Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–10, Documents on American Republics, 1969–1972

American Republics Regional: Document List

Document 1: National Security Study Memorandum 15, Washington, February 3, 1969.

President Nixon asked for a review of U.S. posture toward internal political developments in Latin America, U.S. security interests, development assistance strategy, and the role of the OAS and other multilateral organizations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–134, NSSM 15. Secret. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the JCS. An Analytical Summary of the five papers is printed as Document 5. The overall statement of U.S. policy towards Latin America is printed as Document 4.

Document 2: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, May 7, 1969.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger summarized a memorandum from AID regarding the possibility of transferring funding from housing to highways in AID programs in Latin America. Kissinger informed Nixon that AID Administrator Rutherford Poats thought it would be difficult to transfer funding and outlined his reasoning. Nixon disagreed with AID's conclusion and asked the State Department for a new study.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Material, NSC Files, Box 797, Country Files, Latin America, LA General, volume I 1–7/69. No classification marking. At the end of the memorandum the President wrote, “1) I expected this. 2) I am not satisfied. 3) In all our Latin program I want to turn away from Housing and other welfare handouts—and toward highways, etc.—which produce wealth and where we know our money does something tangible. 4) Have Meyer et al. Give me a report on this.” A report was not found.

Document 3: Minutes of an NSC Review Group Meeting, Washington, July 3, 1969, 2–3:50 p.m.

The participants reviewed U.S. interests and policy in Latin America. In addition, the participants discussed issues of political structure, economic development, and the future of U.S. assistance to the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files) Box H–111, SRG Minutes, Originals. Confidential. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. The revised version of the Latin American Study, which was written in response to NSDM 15, is printed as Document 4.

Document 4: Study Prepared in Response to National Security Study Memorandum 15, Washington, July 5, 1969.

The Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs outlined general considerations and guidelines for determining U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean. The study focused on the basic nature of U.S.-Latin American relations, defining U.S. objectives in the hemisphere, establishing what style or technique would guide U.S. policy, and where the United States should concentrate its attention.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box–134, NSSM 15 [1 of 3]. Secret. The revised draft of a study prepared by the IB/ARA in March 1969. The original draft is not published. National Security Study Memorandum 15 is Document 1.

Document 5: Analytical Summary Prepared by the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Latin America, Washington, undated.

To brief the NSC for its July 9 meeting on Latin America, the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Latin America outlined U.S. interests in the region and discussed the possible directions that United States-Latin American relations might take during the Nixon administration.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–23, NSC Meeting 7/9/69, Latin America. Secret. Forwarded under cover of an undated memorandum from Kissinger to Nixon, in which Kissinger recommended that the President make no decisions at the July 9 NSC meeting on Latin America. The memorandum is not published. The IG Paper is printed as Document 4. NSC meeting minutes were not found, but Alexander Haig kept handwritten notes. (Ibid., Box H–121, NSC Meeting, July 9, 1969)

Document 6: Editorial Note.

Document 7: National Security Study Memorandum 68, Washington, July 12, 1969.

Following the July 9 NSC meeting on Latin American policy, Nixon directed that the CIA prepare a report on the Catholic Church in Latin America by October 10 and that the Joint Chiefs of Staff prepare a report on the Military Establishments in Latin America by October 30.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–159. Secret. A copy was sent to the Secretary of Defense. The CIA report is printed as Document 13. The JCS report has not been found.

Document 8: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, July 22, 1969.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger recounted the preliminary conclusions for the President of the CIA paper “The Church and Change in Latin America.” The paper highlighted that advocacy by the Catholic Church for social reforms may, in some cases, produce greater instability. Over a longer period of time, those reforms had the potential of spurring revolution in some areas and more radical trends promoted by the Church would most likely strengthen anti-American sentiment in the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 797, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, volume II, September–October 1969. Secret. Sent for information. On the first page, Nixon wrote, “K—get this info to Buchanan for some column and think pieces.” Attached but not published at Tab A is the CIA's July 10 report. The July 9 NSC meeting is referenced in Document 6. The CIA study is Document 13.

Document 9: Memorandum From the Chairman of the National Security Council Undersecretaries Committee (Richardson) to President Nixon, Washington, August 13, 1969.

