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

47. Telegram From the Embassy in Algeria to the Department of State¹

6014.

Algiers, December 27, 1984, 0707Z

SUBJECT

• Maghreb Diplomacy: Algerian Moves.

Ref:

• A) Nouakchott 6160,²
• B) Algiers 5952.³

1. Confidential—Entire text.

2. Although Algerian FonMin Ibrahimi’s visit to Morocco has been reported from here by Agence France Presse (AFP) and apparently “leaked” in Morocco, the Algerian media have been silent. However, they have reported the visit of Mauritanian FonMin Cheikh Ould Babamine, his meeting with President Bendjedid, his onward travel to Tunis, and the departure today (Dec 26) of FonMin Ibrahimi for Nouakchott.

3. The visit of Ibrahimi to Morocco has been rumored here for about a week. The lack of official Algerian acknowledgement that Ibrahimi actually went, reflects a desire to open a private dialogue with King Hassan that might lead to concrete steps on the Western Sahara. The GOA is cognizant of Morocco’s bellicose atmosphere (ref B) and probably believes that little effective diplomacy can be achieved by adding further public pressure to Hassan’s situation. The local foreign press has also noted Algeria’s restraint thus far during the latest phase of the berm construction. The reported Moroccan “leak” of Ibrahimi’s visit may be seen by the GOA as unhelpful to initiating a fruitful dialogue.

4. On the other hand, Mauritanian special envoy FonMin Babmine’s visit has been publicly welcomed. While Babamine reportedly carried a message from new Head of State Col. Ould Taya, the participation in the Presidential meeting of the Mauritanian Chargé d’Affaires may have precluded much frank discussion. FonMin Ibrahimi’s trip to Nouakchott will provide an opportunity for an authoritative response to Taya’s message and also discussion of Ibrahimi’s visit to Morocco. Thus year our Algerian contacts appear relatively relaxed about the Mauritanian change of government but, nevertheless, are exerting characteristically energetic diplomatic efforts to maintain the good relations it has with the Mauritanian ruling council (CMSN).

Newlin

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840824–0766. Confidential; Priority. Sent for information Priority to Nouakchott, Rabat, and Tunis. Sent for information to USCINCEUR.
2. In telegram 6160 from Nouakchott, December 24, Peck reported that in their first meeting since the coup, “Babamine said he was empowered by his government to state that Mauritania wanted to deepen and strengthen every facet of the relationship that now existed” with the United States “and would actively seek new areas for fruitful cooperation in the best interests of the two countries. He stressed these latter points twice.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840821–0750)
3. In telegram 5952 from Algiers, December 23, the Embassy reported: “To the extent that we are able to read the views and preoccupations of decision-making Algerians, we are struck by the extent to which they too are scratching their heads and trying to make sense of the recent ineptitude of Moroccan diplomacy.”(Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840820–0438)