290. Telegram 1395 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State1 2
Corrected copy (text)
Joint Embassy/USAID Message
Subj:
- Phase-out Somali Aid
1. In course of conversation June 1 with Ambassador and Foreign Secretary, Arteh raised substance aide-memoire we had delivered June 6 on termination and phase out of aid. He said both SRC and Council of Secretaries had considered aide memoire. Making strong point that GSDR greatly appreciated flexibility demonstrated by USG of providing up to a year for phase-out period, he said that it had nevertheless been decided that Somalia should assume full responsibility for projects as soon as practicable. He did not rpt not set a deadline. However, he asked that we consult further with appropriate Secretaries to set termination dates and indicate departure plans of personnel concerned. Arteh also made it clear request did not affect those things to which we were committed or those programs of regional or multilateral nature.
2. In subsequent conversations with Secretaries of planning, education, public works and agriculture, we confirmed that above and worked out the following for those projects affected by aid terminations.
[Page 2]A. Eastern Michigan NTEC: Secretary of Education requested continuation for next academic year one adviser (finance). Rest of project will come to end by opening of next term (end of July or early August). Commitment re commodities (mainly books) will be fulfilled.
B. Wyoming University Agriculture Services: All advisers to be terminated by early July, following transfer of functions and remaining equipment and supplies still under Wyoming control. Completion of demonstration center not affected.
C. Advisers in Chisimaio: Water and sewer advisers will continue for twelve month period. Port adviser subject further discussion.
3. When above is completed, USAID staff will consist of four officers (George, Johnson, Wallace and Bronkowski) and one Secretary (Nelson).
4. Substance of above being sent to Arteh today as he requested. Text of letter being pouched.
5: Comments atmosphere of our conversations with various Secretaries remained good, and conclusions outlined above are very similar to those which were emerging from talks with Ministry staff last week. We shall be working out the details during coming days, if things continue to move as indicated by above conversations, we shall have reshaped the aid program by early July.
Note: CU, EUR take as original.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID (US) Somali, POL Somali-US. Confidential. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Rome.↩
- The telegram reported that Foreign Secretary Arteh had informed the Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission that the June 6 aide-memoire providing 1 year to phase-out projects was appreciated. However, Somalia preferred to assume responsibility for the projects as soon as practicable.↩