Shortly after his enthronement, King Hassan II of Morocco (1961-1999) redirected his country foreign policy from a neutralist stance opted for by his father, Muhammad V (1956-1961), towards a definite pro-Western orientation. Abdelkhalek Berramdane has explained this policy change based on the rise of a revolutionary socialist Algeria and its ensuing border conflict with Morocco, the so called “The Sand War” (1963). Although this argument is still valid, as these were definitely crucial factors, Morocco´s relations with the West at that time, especially with the United States, were not devoid of difficulties. To study the evolution of Hassan II´s early years foreign policy and his relations with the United States, this paper will analyze the role played by Kennedy’s administration during the regional conflict of 1963. This was the first open armed conflict between Morocco and Algeria over their Saharan frontier. This research work is part of a Ph.D. dissertation research based upon diplomatic documentation from the American, British, French, and Spanish governments. It will explain the objectives and the limitations of U.S. foreign policy making process toward this border war. First, it will examine the U.S. approach as it became concerned about the risk of internationalization of the conflict – it received special attention from the White House as soon as it became connected with Middle East events through the presence in Algerian territory of Egyptian military personnel sent by Gamal Abdel Nasser, and with Latin America via the military assistance provided by Cuba. Second, this work’s findings will prove that the U.S. pressed for a mediated solution, instead of executing a policy of unconditional support for Morocco, as some have argued. Finally, the paper will asses the consequences for the region´s future stability. It will be argued that the Kennedy administration succeeded in putting pressure for a cease fire that was finally agreed upon in Bamako (Mali). This agreement, however, failed to curtail the arms race that eventually ensued and which has deepened since then the regional rivalry between Algeria and Morocco. Tensions over the Sahara would reappear from 1975 on when Spain abandoned the Western Sahara in favor of Morocco and Mauritania, and they still poison the political, economical and social development of North Africa.