Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–5, Part 2, Documents on North Africa, 1969–1972

23. Telegram 204757 From the Department of State to the Interests Section in Algeria¹ ²

Washington, December 17, 1970, 0012Z

1. Secretary received Bousselham December 16 in accordance latter’s request for opportunity make courtesy call. After preliminary exchange, during which Secretary complimented Bousselham on his appointment as head of “upgraded” Algerian Interests Section, Secretary asked Bousselham to convey his best wishes to Foreign Minister Bouteflika, whom he regretted not having seen at this year’s General Assembly session but hoped to see again. Secretary then expressed belief that US policy in Middle East had assumed more “even-handed” character since his meeting with Bouteflika a year ago. Noted that US policy in Middle East is now subject to criticism by Israelis as well as Arabs. Secretary noted USG in handling Middle East problem sometimes felt like tennis ball: it gets hit from both sides of the net but game could not go on without it.

2. Bousselham, replying courteously to Secretary’s compliments on his appointment, stated he also wished convey Bouteflika’s best wishes to Secretary. Referring to Secretary’s comments on policy, he indicated that despite policy differences between Algeria and the US, GOA wished emphasize common interests of both countries as basis for cooperation. Bousselham noted US commercial activity with Algeria had increased over 100 per cent since 1967 break in diplomatic ties. He expressed confidence strengthening of Algerian-US economic relations would lay foundation for increased cooperation between both countries in future.

3. In reply to Secretary’s comment that diplomatic relations should exist between countries despite their differences over policy, Bousselham stated that he, personally, saw his assignment to Washington as one step to be followed by others in expanding relations.

4. Secretary then inquired re Algerian policy with respect to acceptance so-called political refugees and exiles. Secretary indicated that he thought he understood policy but that he was puzzled by Algerian acceptance of certain individuals, such as Timothy Leary. Bousselham explained policy as one occasionally marked by mistakes which he attributed to “youthfulness.” Stated that Algeria had been surprised by arrival of Leary who had literally “dropped from the skies,” GOA had endeavored to fob him off on Lebanese and Egyptians, both of whom, however, shunted him back to Algiers. Bousselham concluded by stating GOA fully recognizes “danger Leary poses for Algerian youth” and that he is being kept under surveillance to prevent any contact with Algerian youth.

5. Secretary assured Bousselham of Department’s desire to be of every assistance in facilitating his mission and expressed appreciation for courtesies and assistance given by GOA to Eagleton and members of USINT Algiers. In response to Secretary’s query re his family, Bousselham indicated he would be returning to US with his wife and four children and declared that he thought his children would greatly benefit from their sojourn here.

6. Following meeting Bousselham expressed deep appreciation of Secretary’s consideration in receiving him despite Secretary’s heavy schedule. He obviously pleased with range of initial contacts he has made in Department and deeply impressed by Secretary’s warm, friendly welcome and informal manner. Bousselhamls own manner has been markedly outgoing and it was obvious after first few minutes with Secretary that he felt very much at ease. END

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 17 ALG-US. Confidential. Drafted by Blake; cleared by NEA/UAR, S, and AF; and approved by Eliot. In a December 14 memorandum from Moore to Rogers, Moore had relayed Bousselham’s request for an appointment. Updating the Secretary on the status of expropriation negotiations between Algeria and American firms, Moore concluded, “We want to respond to these Algerian actions to assure them that we share the desire for improved relations. The rather unorthodox gesture of your receiving Bousselham at this time would give such a signal. We urge, therefore, that you agree to see him for a 10 minute courtesy call before December 19.” (Ibid., POL 15–1 ALG) In telegram 205697, December 18, the Department reported on Bousselham’s talks on economic relations with Deputy Under Secretary Samuels and Assistant Secretaries Newsom and Trezise. (Ibid.)
2. The Department forwarded a record of Secretary of State Rogers’ conversation the previous day with new Minister Counselor of the Algerian Interests section Bousselham, in which the latter had stressed the common interests of both countries despite their policy differences.