Richardson discussed the efforts of the NSC Undersecretaries Committee to convince Congress to modify the Conte Amendment which restricted the Administration from selling jet military aircraft to Latin American nations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 779, Country Files, Latin America, Colombia, Vol. 1. Secret. For more information on the concerns of the Nixon administration regarding Congressional restrictions on military sales to Latin America, see the Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela country chapters of this volume.

Document 10: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, October 2, 1969.

In this 4 page memorandum, President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger discussed the 4 proposals regarding U.S. negotiations on financing the cost of the Darien Gap portion of the Pan American Highway. Nixon agreed to the 4 recommendations presented by Kissinger and agreed to inform President Lleras of Colombia of his intentions.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 797, Country Files, Latin America General, volume 2, September–October 1969. Secret. Sent for action. Nixon initialed for approval on all recommendations on October 7. Attached but not published are Tabs A through F. Tab A is a June 13 memorandum of conversation; Tab B is an August 13 memorandum from the Department of State to the President; Tab C is an August 18 memorandum from Volcker to the President; Tab D is an August 20 memorandum from Hughes to the President; Tab E is a July 10 memorandum from Kearns to Secretary Rogers; and Tab F is a June 30 memorandum from Beggs to Secretary Rogers. Attached but not published at Annex I is a paper titled, “Alternative Financing Formulas.” In a December 8 memorandum to the President, Kissinger requested his support for a bill in the House of Representatives for funding to complete the Pan American highway. Nixon initialed his approval on December 10. (Ibid., Box 798, Country Files, Latin America General, volume 3, November 1969–May 1970)

Document 11: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, October 8, 1969.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger reported on the views of the personal assistant to Colombian PresidentLleras, Rodrigo Botero, on the U.S.-Latin American economic relations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC File, Box 797, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, volume 2, September–October 1969. Confidential. Sent for information. In the margin next to the section beginning with “What they need basically,” Nixon underlined most of the sentence and wrote, “ agree —this Oct 31 speech must not be a dud stylistically.” Nixon also underlined most of the next statement and the penultimate sentence, and wrote, “do it” in the margin. Nixon's comment was dated October 20. The attached memorandum of conversation has not been found.

Document 12: Minutes of an NSC Review Group Meeting, Washington, October 9, 1969, 2:15–4:15 p.m.

The Review Group discussed U.S. economic policy towards Latin America and the upcoming IA–ECOSOC meetings.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–111, SRG Minutes, Originals, 1969. Secret. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. The agendas for the October 15 and 17 meetings were forwarded to the NSC Review Group under the cover of an October 4 memorandum from Davis. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 797, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, volume 2, September–October 1969) The IA–ECOSOC paper was forwarded to Nixon under the cover of an undated memorandum from Kissinger. (Ibid., NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–211, NSDM Files, NSDM 30) The proposals for the IA–ECOSOC are published as Document 15. The minutes of the October 15 NSC meeting are published as Document 14.

Document 13: Intelligence Memorandum 2609/69, Washington, October 9, 1969.

In this 3 page memorandum titled “The Church in Latin America,” the CIA reported that, while foreign priests played an important role in the more progressive, social-reform branch of the Catholic Church, they remained a minority segment, facing an ambivalent Vatican and traditional Latin American conservatism.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–177, NSSM 108. Secret. The study was prepared in response to NSSM 68, published as Document 7. The study was prepared in the Office of Current Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency.

Document 14: Minutes of National Security Council Meeting, Washington, October 15, 1969.

The participants discussed United States-Latin American economic issues, particularly trade. President Nixon concluded the meeting by stating that the United States needed to firmly support its friends in Latin America, including military governments in the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–109, NSC Meetings Minutes, Originals, 1969. Secret. According to the President's Daily Diary, the following attended the meeting, the meeting lasted from 10:05 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President's Daily Diary)

Document 15: Annex A to a Paper Prepared in the Department of State, Washington, undated.

The Under Secretaries Committee identified 26 proposals for the U.S. position at the November Inter-American Economic and Social Council (IA–ECOSOC) meetings.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–211, NSDM Files, NSDM 30. Confidential. Attached to a memorandum from Richardson to Nixon, October 17. For the proposals adopted, see Document 17.

Document 16: National Security Decision Memorandum 28, Washington, October 20, 1969.

