324. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Somalia1
121079. 1. Somali Ambassador Adan contacted DeptOff January 17 expressing dismay and concern on learning press announcement of HIM’s imminent visit here. Complained about not being forewarned in order prepare his Government and indicated GSR would undoubtedly attach sinister motives to HIM’s coming before French Somaliland plebiscite. He asked purpose of HIM’s visit.
[Page 557]2. DeptOff explained procedures of informal visits of Chiefs of State Washington, pointing out not customary discuss such visits with third parties until announcement made by White House. Also noted GSR had not informed us in advance of President Aden’s visits Moscow and Peking.
3. DeptOff stated it was largely owing to Somalia’s strident irredentist policies and particularly its guerrilla activities that Somalia’s neighbors were looking to U.S. for assistance and reassurance which in turn posed most difficult problems for USG. No surprise neighbors deeply preoccupied with whole situation in Horn of Africa. While we recognized faults on all sides, as far as Somalia concerned its current tactics seemed provocative and dangerous and were contributing to undermining U.S. efforts to calm and reassure Ethiopia and Kenya. USG continued believe it was essential that every effort be taken to moderate tensions and search for ways reaching modus vivendi between parties concerned. We believed it was not in genuine interests of peoples concerned for governments of very poor and underdeveloped countries in Horn spend vast amounts for military purposes and thereby neglect badly needed economic development. Somali Government was hardly contributing to U.S. objectives in area. Prime Minister Abdirazak had told Assistant Secretary Palmer in response latter’s suggestions for ways moderate tensions there could be no peace until Somalis reunified.
4. Adan urged need for dialogue and said GSR always ready discuss mutual problems but Ethiopians and Kenyans refused. DeptOff asked what there was to discuss if GSR had no alternative proposal to taking over sooner or later one-third of Ethiopia and one-third of Kenya. Adan stated GSR had no choice given popular pressures. DeptOff replied this was exactly what Ethiopians stated when we urged discussions with moderate Somali leaders, such as President Aden and Abdirazak.
5. Adan stressed that President Aden had not gone to Moscow to request more arms and that Soviets were only providing what had been earlier promised. DeptOff wondered if this was the case just why he had gone to Moscow and noted continuous arrival Somalia of Soviet military equipment.
6. DeptOff told Adan he could assure his Government that visit was long standing matter, no one single or immediate issue had occasioned it and that while it would undoubtedly be raised, French Somaliland issue would unlikely be principal subject for discussions. USG’s policy remained to favor peaceful settlements and oppose escalation of arms race.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 ETH. Confidential. Drafted by Looram; cleared by Strong and AF Deputy Assistant Secretary William C. Trimble; and approved by Looram. Repeated to Addis Ababa and Nairobi, and by pouch to Khartoum, Paris, and London.↩