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

344. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia¹

Washington, November 7, 1967, 2314Z.

66144. Joint State-Defense Message. Ref: (a) Defense 9939;² (b) Addis 1314, 30 Oct 1967 IN 78500.³ Subject: Delivery F–5 Aircraft.

1. State and Defense have given extensive consideration to Embassy MAAG recommendations, but regret we have reluctantly decided that there no choice but delay delivery of final two F–5s (FY 68 program) at least until Feb 68. Prospects for early resolution of Congressional impasse on FY 68 MAP authorization and especially on appropriation bill are still uncertain. Going forward with two F–5s in FY 68 program now simply not feasible in view strong possibility of significant reduction in entire MAP program.

2. We recognize difficult position of Embassy and MAAG and understand IEG pressures continue unabated. On other hand, we must reiterate hard, cold facts that further legislative restrictions on Africa MAP and significant reduction in over-all level of MAP funds appear inevitable. It is necessary therefore to begin now to look at some of the very tough questions we will face this year working with reduced FY 68 levels and the strong possibility of similar level for FY 69.

3. View of foregoing suggest you use appropriate opportunity to apprise IEG (in low key) of great difficulties MAP facing in Congress. Purpose of approach would be purely to alert IEG officials to realities. Priorities among competing equipment deliveries must be adjudged within final Congressional fund limitations.

4. Subject of F–5 delivery should not be raised again with IEG. If pressed for answer you should inform IEG final word must await results of FY 68 legislation.

5. FYI: In recent mark-up of FY 68 MAP appropriation act sub-committee has proposed a reduced DOD worldwide MAP from $596 million requested excluding NATO HQs to $365 million, including $24 million for NATO headquarters. Furthermore, Continuing Resolution Authority has not been renewed as had been expected and Defense unable to obligate any FY 68 funds at this time. End FYI.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–ETH. Secret. Drafted by Gloster and Colonel Kissinger in DOD/ISA; cleared by Colonel Alba in JCS/J–5, Colonel Atkinson in JCS/SAMAA, Colonel Heffner in ODMA, and Looram; and approved by Trimble. Repeated to Asmara, USCINCMEAFSA, CHMAAG Ethiopia, and CSAF.
2. Not printed.
3. In telegram 1314 from Addis Ababa, October 30, Ambassador William Hall stated that both he and the Chief of MAAG agreed that it would be advantageous to U.S.-Ethiopian relations to have at least one and preferably two F–5s delivered in December 1967 to complete Ethiopia’s F–5 squadron. (Department of State, Central Files, DEF 19–8 US–ETH)