The President's Assistant for National Security Affairs, Henry Kissinger, informed Secretary of State William Rogers and AID Administrator Hannah that the President had decided to untie all AID procurement loans to Latin America.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–211, NSDM Files, NSDM 28. Confidential. A copy was sent to the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce, and the Director of the Bureau of the Budget. For the text of Nixon's October 31 speech see Public Papers: Nixon, 1969, pp. 893–901. The October 15 NSC meeting is published as Document 14. In an October 17 memorandum to the President, Hannah advocated Nixon only untie U.S. assistance used to acquire local currencies for financing local costs of development programs in Latin America. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 193, Agency Files, AID, January 1969–December 1969, Vol. 1)

Document 17: National Security Decision Memorandum 30, Washington, November 5, 1969.

In anticipation of the IA–ECOSOC meetings, President Nixon approved 12 of the proposals made by the Under Secretaries Committee without modification, and did not approve four of the proposals. He approved eight of the proposals with modifications.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–211, NSDM Files, NSDM 30. Confidential. A copy was sent to the Secretaries of Defense and Labor; the Director of the Bureau of Budget, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Director of the CIA, the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, and the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. For the text of the October 31 speech, see Public Papers: Nixon, 1969, pp. 893–907. A list of the Under Secretaries' proposals are published as Document 15. NSDM 28 is Document 16.

Document 18: Memorandum From Viron P. Vaky of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, December 2, 1969.

Vaky summarized the list of recommendations on individual countries made by Governor Rockefeller after his Latin American visit.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 798, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, Volume 3, November 1969–May 1970. Confidential. Sent for information. Kissinger wrote on the first page, “Pete—Can we show this to Rockefeller?” Also written, in an unknown hand, was “OBE.” Nixon dispatched Rockefeller to Latin America confer with leaders in the region.

Document 19: Intelligence Memorandum, OCI No. 2622/69, Washington, December 8, 1969.

In this 5 page intelligence memorandum titled “The Military and Nationalism in Latin America,” the CIA analyzed the influence of nationalism on the behavior of Latin American militaries and implications for U.S. policy.

Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Current Intelligence, Job 79–T00829A. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. This memorandum was produced solely by CIA. NSSM 68 is Document 7. The JCS response to NSSM 68 has not been found.

Document 20: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to the Chairman of the Under Secretaries Committee, Washington, December 30, 1969.

As a follow-up to President Nixon's October 31 speech on U.S. policy toward Latin America, President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger directed the Under Secretaries Committee to submit a report to the President that outlined U.S. positions on various issues that would be discussed at the forthcoming round of IA–ECOSOC talks.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Economic Policy), Subject and Country Files: Lot 72 D 464, IA–ECOSOC, Caracas, January and February 1970. Confidential. The Committee's report, January 21, 1970, is ibid., National Security Council Under Secretaries Committee Decision Memorandum, 1969–1977; Lot 83 D 276, NSC U/DM 25. Kissinger communicated Nixon's responses to the Committee's recommendations in NSDM 39 (Document 23).

Document 21: Memorandum From Viron P. Vaky of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, January 1, 1970.

National Security Council staff member Vaky urged President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger to allocate more resources to Latin America, give it special treatment, advocate pro-Latin American policies even if they conflicted with U.S. domestic interests, and cultivate sympathy and understanding toward the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 798, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, Volume III, November 1969–May 1970. Confidential. Sent for information. Kissinger wrote on the top of the memorandum, “Excellent paper.” At the end of the memorandum, Kissinger wrote, “All right, how do we get it?”

Document 22: National Security Decision Memorandum 37, Washington, January 27, 1970.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger communicated President Nixon's response to the Under Secretaries Committee's recommendations on Latin American economic policy, particularly efforts to promote multilateral assistance, strengthen capital markets, and expand exports.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–213, NSDM 37. Confidential. A copy was sent to the Secretaries of Defense, Labor, Interior, the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, Chairman of the JCS, the DCI, the President of the EXIM Bank, the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, and the Chairman of the CEA. The proposals are described in Document 23. The NSC Under Secretaries Committee issued its report on January 21. (Ibid., Department of State, National Security Council Under Secretaries Committee Decision Memorandum, 1969–1977: Lot 83 D 276, NSC U/DM 25)

Document 23: National Security Decision Memorandum 39, Washington, January 29, 1970.

