179. Telegram 40294 From the Department of State to the U.S. Commander-in-Chief Europe1 2
SUBJECT:
- KENYAN ARMS ASSISTANCE DELEGATION MEETING WITH SISCO
Nairobi pass Ambassador Marshall USS Garcia
1. Kenyan arms delegation began three days of meetings here with call on Under Secretary Sisco. Sisco welcomed group and noted that this would be a better world if all relations were as good as those between Kenya and U.S. He said that U.S. was sympathetic to GOK’s needs and although our resources were limited, we wished to be helpful to extent possible.
2. Sisco then informed delegation that USG has programmed for Kenya an amount of dols 45 million in FMS credits for period FY 1975–1979. Of this amount dols 5 million already appropriated in FY 1975 and dols 10 million included in FY 1976 program, which is still awaiting congressional action. Remaining dols 30 million will be programmed in dols 10 segments for FY 1977, 1978 and 1979. While availability of these funds is dependent on their being appropriated each year by Congress, we are reasonably hopeful that we will be able to provide indicated amounts. Sisco suggested that GOK should now look at its needs in terms of funds which will be available and decide which items have priority.
3. Kiereini, PermSec Ministry of Defense and leader of GOK delegation, made point that since independence GOK had spent most of its resources on economic development. In contrast, govts of neighboring countries have been arming themselves heavily, Somalia and Uganda with USSR assistance and Tanzania with PRC assistance. Major problem was Somalia, which appeared to be arming itself for purpose of obtaining its “lost territories” in Ethiopia, Kenya and TFAI. Uganda might help Somalia in this objective. Kenya, therefore, needs defensive force strong enough to defend its territorial borders and to deter any moves by Somalia or Uganda. Kiereini stated that GOK requests were minimal. Kenya was not trying to match Somalia on one to one basis but needed enough equipment to fight on two fronts (Somalia and Uganda) if necessary.
4. In reply to query re status of GOK military agreement with EPMG, Kiereini said agreement was signed when Emperor was alive and at time when bonds of friendship between two govts were strong. It is not clear to GOK what new Ethiopian Govt wants or whether relationship is as deep as in past. Until this clear, GOK cannot depend on military pact with EPMG. Nevertheless military contacts between Kenya and Ethiopia have been maintained, as well as contact with Ethiopian MinFonAffs and MinDef. Kenyans questioned, however, how much influence these two ministers, who were most helpful, had with military rulers.
5. Sisco asked what role Kenyans predicted for Soviets in Africa, particularly following Angola. Kiereini said GOK was very worried that Soviet success in Angola might persuade it to repeat its actions elsewhere on continent. USSR was likely to do everything possible to retain its influence in Horn of Africa and, if necessary, use same means as in Angola. If USSR succeeded, Kenya would have eternal problems with its neighbors. It is important, therefore, for Kenya to be ready at all times to deter possible interference from outside.
6. To date, according to Kiereini, Soviets had attempted to gain influence in Kenya through non-violent ideological approach, but they had not been successful. Serious trouble could occur if Soviets now tried more forceful approach through assisting Somalia in any move against Kenya. GOK is not sure how Arab countries would react to Soviet assistance to Somalia. While some Arabs do not accept what USSR is doing in Somalia, GOK believes they would probably find it difficult not to side with Somalia if hostilities broke out with Ethiopia or Kenya.
7. Re possible assistance by other countries Kiereini said Kenyans had talked mostly with U.K. and U.S. British have adopted wait-and-see attitude and are especially interested in what U.S. will do. only other country Kenyans have talked to was FRG, whose response was not encouraging. Sisco said we will try to help energize British.
8. As delegation about to leave, Sisco stressed that Africans should not regard Angola as pattern of U.S. action in Africa. USG has strong and abiding interest in what happens in Africa and does not accept Soviet-Cuban pattern as pattern of future. Angola has made U.S. public and Congress more aware and understanding of issues involved in Africa and their importance. Sisco reiterated that we wished to be helpful to Kenyans and expressed hope delegation’s visit and discussions in Washington would be informative and fruitful. Ingersoll
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Policy Files, 1976. Secret. Drafted by Ellen Shippy (AF/E); cleared in DOD/ISA, P, and PM/SAS; approved by Coote.↩
- The Department reported that Under Secretary Sisco had met with a Kenyan arms delegation and expressed sympathy for Kenya’s needs. He informed the delegation that the United States had programmed $45 million in FMS credits for Kenya for fiscal years 1975–1979, pending Congressional approval.↩