126. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Morocco 0
751. During course 3 day visit here Balafrej received by following: President, Secretary, Secretary Defense, McGhee, Rostow, Williams, Kohler, Hamilton. Following based on uncleared memcons:1
In all discussions Balafrej emphasized Morocco’s non-alignment, desire strengthen its long standing friendly relations with U.S., Morocco’s development possibilities, lack of technicians, gratitude for US aid, preoccupation with need for rapid solution Algeria, pleasure at US understanding new nations’ problems.
In addition foregoing more important specific points were as follows:
Balafrej conveyed personal letter to President from King expressing King’s wishes for opportunity meet President and consolidation traditional US-Moroccan friendship. President mentioned: King’s initiative Ben Bell a extremely helpful, our belief De Gaulle moving as far and fast [Page 196] as circumstances permit, that Ghana, Guinea and particularly Mali cause concern and suggested Morocco well placed to steer these countries into more independent non-alignment. President expressed wish meet King sometime soon and said had discussed with Ambassador Bonsal possibility of an early visit of King to US.
Secretary emphasized our concern Morocco may be entering into new association with Soviets in direct and sensitive field of military aviation. Pointed out this would be difficult to explain to US people particularly at time when US and Morocco moving together toward regularizing our special situation in Morocco, i.e, bases. Balafrej countered by saying in view Morocco policy non-alignment a military alliance or accord with Soviets out of question as would be such an alliance with US. Said, however, it unthinkable Moroccan relations with US should be affected by a choice Morocco might make of a source from which to receive arms it needed. Continued with allusions to difficulties which US allies have caused Morocco and other newly independent or emerging countries (Algeria). Dwelt on cooperation US had offered and Morocco’s gratitude for it. Contended he unaware of any specific offer from Soviets Morocco now had under consideration.
Secretary McNamara emphasized to Balafrej US willingness to assist Morocco once it became aware Morocco’s military plans and needs. Agreed that Embassy Rabat would be channel for exchange info between GOM and USG. Balafrej said would inform King of US willingness on his return.
Comment: While Balafrej was left in no doubt as to seriousness with which US would view further acceptance Soviet aircraft and technicians, he also carried away impression our own willingness examine Moroccans requirements sympathetically.
Dept informed Balafrej gave lengthy interview to UPI, in which he allegedly heavily exaggerates, to benefit of Moroccan Monarchy, most of foregoing. Embassy may comment that this report based on Mr. Balafrej’s alleged views of discussions about which Embassy has no full report.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.7111/12-561. Secret; Niact. Drafted by McClintic on December 1, cleared by Manfull and Smith (White House), and approved by Witman. Also sent to POLAD CINCSAC, Madrid, Paris, and CINCEUR.↩
- Balafrej met with President Kennedy on November 27. A memorandum of the conversation is ibid., 611.71/12-761. Balafrej met with Secretary Rusk on the morning of November 30. A memorandum from Assistant Secretary Williams to Secretary of Defense McNamara summarizing this conversation is ibid., 771.11/11-3061. Secretary McNamara met with Balafrej on the afternoon of November 30. A memorandum of conversation is ibid., 771.56/11-3061.↩