105. Message From King Hassan to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)1
FROM
- [name not declassified]
SUBJECT
- Note from King Hassan of Morocco to Secretary of State Kissinger on Developments in the Spanish Sahara
[1 paragraph (15 lines) not declassified]
To Mr. Henry Kissinger,
My dear Mr. Secretary and friend,
“The analysis of recent developments in the problem of the Sahara at the United Nations as in other capitals has led us to the conclusion that the obstinacy and intransigence with which Algeria continues to defend a policy which is as unexpected as it is paradoxical does not correspond to a simple concern to insure the principle of self determination.
“In reality we are more and more convinced that this policy is inspired from the outside and corresponds to a collusion of interests which has shown itself notably in the course of the debates in the Security Council between Algeria and the Soviet Union.
“It seems to us that the Soviet Union is seeking to create a focus of tension in this area to try and intervene in the Western Mediterranean [Page 290] at a time when its influence is more and more diminished in the Middle East.
“If this analysis is correct and we have every reason to believe that it is, the problem assumes a dimension of international concern which in our opinion renders an action by the United States highly desirable.
“Please believe Mr. Secretary and my dear friend the assurance of our consideration and sincere friendship.
King of Morocco”
-
Summary: Message from King Hassan to Kissinger in which he expressed concern that Algerian recalcitrance on the Spanish Sahara was not about self determination, but an attempt to create tension in the region and thereby create an opportunity for Soviet intervention in the Western Mediterranean.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 202, Geopolitical Files, Morocco, September 22, 1975–December 23, 1976. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only.
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