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Central African Republic - Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa
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Central African Republic - Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa
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The original documents are located in Box 1, folder "Central African Republic - Marshal
Jean-Bedel Bokassa" of the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with
Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
6942
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 20, 1975
Dear Mr. President:
I wish to acknowledge your letter of September 26, as
well as your personal message of good wishes delivered
by your special emissary, Minister of State Joseph Potolot.
I was pleased to learn of your high regard for the contri-
bution our Charge d' Affaires, Mr. William L. Swing, has
made to strengthening the friendly relations between our
two countries. I attach great importance to these relations
and to the mutual cooperation we enjoy, such as that
exhibited recently at the United Nations General Assembly.
It is in the context of the close ties between our two
Governments that I have asked Mr. Swing to seek your
agreement to the appointment of a new United States
ambassador to your country. I am confident you will
find my nominee highly qualified to fulfill this important
post in our diplomatic service.
Finally, Mr. President, you may be assured that if you
should be visiting our country at some future date I would
hope that a mutually agreeable time could be arranged for
us to meet in Washington during the course of your visit.
Sincerely, Geord R. 7 ord
His Excellency
FORD
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa
&
President for Life of the
Central African Republic
GERALD
Bangui
Digitized from Box 1 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
11/20
IL
Please send the letter to President Bokassa to:
Honorable Edward Mulcahy
Acting Assistant Secretary for
African Affairs
Room 6234A
Department of State
IC
MEMORANDUM
6942
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
CONFIDENTIAL. GDS
November 18, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
in
SUBJECT:
Correspondence with Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President of the Central African Republic
(CAR)
A special emissary recently gave Deputy Secretary Ingersoll a letter
from President Bokassa to you praising our Charge' in Bangui,
William Swing and expressing a desire to visit the United States
(Tab B).
In forwarding a suggested reply to Bokassa, the Department of
State recommends that you give a positive indication that you would
meet with Bokassa should he visit the United States (Tab C). The
Department points out that for many years Bokassa has expressed
a strong desire to visit the United States; however, for reasons of
his own prestige he has refused to make such a visit even on a
private basis without some prior assurance that he could meet with
you while here.
The Department notes that we now enjoy increasingly productive
political relations with the CAR. Bokassa, for example has continued
to give us strong support on important international issues. The CAR
was one of only four African states to co-sponsor the friendly Korean
resolution at the current UNGA, despite heavy pressures to switch
to a hostile position. The CAR voted against the Zionism resolution
and Bokassa has indicated to us that he intends soon to re-establish
diplomatic relations with Israel.
Bokassa has standing invitations from several U.S. organizations to
visit the United States under their sponsorship, and we understand
he would like to come in the spring of 1976. I concur in the Depart-
ment's recommendation regarding a possible meeting with Bokassa
and recommend you indicate you would hope to meet with him should
he visit the United States.
CONFIDENTIAL - GDS
G 3/3/04
CONFIDENTIAL - GDS
- 2 -
Prior to Bokassa's strong endorsement of Mr. Swing, you had given
your approval to the nomination of Anthony Quainton, a career
Foreign Service Officer, as our new Ambassador to the CAR. We
are now ready to request the Government of the CAR to grant agrement
for Ambassador Quainton, and I believe it would be advisable for
your letter to Bokassa to make a reference to this fact.
I have attached a suggested reply to Bokassa, including the points
recommended above (Tab A). Paul Theis' office has cleared the
text of this proposed letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward to President Bokassa the letter at Tab A.
CONFIDENTIAL - GDS
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF LANGUAGE SERVICES
(TRANSLATION)
LS NO. 51875
MM/BP
French
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
THE PRESIDENT FOR LIFE AND MARSHAL
OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Bangui, September 26, 1975
No. 182/CS/PR
Mr. President and Great and Good Friend:
Within the framework of the cordial relations of friendship and
cooperation which so fortunately exist between our two countries, and
desirous of further strengthening those relations, I have decided to
dispatch Joseph Potolot, my Minister of State for Public Works and
former Minister of Foreign Affairs, on a special mission to Your Excel-
lency.
This mission, the details of which I am instructing Minister Potolot
to explain to Your Excellency, concerns the deep and unanimous desire of
my Government to see Your Excellency and the United States Government
elevate William L. Swing, currently Chargé d'Affaires of the United States
Embassy at Bangui, to the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipo-
tentiary of the United States of America in the Central African Republic.
We are not unaware, Mr. President and Great and Good Friend, of the
diplomatic practices and requirements involved, but because of the com-
His Excellency
Gerald Ford,
President of the
United States of America,
Washington, D.C.
2
petence and above all the effectiveness with which Mr. Swing has per-
formed his duties in the Central African Republic as well as the eminent
role which he has played in strengthening the bonds of friendly coopera-
tion between our two countries since assuming command of the Embassy,
I am taking the liberty, for the greatest good of our two peoples, of
interceding on his behalf with Your Excellency.
I still fervently desire to make the visit of friendship to your
powerful and beautiful country which was agreed upon over three years
ago with your predecessor but which has always been postponed owing to
unexpected events.
It is in this perspective that I commend to Your Excellency my
Minister of State Joseph Potolot, in whom I place my full confidence,
requesting you to receive him with your customary courtesy and to give
entire credence to all that he tells you in my name, more especially
when he conveys to you my sentiments of very high esteem.
Accept, Mr. President and Great and Good Friend, the renewed as-
surances of my very high and friendly consideration.
[Signature]
Jean-Bedel Bokassa
Marshal of the Central African Republic
[Stamp of the Central African Republic]
FORD
LIBRARY
Zo
Kwe
Z.
Le Président à Vie,
République Centrafricaine
Unite Dignite - Cravail
Maréchal de la
République Centrafricaine
UNITE
DIGNITE
182/CS/PR
Monsieur le Président et Très Cher Grand Ami,
Dans le cadre des cordiales relations
d'amitié et de coopération qui existent si
heureusement entre nos deux pays et soucieux
/
Son Excellence
Monsieur Gérard FORD
Président des Etats-Unis d'Amérique
WASHINGTON D.C.
