| Foreign Relations,
1969-1976, Volume E-5, Documents on Africa, 1969-1972 Released by the Office of the Historian Department of
State LIMDIS SUBJECT: Kagnew STATION REF: State 3084; Addis 60 (NOTAL) 1. As foreseen in State reftel, budgetary reductions for [text not declassified] make it necessary to plan to close Kagnew [text not declassified] activity by end FY 72. 2. For planning, phase-down of [text not declassified] will begin within next few weeks with termination of [text not declassified] NLT 31 Mar. 72. Site survey to identify economically recoverable [text not declassified] equipment assets will be conducted as soon as appropriate. Schedule for redeployment of personnel and release of indigenous personnel will be established as soon as planning data can be obtained and implemented after appropriate scenario for informing IEG worked out in collaboration with Embassy. 3. Interagency working group currently attempting to identify impact above action will have on remaining functions (NAVCOMSTA, STRATCOM, [text not declassified], etc.), including [text not declassified] support activities, e.g. hospital, commissary, R&R facilities, etc. 4. Appreciate problems this will pose for Country Team, but unforeseen budgetary constraints have caused world-wide reductions in [text not declassified]. We wish to consult as closely as possible with the CT on best manner to limit unfavorable repercussions from reductions. One theme might be to describe reductions as continuing process of cut-back made possible by technological advances and for which IEG has earlier expressed approval, as suggested Addis 60. 5. We would therefore appreciate CT assessment of expected IEG reaction, impact on Asmara area including insurgency situation, and on USG-IEG relations, as well as' suggested scenario for informing IEG. Since rumor of impending phase-down already rife in Asmara, early reply appreciated. END ROGERS  PDF File |