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

327. Telegram 32156 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia¹ ²

Washington, February 25, 1972, 0110Z

JOINT STATE/DEFENSE MESSAGE

SUBJECT:

• Kagnew Station (Ethiopia) Reduction

REF:

• (a) State 983 (NOTAL)
• (b) Addis 260 (NOTAL)

1. Final decision made that [text not declassified] Kagnew will be closed by 30 June 1972 with phased implementation to begin as soon as IEG informed. Revised planning figures call for reduction of 565 military, 17 US civilian and 39 local hire personnel. As stated ref (a) Army will continue operate base support activities until FY 74 when it is planned Navy will assume entire mission and base support responsibilities [text declassified].

2. You are authorized, consequently, to proceed inform IEG along lines scenario outlined in ref (b). If question on future level of military assistance posed as contemplated para 14(e), you may say that Ethiopia will continue to receive the largest share of grant security assistance funds in Africa but that the specific level will depend on Congressional appropriations.

3. If queried, we intend respond that cutback in personnel at Kagnew is in keeping with our policy of effecting economies as conditions and technology permit whenever and wherever possible.

4. You should notify Washington and all addressees when IEG has been informed so reduction plans may, as appropriate, be carried out on unclassified basis. Details of reduction and any reference to [text not declassified] should, of course, be tightly held.
END

Irwin

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15–10 ETH–US. Secret. Drafted by Melone (AF/E) and Hilscher (OASD/ISA); cleared in AF/P, AF/RA, PM/ISO, DSAA, OSD/ISA/PP, CASD/I, JCS/J5, OASD/PA, OASD/I&L, OC/DLO; and approved by Coote (AF). Repeated to JCS, USCINCEUR, COMIDEASTFOR, CINCUSNAVEUAR, Asmara, CNO, CSA, CSAF, and CMC.
2. This joint Department of State-Deaprtment of Defense telegram reported that a final decision had been made to reduce operations at Kagnew station, including appropriate staff reductions. The ambassador was authorized to inform the Ethiopian Government.