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

325. Telegram 6540 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia¹ ²

Washington, January 12, 1972, 0054Z

JOINT STATE/DEFENSE MESSAGE

SUBJECT:

• Kagnew STATION

REF:

• State 3084; Addis 60 (NOTAL)

1. As foreseen in State reftel, budgetary reductions for [text not declassified] make it necessary to plan to close Kagnew [text not declassified] activity by end FY 72.

2. For planning, phase-down of [text not declassified] will begin within next few weeks with termination of [text not declassified] NLT 31 Mar. 72. Site survey to identify economically recoverable [text not declassified] equipment assets will be conducted as soon as appropriate. Schedule for redeployment of personnel and release of indigenous personnel will be established as soon as planning data can be obtained and implemented after appropriate scenario for informing IEG worked out in collaboration with Embassy.

3. Interagency working group currently attempting to identify impact above action will have on remaining functions (NAVCOMSTA, STRATCOM, [text not declassified], etc.), including [text not declassified] support activities, e.g. hospital, commissary, R&R facilities, etc.

4. Appreciate problems this will pose for Country Team, but unforeseen budgetary constraints have caused world-wide reductions in [text not declassified]. We wish to consult as closely as possible with the CT on best manner to limit unfavorable repercussions from reductions. One theme might be to describe reductions as continuing process of cut-back made possible by technological advances and for which IEG has earlier expressed approval, as suggested Addis 60.

5. We would therefore appreciate CT assessment of expected IEG reaction, impact on Asmara area including insurgency situation, and on USG-IEG relations, as well asʼ suggested scenario for informing IEG. Since rumor of impending phase-down already rife in Asmara, early reply appreciated.
END

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15–10 ETH–US. Secret; Limdis; Priority. Drafted by Bader and Melone (AF/E); cleared in AF/E, AF/RA, A/OC, PM/ISO, INR/DD, OASD/ISA, JCS; and approved by Newsom. Repeated to JCS, USCINCEUR, Asmara, Addis Ababa, COMIDEASTFOR, and DIA.
2. This joint Department of State-Department of Defense telegram confirmed that Kagnew would begin to phase-down its activities. The Country Team was asked to forward its assessment of the Ethiopian Government reaction.