2
de renforcer toujours davantage ces relations,
j'ai décidé de dépêcher auprès de Votre Excellence
Monsieur Joseph POTOLOT, mon Ministre d'Etat
chargé des Travaux Publics, ancien Ministre des
Affaires Etrangères, chargé d'une mission spéciale.
Cette mission dont je charge le Ministre
d'Etat Joseph POTOLOT d'expliquer les détails à
Votre Excellence, a trait au désir profond et
unanime du Gouvernement que je préside et de moi-même,
de voir Votre Excellence et le Gouvernement
Américain élever au rang d'Ambassadeur Extraordinaire
et Plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis d'Amérique en
République Centrafricaine, Monsieur WILLIAM-L-SWING,
actuellement Chargé d'Affaires de l'Ambassade des
Etats-Unis à Bangui.
Nous n'ignorons pas, Monsieur le Président
et Très Cher Grand Ami, les usages et les exigences
diplomatiques en la matière, mais c'est compte tenu
de la compétence et surtout de l'efficacité avec
lesquelles Monsieur SWING s'acquitte de sa mission
en République Centrafricaine ainsi que du rôle
éminemment important qu'il joue dans le renforcement
des liens d'amicale coopération entre nos deux pays
depuis qu'il assure la Direction de l'Ambassade
que je me suis permis, pour le plus grand bien de nos
deux peuples, d'intervenir en sa faveur auprès de
Votre Excellence.
3
Par ailleurs, je garde toujours présent
en la mémoire, le désir fervent d'effectuer un jour
dans votre puissant et beau Pays, la visite d'amitié
arrêtée depuis plus de trois ans avec votre
Prédécesseur, mais qui a toujours été remise par
suite de contre temps.
C'est dans cette optique que je recommande
auprès de Votre Excellence, le Ministre d'Etat
Joseph POTOLOT en qui je place toute ma confiance,
en vous priant de le recevoir avec votre bienveillance
accoutumée et d'accorder foi et créance à tout ce
qu'il vous dira en mon nom, surtout lorsqu'il vous
transmettra mes sentiments de très haute estime.
Veuillez agréer, Monsieur le Président
et Très Cher Grand Ami, les assurances renouvelées
de ma très haute et amicale considération.
Bangui, , le 26 septembre 1975
Jean-Bedel BOKASSA
Maréchal de la République Centrafricaine
BERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 12th 1975
General -
State recommends the President meet with
Bokassa should he come to the United
States. The only value I can see would
be to support one who has stood with us
on the Korean and Zionism votes and who
may be the first to re-establish relations
with Israel. A low profile visit with a
short Presidential meeting would reinforce
the "carrot" side of our voting diplomacy.
Bokassa is one of the last of the old
semi-literate non-commissioned French
army officers who has "ruled" his country
since independence. He salutes when
sharply nudged.
A few years ago a national holiday and
festival was held when Bokassa claimed
to have found the illegimate daughter
he fathered while serving in Vietnam in
the early 1950's. She lived in regal
splendor in the President's palace for
months before being discovered as a
fraud.
Art
Tabt fwd to TI 11/18
IH 11th AH
MEMORANDUM
6942
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL Jab I + Anetyped
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
ACTION
November 12, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
FROM:
Hal Horan HIV
SUBJECT:
Correspondence with Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President of the Central African Republic
(CAR)
Deputy Secretary Ingersoll recently met with a special emissary of
President Bokassa, who delivered a letter from Bokassa to the
President praising our Charge in Bangui and stating his often-
repeated desire to visit the United States (and, by inference meet
with the President) (Tab B).
While in the past we have discouraged any optimism on Bokassa's
part for a presidential meeting, the Department is now recommend-
ing that the President give a positive indication to Bokassa that
he would hope to meet with him should he visit the United States
(Tab C). The Department notes our increasingly productive political
relations with the CAR, including support on the Korean question and
a recent indication by Bokassa that he plans to re-establish relations
with Israel. Bokassa expects something in return and what he wants
most of all is a call on the President.
I concur in the Department's recommendation and suggest that the
President's response to Bokassa indicate that if he "should be
visiting our country at some future date [the President] would hope
that a mutually agreeable time could be arranged for [them] to meet
in Washington." (See Tab A)
In addition to the above, the suggested presidential response takes
note of Bokassa's high regard for our Charge in Bangui but states
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
Ha 3/3/04
FOR LIBRARY & 07VW33
-2- -
that we are seeking CAR agreement to the appointment of a new
United States ambassador. In fact, our Embassy in Bangui is
holding a request for agrement for Anthony Quainton, a career
Foreign Service Officer, pending receipt of the President's letter.
Paul Theis' office concurs in the text of the suggested letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward to the President the memo at Tab I.
GERALD ? LIVERY FORD
S/S-7521934
XR-7520588
II
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
6942
Washington, D.C. 20520
(add-on)
November 6, 1975
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR LIEUTENANT GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Response by President Ford to letter dated
September 26 from Central African Republic's
(CAR) President, Jean-Bedel Bokassa
Ref
: Springsteen/Scowcroft memo dated October 16, 1976
A letter from President Bokassa to President Ford, dated
September 26, was delivered to Deputy Secretary Ingersoll by
a special emissary on October 3, 1975. The emissary also
delivered a verbal message of good will and encouragement
from Bokassa to the President. A translation of the French
text of Bokassa's letter and a suggested reply by President
Ford were transmitted to the White House as attachments to
the referenced memorandum. (Tab 2). Intervening events,
including the CAR's strong support on key UN issues, have
necessitated a revision of the suggested reply. (Tab 1).
The two main points raised in Bokassa's letter pertain
to his desire to have the current U.S. Charge d'Affaires in
Bangui, William L. Swing, appointed as the new U.S. Ambassador
to the CAR and his desire to make a visit of friendship to
the United States.
Nomination of U.S. Ambassador to CAR
Prior to the delivery of Bokassa's letter, preparations
were well advanced for nominating a new U.S. Ambassador to
the CAR. We are now ready to request the Government of the
CAR to grant agrement. However, in the light of Bokassa's
strong endorsement of Charge Swing, we believe it would be
advisable that President Ford's reply make reference to his
new Ambassadorial nominee, and that the reply be delivered
at the same time as agrement is requested, with a view to
facilitating a timely, positive response to that request.
