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

329. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹ ²

Washington, April 25, 1972

SUBJECT:

• Response to Haile Selassieʼs Plea for Restoration of MAP Funds

You recall that last month Haile Selassie conveyed to you his dismay over the military assistance cut Ethiopia would suffer in fiscal year 1972. Selassie was distressed to learn Ethiopia would take a 28% slice in grant MAP aid from $12.5 to $9 million. The Emperor indicated that he might seek an appointment with you, and he sent the letter at Tab 2 urging your personal intervention on Ethiopiaʼs behalf.

We have found additional monies for Ethiopia and have also prepared a reassuring letter from you to Selassie. In addition to the current $9 million in FY 1972 military assistance for Ethiopia, Defense can provide $1.5 to $2 million without cutting any other country programs. This will enable us to continue a modest arms modernization program in Ethiopia to which the Emperor attaches high priority. As a further sweetener, we can offer a coastal minesweeper which initially cost $5.6 million.

Though this does not entirely restore the Emperorʼs program to earlier levels, it does demonstrate your personal concern and high regard.

Your letter, which African Assistant Secretary Newsom will personally deliver to Selassie next week, says that Congress has severely limited military assistance funds, that many of our other closest friends are suffering cuts too, but that because of your desire to respond to his needs, we have managed to raise this yearʼs program. This message should minimize the Emperorʼs unhappiness, assure him of your personal good will, and dissuade him from seeking a meeting with you.

RECOMMENDATION:

That you sign the letter at Tab 1 to Emperor Haile Selassie. Ray Price concurs.

Tab 1

Letter From President Nixon to Emperor Selassie of Ethiopia

Washington, April 25, 1972

Your Imperial Majesty:

Even before I received your letter of March 15, Ambassador Ross Adair had informed me of your serious concern about this yearʼs reduction in United States military assistance to your country. I appreciated your letter and I understand fully the concerns which you expressed.

I know you understand the stringent budgetary limitations under which the United States Government is operating this year. Because of severe Congressional reductions in our military assistance request, many of our closest friends have experienced sharp drops in United States assistance.

Nevertheless, in response to your concerns, I ordered a reexamination of ways in which my country might be of further assistance to Ethiopia. I am happy to inform you that we have had some success in this endeavor, more than we originally thought possible given the serious limitations we face. Secretary Newsom, whom I have asked to deliver this letter, will be able to provide you with fuller explanations.

I know you understand how deeply I value your friendship and how highly I esteem the contributions you have made to the cause of peace in Africa and the Middle East.

With my very warmest personal regards,
Sincerely,

Richard Nixon

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 751, Presidential Correspondence, 1969–1974, Folder Ethiopia Corres. Selassie. Secret. Sent for action.
2. Kissinger informed the President that Defense could come up with an additional $1.5 to $2 million in Military Assistance Program (MAP) funds for Ethiopia without cutting any other country programs. At Kissingerʼs recommendation, the President signed a letter telling the Emperor that because of his desire to respond to the Emperorʼs needs he had managed to increase the current yearʼs program.