 This was in accordance with a 1960 treaty between Gabon and the French, which was signed by Aubame in his stint as Foreign Minister.Foccart, on the other hand, had only decided to launch the countercoup to protect the interests of the French petroleum group Elf, which operated in Gabon and was led by a close friend of his.M'ba was also a close friend of his; David Yates reports that M'ba could call Foccart personally, and Foccart would meet with him "at a moment's notice".