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

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

Washington, November 1, 1966, 5:54 p.m.

76805. Subj: Gentlemen’s Agreement on Arms Limitations Horn of Africa. Ref: State 50340.²

1. Dept has carefully considered this matter pending Soviet Ambassador’s return Mogadiscio and has come to conclusion we should handle further contacts with Soviet Ambassador on this issue with great caution.

2. In addition reasons given reftel and points made by addressee posts, Secretary brought up subject with Gromyko at opening UNGA, but latter showed no disposition discuss conventional arms question (State 66737 Notal).³

3. Moreover even if some sort of US-Soviet understanding possible on limitations of arms deliveries in area, likely Soviets would continue support Somali guerrilla action against Kenya and Ethiopia. In fact from reports (if true) that no new Soviet military assistance agreement concluded at time Somali President Aden’s visit Moscow, Soviets may have decided that past and future deliveries of conventional arms under original agreement all that Somalia can absorb and support at this time and that guerrilla warfare more appropriate and profitable under circumstances.

4. Despite limited chances of success, believe far preferable (at least for time being) that African states themselves seek arms limitations between each other, rather than Soviets and ourselves trying reach understanding behind backs of countries directly concerned.

5. Therefore should on his return, Soviet Ambassador raise question with you, you should confine yourself to stating: we have taken note of reports if true of no new agreement for Soviet arms deliveries; we are similarly endeavoring curb arms race; however these efforts being undermined by increased Somali guerrilla activities; and request his comments this aspect of current tensions in area. You should not take initiative on matter.

Katzenbach

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 12 AFR. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Looram on October 31; cleared by Palmer, AFE Deputy Director for Southern African Affairs Curtis C. Strong, Deputy Director of the Office of Soviet Union Affairs James W. Pratt, and Andrew L. Steigman of S; and approved by Thompson. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Moscow, and Nairobi.
2. Document 315.
3. Dated October 14. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 LIB)