President Nixon approved the existing GATT standstill commitment for Latin America, the untying of local currency loans, and the componentry rule for untying AID-financed loans for the upcoming Special Meeting of the Inter-American Economic and Social Council.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Material, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–213, NSDM Files, NSDM 37. Confidential. A copy was sent to the Secretaries of Defense, Labor, and Interior, the Administrator of AID, the Chairman of the NSC Under Secretaries Committee, the Director of Bureau of the Budget, the Chairman of the JCS, the DCI; the President of the EXIM Bank, the Special Representative for Trade negotiations, and the Chairman of the CEA. Hannah's November 21 memorandum to Nixon is printed as Document 14 in Foreign Relations, vol. IV, 1969–1976, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969–1972. The NSC Under Secretaries Committee issued its report on January 21. (Ibid., Department of State, National Security Council Under Secretaries Committee Decision Memorandum, 1969–1977: Lot 83 D 276, NSC U/DM 25)

Document 24: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, January 29, 1970.

In this 4 page memorandum, President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger discussed the U.S. position for the special meetings of the IA–ECOSOC. Kissinger informed the President of the decisions that he had made on behalf of the President regarding the IA–ECOSOC special meetings.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–213, NSDM Files, NSDM 39. Confidential. Sent for information. Annex I has not been found. Annex II is published.

Document 25: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, February 17, 1970.

President Nixon approved the cash sale of jet military aircraft to Argentina and postponed decision on the broader issue of restriction waivers for arms sales to other Latin American countries.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 797, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, Volume 3, November 1969–May 1970. Secret. Sent for action. Nixon initialed for approval on February 20. Attached but not published at Tab A is the February 2 NSC Under Secretaries Committee Decision 26. In NSDM 42, February 19, Nixon approved the sale of the aircraft. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 363, Subject Files, National Security Decision Memoranda (NSDMs), Numbers 1 through 50, January 1969–April 1970)

Document 26: National Security Decision Memorandum 46, Washington, March 5, 1970.

President Nixon approved in principle waiving the aid penalty provision of Section 119 of the Foreign Assistance Act for Chile, Colombia, and Brazil to allow those countries to purchase jet military aircraft, but demurred on the waiver of FMS credit restrictions, pending further consultations with Congress.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–214, NSDM 46. Secret; Nodis. A copy was sent to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the DCI, and the Chairman of the JCS.

Document 27: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 13, 1970.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger recommended that the U.S. Government support a replenishment of the Inter-American Development Bank to assist the institution's efforts to expand lending operations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files) Box H–215, NSDM files, NSDM 54. Confidential. Sent for action. Kissinger initialed approval for the President on April 15. Attached but not published are Tabs A and Tab B. Written under the recommendation was “CFB [C. Fred Bergsten] informed Treasury (Petty) orally 4/15, 2:30 p.m.” The replenishment of IDB, including NSDM 54, is discussed in Foreign Relations, volume IV, 1969–1976, Foreign Assistance, International Development, and Trade Policies, 1969–1972, Document 25.

Document 28: Memorandum From the Acting Chairman of the Under Secretaries Committee (Samuels) to President Nixon, Washington, August 31, 1970.

Acting Chairman of the Under Secretaries Committee Samuels reported on key issues for the upcoming IA–ECOSOC meetings and outlined the Department's recommended responses to Latin American requests for reductions or elimination of trade barriers on exports from the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–219, NSDM Files, NSDM 83. Confidential. Attached but not published are the Annexes, and the August 28 memoranda from Palmby to Samuels and from Nehmer to Samuels.

Document 29: National Security Decision Memorandum 83, Washington, September 7, 1970.

The President decided not to increase the level of the 1970 meat import program, demurred on changes to the level of textile imports, but concurred with the recommendation to include the Options I and II lists in the trade preference scheme.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Subject Files, Box 363, National Security Decision Memoranda, Nos. 51–96. Confidential. The Under Secretaries Committee August 31 memorandum is printed as Document 28.

Document 30: Memorandum From the Senior Military Attaché in Paris (Walters) to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, November 3, 1970.

