Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

313. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Somalia¹

Washington, June 29, 1966, 7:43 p.m.

363. Subject: Somali Note. Ref: Mogadiscio’s 716² and 720.³

1. Following are Department’s views for reply to note.

2. Note appears constitute for record Somali position in response recent Ethiopian and Kenyan campaign against Malik and Soviet arms to Somalia. In order not stir up public controversy affecting US–GSR relations or increase tensions in area, we prefer it be treated as confidential at least for present.

3. On assumption Abdirazak’s Government will probably remain in office, Ambassador Thurston on his return should take up substance note with Abdirazak following clarification government’s status as follow up conversation May 29, as well as normal resumption contacts following visit Washington. Hopefully need for written reply can thereby be obviated.

4. In discussing GSR note, Ambassador should make following points stating he speaking under instructions:

a. US Government fully shares Abdirazak’s concern over increasing tensions, arms race and risk escalation. Moreover we deeply appreciate his wish seek abatement these tensions and find ways resolve problems with neighbors.

b. It is our belief three countries concerned basically interested in maintaining peace, have no aggressive intentions and wish reduce respective arms burdens. We cannot speak for Soviets, which is matter for Somalis to handle, but US would certainly cooperate with any regional agreement for reduction of arms. Thus we strongly hope that Abdirazak in keeping his statesman-like qualities will take initiative either directly with neighbors or through OAU or other neutral governments, possibly Sudanese.

c. US Government has strong doubts about appropriateness or practicability of it getting directly involved itself in this African regional problem. We have always believed big powers should not meddle in inter-African disputes, which can usually be solved far more readily and satisfactorily by parties directly concerned.

d. Nevertheless US Government strongly favors peace and stability in Horn of Africa. Hardly in US interests—much less in interest of countries concerned—to provide economic assistance to all three countries when they feel obliged divert such large proportion scarce resources to security forces. Thus US would be willing lend helpful hand in background and cooperate fully if three countries wish and if there are genuine prospects for mutually acceptable formula.

e. Re US supplying military assistance to Ethiopia, it should be recalled that US military assistance predated Somali independence and neither was nor is directed against Somalia. US purpose has been to assist Ethiopia in maintaining internal security and undertaking collective security roles, i.e. Korea and Congo. Although we fully aware strong Somali feelings this matter, must be frankly recognized that public Somalia statements re status Ogaden and NEP, Soviet military assistance, and tribal and guerrilla activity across borders have given rise strong fears both Ethiopia and Kenya. Will be recalled US Government warned GSR at time it decided accept Soviet military assistance that this would inject cold war element in purely African controversy and lead to arms race. As example, Ethiopian military especially concerned now about arrival new Soviet tanks Somalia and there are indications we will receive strong demands for greater US military assistance. It should be noted this connection that Somali estimates on Ethiopian forces greatly exaggerated, notably size of army and police, tanks for police, destroyers for navy, etc. Similarly size of Kenyan police force distorted. Moreover US does not provide any military assistance to Kenya, yet according reports coming to us armed Somali tribal activity has increased over past months in poorly defended NEP which has obviously preoccupied both Kenya and Ethiopia and which was bound provoke strong reaction.

Ball

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–ETH. Confidential. Drafted by AFN Deputy Director Matthew J. Looram on June 28, cleared by AFE Deputy Director for Eastern African Affairs Edward W. Mulcahy and Colonel Dregne of DOD/ISA, and approved by Palmer. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Khartoum, and by pouch to Asmara.
2. Telegram 716 from Mogadiscio, June 25, reported that the Acting Foreign Minister handed the U.S. Charge a 10-page note expressing grave concern over the U.S.-supplied military build-up of Ethiopia, especially U.S. provision of a “considerable number of supersonic military aircraft (type F5A) to the Imperial Ethiopian Air Force,” which the note called a grave threat to the security and sovereignty of the Somali Republic and to the peace and tranquillity of East and Northeast Africa and the world. (Ibid.)
3. Telegram 720 from Mogadiscio, June 25, transmitted the verbatim text of the Somali note to the Department. (Ibid.)