Office of the Historian

70. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to Secretary of State Vance1

Washington, January 9, 1979

SUBJECT

  • Initiatives Toward Algeria (C)

In light of the new situation in Algeria, we should consider taking initiatives which would help lay the groundwork for a strengthening of U.S.-Algerian relations. The following are illustrative of steps that could be taken: (C)

—Presidential message of congratulations to new President of Algeria. We might want to reaffirm the invitation issued in 1977 for an official visit to Washington at some time in the future. (S)

—Visit by a science and technology team, perhaps headed by Frank Press. (C)

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—Visit by Secretary Bergland to discuss agricultural development. (This could be combined with visits to Tunisia and Morocco as well.) (S)

—Consultations/briefings with Foreign Minister on Middle East and African issues. (C)

—Invite the head of the Algerian Air Academy to visit the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. (He has apparently expressed an interest in such a trip).2 (C)

Please coordinate initiatives along these lines with my office. (U)

Zbigniew Brzezinski3
  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 2, Algeria: 1979–1980. Secret. A copy was sent to Harold Brown.↩
  2. In telegram 749 from Rabat, February 1, Parker expressed his support for the first four initiatives. Regarding the invitation, he wrote: “We would argue strenuously against any invitation to the commander of the Algerian Air Force as proposed by Ambassador Haynes in Algiers 0274. There is just so much we can put into the military basket before triggering unnecessary alarm here.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790049–0676) Telegram 274 from Algiers, January 31 is in the National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790047–0373. In telegram 235953 to Algiers, September 7, the Department informed the Embassy that the Department of Defense was preparing to invite the Algerian commander and requested biographic information: “Current plan would involve invitation to Academy commander and one aide to visit U.S. Air Force Academy with one other stop either to or from Colorado Springs.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790409–0532)↩
  3. Aaron signed for Brzezinski.↩