Office of the Historian

122. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Algeria1

2333.
Washington, January 5, 1983, 2013Z

SUBJECT

  • Letter From President Reagan to President Bendjedid.

1. (C) Entire text.

2. Following is text of letter from President Reagan to President Bendjedid that should be delivered at earliest convenience: signed original being pouched. Letter is dated December, 31.

Begin text: Dear Mr. President: Secretary Baldrige has reported to me fully2 the views you asked him to transmit. I greatly appreciate your taking the time to meet with him at length,3 and I am grateful to Minister Khellef and the many other Algerian Ministers who met with members of the Trade and Investment Mission. The American business leaders were also very pleased with the intensive series of meetings they had with the heads of Algerian enterprises during their stay.

As Secretary Baldrige informed you, the United States reciprocates your desire for good bilateral relations. Indeed, the U.S. hopes to have good relations with all countries in your area. I also fully share your aspirations for regional stability and cooperation. The United States thus supports a resolution of the Western Sahara problem in conformity with OAU decisions, and we hope that a ceasefire and referendum can be organized soon. I understand that these and other topics will be discussed in the context of the enhanced political dialogue our two governments have begun.

Please be assured that the United States is prepared to assist in all possible ways in the realization of the plans which you have for accelerating the development of your country and for further improving the life of your people.

May I send you, Mr. President, at this holy season of the prophet’s birthday and the new year, my best wishes and those of the American people for health and prosperity.

With warm good wishes to you and your country for 1983.

Sincerely, Ronald Reagan.

End text.

Shultz
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D830006–0972. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted in NEA with text received from the White House; cleared by Hill and Sebastian; approved by David Schneider.↩
  2. No record of Baldrige’s report to Reagan was found.↩
  3. See Document 121.↩