence toward our military requirements. The Ambassador has already felt it necessary to tell the King that a visit here is under active consideration. [1 line of source text not declassified] it will be necessary to offer him a State Visit.

I do not lightly recommend such a visit. The King’s [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] rule is challenged with increasing vigor at home and he has pursued [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] policy abroad, keeping a foot in both Eastern and Western camps. He continues to accept Soviet arms (e.g., forty medium tanks may be the latest item involved). [3 lines of source text not declassified]

Nevertheless, I think an invitation is dictated by our military interests and the strategic importance of Morocco’s geographic position. Ambassador Bonsal’s considered estimate is that the King’s rule is secure for at least the next few years, the critical period in our base operations. It is something of a political miracle that our SAC bombers can continue to use Moroccan bases and we would want nothing to interfere with the tenure which has been promised us until the end of 1963. Moreover, the Department of Defense would like if possible to retain certain military facilities after 1963. Even without these considerations, we could not view with equanimity a substantial Soviet foothold in this vulnerable corner of the Mediterranean.

To be of maximum political effectiveness in our current discussions with the King over military aid and base reconversion, the invitation should be extended as soon as possible, even if the visit itself should be scheduled for some months hence. While a long lead-time might well allow the King the opportunity to do things in the interval which could be embarrassing to us, the Ambassador argues that the prospect of a visit to Washington is more likely to have a stabilizing effect on him. On balance, [Page 203] therefore, I recommend extending now an invitation for a State Visit early next year at a time to be mutually agreed upon later, inasmuch as practical problems and commitments prevent a visit in the latter part of this year.1

George W. Ball 2
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 771.11/3-1562. Secret. Drafted by McClintic on March 8. A typed notation on the source text indicates that the memorandum was approved by the President on March 23.
  2. On March 16, Komer sent a memorandum to the President urging him to approve the Department of State’s recommendation and noting that the United States wanted not only to counter Soviet efforts to establish a foothold in Morocco, but also to show the Algerians that it was greatly interested in North Africa. (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Morocco) On April 10, Ambassador Bonsal was instructed to inform the King that the President would be pleased to receive him on a State visit at some future date which would be mutually acceptable. (Telegram 1587 to Rabat; Department of State, Central Files, 771.11/4-1062)
  3. Printed from a copy that indicates Ball signed the original.