Arguing that Latin America was a key region in the struggle against communism, military attaché Walters outlined alternative courses of action for military and economic assistance to the region to engage its allies and counter the communist influence.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Kissinger Office Files, Box 147, Agency Files, CIA Colby, General Walters. Secret. Sent for information. In the margin of the second paragraph of section 4, Nixon wrote, “ This is my preference. ” In the margin of the last paragraph, he wrote, “This should be our line, ” and underlined significant portions of the paragraph. Attached but not published is a paper prepared by Walters titled, “Specific Actions in the Military Field in Latin America.”

Document 31: Memorandum From Arnold Nachmanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, November 16, 1970.

National Security Council staff member Nachmanoff provided President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger with briefing material for his upcoming luncheon meeting with the Argentine, Brazilian, and Uruguayan ambassadors to discuss regional security, Chile, and trade issues.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 768, Country Files, Latin America, Argentina, 1969–August 31, 1971. Confidential. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum reads: “HAK has seen.” Attached but not published are Tabs A, B, and C. Tab A is background on Argentina, Tab B is background on Brazil, and Tab C is background on Uruguay. Also attached is telegram 517 from Brasilia, November 12. It is printed as Document 129. Although no record of the meeting was found, Kissinger's Record of Schedule indicates the meeting occurred at the Argentine Ambassador's residence from 12:51 to 2:36 p.m. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Papers of Henry A. Kissinger, Box 438, Miscellany, 1968–76, Record of Schedule)

Document 32: National Security Study Memorandum 108, Washington, December 10, 1970.

President Nixon directed that a review be made of U.S. policy toward Latin America, including options to improve bilateral political relations, focusing specifically on trade and development assistance, security assistance, strengthening the OAS, and expanding and protecting U.S. private investment.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–178, NSSM Files, NSSM 108. Secret; Limdis. A copy was sent to the Secretaries of Treasury, Commerce, and Agriculture, the Administrator of AID, and the Directors of OMB and USIA. NSSM 15 is Document 1. The summary of the Rockefeller Report recommendations is Document 18. The study requested by the President, “Review of U.S. Policy Toward Latin America,” is Document 35. The Intergovernmental Group for Inter American Affairs prepared an Analytical Summary in response to NSSM 108, June 17, 1971, in anticipation of an August 17 Senior Review Group meeting. (Ibid., Box H–59, SRG Meeting–Latin America, 8/17/71) A supplement, September 3, was titled, “U.S. Policy Toward the Nations of Latin America.” (Ibid.).

Document 33: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, January 25, 1971.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger reported on the findings of a NSC Under Secretaries Committee study on cross-border contacts and coordination among insurgent groups in Latin America.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 798, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, Vol. 4, January–June 1971. Secret. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Nixon wrote in the margin next to the last sentence, “good—follow up diligently.” Attached but not published are Tabs A and B. Tab B is titled “Insurgency in Bolivia and Latin America.” Tab C, a DOD annex to the study, has not been found.

Document 34: National Security Study Memorandum 117, Washington, February 16, 1971.

President Nixon directed that a comprehensive review of U.S. policies in the Caribbean be conducted, with a focus on the following issues: expropriation of foreign companies' assets, regional effects from the reduced power of Great Britain, Caribbean nations' desire to trade with Cuba, the growth of black power, and increased Soviet military activities.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–59, Latin America, Caribbean, 1/17/71. Secret. A copy was sent to the Administrator of AID and the Director of USIA. The IG for Inter-American Affairs study, August 10, was titled, “Review of U.S. Policy in the Caribbean Area.” The portion of the study that discusses bauxite in the Caribbean is published as Document 46. The IG produced a supplementary report, dated September 3, titled, “Political and Security Aspects of U.S. Relations with Caribbean Countries.” (Ibid.) A DOD Report, dated December 13, 1972, was entitled, “The Future U.S.-Bahamas Relationship.” (Ibid.)

Document 35: Paper Prepared by the Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs, Washington, March 1971.

In this paper, titled “Review of U.S. Policy Toward Latin America: Response to National Security Study Memorandum 108,” the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs (IG/ARA) provided an overview of U.S. interests in Latin America.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–177, NSSM Files, NSSM 108. Secret. NSSM 108 is printed as Document 32.

Document 36: Conversation Among President Nixon, the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), the President's Assistant (Haldeman), the President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig), and Director of Central Intelligence Helms, Washington, March 5, 1971.

