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

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

Washington, July 27, 1972

SUBJECT:

• Resumption of Relations with Sudan—Letter to President Nimeri

On Tuesday (July 25) the Sudanese government and the State Department announced resumption of diplomatic relations between the US and Sudan. Secretary Rogers feels it would be appropriate for you to send a letter to President Nimeri on this occasion, and a draft is attached.

We have done this for the other countries—Mauritania and Yemen—resuming ties, and the text is a straight-forward expression of pleasure and of interest in the Sudan. You have previously sent messages to President Nimeri on appropriate occasions in the absence of relations. Although there are those who see a tie between US progress in resuming relations with the Arabs and Sadat spoke against these steps until there is a change in US policy, there is little reason to avoid sending a simple letter on a step that is to our advantage.

We may not be alone in this step either. There are reports Sudan will soon re-establish relations with Iraq and with the Soviet Union at an ambassadorial level—ties which Sudan severed after last yearʼs abortive coup which the Soviets supported and the Iraqiʼs heralded. Iran is also believed thinking about establishing ties with Sudan—a move which would be consistent with the Shahʼs strategy of building a strong network of regional relationships.

Recommendation: That you sign the attached letter to President Nimeri. [Text cleared by Ray Price.]

Attachment

Letter From President Nixon to President Nimeri

Washington, July 29, 1972

Dear Mr. President:

I would like to express to you my deep gratification in the resumption of diplomatic relations between Sudan and the United States. The United States has always had a deep interest in Sudan as the largest of the African states with important historic and cultural ties with the Arab world as well. During the past two years I have followed with great personal interest your statesmanship in establishing cordial relations between Sudan and its neighbors and your leadership in achieving the reconciliation of the Sudanese people.

On this historic occasion in the relations between our two governments, I would like to assure you that the United States will continue to follow with sympathy your efforts to realize the full potential of Sudan and the Sudanese people. The United States is willing to do what it can to assist in those efforts.

Please accept, Mr. President, my warmest best wishes to you, which I ask you to extend on behalf of the American people to the people of Sudan.

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon

1. Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 295, Memoranda to the President, Jan–Oct 1972. Confidential. Sent for action.
2. Following the resumption of diplomatic relations with Sudan, Kissinger recommended that the President sign an attached letter to President Nimeri, expressing his interest in Sudan and his gratification at the resumption of relations.