225. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Algeria1
72238. Subject: Moroccan Arms Request. Ref: State 57412.2
1. Department is concerned that Algerians may misinterpret negative decision on Moroccan request for arms to use in the Sahara as signalling estrangement between Rabat and Washington. While we cannot preclude Algiers taking this position in its own media—to embarrassment of Moroccans who complained of Algerian media misinterpretations during Foreign Minister Boucetta’s talks in Washington—Department does want to disabuse Algerians of any real misunderstanding concerning relations between U.S. and Morocco. We do not want to give Algerians any reason to conclude that U.S. would be less concerned by any step up in Polisario attacks against Morocco or Mauritania.
2. Ambassador should seek appointment at Foreign Ministry during which he should make following points:
—Following consultations with Congress, the administration has decided not to sell at this time arms to the Moroccan Government for use in the Western Sahara and Mauritania.
—The U.S. plans to continue its traditional military supply relationship with Morocco.
—The U.S. is aware that the Algerian Government is providing military assistance to the Polisario movement and does not believe this encouragement of the Polisario’s attacks on Algeria’s neighbors either promotes a peaceful settlement of the Sahara dispute or furthers the interests of peace in the region.
—The U.S. remains firm in its advocacy of a peaceful settlement and will continue to urge the nations involved to exercise restraint.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780124–0746. Confidential; Immediate. Sent for information Priority to Rabat, Nouakchott, Paris, and Madrid. Drafted by Bishop; cleared in AF/W; approved by Veliotes.↩
- See Document 153.↩