116. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to President Nixon1 2
Washington, July 10, 1971
SUBJECT:
- Coup Attempt in Morocco
The following is the situation in Morocco based on the most recent reports available:
- —A disaffected group of Moroccan military apparently led by three Army Brigadiers, Military Region Commander, and a Lt. Colonel, who commands the Non-Commissioned Officers School, today attempted a coup against Hassan. The attack was made on the Royal Palace near Rabat where the King was hosting a large group of diplomats and notables in celebration of his 42nd birthday.
- —The affair at the Palace was bloody but the King was not harmed. The Belgium Ambassador and several other important figures apparently were killed. The King’s brother reportedly is seriously wounded.
- —We have no reports on Americans being harmed although Ambassador Rockwell and other Americans were present at the King’s celebration.
- —The King still is in control of the situation and has given full military and civilian powers to Interior Minister, General Oufkir.
- —The King is expected shortly to broadcast an appeal over Moroccan radio to the people and the Armed Forces.
- —The King and the Queen are reportedly aboard a Moroccan Naval vessel off the coast.
- —At this time order seems to be returning and the coup attempt apparently has failed.
I will provide you with a more detailed status report and assessment of the implications of this coup attempt tomorrow.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 357, Subject Files, Morocco, Attempted Coup d’état, 10 July 1971. Confidential. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.↩
- Haig alerted the President to the apparent failure of a coup attempt against King Hassan by disaffected members of the Moroccan military.↩