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

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

313691.

Washington, November 7, 1982, 0145Z

For Ambassador from Veliotes. Subject: Visits by Senior U.S. Military Officials to Western Sahara.

1. (C) Entire text.

2. I understand that King Hassan may intend to invite General Smith to visit El Aaiun in Western Sahara following the General’s observation of the coming joint military exercise. General Smith (or any other officer present in connection with the exercise) should not rpt not make such a visit to the Western Sahara. Such action would be read as indicating U.S. military involvement in the Western Sahara in association with Morocco. Not only would this be an unnecessary provocation in our relations with Algeria but also, whatever King Hassan’s intention, it would damage the basis for U.S.-Moroccan relations. Important elements in the Congress, on which we are dependent for assistance to Morocco, would strenuously object to policies they would infer from the visit. Please assure that this USG position is strictly applied at the time of the coming exercise.²

Shultz

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D820617–0630, D820577–0284. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis for Reed. Drafted by Schneider; cleared by McFarlane, McManaway, Robinson (S/S–O), and Mayhew (DOD/ISA); approved by Veliotes. Sent for information Immediate to Tunis, Algiers, CINCEUR, and DOD.
2. In telegram 8406 from Rabat, November 8, the Embassy reported: “The Moroccans were unhappy not to be able to make their case—which they believe is a good one—but we have explained to our hosts and our distinguished visitors the policy problem of having visits and briefings take place during the joint exercises.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D820607–0963, D820578–0533)