186. Memorandum From Acting Director of Central Intelligence Carlucci to Director of Central Intelligence-Designate Casey1
Washington, January 6, 1981
SUBJECT
- Request by Moroccan King to Send His Emissary to the U.S. for Discussions with the New Administration
- 1.
- A message was received on 6 January 1981 from King Hassan of Morocco2 [less than 1 line not declassified]. In the message the King said he wants to send a secret emissary to meet with you and the Secretary of State between 20 and 24 January, or earlier if possible. The purpose of this meeting would be to inform the U.S. at the highest level about the upcoming Islamic Summit Conference “to prevent any surprises to U.S. policy makers on Middle East issues and to coordinate Moroccan efforts with U.S. goals and objectives on the Palestinian issue.” (The King, particularly in his role as head of the Jerusalem Sub-committee of the Islamic Conference group, will presumably be able to influence strongly the outcome of the Islamic conference in Saudi Arabia from 25 to 28 January.)
- 2.
- The King’s message, [3 lines not declassified] that only the “highest U.S. officials” should be informed. [less than 1 line not declassified] the emmisary could be someone on the level of Royal Counselor, Reda Guedira.
- 3.
- [2 lines not declassified] It is very characteristic of him to do this at this time, with a change of the administrations. If the proposal were rejected, the King would likely consider it a rebuff and relations between the new administration and Morocco could get off on the wrong foot. Accordingly, I would suggest that you agree to such a meeting. If the timing is not convenient, you may wish to slip it a little, but I would recommend that it be not so much as to appear to be a put-off.
- 4.
- I would also request that you inform Secretary-elect Haig of the matter and advise his reaction. The Ambassador should be informed and I would like to know how Secretary-elect Haig would like to handle this.