261. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Armitage) to the Director of the Joint Staff (Carter)1
SUBJECT
- US/Moroccan Defense Cooperation (U)
(S) The Foreign Minister of Morocco has proposed to the Secretary, on behalf of King Hassan, that Morocco would welcome closer cooperation with the U.S., Spain and Portugal in the defense of the western Mediterranean/Straits of Gibraltar and in the defense of NATO interests more generally.2 I would appreciate your views on whether Morocco could usefully contribute to these objectives, whether there are additional areas of military cooperation beneficial to U.S. forces that we might propose to Morocco and how we should best respond to the King’s proposal.
(U) I would appreciate your response by 21 October. My point of contact is CDR Hartung, x79745.
- Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 330–88–0039, 1986 Official Records (Secret & Below) of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Executive Secretary to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Box 36, Morocco 1985. Secret. Prepared by Hartung (ISA/NESA).↩
- According to a memorandum for the record prepared by Hartung, during a September 30 meeting, Filali told Weinberger: “Morocco has taken a political decision to participate with Spain, Portugal and NATO in defense of the Mediterranean and Straits of Gibraltar. In order for that to be done with dignity, the US should think about new development and other aid. This was the King’s message to the Secretary.” (Ibid.)↩
- Armitage signed “Rich Armitage” above this typed signature.↩