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

431. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Algeria and Morocco¹

200276.

Washington, June 29, 1985, 1802Z

SUBJECT

• Potential for Increased Tensions in the Western Sahara.

Ref:

• Algiers 3349.²

1. (S) Entire text.

2. We are concerned by the prospect for increased Polisario activity raised by Algerian Intelligence Chief Lakehal Ayat with Embassy Algiers (reftel). Although there is more than sufficient responsibility and blame to portion out among the various parties, the fact remains that any significant increase in Polisario operations would presuppose at least Algerian acquiescence if not active support.

3. For Algiers: you should seek an early opportunity to discuss the matter further with Ayat and/or other high level GOA officials, making the following points:

— The USG is concerned by reports that the Polisario is pressing for transit through Mauritanian territory. In the past, the Mauritanian Government has had difficulty in adequately patrolling its vast and underpopulated northern areas.

— That government has objected to incursions into its territory by outside forces, including the Polisario. Friendly neighbors, including the GOA should seek to assist the Mauritanians by discouraging challenges to Mauritanian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

— An expansion of the Western Sahara conflict such as that foreseen by Ayat would be contrary to the interests of all the governments directly affected, including the GOA.

— The USG urges that the GOA use its considerable influence with the Polisario to discourage any such expansion.

— The USG has noted with satisfaction the willingness of the GOA to enter into direct discussions with the GOM on the Western Sahara.³ We urge that this dialogue be resumed and intensified, a point which we will also make with the GOM.

4. For Rabat: You should seek appointment at the highest appropriate level to make the following points to the GOM:

— The USG is concerned by the continuing tension in the Western Sahara and the possibility this raises for an expansion of the conflict.

— A wider conflict would be contrary to the interests of all governments directly concerned, including the GOM.

— The USG has noted with satisfaction the direct Moroccan-Algerian dialogue on Western Sahara issues and urges that this be resumed and intensified at the earliest possible date.⁴ We are making the same point with the GOA.

Shultz

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850461–0749. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Zweifel; cleared by Gregory Talcott (S/S–O), Richard Sokolsky (S/P), Bishop, Johnson (P), and James Collins (S–S/O); approved by Nassif. Sent for information to Nouakchott and Paris.
2. In telegram 3349 from Algiers, June 25, the Embassy reported that Lakehal-Ayat said he “could not visit the U.S. as planned this fall” as “Morocco seemed bent on pursuing the war” in the Western Sahara “as witnessed by the further extensions of the berm. Some of these now ran along the Mauritanian border.” He also “predicted a stepping up of Polisario operations in the autumn.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850447–0765)
3. In telegram 3506 from Algiers, July 6, Newlin reported that after he made the démarche, Ibrahimi “immediately and uncharacteristically heatedly laid much of the blame for the present situation on the French who, he claimed, were trying to sell new arms to Morocco at a time when Morocco is pursuing a military solution. He also blamed King Hassan for bad faith.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850477–0497) In telegram 3526 from Algiers, July 7, the Embassy reported that during a follow-up discussion, Kerroum responded to Newlin “in quiet and measured tones. He said that it is a very difficult situation if there is not equal will on both sides to find a political solution.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850477–0555)
4. In telegram 6239 from Rabat, July 5, Kirby reported that Filali said he “considered the U.S. initiative in raising this matter in Algiers and Rabat to be ‘very positive.’ Acknowledging that there has been some continuing military action in the area where Morocco is now extending the berm, Filali claimed that Morocco has intelligence that the Polisario and Algeria may be ‘preparing something’ to coincide more or less with the OAU Foreign Ministers’ meeting later this month.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850476–0133)