East German Ambassador in Mogadishu Herklotz, 'Note About a Conversation with the USSR Ambassador to the SDR [Somali Democratic Republic], Comrade A. Pasiutin, on March 15, 1973'

Embassy of the DDR in Somalia

Mogadishu, 21 March 1973

Note about a conversation with the USSR Ambassador to the SDR [Somali Democratic Republic], Comrade A. Pasiutin, on March 15, 1973

The meeting was primarily intended to inform the Ambassador about the important aspects of the Ambassador's seminar in Berlin. I focused on the following problems:

- Strengthening and consolidating the relations with the Soviet Union and the socialist community.

- The tasks within the socialist community of states, resulting from the new situation for the GDR.

- Problems for the development of the policy of peaceful coexistence.

In this context, I informed him about the FRG’s activities aimed at developing special relations between the FRG and the GDR. I pointed out that reactionary forces are trying to delay the ratification of the Berlin Treaty, there are a number of signs of the old exclusive mandate policy and there are attempts to challenge the GDR to a competition.

- Questions of cooperation with the states of Africa (no additional economic burden on the GDR, work with political-diplomatic means).

- The question of UN membership and the inclusion of the GDR in international organizations.

There was a full agreement of the views during the exchange of ideas on these problems. Comrade Pasiutin emphasized the great interest of the Soviet Union, in addition to the extensive economic and military support for Somalia, to help the regime to further stability in the form of staff training and regular political work with officials. He informed me that in the near future more Somalis would go to the Soviet Union to study the social sciences.

Comrade Pasiutin explained that during the period of my absence there were hardly any significant events in Somalia. It was relatively quiet. "The conclusion of the trip to the Arab states, which is generally considered a positive one, given that Sadat and Gaddafi had rejected the reception of the member of the Revolution Council, who carried President Siad’s personal message. This must be seen as a response to the Revolutionary Council’s policy, which led to differences of opinion among the Arabs. Samantar's visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt is intended to help clarify the problem."

During the conversation, the following information was exchanged:

- Cooperation with the GDR - Protection Corps [Schutzkorps] in connection with the delivery of the second solidarity gift.

Comrade Pasiutin attaches great importance to this activity of the GDR

- There is no information on the contents of the Korean government delegation with the Somali side, except for the general political declarations, as the Korean ambassador had not told Comrade Pasiutin anything.

- There is relative restraint in Somalia on the events in Khartoum. Officials believe such actions are regretful for the Arab cause and help the Israelis' policy.

Comrade Pasiutin informed of American Ambassador’s personal assumption that this action was launched by Israeli agents. I informed him that I made similar suggestions to the French ambassador.

- A partner-city delegation from Alma Ata, which was in Mogadishu at the time of our meeting, was asked by Lord Mayor Ghelle to support Mogadishu materially in the development of the city. As the talks were still in progress, Comrade Pasiutin will have detailed information at a later date.

[signature]

Herklotz

Ambassador

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