Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XXIV, North Africa

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

295362.

Washington, November 5, 1981, 2218Z

SUBJECT

• Allegation of US Military Involvement in Western Sahara.

Ref:

• A) Algiers 3893,²
• B) Rabat 8043.³

1. Secret—Entire text.

2. In response to allegation reported ref A, Embassy is authorized to make flat denial that there are any US military personnel in the Western Sahara providing technical assistance to Moroccan combat units.

Haig

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810526–0206. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Hull; cleared by Kuniholm, Flaten, Dietrich (INR), Herbert Hoffman (DOD/ISA), and Richard Erdman (S/S–O); approved by Constable. Sent for information to Rabat.
2. In telegram 3893 from Algiers, November 2, the Embassy reported that at a recent social function an Algerian Foreign Ministry official “remarked to an Embassy officer present that if he would come to the Foreign Ministry ‘proof’ would be produced that U.S. military personnel are providing technical assistance to Moroccan combat units in the Western Sahara. EmbOff expressed skepticism.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810518–1052)
3. In telegram 8043 from Rabat, November 3, the Embassy informed the Embassy in Algiers: “There are no rpt no US military personnel providing technical assistance to Moroccan combat units in Western Sahara,” adding that U.S. “personnel may not rpt not provide services to FAR in contested territory but must confine their operations to Morocco-proper, as USG defines it.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810521–0154)