The participants discussed the Catholic Church in Latin America, and individual countries in the region in general terms.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Oval Office, Conversation No. 462–5, Oval Office. No classification marking. The editors transcribed the portions of the tape recording printed specifically for this volume. The transcript is part of a larger conversation that took place between 8:30–10:15 a.m. According to the President's Daily Diary, Haig joined the meeting at 9:15 a.m. and Helms joined the meeting at 9:29 a.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President's Daily Diary)

Document 37: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 27, 1971.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger summarized a Department of State report on the status of the Pan American Highway.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 798, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, Vol. IV, January–June 1971. Confidential. Sent for information. Nixon wrote on the top of the document: “K—State really has no enthusiasm for roads. They want the money for welfare projects—I want to change the emphasis.” At the bottom of the memorandum, Nixon wrote, “H—tell K and Scali I know all this—1) But what are we doing to get symbolic credit for RN's leadership on this since his visit to Central America in 1955? 2) And on substance let's get a plan for a road all the way—.” Nixon circled the word “average” in the penultimate sentence and wrote in the margin: “a dodge of my question.” Nixon also wrote in the margin next to this sentence, which he underlined, “Our goal is a road usable year round —from NY to the tip of S.A. [South America].” Tab A, undated, is attached but not published.

Document 38: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, May 14, 1971.

President Nixon approved a recommendation that President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger direct priority attention to completing the Darien Gap portion of the Pan American Highway.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–224, NSDM files, NSDM 109. Secret. Sent for action. Nixon approved the recommendation. The document bears Nixon's stamped signature. Tab A, a May 5 report of the NSC Under Secretaries Committee, has not been found. The NSC Under Secretaries Committee produced a revised version of the May 5 report on July 16. (Ibid., Department of State, S/S files: Lot 81 D 309, NSC–U/SM 100C)

Document 39: Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Laird to President Nixon, Washington, May 22, 1971.

Secretary of Defense Laird proposed the disestablishment of U.S. Southern Command.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 806, Country Files, Latin America, Southcom. Secret.

Document 40: National Security Decision Memorandum 109, Washington, May 25, 1971.

President Nixon directed that the Department of State consult with the Governments of Colombia and Panama, and that the Departments of State and Transportation consult with the Appropriations Committees of the Congress to accelerate construction of the Darien Gap Highway.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–223, NSDM files, NSDM 109. Secret. A copy was sent to the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director, Office of Management and Budget, the Administrator, Agency for International Development the Director of Central Intelligence Agency; the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and the Chairman, NSC Under Secretaries Committee. The May 5 report of the NSC Under Secretaries Committee was not found. The NSC Under Secretaries Committee produced a revised version of the May 5 report on July 16. (Ibid., Department of State, S/S files: Lot 81 D 309, NSC–U/SM 100C)

Document 41: Memorandum From the Acting Secretary of State (Irwin) to President Nixon, Washington, June 9, 1971.

Acting Secretary of State Irwin reported on efforts by some Caribbean and South American countries to nationalize the bauxite industry and steps being taken by the Department of State to respond to the situation.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 798, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America General, Volume 4, January–June 1971. Secret. In Airgram Kingston A–90, the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica reported that the rise of Black Power in the Caribbean and increased economic nationalism in Jamaica might push the Jamaicans toward nationalization of the bauxite industry, Document 414. In Intelligence Memorandum 1839/69, August 6, 1969, the CIA reported on the rise of black radicalism in the Caribbean. (Ibid., Box 786, Country Files, Latin America, Jamaica, Vol. 1)

Document 42: Conversation Between President Nixon and the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, June 11, 1971.

President Nixon and President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger discussed U.S. relations with Chile in the broader context of the administration's policy towards Latin America.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Oval Office, Conversation No. 517–4. No classification marking. The editors transcribed the portions of the tape recording published here specifically for this volume. The transcript is part of a larger conversation, 9:37–10:36 a.m. In the portion printed here, Nixon and Kissinger discussed different options for increasing assistance to Chile. The assassination of the right-wing Christian Democrat, who headed up the right-wing segment of the Christian Democratic Party, former Interior Minister Edmundo Perez Zujovic, is discussed in Lester A. Sobel, Chile & Allende, pp. 42–43.

