172. Telegram 6028 From the Embassy in Kenya to the Department of State1 2
Subject:
- Response to Anticipated Kenya Request for U.S. Arms
Ref:
- (A) Nairobi 8130, November 28, 1973;
- (B) State 2408520, December 10, 1973
1. [text not declassified] I will shortly (by end this week or early next week) be called in to see President Kenyatta, who will request U.S. arms (probably helicopters, surface to air missiles, and armored personnel carriers) to enable Kenya to strengthen its very modest armed forces to counter-balance threat posed by high and growing levels of Somalia and Uganda armament. Kenyatta will also be making similar approaches to British and French.
2. While I do not believe we should become major supplier of arms to Kenya, I believe it in our interests to be as forthcoming as possible, particularly since Soviets have on numerous past occasions made known their willingness to supply arms to Kenya. While I understand, per ref B, impossibility of MAP grants for Kenya, I would hope Department [Page 2] can now give top priority to obtaining presidential determination to authorize cash sales under FMS program. Please advise current status presidential determination asap and what if anything specific I might tell Kenyatta on this score.
3. In response Kenyatta’s request for arms, I will, therefore, make it clear that there no repeat no possibility of grants. But, if/when presidential determination obtained, what about credit? Is it conceivable that FMS credit or ExImBank financing (or guarantees) might be available? Commercial credit? May I say anything in regard to credit financing? I will, in any event, express sympathy with plight relatively underarmed Kenya finds itself in and assure him that I will ask Washington to consider his request as expeditiously as possible so that I may advise him whether purchases of desired items would be feasible and on what terms.
4. While emphasizing our desire to be forthcoming on his request, I would also like, depending on atmospherics of meeting, to be authorized during meeting with Kenyatta to express my “personal” concern over rampant arms race in East Africa and its attendant security threat, as well as harmful effect it will have on economic development in region. I would, of course, comment favorably on Kenya’s past restraint in face of large-scale arms acquisitions by neighboring countries. I would also like to ask him whether, in view of Kenya’s record of restraint, he (Kenyatta) might not be in an excellent position to play African statesman and make public or private plea for some form of mutual restraint on part of other countries in immediate region, i.e., Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia and Ethiopia.
5. If Kenyatta indicates interest in this idea, I could [Page 3] suggest that these five countries (including Kenya) could—despite their obvious differences—find it in their mutual interest to put some kind of “ceiling” on arms race by at least agreeing not to acquire highly sophisticated offensive weapons not yet in region or on order. This would, of course, in no way affect Kenya’s efforts to “catch up.” Moreover, some kind of joint declaration not to resort to use of force to settle disputes among five countries might—despite their differences—also be acceptable and useful as device to reduce inter-state tensions and dampen costly arms race.
6. Department’s guidance paras 3–5 requested on urgent basis.
7. Since foregoing meeting will take place at initiative of Kenyatta, I would be in psychologically stronger position to make known directly to him our unhappiness over expulsion of U.S. geologist John Saul. Depending on my assessment of circumstances, I may also raise Saul case with him.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 738, Country Files, Africa, Kenya. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Dar Es Salaam, London, Moscow.↩
- Ambassador Marshall reported that Kenyan President Kenyatta would soon request U.S. arms to defend against a threat from Somalia and Uganda. Marshall asked for Department guidance on a response.↩