296. Telegram 1856 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State1 2
Ref:
- Embtel 1850
Subj:
- Midnight Sun
1. After dispatch reftel MOFA note dated August 4 concerning release Midnight Sun received in Embassy. Text follows.
2. (Complimentary opening)
“And with reference to the question of the United States vessel “Midnight Sun”, has the honour to restate the following:
“1. That the vessel has blatantly violated the internal and territorial waters of the Somali Democratic Republic.
“2. That the vessel was not flying the flag of a state contrary to international law and therefore the right of “innocent passage” did not apply in this case.
“3. That the vessel attempted to escape when the Somali coast guards signalled her to identify its nationality and purpose.
[Page 2]“This Ministry, however, wishes to inform the Embassy that, as an indication of goodwlll and in the light of the evident desire for mutual cooperation between the two countries, the Somali Government has decided to release the vessel on the understanding that the United States Government will, in future, ensure that such violations will not occur under any circumstance.
“Furthermore, the Embassy is informed that the matter concerning this vessel is closed and that no claims from its owners or from any other quarters will be accepted by the Somali Government.”
(Complimentary closing)
3. We assume Department will inform Guzzeta and that Department in touch with Ambassador Addou. Re publicity we suggest Dept adopt passive policy until ship released. If however statement considered necessary would appreciate being informed.
4. Embassy comments on note will follow in separate message.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–6 Somali-US. Confidential. Repeated to CINCSTRIKE and COMIDEASTFOR.↩
- The Embassy reported that the Somali Government had decided to release the “Midnight Sun” as a gesture of goodwill even though it had “blatantly violated internal and territorial waters.”↩