Document 43: Conversation Among President Nixon, the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), the President's Assistant (Haldeman), and Secretary of the Treasury Connally, Washington, June 11, 1971.

In a discussion on the communist threat to Latin America, President Nixon characterized the Department of State's Latin American Division as a “disaster area.”

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Oval Office, Conversation No. 517–20. No classification marking. The editors transcribed the portions of the tape recording printed here specifically for this volume. The conversation took place between 2:05 and 2:38 p.m.

Document 44: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, July 6, 1971.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger reviewed the pros and cons of disestablishing Southcom and recommended that the President disapprove such action.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 806, Country Files, Latin America, Southcom. Secret. Sent for action. A stamped notation on the first page indicates the President saw it. In the fifth paragraph, Nixon circled the words “disestablishment” and “improve” and put a question mark in the margin. Nixon initialed the disapprove option, and lined through the other options. The memorandum at Tab B is printed as Document 39. In a July 20 memorandum, Kissinger communicated the President's decision to Laird, while indicating that Nixon would welcome recommendations “to make the Command more effective in carrying out essential Department of Defense programs in the Latin American area.” (Ibid.)

Document 45: Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, August 4, 1971, 2:50–3:40 p.m.

The Senior Review Group discussed options for responding to the expropriation of property owned by U.S.-based companies overseas.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–112, SRG Minutes (Originals), 1971. Secret. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. An attached August 11 covering memorandum from Davis to Kissinger was stamped “HAK has seen” on September 7. A copy was sent to Kennedy, Hormats, and Nachmanoff. The participants discussed a July 31 paper prepared by an ad hoc group chaired by Legal Advisor John R. Stephenson which is published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969–1972, Document 157. The undated memorandum to the President mentioned in the Summary of Conclusion is printed as Document 168, ibid.

Document 46: Study Prepared by the National Security Council Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs, Washington, August 10, 1971.

In this response to NSSM–117, the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs (NSC–IG/AR) laid out options regarding bauxite policy in the Caribbean, including diplomatic representations and a more hard-line approach.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–214, NSSM Files, NSSM 117. Secret. NSSM 131 is published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969–1972, Document 155.

Document 47: Study Prepared by the Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs, Washington, August 11, 1971.

This 8 page NSC Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs (NSC–IG/AR) study provided a list of recommendations for improving security assistance programs to Latin America.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–59, SRG Meeting, Latin America/Caribbean, 8/17/71. Secret. The title of the Report is “ Latin America —NSSM 108 and Military Presence Study.” Attached but not published at Tab B is “The Future of Grant MAP Material.” The January 12 study has not been found.

Document 48: Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, August 17, 1971, 3:15–4:30 p.m.

The Senior Review Group discussed bilateral and multilateral policy objectives in Latin America and the Caribbean, including military assistance to the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–112, SRG Minutes (Originals), 1971. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room. The response to NSSM 131 is published in Foreign Relations, volume IV, 1969–1976, Foreign Assistance, International Development, and Trade Policies, 1969–1972, Document 157. The IG recommendations on the Caribbean are published in Document 46. The recommendations of the NSSM 108 study are published in Document 47. Nixon met with Shearer on August 11, 1970. The IG/ARA paper on the Caribbean, September 3, supplemented the response to NSSM 117. (NA, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–181, NSSM Files, NSSM 117) The requested paper for a NSC meeting has not been found, and there is no record of a meeting.

Document 49: Memorandum of Meeting, Washington, September 4, 1971, 10 a.m.

In a conversation with Sanz de Santamaría on U.S.-Latin American relations, President Nixon reiterated his commitment to continuing development assistance and expanding trade with the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 332, Subject Files, Alliance for Progress, March 1969–March 1973. Confidential. The meeting was held in the Oval Office. According to the President's Daily Diary, the meeting lasted until 10:47 a.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President's Daily Diary) According to a September 9 memorandum from Nachmanoff to Kissinger, there were two versions of this memorandum. The version printed was for the White House files only. The version for general distribution did not include the statement by the President that Treasury would be more influential than State on the matter of U.S.-Latin American trade, and included the President's private comment that he would not object if Sanz de Santamaría sought a waiver of the U.S. surcharge on Latin American commodities. Nixon's August 17 statement is in Public Papers: Nixon, 1971, pp. 891–892.