CONFIDENTIAL
GDS
lala 3/3/04
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
Bokassa's Visit to the U.S.
For many years Bokassa has expressed a strong desire
to visit the United States; however, for reasons of his
own prestige he has refused to make such a visit, even on
a private basis, without some prior assurance that he can
meet with the President while here. We have been firm in
discouraging any optimism on Bokassa's part for such a
meeting. As a result, Bokassa has felt increasingly
frustrated and the issue has caused an underlying strain
in our otherwise good relations. He felt particularly
humiliated in 1973 when, after having accepted an in-
vitation from a private U.S. organization, he left the
CAR for a private visit to this country (in conjunction
with a state visit to Haiti) only to be informed en route
that President Nixon would not be able to receive him. He
abruptly cancelled the extensive plans for his visit and
returned to the CAR.
In spite of this irritant in our relations, Bokassa
has continued to give us strong support on important
international issues. The CAR was one of only four African
states to co-sponsor the friendly Korean resolution at the
current UNGA, despite heavy pressures from communist and
Third-World sources to switch to a hostile position. We will
continue to need CAR's support on this and other important
issues. Bokassa, for his part, has indicated to us that he
expects something in return and a meeting with the President
is clearly what he wants.
Bokassa still has standing invitations from several
private U.S. organizations to visit the United States under
their sponsorship. We understand he would like to come
in the spring of 1976. Although we regard a state or
official visit for Bokassa as out of the question, we do
believe U.S. interests in maintaining our productive political
relations with the CAR warrant a positive indication from
the President that he would meet with Bokassa should the
latter make a private visit to the U.S.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
In view of the foregoing, the Department herewith
transmits a revision of the suggested reply by President
Ford to President Bokassa.
George Executive S. Springsteen Secretary Neen
Attachments:
1. Revised suggested reply
2. Springsteen/Scowcroft memo of
October 16 (with attachments)
CONFIDENTIAL
6942
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
7520588
In
Washington, D.C. 20520
October 16, 1975
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR LIEUTENANT GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject:
Letter to President Ford from
Central African Republic's (CAR)
President, Jean-Bedel Bokassa
The attached letter from President Bokassa to
President Ford was delivered to Deputy Secretary
Ingersoll by a special emissary. The emissary also
delivered a verbal message of good will and en-
couragement from Bokassa to the President. A translation
of the French text of Bokassa's letter and a suggested
reply by President Ford are also attached.
George C.Aritm Barg S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
As stated
UNCLASSIFIED
LIBRARY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF LANGUAGE SERVICES
(TRANSLATION)
LS NO. 51875
MM/BP
French
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
THE PRESIDENT FOR LIFE AND MARSHAL
OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Bangui, September 26, 1975
No. 182/CS/PR
Mr. President and Great and Good Friend:
Within the framework of the cordial relations of friendship and
cooperation which so fortunately exist between our two countries, and
desirous of further strengthening those relations, I have decided to
dispatch Joseph Potolot, my Minister of State for Public Works and
former Minister of Foreign Affairs, on a special mission to Your Excel-
lency.
This mission, the details of which I am instructing Minister Potolot
to explain to Your Excellency, concerns the deep and unanimous desire of
my Government to see Your Excellency and the United States Government
elevate William L. Swing, currently Chargé d'Affaires of the United States
Embassy at Bangui, to the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipo-
tentiary of the United States of America in the Central African Republic.
We are not unaware, Mr. President and Great and Good Friend, of the
diplomatic practices and requirements involved, but because of the com-
His Excellency
FORD
Gerald Ford,
&
President of the
LISBAR
United States of America,
Washington, D.C.
2
petence and above all the effectiveness with which Mr. Swing has per-
formed his duties in the Central African Republic as well as the eminent
role which he has played in strengthening the bonds of friendly coopera-
tion between our two countries since assuming command of the Embassy,
I am taking the liberty, for the greatest good of our two peoples, of
interceding on his behalf with Your Excellency.
I still fervently desire to make the visit of friendship to your
powerful and beautiful country which was agreed upon over three years
ago with your predecessor but which has always been postponed owing to
unexpected events.
It is in this perspective that I commend to Your Excellency my
Minister of State Joseph Potolot, in whom I place my full confidence,
requesting you to receive him with your customary courtesy and to give
entire credence to all that he tells you in my name, more especially
when he conveys to you my sentiments of very high esteem.
Accept, Mr. President and Great and Good Friend, the renewed as-
surances of my very high and friendly consideration.
[Signature]
Jean-Bedel Bokassa
Marshal of the Central African Republic
[Stamp of the Central African Republic]
after
RRR
IL
SUGGESTED REPLY
Dear Mr. President:
Tywish 00 acknowledge your letter of September 26 and
thank you for
1 your personal message of good wishes which was
delivered by your special emissary, Minister of State
Joseph Potolot and
I
pleased to learn of your high regard for the
contribution
our Charge d'Affaires,
William L.
Swing,
made to strengthening the warm relations between
our two countries. Because of the value which we place
you may be eme That your recommendations will receive full ansiduation
on these relations may be sure that the United States
will continue to send to your country representatives of
the highest professional caliber.
Browdy
also
Assured,
Mr Presis The other matters raised in your letter, m Cresident,
including your plans for an eventual visit to this country,
will
receive our full and careful attention.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President for Life of the
Central African Republic,
Bangui.
REWRITE
6942
ACTION
CONFIDENTIAL GDS
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Correspondence with Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President of the Central African Republic
(CAR)
A special emissary recently gave Deputy Secretary Ingersoll a letter
from President Bokassa to you praising our Charge in Bangui,
William Swing and expressing a desire to visit the United States
(Tab B).
In forwarding a suggested reply to Bokassa, the Department of
State recommends that you give a positive indication that you would
meet with Bokassa should he visit the United States (Tab C). The
Department points out that for many years Bokassa has expressed
a strong desire to visit the United States; however, for reasons of
his own prestige he has refused to make such a visit even on a
private basis without some prior assurance that he could meet with
you while here.
