292. Telegram 1514 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State1 2
Subj:
- Seizure of Midnight Sun
Ref:
- A. Mog 1513
- B. State 102636
1. Charge met this morning with Director General MOFA as anticipated ref A and outlined urgency in resolving case particularly in sending political officer to Chisimaio today to interview Master and other American members shipʼs crew. High level US interest including congressional stressed.
2. DG most courteous but regretted he still lacked authority approve trip to Chisimaio. He said investigation underway and authorities to give exact information to him later today or tomorrow which he hoped would permit him approve Chisimaio trip and access to Americans.
3. DG reported crew under detention at Chisimaio hotel. (However radio contact we had Chisimaio today was that ship mechanic was still aboard vessel on Saturday). DG assured that crew were in good shape and being treated well. When time comes we can inspect log book.
[Page 2]4. As for charges they are the following, he said:
A. Vessel had entered Somali waters without permission,
B. Contrary to international law vessel displayed no national flag. and
C. It fled patrol vessel in territorial waters instead of stopping as requested.
5. He said the electronic gear on vessel is not for research and that this considered a very serious case.
6. Charge responded by showing DG some copies routine messages Agent Borg had furnished indicating ship had planned transit this area weeks ago and agents had communicated by regular telegraphic means regarding this. (Unfortunately Borg said he had not rpt not informed Somali authorities of expected transit)
7. Also told DG vessel has no rpt no known connection with USG but is small oil exploration vessel equipped to conduct seismic recordings. Suggested that GSDR obtain services of disinterested petroleum prospecting experts to inspect and report on Midnight Sunʼs equipment.
8. DG assured charge that GSDR only doing what it feels it has to under circumstances and that as speedy a permission as possible for political officer visit Chisimaio will be obtained.
Comment: Daily and frequent radio contact with Chisimaio is maintained. Embassy also approaching GSDR through DATT channel.
Would dept consider seeking out Amb Addou again in this case? Another preoccupying factor is that success of proposed U.S. Navy visit to Chisimaio would be jeopardized were Midnight Sun and crew still to be in Chisimaio by July 3rd. Despite advanced stage of preparations for that visit and U.S. independence day there, Embassy prepared to reluctantly recommend Navy visit be scrubbed if this likely eventuality.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–6 Somali-US. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to CINCSTRIKE and COMIDEASTFOR.↩
- U.S. Charge Dennis, who met that morning with the Director General of the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported on the situation regarding the seizure of the The Midnight Sun.↩