25. Letter From President Carter to Chadian President Malloum1
In response to your gracious letter of August 17,2 I am pleased to inform you that I signed on September 1, 1977, a determination making Chad eligible to purchase defense articles and services from the United States under its foreign military sales program.
I have asked Ambassador Bradford to work closely with your government in exploring ways in which we can help meet some of your urgent needs. He will explain the legal and procedural requirements involved.
The United States respects the OAU principle of the territorial integrity of all African states, and supports the OAU’s efforts to assist Chad in arriving at a negotiated solution to your immediate problems.
Your commitment to cooperate with the OAU in its mission is a reassuring demonstration of the Government of Chad’s resolve to attain a peaceful resolution of the challenges to your territorial integrity. It is my hope that this action will help you in the attainment of this goal, so that your country can devote its undivided attention to the priority task of developing its human and physical resources.
With every good wish.
Sincerely,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 7, Chad. No classification marking.↩
- In telegram 2819 from Ndjamena, August 19, the Embassy transmitted the text of Malloum’s letter to Carter which reads in part: “I have taken note of your government’s willingness to come to the aid of Chad. Since the situation is becoming more and more worrisome because of Libya’s efforts to reinforce its positions with a view to launching new offensives, we would greatly appreciate Your Excellency’s expediting the assistance which will be put at our disposal.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770301–0781)↩