The Department notes that we now enjoy increasingly productive
political relations with the CAR. Bokassa, for example has continued
to give us strong support on important international issues. The CAR
was one of only four African states to co-sponsor the friendly Korean
resolution at the current UNGA, despite heavy pressures to switch
to a hostile position. The CAR voted against the Zienism resolution
and Bokassa has indicated to us that he intends soon to re-establish
diplomatic relations with Israel.
Bokassa has standing invitations from several U.S. organizations to
visit the United States under their sponsorship, and we understand
he would like to come in the spring of 1976. I concur in the Depart-
ment's recommendation regarding a possible meeting with Bokassa
and recommend you indicate you would hope to meet with him should
he visit the United States.
CONFIDENTIAL GDS
Gh 3/3/04
GERALD 1844817 P FORD
Rewrtn:GenS:ms:11/17/75
in
CONFIDENTIAL- GDS
- 2 -
Prior to Bokassa's strong endorsement of Mr. Swing, you had given
your approval to the nomination of Anthony Quainton, a career
Foreign Service Officer, as our new Ambassador to the CAR. We
are now ready to request the Government of the CAR to grant agrement
for Ambassador Quainton, and I believe it would be advisable for
your letter to Bokassa to make a reference to this fact.
I have attached a suggested reply to Bokassa, including the points
recommended above (Tab A). Paul Theis' office has cleared the
text of this proposed letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward to President Bokassa the letter at Tab A.
CONFIDENTIAL- GDS
FORD LIBRARY & OF
REWRITE 6942
Dear Mr. President:
I wish to acknowledge your letter of September 26, as
well as your personal message of good wishes delivered
by your special emissary, Minister of State Joseph Potolot.
I was pleased to learn of your high regard for the contri-
bution our Charge d'Affaires, Mr. William L. Swing, has
made to strengthening the friendly relations between our
two countries. I attach great importance to these relations
and to the mutual cooperation we enjoy, such as that
exhibited recently at the United Nations General Assembly.
It is in the context of the close ties between our two
Governments that I have asked Mr. Swing to seek your
agreement to the appointment of a new United States
ambassador to your country. I am confident you will
find my nominee highly qualified to fulfill this important
post in our diplomatic service.
Finally, Mr. President, you may be assured that if you
should be visiting our country at some future date I would
hope that a mutually agreeable time could be arranged for
us to meet in Washington during the course of your visit.
Sincerely,
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa
President for Life of the
Central African Republic
Bangui
GERALD 1968817
Rewrtn:GenS:ms:11/17/75
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. President:
I wish to acknowledge your letter of September 26, as
well as your personal message of good wishes delivered
by your special emissary, Minister of State Joseph Potolot.
I was pleased to learn of your high regard for the contri-
bution our Charge d'Affaires, Mr. William L. Swing, has
made to strengthening the friendly relations between our
two countries. I attach great importance to these relations
and to the mutual dooperation we enjoy, such as that
exhibited recently at the United Nations General Assembly.
It is in the context of the close ties between our two
Governments that I have asked Mr. Swing to seek your
agreement to the appointment of a new United States
ambassador to your country. I am confident you will
find my nominee highly qualified to fulfill this important
post in our diplomatic service.
Finally, Mr. President, you may be assured that if you
should be visiting our country at some future date I would
hope that a mutually agreeable time could be arranged for
us to meet in Washington during the course of your stay.
visit
Sincerely,
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa
President for Life of the
Central African Republic
Bangui
SCHALD
LIBRARY
1R
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
6942
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Brent Scowcroft
SUBJECT:
Correspondence with Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President of the Central African Republic
(CAR)
Beforty Signatory
A special emissary recently gave Beb Ingersoll a letter from
President Bokassa to you praising our Charge in Bangui, William
Swing and expressing a desire to visit the United States (Tab B).
In forwarding a suggested reply to Bokassa, the Department of
State recommends that you give a positive indication that you would
meet with Bokassa should he visit the United States (Tab C). The
Department points out that for many years Bokassa has expressed
a strong desire to visit the United States; however for reasons of
his own prestige he has refused to make such a visit even on a
private basis without some prior assurance that he could meet
with the President while here.
you
In the past the Department has been firm in discouraging any
optimism on Bokassa's part for a meeting, to his increasing
frustration. In reassessing its stance the Department notes that
we enjoy increasingly productive political relations with the CAR.
Bokassa, for example, has continued to give us strong support on
important international issues. The CAR was one of only four
CORD
African states to co-sponsor the friendly Korean resolution at the
current UNGA, despite heavy pressures to switch to a hostile
position, and most recently Bokassa has indicated to us that he
GERALD
intends soon to re-establish diplomatic relations with Israel.
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
The CAR voted against the Zimman responsional
th 3/3/04
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
-2-
Bokassa
While I concur in the Department's recommendation regarding a
possible meeting with Bokassa F believe it should be recognized
that if you indicate you would hope to meet with Bokassa should he
visit the United States, he will consider that tantamount to an in
vitation and will expect a meeting to be arranged. He has standing
invitations from several U.S. organizations to visit the United States
under their sponsorship, and we understand he would like to come
in the Spring of 1976.
Prior to Bokassa's strong endorsement of Mr. Swing, you had given
your approval to the nomination of Anthony Quainton, a career
Foreign Service Officer, as our new ambassador to the CAR. We
are now ready to request the Government of the CAR to grant
agrement for Ambassador Quainton, and I believe it would be
advisable for your letter to Bokassa to make a reference to this
fact.
I have attached a suggested reply to Bokassa, including the points
recommended above (Tab A). Paul Theis' office has cleared the
text of this proposed letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward to President Bokassa the letter at Tab A.
FORD
&
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
GERALD
LIBRARY
by
is
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. President:
Thank you for your letter of September 26 and
your personal message of good wishes which was
delivered by your special emissary, Minister of
State Joseph Potolot. V also have received a full
report of the discussion Minister Potolot had with
the Deputy Secretary of State.
Please be assured that the matters raised during
that discussion and in your letter will receive our
full and careful attention in keeping with our desire
to see the friendly relations between our two countries
strengthened.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President for Life of the
Central African Republic,
Bangui.
