261. Telegram 1948 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, March 4, 1974, 1508Z
TELEGRAM
Department of State
3-4-74
KINSHASA 01948
ACTION: SecState WASHDC PRIORITY
EYES ONLY ASST. SECERETARY EASUM FROM AMBASSADOR
1. Prior to my departure Washington Feb. 15, I discussed status of Mobutu's request to purchase 1,000 M-16 rifles. I understood prospects were good GOZ request would be approved. From all information available to us here, unless US agrees to this sales, GOZ will acquire AK-47s from Chinese. Both from our point of view and Portugal's it would seem infinitely preferable to have US furnish limited number of M-16s (with end user safeguards) than to have GOZ turn to Chinese with all that this implies.
2. Mobutu now scheduled return Zaire March 6 and I hope to see him very soon thereafter. It would assist greatly in allaying anticipated complaints re our inability/refusal to sell Zaire other sophisticated military equipment if I could inform Mobutu at that time that USG has approved sale of M-16s. I strongly recommend such action.
3. Please advise.
Vance
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