Office of the Historian

189. Memorandum From James Rentschler of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Allen)1

Washington, March 13, 1981

SUBJECT

  • Dick Walters to Rabat? (C)

State’s North Africa desk called me today, said Haig would shortly be sending a recommendation here proposing that Vernon Walters be sent to Morocco as a Special Presidential envoy in lieu of a visit here by Dlimi and Guedira.2 The desk said this idea “had been discussed with you” (perhaps at Ali Bengelloun’s dinner?). (C)

For what it’s worth, I think the idea is a good one. It will save the President some time and make good use of Dick Walters, who is well [Page 419] and favorably known to Hassan. It will also finesse—for the time being—Hassan’s longstanding disinclination to deal with the State Department in favor of direct communication with the White House (Walters would go as Presidential envoy but in close coordination with Haig & Co.). (C)

Is there any guidance you might care to give me on this alleged mission?

(NB. Quite apart from the 4 years I lived in Morocco, I’ve had good contacts and dealings with Dick ever since our Paris days a million years ago and would be happy to be helpful to him and you in any way you consider appropriate).3 (U)

  1. Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Country File, Africa, Morocco (1/24/1981–04/17/1981. Confidential. Sent for information. A copy was sent to Kemp. Lenz initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum. Rentschler wrote: “Jim” next to his name in the “from” line.↩
  2. Telegram 66150 to Rabat, March 14, contains a message from Haig to Hassan, suggesting that Walters visit Morocco for direct consultations with the King. (Ibid.) In telegram 1813 from Rabat, March 16, the Embassy informed the Department of “King Hassan’s favorable reply.” (Ibid.)↩
  3. Below this paragraph, Allen wrote: “Ok—I have talked to him. He is going to come over Monday or Tuesday. I asked him to draft a letter from P to King Hassan. He will go as Presidential Emissary as well as of Sec/State. RVA. 3/14.”↩