LISRAR
mit
MEMORANDUM
6942
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ACTION
October 21, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: SECRETARY KISSINGER
FROM:
HAL HORAN NH
SUBJECT:
Correspondence with Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President of the Central African Republic
Deputy Secretary Ingersoll recently met with a special emissary
of President Bokassa, who delivered a letter from Bokassa to the
President praising our Charge in Bangui and stating his often-
repeated desire to visit the United States.
I do not recommend that we encourage this desire but believe it
would be appropriate for the President to acknowledge briefly
President Bokassa's letter and the personal message of good
wishes delivered by his emissary. Paul Theis' office concurs
in the text of the suggested draft at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward to the President the memo at Tab I.
FORD LIBRARY &
MEMORANDUM
И
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
HENRY A. KISSINGER
SUBJECT:
Correspondence with Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President of the Central African Republic
A special emissary recently gave Bob Ingersoll a letter from
President Bokassa to you (Tab B) In his letter Bokassa praises
the performance of our Charge in Bangui, Mr. William Swing,
and states an often-repeated desire to visit the United States.
While I do not recommend that you encourage this desire, I
do recommend that you briefly acknowledge Bokassa's letter.
Accordingly, I have attached at Tab A a suggested response.
Paul Theis' office concurs.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the letter to President Bokassa at Tab A.
FORD LIBRARY & 07V110
IV
MEMORANDUM
6942
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT:
Correspondence with Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President of the Central African Republic
President
gave Bob Ingerated
A special emissary of President Bokassa recently delivered a
letter from Bokassa to you (Tab B). to Deputy Secretary Ingersell
In his letter Bokassa praises the performance of our Charge in
Bangui, Mr: Swing, and states an often-repeated desire to visit
the United States. Willim
While I do not recommend that you encourage this desire, I do recommed
that
believe it would be appropriate for you to acknowledge briefly acknowledge
Bokassa's letter. and his personal message of good wishes to
at
you delivered by his emissary. Accordingly, I have attached a
too
A
suggested response (Tabc ALL Paul Theis' office concurs in the
text of the letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter to President Bokassa at Tab A.
1W
RRR
Dear Mr. President:
I wish to acknowledge your letter of September 26,
as well as your personal message of good wishes delivered
by your special emissary, Minister of State Joseph Potolot.
I was pleased to learn of your high regard for the
contribution our Charge d'Affaires, Mr. William L. Swing,
has made to strengthening the friendly relations between our
two countries. I attach great importance to these relations
and to the mutual cooperation we enjoy, such as that exhibited
recently at the United Nations General Assembly.
It is in the context of the close ties between our two
m
Governments that I have asked Charge Swing to seek your
agreement to the appointment of a new United States Ambassador
to your country. I am confident you will find my nominee
highly
administrative qualified to fulfill this important post in our
diplomatic service.
Finally, Mr. President, you may be assured that if you
date
hope
should be visiting our country at some future time I would more
every effort to meet with you during the course of your stay
a then mutually agreeable time Sincerely, could be woranged fn usto
meet in
washing w In
Gerald R. Ford
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President for Life of the
Central African Republic,
Bangui.
FORD LIBHAR & DERALO
SUGGESTED REPLY
PRR
Dear Mr. President:
Thank you go
and
your letter aof September 26
which was
your personal message of good wishes delivered by your special
emissary, Minister of State Joseph Potolot. I also have received a
full report of the discussion Minister Potolot had with the Deputy
Secretary of State.
Please be
wish assure & you that the matters raised during that discussion
and in your letter will receive our full and careful attention in keeping
with our desire to see the friendly relations between our two countries
strengthened.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
(Gerald R. Ford)
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President for Life of the
Central African Republic,
Bangui.
FORD
&
LIBRARY
IX
&
DOC
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LOG NBR
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NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
MO
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1016
10
16
10
7506942
Horans
REFERENCE:
CIRCLE AS APPROPRIATE
TO: PRES
FROM: KISSINGER, H
S/S
7520588
LINCLAS
OG IN/OUT
KISSINGER
COLBY, W
OTHER
LOU
NO FORN
NODIS
SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
SCOWCROFT
X
SCHLESINGER, J
C
EYES ONLY EXDIS
DAVIS
ST EX SEC
X
S
CODEWORD
TS
SENSITIVE
SUBJECT: LTR TO her for Pres Bokassa of Central
African Rep re US { CAR relations
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
REC
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO.
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/SCOWCROFT
FOR
MEMO FOR HAK
(
)
STAFF SECRETARY
MEMO FOR PRES
(
REPLY FOR
FAR EAST
(
)
APPROPRIATE ACTION
)
DISTRIBUTION/INITIAL ACTION ASGMT
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
X
(
MID EAST / NO. AFRICA / so. ASIA
MEMO
TO
(
)
RECOMMENDATIONS
-
)
EUROPE / CANADA
JOINT MEMO
(
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO
FOR:
(
)
UNITED NATIONS
ANY ACTION NECESSARY?
(
ECONOMIC
SCIENTIFIC
CONCURRENCE
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
DUE DATE: 10/26
NSC PLANNING
COMMENTS: (INCLUDING SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)
CONGRESSIONAL
OCEANS
POLICY
Lenal INTELLIGENCE m
DATE
FROM
TO
$
SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED (OR TAKEN):
CY TO
10/21
HAK
X
Pres to sjn to to Bohana
10/30)
10/23
Horan
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Updak Repla per Scoweraft (11/3)
SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS
11/12
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meep
11/18
Pres
Agn lt to Bokassa
11/20
NSC'S
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Pres sgol the TD Bokassa
to dispatch
Renewing by Hron pain
QHO!
LIBR
DISPATCH
MICROFILM & FILE ROMTS:
CY RQMTS: SEE ABOVE PLUS:
NSC/S DISP INSTR
11/20 Ship from outside
Negt M/F'D
BY
NOTIFY SPECIAL DISPOSITION: to How & DATE Mulcahy, Dept of state
CRT DEC02
1975
SF
CROSS REF W/
NS
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED:
FOLDER:
OPEN CLOSE D
WH
EP
PA
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( NSC 75-22
575-600
)
- 2/24 20
MR HORAN
you have
the folder.
