3. Memorandum From Frederick Wettering of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Allen)1

SUBJECT

  • Unsuccessful Coup Attempt in Mauritania (S)

The US Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania, advises that an attempted coup against the Mauritanian President Haidalla by unidentified armed forces, led by a “Colonel Kader” on March 16 has [Page 4] apparently failed.2 Haidalla is blaming the Moroccans for the coup. Embassy Rabat reports that the Moroccan Government has denied any involvement.3 (S)

President Haidalla, who with his government came to power via the military coup route himself, has been increasingly pro-POLISARIO Front and Algeria to Morocco’s dismay. Moroccans have been planning possible attacks against POLISARIO concentrations in Mauritania, using Mauritania as a safe haven. (S)

Whatever the facts, any allegations by Haidalla of Moroccan complicity with the coup will be strongly supported by Algeria, Libya, the POLISARIO, and probably the Marxist-Leninist states in Africa.4 This affair will unfortunately increase the paranoia of all parties. It is not unlikely that Haidalla et al. will also blame the US (since he perceives us as Morocco’s patron).5 (S)

  1. Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Country File, Africa, Morocco (01/24/1981–04/17/1981). Secret. Sent for information. Sent through Kemp. An unknown hand initialed for Kemp. Copies were sent to Schweitzer and Shoemaker. A stamped notation at top of the memorandum reads: “RVA has seen.”
  2. In telegram 1150 from Nouakchott, March 16, the Embassy reported that Bneijara had announced on national radio that “suicide commandos led by Col. Kader at the orders of Morocco have attempted to seize power and this morning attacked the Presidency. He called it ‘aggression perpetrated by Morocco against Mauritania’” and “said the matter will be taken to the U.N. Security Council and Arab League.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810123–0529)
  3. In telegram 1840 from Rabat, March 16, the Embassy reported that “a representative of Moroccan military intelligence” had “‘guaranteed’ there was no Moroccan involvement” in the attempted coup. The Embassy commented: “Moroccan officials point out that there are many possible explanations for the coup attempt, including plots by Libya, Libya and Algeria conjointly, the Polisario, and Prime Minister Bneijara himself.” The Embassy said it “prefers check further before offering our views on what Moroccans may or may not be doing to GIRM.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810124–0230) In telegram 2023 from Rabat, March 23, the Embassy reported: “Some degree of Moroccan involvement in March 16 coup attempt in Nouakchott now seems evident. We now in position here to corroborate GIRM story of Moroccan training of putschists at Ben Guerir, although scope of Moroccan role in coup attempt itself (degree of control, planning, timing) remains cloudy.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810136–0418)
  4. In telegram 73398 to Algiers, March 23, the Department stated that, during a March 18 meeting with Stoessel, “Malek expressed Algeria’s strong concern about coup attempt in Mauritania which he characterized as attempt by Morocco to expand its influence to the south.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810137–0083)
  5. In telegram 67424 to Nouakchott, March 17, the Department authorized the Embassy to inform the GIRM “The U.S. is deeply distressed to hear of reports of an attempt today to undermine the Government of Mauritania.” The Department continued: “USG has applauded recent efforts of President Haidalla and the GIRM to restore democratic institutions and civilian government to Mauritania, and cherishes the warm and friendly ties which exist between our two countries. The U.S. continues firmly to support Mauritanian sovereignty, territorial integrity, and neutrality.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810125–0712)