The Horn


265. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke) to the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Nitze)

Warnke urged Nitze to press the Department of State on the political viability of alternate sites for the activities at Kagnew.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–75–089, Ethiopia 1969.


266. Letter From the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Nitze) to the Under Secretary of State (Katzenbach)

Warnke suggested that decisions regarding Kagnew be referred to their successors. While he agreed on the eventual withdrawal from the facilities, there were several functions that should be retained as long as possible.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–75–089, Ethiopia 1969.


267. Telegram 8346 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia

This joint Department of State-Department of Defense telegram informed the Embassy that Ethiopia would receive $12 million in Military Assistance Program (MAP) funding in Fiscal Year (FY) 69 and in FY 70.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 19 US–ETH. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Colonel Hadley (DOD/ISA) and J.A. Buche (AF/NE); cleared in AF/I, AF/NE, DOD/ISA, and JCS; and approved by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Palmer. Repeated to CINCSTRIKE/USCINCMEAFSA and CHMAAG Addis Ababa.


268. Airgram A–30 From the American Consulate in Asmara to the Department of State

Reporting on “The Eritrean Liberation Front [(ELF)] and Kagnew Station,” the airgram stated that although there was no indication of a change in the ELF policy of friendliness to Americans, Kagnew was maintaining an alert security posture. It was recommended that the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) and the intelligence community collect information on ELF activities.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 15 ETH–US. Secret; Limdis. Repeated to Addis Ababa.


269. Telegram 78521 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia

The Department asked the Embassy to extend a Presidential invitation to Emperor Haile Selassie to make a state visit to Washington July 7–9. Themes of the visit would be current African developments and Ethiopiaʼs economic development.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 ETH. Secret; Limdis. Drafted May 14 by M. Looram (AF/NE); cleared in draft by Palmer, J, AF/P, DOD/ISA, and S/CPR; cleared in S/S and and by the White House; and approved by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Moore (AF). Repeated to Athens.


270. Airgram A–194 From the Embassy in Ethiopia to the Department of State

Entitled “An Assessment of the Eritrean Liberation Front,” (ELF) the airgram concluded that there was no indication the ELF intended to attack Kagnew though it was a possibility. The United States should consider reductions in Kagnew personnel and land tracts. Three policy alternatives were presented, but only alternative A, status quo with reductions, was considered feasible.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 13, ETH. Secret. Repeated to Aden, Asmara, Beirut, Cairo, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, Jidda, Karachi, Khartoum, Mogadiscio, Nairobi, New Dehli, Paris, Rome, Tehran, Tel Aviv, and USUN.


271. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Palmer) to Secretary of State Rogers

Palmer recommended approval of Emperor Selassieʼs proposed visit to Atlanta to lay a wreath at Martin Luther Kingʼs tomb and accept an honorary degree from Morehouse College.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 7 ETH. Secret.


272. Memorandum From Roger Morris of the National Security Council Staff to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Morris provided Kissinger with a “complete run-down” on Haile Selassieʼs stop in Atlanta. His judgment was that, from a foreign policy point of view, it would be embarrassing but not impossible to avoid making the stop with the Ethiopians.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 914, VIP Visits Ethiopia-State Visit of Emperor Haile Selassie I, July 7–10, 1969 1 of 2, Folder 04/054. Confidential; Eyes Only. Kissinger wrote at the top of page one: “Are you sure Ethiopians raised it—or did State do it by putting words into Ethiopians mouth?”


273. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Kissinger briefed the President for his meeting with the Emperor on July 8. The purpose of the visit was to honor the Emperor and to show that the new administration would continue the close relationship with Ethiopia. The main problem was to reassure Selassie of U.S. support without being drawn into his exaggerated view of threats to Ethiopian security. The United States was key to Ethiopian economic development and provided $12 million yearly for military assistance, 60% of U.S. military assistance to Africa. In return, the United States operated Kagnew communications center.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 914, VIP Visits - Ethiopia—State Visit of Emperor Haile Selassie I, July 7–10, 1969, 1 of 2, Folder 04/054. Secret. Sent for briefing. At Tab A is an undated Talking Points paper.


274. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Nutter) to Secretary of Defense Laird

Nutter briefed Laird for his meeting with the Emperor on July 9. He indicated that the objective was to demonstrate U.S. concern for Ethiopia’s security without increasing the current or planned level of military assistance. He did not believe the Emperor would use the leverage provided by the Kagnew communications facility because of U.S. leverage represented by its overall economic and military assistance. The U.S. objective was to retain the facility at minimum cost to the United States by providing limited but effective support to Ethiopian military forces.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: Ethiopia, 091.112. Secret. At Tab C is a report on military assistance and Kagnew Station. At Tab C–1 is a report on Kagnew Station. Tabs A, B, C–2 and C–3, are not published.


275. Memorandum of Conversation

During his meeting with the Emperor, President Nixon noted that Ethiopia received 60% of U.S. military funds available for Africa. The United States, however, recognized Ethiopiaʼs problems and what it stood for and would continue to assist its development as a strong and independent nation. The Emperor expressed his concern about Soviet influence in Somalia, Sudan, and parts of the Arabian peninsula. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Nigeria and the Middle East.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Africa, Ethiopia, Vol. I. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Palmer.


276. Memorandum From the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Packard) to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (Wheeler), The Secretaries of the Military Departments, and the Director of the Defense Communications Agency

Packard reviewed the Study Group Report on Kagnew Station, which recommended that the Navy assume responsibility for all communications and the Army phase out by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 72. In a memorandum at Tab A, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Installations and Logistics reported that this would reduce manpower by 160 positions out of 1,800 and permit return of 1,070 acres to the Ethiopian government from a total of 3,400 acres.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files:FRC 330–75–089, Ethiopia 1969. Secret; Special Handling Required; Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals.


277. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon

Rogers reported the assassination of Somali President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke on October 15.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 12, Presidentʼs Daily Briefs. Unclassified.


278. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Kissinger informed the President that, according to intelligence, an army takeover in Somalia was not likely but there might be some tribal fighting. All leading candidates to succeed assassinated Somali President Shermarke were pro-Western.

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 64, Memoranda to the President, October 1969. Top Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information.


279. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Kissinger reported that elements of the Somali army and police had seized power from Prime Minister Egalʼs elected government. For the United States, the most important issue was the survival or collapse of ditente in the Horn. If Somalia returned to bellicose irredentism, tensions would rise throughout the area, including Kenya and Ethiopia.

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 287, Memoranda to the President, October 1969. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. The memorandum, an unsigned copy, is marked “recʼd Oct 24, 1969.”


280. Intelligence Note No. 747 From the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Denney) to Secretary of State Rogers

The note discussed the coup in Somalia—its motivation, leadership, and implications.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 23–9 Somalia. Secret.


281. Memorandum From Roger Morris of the National Security Council Staff to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Morris recommended approving an attached draft State telegram to the embassy in Mogadiscio instructing low-key recognition of the new military government in Somalia.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 743, Country Files, Africa, Somalia Republic, Vol. I. Secret. Sent for action. Haig checked “Approve cable” for Kissinger. At bottom is written, “s/s informed (Brown) cable cleared by Watts - 10/29, 5:45 PMʼ per CF.”


282. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Kissinger informed the President, who had expressed concern over former Prime Minister Egalʼs welfare, that Egal was under house arrest. Kissinger also noted that that little was known about the new government or its intentions.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 743, Country Files, Africa, Somalia Republic, Vol. I. Secret. Sent for information. At the bottom Nixon wrote, “Maybe (hopefully) they are like the Greek Colonels.” Next to his note is stamped, “Nov 6 1969.”


283. Telegram 180 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State

Ambassador Hadsel reported on his meeting with President General Siad of the Supreme Revolutionary Council, during which he indicated U.S. willingness to cancel its phase-out of AID programs and described U.S. encouragement of private investment activities. Hadsel told Siad that recognition of North Vietnam and Somali flag ships carrying cargo there could create significant problems. Siad sought to brush away any implication that Somalia might be dominated by the Soviets through military and economic assistance programs.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970—73, POL Somali-US. Secret; Limdis. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Rome, and CINCSTRIKE.


284. Memorandum From the Secretary of the Army (Resor) to the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Packard)

Resor recommended that consolidation of facilities at Kagnew Station be deferred indefinitely and assignments left unchanged.

Source: Department of Defense, OASD/ISA, 73A, 1975, Box 18, Ethiopia 000.1—1970. Secret; Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals. Two enclosures are not published.