THIS IS Ann-on
from
Ruis Let
is
folden to Swith
release original
miletion of OBE
7603811
8317
XR-7524929
APP-On
2B
OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
February 24, 1976
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Response by President Ford to
letter from President Bokassa
Ref: NSC log number 7508317, December 18, 1975
In response to Mrs. Davis' request of December 18,
(NSC #7508317), the Department transmitted via the
attached memorandum a suggested reply by President Ford
to President Bokassa concerning the latter's expressed
desire to visit the U.S. during the spring of 1976 and
meet with President Ford. The Department recommended
that an office call be scheduled during the last two
weeks of April and that President Ford sign the suggested
reply to Bokassa indicating the meeting would be arranged.
The CAR Foreign Ministry informed us on February 18
that "for obvious domestic political reasons", in the
aftermath of the February 3 attempt on Bokassa's life,
President Bokassa's planned visit to the U.S. must be post-
poned. We strongly suspect that the postponement resulted
from Bokassa's suspicions, following the arrest and
conviction of a local employee of our Embassy in Bangui,
that the CIA was behind the assassination plot.
Consequently, Bokassa's December 9 letter has been
overtaken by events and does not require a reply by President
Ford. We expect to renew our recommendation for a Ford/
Bokassa meeting after US/CAR relations, which have been
jolted by these events, have been stabilized and Bokassa
reschedules his private visit to the U.S.
George S. Springsteen Bay
C.
Executive Secretary
Attachment:
FORD
A
Springsteen/Scowcroft
memorandum dated February 2, 1976
BERALD
LIGHAR
CONFIDENTIAL
GDS
wh 0/3/04
S/S 7524929
AF/
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
2c
Washington, D.C. 20520
CONFIDENTIAL
February 2, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. BRENT SCOWCROFT
COPIES TO:
THE WHITE HOUSE
D
P
M
S/S-S
Subject: Response by President Ford to letter dated
S/P
December 9 from Central African Republic's
AF
(CAR) President, Jean-Bedel Bokassa
S/CPR
RF: vhd
Ref:
NSC log number 7508317, December 18, 1975
Attached is a suggested reply by President Ford to
CAR President Bokassa's letter of December 9. In his
reply, President Ford agrees to a call on him by the CAR
President in April.
Bokassa's letter is in response to President Ford's
letter of November 20, in which the President expressed
the hope of meeting with Bokassa, should the latter make
a private visit to the United States and a mutually agree-
able date be arranged.
In his letter, Bokassa states that he would like to
visit the U.S. during the spring of 1976. A recent Diplo-
matic Note from the CAR Foreign Ministry specified that
Bokassa wishes to begin his U.S. visit on April 15.
We have received strong support and cooperation from
Bokassa and his government on several UN issues important
to us, including Korea. More recently, Bokassa has actively
worked in support of our views on Angola and has been by
far the most outspoken African public critic of the Soviet/
Cuban intervention there.
The Department wishes to facilitate the planning of
the private portion of the Bokassa visit, which is expec-
ted to be coordinated by several private U.S. organizations
having interests in the CAR. Despite the private nature of
his visit, the highlight for Bokassa will be his call at
the White House and his meeting with President Ford.
Wer 3/3/04
LIBRARY
CONPIDENTIAL
GDS
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
We recommend that an office call by Bokassa on
President Ford be scheduled during the Last two weeks of
April and that the President sign the Ietter to Bokassa
indicating the meeting will be arranged.
Runale Eliors
(fn)
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Suggested reply
2. English translation and original
text of letter dated December 9
3. President Ford's letter of
November 20
SECRETAR
au 301330
STATES w AM CO 57
CONFIDENTIAL
2D
SUGGESTED REPLY
Dear Mr. President:
In response to your letter of December 9, in
which you expressed your desire to make a private
visit to the United States during this coming spring,
I have directed the American Embassy in Bangui, in
cooperation with the White House Staff, to work closely
with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange a
mutually agreeable date for our meeting in Washington
during the month of April. I hope that we will be able
to confirm a date for the meeting in the near future.
I look forward to meeting you at that time and discussing
matters of common concern for our two countries.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
President for Life of the
Central African Republic,
Bangui.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
7524929
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
2L
REFERRAL
Date:
NSC log #:/: 750831
MEMORANDUM FOR:
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Department of State
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
To: President
From: Jean Bokassa
Date:
Dec 9 1975
Subject: Ltr in French
ACTION REQUESTED:
Draft reply for:
President's Signature
White House Staff
Other
Direct reply
Furnish info copy
Dispatch
Translation
XXX Recommendations / Comments
Appropriate Handling
Other
Information
DUE DATE: December 30, 1975
COMMENTS:
$
26
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF LANGUAGE SERVICES
(TRANSLATION)
LS NO. 53403
WD/BP
French
The President for Life and
Marshal of the Central African Republic
Bangui, December 9, 1975
269/CS/PR
Mr. President:
It gave me great pleasure and satisfaction to receive your letter of
November 20, 1975, acknowledging receipt of my letter of September 26, 1975,
and my personal message which had been transmitted to you by my special
envoy, Mr. Joseph Potolot, Minister of Public Works.
I was happy to note that, like myself, you attach great importance to
the relations and the spirit of cooperation existing between us, and it is
from that standpoint that the Government over which I preside immediately gave
its agrément to the nomination of the new Ambassador of the United States of
America at Bangui.
But allow me above all to express to you my great gratitude and very
sincere thanks for your invitation to visit your great and beautiful country,
an invitation which I accept with pleasure and which will give me an occasion
to discuss with you all matters conducive to the strengthening of our bilateral
relations.
With regard to the date of that visit, I shall await word on it from
your Chargé d'Affaires at Bangui, with the hope that it may be scheduled, if
possible, in the spring of 1976.
His Excellency
Gerald R. Ford,
[The White House 1
-2-
Accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my very high and cordial
consideration.
[Signature]
Jean-Bedel Bokassa
Marshal of the Central African Republic
Ruth Please had 26
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
This tile & V.
time being
February 6, 1976
TO:
Doug Smith in Mr. Hartmann's Office
1st floor, West Wing, W.H.
