Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XVII, Part 2, Sub-Saharan Africa

64. Telegram From the Embassy in Niger to the Department of State¹

Niamey, July 25, 1980, 1704Z

3384. White House (Vice President’s office) for Denis Clift. Subject: Vice President’s First Meeting With President Kountche. Following Niamey 3384 sent action SecState 7/25/80 repeated with White House caption. Begin quote.

Ref: Niamey 3378.²

1. (S)–Entire text

2. Following is an uncleared report of the Vice President’s first meeting with President Kountche,³ which took place at the Presidential Palace on July 19. The Vice President was accompanied by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Richard Moose, Ambassador James Bishop, and interpreter Sophia Porson. President Kountche was accompanied by Foreign Minister Daouda Diallo.

3. Summary: In their first meeting, President Kountche acknowledged American concern about Niger’s sales of uranium to Libya but defended these as preferable to an embargo which might prompt Libya to seize Niger’s uranium mines. He predicted a 60 million dls shortfall due to lower uranium prices in the 300 million dls revenue foreseen in Niger’s current budget, and he asked for American assistance. Pessimistic about the Chadian situation, he endorsed the concept of a UN peacekeeping force. He said Niger has not recognized the Polisario’s claims because their acknowledgement would encourage other groups within the Sahara to contest the legitimacy of recognized international borders. The Vice President outlined Western concerns provoked by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and described some of the defensive measures being undertaken by the United States and its allies. End summary.

[Omitted here is a detailed description of Mondale’s discussion with Kountche.]

Bishop

1. Source: Carter Library, Donated Material, Mondale Papers, Box 36, Vice President’s Visit to West Africa [7/17/80–7/23/80] Background—Memcons and Speeches [2]. Secret; Immediate; Nodis.
2. In telegram 3378 from Niamey, July 25, the Embassy reported that it had tried to send the cables on Mondale’s visit to Niger to Lagos for clearance, but they did not arrive on time. The Department was informed that the cables would be sent there and the Bureau of African Affairs could work with Mondale’s office on clearance. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870108–1086)
3. In telegram 3385 from Niamey, July 25, the Embassy reported on the second meeting between Mondale and Kountche. (Carter Library, Donated Material, Mondale Papers, Box 36, Vice-President’s Visit to West Africa [7/17/80–7/23/80] Background—Memcons and Speeches [2])