285. Memorandum of Conversation

Ambassador Azhari, in a farewell visit with Secretary Rogers, stated that ditente would continue as would Somali flag vessels trading with North Vietnam. While the financial benefits of the latter were negligible, the trade continued as a matter of national sovereignty and prestige. The Secretary noted that Congress had laid down very explicit instructions with regard to aid to countries engaged in such trade.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL ETH-Somali. Secret; Noforn. Drafted by Edward Holmes (AF/E).


286. Telegram 56735 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Italy

The telegram reported that Assistant Secretary Newsom had informed Italian Ambassador Ortona that the shipping issue required the United States to terminate its aid to Somalia. Concerned that Somalia might rupture diplomatic relations as a result, Newsom had expressed the hope that the Italian ambassador to Somalia would counsel moderation.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL Somali-US. Secret. Drafted by Holmes, cleared in EUR/AIS, and approved by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Newsom. Repeated to Mogadiscio.


287. National Intelligence Estimate 75/76–70

In Ethiopia, the Emperor was restraining dissidents such as students, bureaucrats, and young intellectuals, but a military coup was always a possibility. Kagnew Station was not now directly threatened. Should the Emperor die, the successor government would likely continue to look to the United States as its primary backer. Somalia was unstable, leftist, and susceptible to Soviet influence. Sudan also was leftist, but involved in a civil war. U.S. influence in Somalia and Sudan was minimal. Soviet interest in the area was growing.

Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, DDI Files, Job 79R–01012A, Box 391, Folder 2. Secret.


288. Telegram 1208 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State

Ambassador Hadsel reported that he had informed General Siad that U.S. bilateral assistance would terminate as of June 1, 1970. Hadsel believed this would further strain U.S.-Somali relations.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, STR 10 VIETN. Secret; Priority. Repeated priority to Addis Ababa. Also repeated to Nairobi, Rome, and CINCSTRIKE.


289. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

This memorandum, which was not forwarded to the President, reported the termination of economic aid to Somalia and the possibility of resulting damage to diplomatic relations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 743, Country Files, Africa, Somalia Republic, Vol. I. Confidential. Sent for information. At Tab A is a memorandum from Acting Secretary of State Elliot Richardson on the termination of U.S. aid. Attached but not published was a note, dated June 12, indicating that Kissingerʼs memorandum and the attached memorandum from Richardson to the President were not forwarded to the President “in accordance with current instructions re: priorities” (See Document 10).


290. Telegram 1395 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State

The telegram reported that Foreign Secretary Arteh had informed the Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission that the June 6 aide-memoire providing 1 year to phase-out projects was appreciated. However, Somalia preferred to assume responsibility for the projects as soon as practicable.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID (US) Somali, POL Somali-US. Confidential. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Rome.


291. Memorandum From Marshall Wright of the National Security Council Staff to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Wright provided all the known details on the seizure of the American freighter, The Midnight Sun, by a Somali naval vessel. He believed the seizure was a fluke. Embassy officials were attempting to get in touch with the appropriate Somali officials.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 743, Country Files, Africa, Somalia Republic, Vol. I. Secret. Sent for action. Wright attached a draft memorandum to the President that was not forwarded and is not published.


292. Telegram 1514 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State

U.S. Charge Dennis, who met that morning with the Director General of the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported on the situation regarding the seizure of the The Midnight Sun.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–6 Somali-US. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to CINCSTRIKE and COMIDEASTFOR.


293. Memorandum From Marshall Wright of the National Security Council Staff to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Wrightʼs progress report on the The Midnight Sun outlined both the “good side” and the “bad side” of the situation. While there was as yet no publicity and Somali officials had not yet officially charged the ship with violations, U.S. officials had still not determined what would be necessary to gain the release of the vessel and its crew. Most worrisome was the fact that to Somalis it must appear there was good reason to believe they had intercepted an American spy ship.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 743, Country Files, Africa, Somalia Republic, Vol. I.No Classification Marking. Sent for information.


294. Telegram 111621 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia

This joint Department of State-Department of Defense telegram informed the Embassy that the Navyʼs Kagnew Station consolidation plan was being reviewed. If approved, it would not be implemented until Fiscal Year 72–73 due to lack of funds.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15 ETH–US. Secret; Noforn. Drafted by Captain Hilscher (DOD/ISA); cleared in DOD, INR/RCI, AF/E, AF/I; and approved by Holmes. Repeated to Asmara and CINCSTRIKE.