Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XXX, Public Diplomacy

201. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Moose) to the Deputy Secretary of State (Christopher)¹

Washington, January 31, 1980

SUBJECT

• Olympic Games—Muhammed Ali Trip to Africa

We have been moving ahead with the practical measures necessary to implement the President’s decision to have Muhammed Ali travel to Africa to meet with key African leaders on the Olympics issue.²

Louis Martin of the White House phoned Ali to present the President’s request that he visit five African posts. Ali was quite responsive to the idea of participating in the Presidential Mission. Acting on our understanding that an aircraft was being orgainzed, we sent the attached cable and received a response (Tab A).³

It is our assessment that the Ali Mission is exactly the kind of energetic public diplomacy we need to employ to have a fighting chance to bring the 40–50 African nations around to our point of view. A more detailed rationale for the Mission is attached (Tab B).⁴

We expect this trip to generate a lot of publicity, and believe it will be very well received by American and African public opinion. It will be seen, inter alia, as a sign of the President’s commitment to his Olympic policy. Downplaying the Mission does not seem in accord with the spirit of the venture.⁵ Rather, we think the American public and the Congress will react positively to Muhammed Ali and the Administration working together in a large, important mission.

Rather than having an option of what type plane should be used, we are likely to have to accept whatever plane(s) we can get in order to accomplish the mission in a timely manner. If we can avoid a 707 equivalent, we will. But I am not sure that choice will be in our hand.

1. Source: Department of State, Office of the Counselor, International Sports and International Sporting Events, 1980–1983, Lot 87D241, Muhammed Ali Trip. No classification marking. Drafted by Bandler. An unknown hand initialed for Moose. Also scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XXV, United Nations; Global Issues.
2. In telegram 25727 to Brazzaville, January 30, Harrop informed Walker that the White House had “agreed to our suggestion that Muhammed Ali tour several African posts to discuss Moscow Olympic Games.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800052–0380)
3. Not found attached. Reference is to telegram 26402 to Madras, January 30, 1980. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800053–0381) In telegram 189 from Madras, the consulate indicated that Ali stated that he would undertake the trip to the five African nations and would leave India, where he was on an exhibition tour, “on or before” February 2. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File D800054–0180)
4. Attached but not printed is an undated paper entitled “Ali Mission to Africa.”
5. On February 1, The New York Times reported that Cutler stated that Ali’s mission “was part of an effort to enlist ‛useful contacts, both public and private’ to win support for the American position.” (“State Dept. Confirms Request,” p. A8)