115. Telegram From the Embassy in Libya to the Department of State1
1925. Subject: Basis for a Continuing Diplomatic Relationship With Libya.
1. (S–Entire text).
2. As part of the Department’s documentation on Libya I submit comments by Political Officer Hooper. I cannot take exception to them though there are other considerations that should be discussed before final decisions are made. The following five premises, tested by our experiences in Tripoli, reflect our judgements about the foundations of U.S.-Libyan interests:
—A. Qadhafi is prone to lie. This habit tends to raise doubts about the validity of his remarks contained in official exchanges or public utterances, and about reassurances and pledges conveyed by his representatives in the Libyan Government.
—B. The U.S.-Libyan petroleum relationship is self-sustaining. Although American oil company officials find a U.S. diplomatic presence convenient, the absence of U.S. diplomats from Tripoli would not have a significant impact on economic relations predicated upon a clear mutuality of interests.
—C. U.S.-Libyan educational/cultural ties are also to some extent self-sustaining. Visa services for Libyan students can be provided by other U.S. Embassies in Europe and the Middle East.
—D. The U.S.-Libyan political dialogue will flounder as long as Qadhafi remains in power. The Libyan leader is fundamentally opposed to U.S. political interests in the Middle East.
—E. A U.S. diplomatic presence of undetermined size can provide useful information about developments in Libya to the Washington community. The utility of such a presence, however, must be carefully assessed in the context of the above premises.
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Middle East, Subject File, Box 61, Libya: 1–12/79. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Printed from a copy that was received in the White House Situation Room.↩