319. Telegram 1407 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State1 2
Subject:
- Detention US Owned Ships Somalia
Ref:
- Mogadiscio 1395
1. In my farewell call with President SRC, General Siad which lasted over two hours, we ranged over a number of problems (reported separately). This message contains only the gist of the GSDR decision on the ships.
2. Despite various concerns and a deep feeling of resentment at fact U.S. ships have now four times ignored and violated Somali laws, ships will definitely be released. A fine will be levied to cover expenses (Siad not specific on amount). Ships can leave very soon, perhaps by this weekend.
[Page 2]3. Comment: I consider this to be definitive assurances GSDR action especially since it supplemented by unexpected talk with General Samantar prior to meeting with Siad, who appeared to agree that ships might be able leave by proposed date my own departure, July 18.
I hope, however, that those who have stayed the course in following this problem will read the supplemental telegrams I am sending on this conversation.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–4 Somali-US. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Jidda, Bonn, London, Nairobi, Panama, Paris, Rome, USUN, CINCSTRIKE, and COMIDEASTFOR↩
- Ambassador Hadsel reported that during his farewell call he had been assured by President Siad that the vessels would be released very soon, perhaps that weekend, despite the deep feeling of resentment on the part of Somalis over U.S. ships violating Somali laws. The ambassador considered this to be a definitive assurance of action.↩