FROM:
Hal Horan, ext. 5022
SUBJECT: Presidential response to letter from
CAR President Bokassa.
For your clearance.
1115
72/4/2
make for copy M.A. duaft Honan
2+1
SUGGESTED REPLY
Dear Mr. President:
In response to your letter of December 9, in
which you expressed your desire to make a private
visit to the United States during this coming spring,
I have directed the American Embassy in Bangui, in
cooperation with the White House Staff, to work closely
with your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange a
mutually agreeable date for our meeting in Washington
during the month of April. I hope that we will be able
to confirm a date for the meeting in the near future.
I look forward to meeting you at that time and discussing
matters of common concern for our two countries.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford
OR
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa,
67676
President for Life of the
Central African Republic,
Bangui.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
(HYUSIT
7524929
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
22
REFERRAL
Date:
NSC log # 7508317
MEMORANDUM FOR:
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Department of State
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
To: President
From: Jean Bokassa
Date:
Dec 9 1975
Subject: Ltr in French
ACTION REQUESTED:
Draft reply for:
President's Signature
White House Staff
Other
Direct reply
Furnish info copy
Dispatch
Translation
XXX Recommendations / Comments
Appropriate Handling
Other
Information
DUE DATE: December 30, 1975
COMMENTS:
for Cailotton Jeanne W. Davis again
Staff Secretary
S/S 7524929
25
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
February 2, 1976
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Response by President Ford to letter dated
December 9 from Central African Republic's
(CAR) President, Jean-Bedel Bokassa
Ref:
NSC log number 7508317, December 18, 1975
Attached is a suggested reply by President Ford to
CAR President Bokassa's letter of December 9. In his
reply, President Ford agrees to a call on him by the CAR
President in April.
Bokassa's letter is in response to President Ford's
letter of November 20, in which the President expressed
the hope of meeting with Bokassa, should the latter make
a private visit to the United States and a mutually agree-
able date be arranged.
In his letter, Bokassa states that he would like to
visit the U.S. during the spring of 1976. A recent Diplo-
matic Note from the CAR Foreign Ministry specified that
Bokassa wishes to begin his U.S. visit on April N.20
We have received strong support and cooperation from
Bokassa and his government on several UN issues important
to us, including Korea. More recently, Bokassa has actively
worked in support of our views on Angola and has been by
far the most outspoken African public critic of the Soviet/
Cuban intervention there.
The Department wishes to facilitate the planning of
the private portion of the Bokassa visit, which is expec-
ted to be coordinated by several private U.S. organizations
having interests in the CAR. Despite the private nature of
his visit, the highlight for Bokassa will be his call at
the White House and his meeting with President Ford.
CONFIDENTIAL
GDS
the 3/3/04
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
We recommend that an office call by Bokassa on
President Ford be scheduled during the last two weeks of
April and that the President sign the letter to Bokassa
indicating the meeting will be arranged.
Runale Elisors
(for)
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Suggested reply
2. English translation and original
text of letter dated December 9
3. President Ford's letter of
November 20
CONFIDENTIAL
2k
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF LANGUAGE SERVICES
(TRANSLATION)
LS NO. 53403
WD/BP
French
The President for Life and
Marshal of the Central African Republic
Bangui, December 9, 1975
269/CS/PR
Mr. President:
It gave me great pleasure and satisfaction to receive your letter of
November 20, 1975, acknowledging receipt of my letter of September 26, 1975,
and my personal message which had been transmitted to you by my special
envoy, Mr. Joseph Potolot, Minister of Public Works.
I was happy to note that, like myself, you attach great importance to
the relations and the spirit of cooperation existing between us, and it is
from that standpoint that the Government over which I preside immediately gave
its agrément to the nomination of the new Ambassador of the United States of
America at Bangui.
But allow me above all to express to you my great gratitude and very
sincere thanks for your invitation to visit your great and beautiful country,
an invitation which I accept with pleasure and which will give me an occasion
to discuss with you all matters conducive to the strengthening of our bilateral
relations.
With regard to the date of that visit, I shall await word on it from
your Charge d'Affaires at Bangui, with the hope that it may be scheduled, if
possible, in the spring of 1976.
His Excellency
Gerald R. Ford,
[The White House,
[Washington, D.C.]
-2-
Accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my very high and cordial
consideration.
[Signature]
Jean-Bedel Bokassa
Marshal of the Central African Republic
Le Présidentà Vie,
République Centrafricaine
Maréchal de la
Unite Dignite Cravail
République Centrafricaine
JL
269/CS/PR
Monsieur le Président,
C'est avec un très grand plaisir et
une réelle satisfaction que j'ai reçu votre
lettre du 20 novembre 1975 par laquelle vous
avez bien voulu accuser réception de ma lettre
du 26 septembre 1975 ainsi que de mon message
personnel qui vous a été remis par mon envoyé
spécial, Monsieur Joseph POTOLOT, Ministre d'Etat
Chargé des Travaux Publics.
Son Excellence Gérald R. FORD
- 2
J'ai été heureux de noter que tout
comme moi, vous attachez une grande importance
aux relations ainsi qu'à l'esprit de coopération
qui règne entre nous et c'est dans cette optique
que le Gouvernement que je préside a immédiatement
donné son agrément à la nomination du nouvel
Ambassadeur des Etats-Unis d'Amérique à Bangui.
Mais qu'il me soit surtout permis de
vous adresser ma plus haute gratitude et mes
très sincères remerciements pour l'invitation
que vous avez bien voulu me faire pour visiter
votre grand et beau pays, invitation que j'accepte
avec plaisir et qui me fournira l'occasion de
m'entretenir avec vous sur l'ensemble des questions
tendant a renforcer nos relations bilatérales.
S'agissant de la date de cette visite,
je m'en remets pour l'essentiel à votre Chargé
d'Affaires à Bangui, tout en souhaitant que celle-ci
puisse se situer, dans la mesure du possible au
printemps de l'année 1976.
./.
- 3 -
Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le
Président, les assurances de ma très haute et
amicale considération.
