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

305. Telegram 208803 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Somalia¹ ²

Washington, December 24, 1970, 0130Z

SUBJ:

• Somali Ambassador Calls on Asst. Sec. Newsom

1. Somali Ambassador Addou called on Asst. Sec. Newsom December 23 prior to his departure December 28 or 29 for Mogadiscio for consultations. Addou said one of major reasons for returning was to attempt to persuade General Siad to stop Somali flag vessels from trading with North Vietnam and Cuba. He said Somalia receives little of value from this traffic and monetary gain is not comparable to former US aid program. Addou believes many GSDR officials are convinced termination of aid was predetermined USG policy and shipping problem was only excuse to stop aid. Addou is under no illusions about difficulty of his task. He specifically asked, however, what aid could USG provide if shipping problem was resolved.

2. Newsom briefly reviewed history of US-Somali aid relations, noting that even before change of Somali government, our bilateral aid program was tentatively scheduled to end after FY 1972. Newsom added that it was not possible to make any promises or specific predictions. At same time, if Somali flag shipping to North Vietnam and Cuba is terminated, USG might be able to go forward with x certain regional and multidonor projects and self-help assistance which is now prohibited by application of Section 620(n). Newsom added we will try to do all we can to let GSDR know of our desire for good relations, but said it is not possible to go beyond that statement.

3. When asked if he was still planning to visit Somalia in near future, Newsom responded that he would probably not be able to make another African trip during first 3 months of 1971. He added, however, that Somalia has not been dropped from list and he was hopeful, depending on circumstances at time, to make trip after end of March if it will improve relations with Somalia.

4. Newsom concluded cordial discussion by asking Addou to convey to his government desire of USG for friendly relations.
END

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 17 Somali-US. Confidential. Drafted by D.H. Shinn (AF/E); cleared in AF/E, and AID/AFR/ESA; and approved by Newsom. Repeated to Rome, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi.
2. The telegram reported that during a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State Newsom, Somali Ambassador Addou asked what aid might be given if Somali flag vessels discontinued trading with North Vietnam and Cuba. Newsom responded that even before the change in government in Somalia the U.S. bilateral aid program was scheduled to end after Fiscal Year (FY) 72 and it was not possible to make any promises.