Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–6, Documents on Africa, 1973–1976

167. National Security Study Memorandum 248¹ ²

Washington, November 13, 1976

TO:

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• The Director of Central Intelligence
• The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

SUBJECT:

• United States Goals in Relation to Ethiopia

In the light of the dramatic changes which have occurred in Ethiopia since Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed in September 1974, the President has directed a brief study of United States policy options, and the underlying assumptions, regarding the state of our future relations with Ethiopia.

The study should draw as appropriate on the studies under NSSMs 239 and 184, and take account of more recent assessments of the situation. The study should:

• —Review current and possible future United States interests, objectives and policy in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea area, including military and economic assistance programs.
• —Assess the internal security and stability of Ethiopia and its present government.
• —Assess current Ethiopian policy toward the United States, the Soviet Union, the People’s Republic of China and Ethiopia’s African and Arab neighbors.
• —Assess the internal problems Ethiopia faces and the role Ethiopia might play in the Horn of Africa, and the larger African scene, over the next year.
• —Assess Soviet policy toward Ethiopia, Somalia and the FTAI.
• —Assess the significance of Ethiopia to United States political, economic and military policy in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea area.

The study should determine United States goals with regard to Ethiopia and policy options for achieving these goals. The study should be prepared by the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Africa and should be completed by December 10.

William G. Hyland for
Brent Scowcroft

1. Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Brent Scowcroft Daily Work Files, Box 70, Chronological File B. Secret. Hyland signed the memorandum for Scowcroft.
2. Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Scowcroft tasked the Departments of State and Defense and the CIA with conducting a brief study of U.S. policy options, and underlying assumptions, regarding future relations with Ethiopia.