Foreign Relations, 1969-1976, Volume E-5, Documents on Africa, 1969-1972 Released by the Office of the Historian DEPARTMENT OF STATE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM January 4, 1972 To: The Secretary From: AF - David D. Newsom Major Reduction at Kagnew Station, Ethiopia We learned yesterday that Secretary Laird had recently decided to eliminate the Army Security Agency (ASA) operation at Kagnew Station by June 30, 1972. ASA manages the Station and employs about 56% of its American personnel. ASA estimates 903 American and 350-400 local employees would be dropped. The decision to reduce the Kagnew operation was apparently made without consultation with many interested sections of the DOD, let alone the Department. While we have no objection in principle to the decision, we are concerned about its implementation. We have urged DOD not to send an implementation directive to the field until we have more details on the proposed cut-back and a better picture of its effects on the Ethiopian economy, the security of the abbreviated Station and our relations with the Ethiopians. We are also concerned with what effect this action may have on the future of such other activities at Kagnew as Navy Communications, Strategic Communications and Diplomatic Communications. We wish, of course, to explain the situation to the Emperor, who has consistently supported our presence at Kagnew, in a way that will have the most favorable impact on our relations. DOD officials have assured us that they will work with the Department in preparing more detailed information to be used as a basis for deciding how best to proceed. Drafted: AF/E:HRMelone:cpl x28852:1/4/72 Clearance: AF/E - Mr. Coote PM - Mr. Diller Attachment: Memo from Mr. Spiers on the same subject PDF File