Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969–1972

12. Letter From President Nixon to Secretary of State Rogers¹ ²

Washington, March 26, 1970

Dear Mr. Secretary:

Your thoughtfully prepared policy statement on Africa is wholeheartedly approved.

You know of my keen personal interest in relations with the African countries. We have both felt the spirit and dynamism of this continent and its people. I believe we now have a special opportunity to maintain and to expand our present relationships and am pleased that you and your staff have made so complete and positive an examination of the paths that are available to us.

You may count on my full support in the fulfillment of this program. It establishes a good foundation upon which we can respond to African needs and build that relationship of cooperation and understanding which we desire.

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 281, Agency Files, Department of State, Vol. VI. No classification marking. Under Nixonʼs signature is written in an unidentified hand, “Do the notes on the next two pages suggest this was signed by machine after HAKʼs approval? The carbon copy indicates /s/RN.” The next two pages, which are not published, include handwritten notes stating that “HAK Approves for President.”
2. Nixon responded favorably to Rogersʼs statement on U.S. African policy, which was a more detailed and in-depth discussion on the subject than was given in Nixonʼs February 18 Report to Congress (Document 7).