178. Telegram 1723 From the Embassy in Kenya to the Department of State1 2
Subject:
- US Arms Assistance to Kenya
Ref:
- (A) State 040294,
- (B) Marshall-Lindstrom Telcon 20 Feb
For Under Secretary Sisco and Assistant Secretary Schaufele
1. On President Kenyatta’s instructions, Vice President Moi summoned me today to emphasize both need for military materiel and financial assistance from U.S. but, above all, to stress urgency of need in terms of time. While greatest Kenyan fear of Amin is his unpredicability, GOK believes President Siad Bagre has urged Amin to make similar territorial claim against Western Kenya as Somalia has made in northeast. Amin’s present threats add to Kenyan ever-existent fear of Somalia. Kenya, while protesting loudly, knows its inability to defend itself. It turns to U.S. (and UK) with plea for help. Previously, Moi informed me, Kenya had agreement with UK that UK fighting force would be provided in Kenya on request within 48 hours. However, UK meeting such a request can no longer be counted on. Kenya must defend itself; for this it needs to upgrade defense capability. President Kenyatta particularly anxious to obtain F–5E’s. but, whatever U.S. could provide quote now unquote would be greatly appreciated.
2. Drawing from refs, I briefed Moi on GOK-team meetings this week in Washington. (Moi stated President Kenyatta knows of team’s visit to U.S.) I indicated that no agreement was reached, but that much progress had been made, and that Under Secretary Sisco had been much impressed by team. Moi relieved and pleased, as he and Kenyatta had felt because team not ministerial level it might not have received senior Dept officials’ attention. I assured him this was not the case.
3. I informed Moi U.S. offered GOK, through team, dols 45 million in FMS credits for period 1975–79, subject to congressional approvals. This is six-and-one-half times previous amount offered. Also, U.S. able to provide ten-year rather than seven-year loan. I pointed out that dols 45 million is dols 20 million shortfall if squadron of F–5Es is purchased; also that delivery time would be 24 months, and that training would in any event be required prior to delivery. I emphasized that GOK must now select its priorities.
4. Moi expressed great pleasure at news I had given him, although disappointed regarding delivery time. I made point that equipment could not be provided from U.S. military forces stock, but only on factory order. Moi asked whether all items on GOK shopping list would require long delivery time, or whether some could be provided now. i indicated answer would depend on items.
5. Moi said President Kenyatta would like to hear news I had just given him directly from me. Moi asked me to be at State House at 1100 on Tuesday, February 24.
6. Request by Niact Immediate Department comments and suggestions re any additional information which might be useful to me in meeting with President. I specifically request Dept’s comments on speedy delivery of military materiel (other than F–5Es).
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Policy Files, 1976. Secret; Immediate. Marshall met with Kenyatta on February 24 and informed him of the results of the Kenya Military Delegation work in Washington. (Telegram 1811 from Nairobi, February 24; ibid.)↩
- Ambassador Marshall reported to Sisco and Assistant Secretary Schaufele that Vice President Daniel Arap Moi had stressed the urgency of U.S. financial assistance. Marshall informed Moi of the arms package offered to a Kenyan delegation in Washington.↩