26. Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Hughes) to Secretary of State Rusk 0

INTELLIGENCE NOTE

  • The Moroccan-Algerian Cease-Fire

Terms of the Agreement—Under prodding from Mali’s President Modibo Keita and Ethiopia’s Haile Selassie, Morocco and Algeria reportedly have agreed to: (1) a cease-fire commencing November 2; (2) withdrawal of combatants from a Saharan demilitarized zone to be established by a quadri-partite commission composed of Morocco, Algeria, Mali, and Ethiopia; (3) establishment of Malian and Ethiopian observers inside this zone; and (4) an arbitral commission to be formed as a result of an OAU foreign minister’s meeting.

Likely Difficulties in Implementation—While the cease-fire represents a concrete and unexpected achievement, both King Hassan and President Ben Bella are likely to place roadblocks in the way of full settlement. The agreement to establish a demilitarized zone does not solve the critical question—whether or not Hassan will withdraw from Tinjoub and Hassi Beida. It is this issue which has stalled all previous efforts to commence negotiations. The cease-fire thus may be short-lived and the threat of renewed hostilities intensified.

Arms Buildup Likely to Continue—Given the tenuous nature of the Bamako agreement, Hassan and Ben Bella are almost certain to continue efforts to bolster their military forces. We believe that the UAR and Cuba will maintain their flow of arms to Algeria, thus increasing Hassan’s apprehensions. As a result, the King is likely to persist in attempts to secure broader Western, particularly US, economic and military aid.

  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Morocco, 10/63. Confidential; No Foreign Dissem.