75. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Kuwait1

299198. Subject: USG Policy on Fighter-Interceptor Aircraft Sales to Kuwait. Ref: (A) Kuwait 3775, (B) Kuwait 4851, (C) Kuwait 5023.

1. Department fully agrees that Kuwait absorptive capacity—particularly in Air Force—is already strained. Department also concurs that with deliveries of A–4s beginning in January 1977, coupled with GOK decision to retain Lightnings until 1980, logistical problems will be compounded.

2. Department therefore disapproving Fairchild’s A–10 application. Further, we will take opportunity to advise Northrop that USG will not approve any application to send technical data on F–5 (or F–18L) to Kuwait, nor will we in any way facilitate any Northrop or other fighter-interceptor aircraft sales venture to Kuwait.

Robinson
  1. Summary: The Department informed the Embassy that given Kuwait’s limited ability to absorb advanced military equipment, it disapproved all proposed sales of A–10, F–5, and other aircraft.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760454–1076. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Edward Padelford (NEA/RA); cleared in NEA/ARP, PM/SAS, PM/MC, ACDA, DOD, and DOD/ISA and by Fish; approved by Palmer. Repeated to Jidda, London, and Manama. Telegrams 4851 from Kuwait City, October 15, and 5023 from Kuwait City, October 26, are ibid., D760387–0911, and D760399–0534, respectively. Telegram 3775 from Kuwait City, August 9, is Document 68.