Fait à Bangui, le 9 décembre 1975
Jean-Bedel BOKASSA
Maréchal de la République Centrafricaine
am
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 20, 1975
Dear Mr. President:
I wish to acknowledge your letter of September 26, as
well as your personal message of good wishes delivered
by your special emissary, Minister of State Joseph Potolot.
I was pleased to learn of your high regard for the contri-
bution our Charge d'Affaires, Mr. William L. Swing, has
made to strengthening the friendly relations between our
two countries. I attach great importance to these relations
and to the mutual cooperation we enjoy, such as that
exhibited recently at the United Nations General Assembly.
It is in the context of the close ties between our two
Governments that I have asked Mr. Swing to seek your
agreement to the appointment of a new United States
ambassador to your country. I am confident you will
find my nominee highly qualified to fulfill this important
post in our diplomatic service.
Finally, Mr. President, you may be assured that if you
should be visiting our country at some future date I. would
hope that a mutually agreeable time could be arranged for
us to meet in Washington during the course of your visit.
Sincerely, GeroldR. 7 ord
His Excellency
Marshal Jean-Bedel Bokassa
President for Life of the
Central African Republic
Bangui
CLASSIFICATION:
2n
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
REFERRAL
Date: Dec 18 1975
NSC log # 7508317
MEMORANDUM FOR:
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Department of State
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
To: President
From: Jean Bokassa
Date:
Dec 9 1975
Subject: Ltr in French
ACTION REQUESTED:
Draft reply for:
President's Signature
White House Staff
Other
Direct reply
Furnish info copy
Dispatch
Translation
XXX Recommendations / Comments
Appropriate Handling
Other
Information
DUE DATE: December 30, 1975
COMMENTS:
again
Staff Secretary
CLASSIFICATION:
Stoff 20
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
12/16/75
TO: BRENT SCOWCROFT
20ml
LIBRE
nar
Robert D. Linder
2P
12/18
Nscls
send t SIS
for Translated &
recemmendation
send cy to Horan.
Carale
GERALD GERALD ? FORD
2R
Kwe
Z.
Le Présidentà Vie,
République Centrafricaine
Unite Dignite - Cravail
Maréchal de la
République Centrafricaine
UNITE
TRAVAIL
DIGNIT
269/CS/PR
Monsieur le Président,
C'est avec un très grand plaisir et
une réelle satisfaction que j'ai reçu votre
lettre du 20 novembre 1975 par laquelle vous
avez bien voulu accuser réception de ma lettre
du 26 septembre 1975 ainsi que de mon message
personnel qui vous a été remis par mon envoyé
spécial, Monsieur Joseph POTOLOT, Ministre d'Etat
Chargé des Travaux Publics.
/
Son Excellence Gérald R. FORD
Président des Etats-Unis d'Amérique
WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON D.C.
2
J'ai été heureux de noter que tout
comme moi, vous attachez une grande importance
aux relations ainsi qu'à l'esprit de coopération
qui règne entre nous et c'est dans cette optique
que le Gouvernement que je préside a immédiatement
donné son agrément à la nomination du nouvel
Ambassadeur des Etats-Unis d'Amérique à Bangui.
Mais qu'il me soit surtout permis de
vous adresser ma plus haute gratitude et mes
très sincères remerciements pour l'invitation
que vous avez bien voulu me faire pour visiter
votre grand et beau pays, invitation que j'accepte
avec plaisir et qui me fournira l'occasion de
m'entretenir avec vous sur l'ensemble des questions
tendant à renforcer nos relations bilatérales.
S'agissant de la date de cette visite,
je m'en remets pour l'essentiel à votre Chargé
d'Affaires à Bangui, tout en souhaitant que celle-ci
puisse se situer, dans la mesure du possible au
printemps de l'année 1976.
./.
- 3 -
Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le
Président, les assurances de ma très haute et
amicale considération.
Fait à Bangui, le 9 décembre 1975
1177.
Jean-Bedel BOKASSA
Maréchal de la République Centrafricaine
25
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LOG NBR
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NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
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HR
12
9
12
18
14
7508317
Bokassa, year Bedel
REFERENCE:
CIRCLE AS APPROPRIATE
TO: PRES
*
FROM: KISSINGER,
S/S
UNCLAS
LOG IN/OUT
KISSINGER
COLBY, W
OTHER
LOU
NO FORN
NODIS
SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
SCOWCROFT
SCHLESINGER, J
C
EYES ONLY EXDIS
DAVIS
ST EX SEC
S
CODEWORD
TS
SENSITIVE
SUBJECT:
Pres of central africa writes Pres atord in
French
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
REC
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO.
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/SCOWCROFT
FOR
MEMO FOR HAK
(
)
STAFF SECRETARY
MEMO FOR PRES
(
)
REPLY FOR
FAR EAST
(
)
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
APPROPRIATE ACTION
(
)
DISTRIBUTION/INITIAL ACTION ASGMT
MID EAST / NO. AFRICA / so. ASIA
MEMO
TO
(
)
RECOMMENDATIONS
(
)
EUROPE / CANADA
JOINT MEMO
(
)
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO
FOR:
(
)
UNITED NATIONS
ECONOMIC
ANY ACTION NECESSARY?
(
)
SCIENTIFIC
CONCURRENCE
(
)
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
DUE DATE:
NSC PLANNING
COMMENTS: (INCLUDING SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)
CONGRESSIONAL
OCEANS POLICY
INTELLIGENCE
DATE
FROM
TO
S
SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED (OR TAKEN):
CY TO
12/18
state
D
Reed state draft 7524 929
Translation & Ruonmendation (12/30)
2/2
SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS
2/3
Hiran
G
Memo for key (2-10)
2/25
Harms
s
C
OBE for Horan
DISPATCH
MICROFILM & FILE RQMTS:
CY RQMTS: SEE ABOVE PLUS:
NSC/S DISP INSTR
NOTIFY
& DATE
BY
FEB 27 1976
SPECIAL DISPOSITION:
CRT ID:
SA
SF
CROSS REF W/
OPEN Aec
HP
NS
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED:
FOLDER:
CLOSE MAK
WH
EP
PA
DY
(
NSC 75-22
575-600
)