178. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to Secretary of State Vance and Secretary of Defense Brown1
SUBJECT
- US/Saudi Military Support for Morocco (S)
Acting Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Naif met with Ambassador West Sunday2 at the request of Crown Prince Fahd to appeal for US/Saudi cooperation in providing military assistance to King Hassan. Naif stated that Saudi Arabia is prepared on an urgent basis to fund the military assistance Morocco needs to defend itself and to reestablish a military balance in the region—a step Fahd believes will not be possible without full U.S. assistance. According to Naif, Fahd wants to know as soon as possible whether we are willing, in principle, to furnish military equipment, including planes, light weapons, heavy weapons, and even ammunition, to Morocco in an expeditious manner—including from U.S. stocks. Naif indicated that Saudi Arabia is prepared to pay the costs involved. (S)
The President has asked for our advice on the response to this Saudi demarche. Could you please provide me your views on an urgent basis. (S)
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 33, Morocco: 1979. Secret.↩
- October 7. In telegram 7052 from Jidda, October 8, West reported on his meeting with Naif. (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 32, Luncheon Meetings (BBV): 9–10/79)↩