Office of the Historian

283. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Morocco1

342158.
Washington, October 20, 1988, 0233Z

SUBJECT

  • Presidential Letter to King Hassan.

1. Secret—Entire text.

2. Following is text of letter from the President to King Hassan, which post should deliver as soon as possible. No/no signed original will follow.

3. Begin text:

Your Majesty:

I very much appreciated the kind personal greetings you conveyed via my representative Assistant Secretary of Defense Armitage following his audience with you in Rabat.2 I was also gratified to get a [Page 587] personal report of your views on the prospects for enhanced military cooperation between the United States and Morocco. My government and I look forward to pursuing your discussion in greater detail in the days and months ahead.

I also wanted to make special mention of the news you conveyed to Mr. Armitage concerning your decision to acquire additional U.S. manufactured aircraft. The U.S. appreciates the import of this action, which will further strengthen the strong links that bind our two countries.

I fully agree with your assessment of the need for vigilance as progress toward peace is achieved in regions of the world that have been previously plagued by conflicts. The United States and its close friends like Morocco must remain strong to defend our shared values. We look forward to consulting closely with you on how to enhance our defense relationship in mutually beneficial ways. As we strive toward our shared goal of peace and stability in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, let me assure you, Your Majesty, of the high regard both I and the American people have for you and your people and of the value the United States attaches to its excellent relationship with your esteemed country.

Sincerely, Ronald Reagan. End text.

His Majesty

Hassan II,

King of Morocco,

Rabat.

Shultz
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D880931–0728. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Kathleen Fitzpatrick (NEA/AFN); cleared by Burleigh, Terrell Otis (PM), Eastham, Perito, Richard Mueller (S/S), James Carragher (S/S–O), Daniel Dolan (EB), Joann Alba (S/S–S), and Gnehm (DOD/ISA); approved by Paul Hare (NEA).↩
  2. See Document 281.↩