Algeria, 1973–1976


1. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon

Summary: Scowcroft provided Nixon with a report of Kissinger’s conversation with Boumediene, which included a discussion about the resumption of diplomatic relations.

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 101, Geopolitical File, Algeria, April–May 1974. Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Kissinger met with Boumediene in Algiers en route to the Middle East.


2. Telegram 828/Secto 574 From the Interests Section in Syria to the Interests Section in Algeria

Summary: Kissinger instructed William L. Eagleton, Jr., to not raise the issue of renewal of diplomatic relations with the Algerians.

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 101, Geopolitical File, Algeria, April–May 1974. Secret; Cherokee; Immediate; Nodis. Repeated to Washington. Syria and Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the United States on June 6, 1967. A U.S. Interests Section was established in the Italian Embassy in Damascus, and a U.S. Interests Section was established in the Swiss Embassy in Algiers. Eagleton served as Principal Officer in Algeria from December 1969 to July 1974. Kissinger was in Damascus to negotiate a disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.


3. Telegram 121825 From the Department of State to the Interests Section in Algeria

Summary: Kissinger instructed Eagleton to convey a message to Boumediene, reporting on the resumption of diplomatic relations with Syria, and the desire on the part of the United States to resume diplomatic relations with Algeria.

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 101, Geopolitical File, Algeria, July–September 1974. Secret; Cherokee; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Atherton in NEA; cleared by Sisco and Fry; and approved by Kissinger.


4. Telegram 1410 From the Interests Section in Algeria to the Department of State

Summary: Eagleton reported on his farewell call on Boumediene. Eagleton noted that Boumediene did not commit himself to a date for resumption of diplomatic relations, and saw no reason to replace the chief of the Interests Section since ambassadors would soon be exchanged.

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 101, Geopolitical File, Algeria, July–September 1974. Secret; Immediate; Nodis.


5. Telegram 152114 From the Department of State to the Interests Section in Algeria

Summary: Kissinger instructed Eagleton to deliver a message to Boumediene suggesting the appointment of an American representative of ambassadorial rank to head the Interests Section until diplomatic relations were restored.

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 101, Geopolitical File, Algeria, July–September 1974. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis; Stadis. Drafted by Atherton in NEA; cleared by Director General Nathaniel Davis and Gammon; and approved by Kissinger. The original is presumably dated incorrectly, and was likely sent on July 12.


6. Telegram 3429 From the Embassy in Morocco to the Department of State

Summary: Neumann summarized his July 19 discussion with Algerian Ambassador Dellici about obstacles to the resumption of diplomatic relations between the United States and Algeria. Dellici reported that progress made on Vietnam and the Middle East conflict would result in normalization of relations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 740, Country Files, Africa, Morocco II. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to Algiers.


7. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford

Summary: Kissinger summarized his October 14 discussion with Boumediene in Algiers, which included Boumediene’s desire to restore diplomatic relations, and the decision to make a joint announcement on November 12.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Trip Briefing Books for HAK, Box 1, Middle East HAK Messages to President, October 8–13, 1974. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Kissinger was in Algiers to review the Middle East peace process with Boumediene. In telegram 248884 to Amman, repeated to Beirut, Bern, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, London, Rabat, Rome, Tel Aviv, Tunis, Madrid, Algiers, the mission to the UN, and Paris on November 12, the Department informed addressees of the resumption of diplomatic relations with Algeria. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 101, Geopolitical File, Algeria, November 1974–March 1975)