Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXI, Near East Region; Arabian Peninsula

154. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Southern Yemen¹

Washington, August 5, 1968, 2232Z.

215394. State 213375 (Notal).²

1. In addition recent anti-US propaganda by PRSY media, Dept has noted with concern August 5 ticker item from Aden, carried on Cairo MENA, to effect FonMin Dhalai at rally August 4 at al-Hawtah in Lahej, directly accused USG of complicity in current troubles. According report, Dhalai stated USG “closely involved in the current events in PRSY” and “certain elements taking part in the mutiny have been in contact with the US Embassies in Beirut and Asmara”. Dhalai then apparently referred to fact Ali Gallas and Asnaj had called on US Consul in Asmara and that another individual (he indicated al-Aswadi) maintained contact with US Ambassador in Beirut.

2. Question endemic PRSY suspicion USG has been raised by Dhalai and Qahtan with Charge periodically during last two months (Aden 1409, 1442 and 1528—Notal).³ On each occasion Charge has denied reports of any such improper USG activity. Dhalai told Charge June 5 that he would let Charge know “if there were any proofs” that we should discuss but failed to do so other than allege that Asnaj present when Asmara officer saw Gallas (para 5 Aden 1442). Charge categorically denied these reports to Qahtan July 24 (Aden 1528). In circumstances, we assume PRSY seeking scapegoat for its upcountry problems and may be planning either PNG someone from Aden or possibly breaking diplomatic relations with us.

3. While we have little influence over PRSYG leaders in their current mood, we would prefer remain in Aden if this can be done with dignity. Accordingly, Charge should request appointment with FonMin to convey orally personal message⁴ in para 4 from USG.

4. “Excellency: In context current situation in PRSY, USG has been concerned to note number⁵ public references implying some USG role in current situation. We have been particularly disturbed to note one press report to the effect that Your Excellency may now have given public acceptance to such unsubstantiated charges. Your Excellency is reported to have described the USG as being closely involved in these events, and to have said that certain elements unfriendly to your government have been in contact with US Embassies in Beirut and Asmara. The USG wishes categorically to assure Your Excellency that it is in no way involved in the current situation nor have our Embassies engaged in any improper activities. Our Charge fully explained to you in June the innocuous nature of Consulate Asmara’s contact with former local employee of the then Congen in Aden. In the interest of maintaining normal relations between our two countries, we earnestly hope that Your Excellency will accept this assurance that our officials are in no way involved in the current difficult situation. Should you receive allegations to the contrary, we would hope that these might be discussed with the US representative in Aden before there is a public airing of unsubstantiated charges.”

5. In the event addressee posts contacted by press, you should limit your response to denying that USG officials in any way involved in current events in PRSY.

6. In view uncertainties re PRSY actions, Embassy Aden may wish take preliminary steps internally which would facilitate closing post and transferring American interests to protecting power. We assume this would be British but would appreciate your recommendation.⁶

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL S YEMEN-US. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Brewer; cleared by Rockwell, Chief of the Office of Operations Evacuation and Relocation Staff James P. McDonnell, and Director of the Office of Special Consular Services Allyn C. Donaldson (paragraph 6); and approved by Battle. Repeated to Jidda, Asmara, London, Addis Ababa, and Beirut.
2. See footnote 2, Document 152.
3. Telegram 1409 from Aden, June 5; telegram 1442 from Aden, June 17; telegram 1528 from Aden, July 24. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL S YEMEN-US)
4. Telegram 219105 to Aden, August 12, instructed the Embassy to change “personal message” to “message from USG.” (Ibid.)
5. Telegram 219105 instructed the Embassy to change “number” to “continuing.”
6. In telegram 1608 from Aden, August 14, Acting Charge d’Affaires Thomas W. Davis, Jr., reported that he just met with Foreign Minister Dhalai to deliver the Department’s message. Dhalai had expressed no regret for his recent anti-American comments, but discussed the subject in a conciliatory manner and expressed his desire for good relations with the U.S. Government and for U.S. support in regard to the external dangers facing Southern Yemen. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL S YEMEN-US)