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

321. Telegram 1424 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State¹ ²

Mogadiscio, July 15, 1971, 1545Z

Subject:

• Detention US Owned Ships Somalia

Ref:

• Mogadiscio 1407 and 1409

1. As of 1430 local time I am pleased to report that Foreign Ministry has finally rpt finally come through with note on ship problem. Text follows:

Quote: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Somali Democratic Republic presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to inform the Embassy that in accordance with the Somali Governmentʼs endeavour to maintain and improve the relations between the two countries despite the repeated violations of the territorial waters of the Somali Democratic Republic by United States registered or owned vessels, the Somali Government has decided to release the five vessels on condition that a fine of SHS. SO. 80,000 plus any expenses or damages claimed by Mogadiscio Port Authority be paid.

However, the Government of the Somali Democratic Republic wishes to inform the United States Government through the Embassy in the most clear terms that any grave consequence of any further violations of the territorial waters of the Somali Democratic Republic by United States registeree or owned vessels will be the sole responsibility of the United States Government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Somali Democratic Republic avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. Unquote

2. Comment: Whatever differences we may have with the exact reasoning of the note, important fact is that it confirms release of ships. We should, at same time, stress to Department GSDR is extremely serious about statement contained in second paragraph re grave consequences of any further violation against its territorial waters. Embassy will submit note on additional information to Foreign Office first thing Saturday (next working day). Embassy also believes that USG should take whatever additional steps possible to prevent recurrence such incidents and that we should inform Somali Government fully of extent of our efforts.

3. We have just conferred with Savage and Verret. They inform us that proposed fine and possible port expenses are satisfactory to them. They will contact port authorities as soon as possible to work out any details of payment and release of ships. Embassy will, of course, give them all possible assistance. With luck ships should be able to leave by July 18th.

4. I know that the Department will share our relief that this problem is finally resolved. We assume you will inform SEDCO immediately. (phone [phone])

TM for Nairobi. Would appreciate you making special effort to locate Clements and inform him of decision.

Hadsel

1. 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.
2. Hadsel transmitted a diplomatic note stating that the vessels would be released on payment of the fine, plus expenses or damages claimed by port authority, and warning that further violations would have grave consequences. All concerned parties were satisfied with result and the ships should depart on July 18.