Document 50: Conversation Among President Nixon, Attorney General Mitchell, and the Counselor to the President (Finch), Washington, September 30, 1971.

President Nixon briefed Counselor Finch on his upcoming goodwill visit to South America, which aimed at improving United States-Latin American relations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Oval Office, Conversation No. 581–4. No classification marking. The editors transcribed the portions of the tape recording printed here specifically for this volume. The transcript is part of a larger conversation, 10:07–11:03 a.m.

Document 51: Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, November 12, 1971.

President's Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger forwarded recommendations from the President's counselor Robert Finch and Pete Peterson that the administration introduce generalized tariff preferences and announce the expropriation policy to coincide with some positive foreign assistance action. Kissinger indicated that he agreed with Finch and Peterson that negotiating trade concessions from Latin America in exchange for lifting the surcharge would be counterproductive.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 814, Name Files, Senator Finch. Confidential. Sent for action. Kissinger approved both recommendations for Nixon. Attached but not published at Tab I is the November 10 memorandum from Finch and Peterson to Nixon.

Document 52: Memorandum From the Counselor to the President (Finch) to President Nixon, undated.

In this 15 page memorandum, Counselor Finch asserted that U.S. policymakers needed to come up with a coherent plan to link overall U.S. policy objectives to day-to-day programs.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–178, NSSM files, NSSM 108. Secret. It was drafted on December 2 by Hewitt. The memorandum is un-initialed. According to a January 18, 1972 covering memorandum from Hewitt to Kissinger, Nixon instructed that Finch's report, when finalized, be included in the Latin American Policy Review, in which he wanted Finch to participate. No final version of Finch's report or the Latin American Policy Review has been found. Hewitt recommended that Kissinger call Finch to inquire about the status of his report. No record that Kissinger contacted Finch has been found.

Document 53: Memorandum From President Nixon to Secretary of Treasury Connally, June 6, 1972.

President Nixon instructed Secretary Connally to inform Latin American heads of state with whom he would meet during his upcoming trip the President had a long-standing interest in Third World countries.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 954, VIP Visits, Connally Trip 6–7/72. No classification marking. Nixon informed Kissinger in a May 19 memorandum that “The Connally trip is vitally important, not only from the standpoint of our personal relationship, but also in terms, I believe, of the good it can do in the foreign policy area. What I have in mind is that he should go first-class with a Presidential-type aircraft to four countries in Latin America— Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.” Nixon concluded, “Don't consult a lot of people in State about this thing. Just give me your own recommendation later today.” (Ibid., Box 341, Subject Files, HAK/President Memos, 1971–)

Document 54: Telegram 3549 From the Embassy in Argentina to the Department of State and the Embassy in Venezuela, June 11, 1972, 2000Z.

President Caldera and Secretary Connally discussed oil, U.S. support for Codesur, and upgrading military equipment. The Ambassador concluded that Connally's conversation aided the Embassy in its dealings with Venezuela.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 US /Connally. Secret; Exdis. It was repeated to Bogotá. Connally visited Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru on his Latin American trip, and made similar representations. Documentation on his trip can be found ibid.

Document 55: Memorandum From the President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to President Nixon, Washington, June 23, 1972.

In this 4 page memorandum, President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs Haig reviewed the South American portion of Secretary Connally's trip and concluded that it was a success for U.S. policy. According to Haig, while generally avoiding detailed discussions over bilateral issues, Connally informed the Latin American leaders that President Nixon was committed to generalized trade preferences.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 954, VIP Visits, Connally Trip 6–7/72. Secret. Sent for information. A handwritten notation on the first page indicates the President saw it.

Document 56: Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Eliot) to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, June 30, 1972.

In this 3 page memorandum, Executive Secretary Eliot recommended against attempting to obtain Law of the Sea concessions from Ecuador, because such concessions might jeopardize resolution of the fisheries dispute.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Material, NSC Files, Box 799, Country Files, Latin America, Latin America (General), Vol. 6, July 1971–1974. Confidential. R. T. Curran signed above Theodore Eliot's typed signature. The May 18 memorandum from Eliot to Kissinger has not been found. NSDM 147 is Document 312. In a January 2 memorandum to President Nixon, Kissinger argued that the U.S. should seek Law of the Sea concessions from Ecuador, see Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, E–volume 1, Global Issues, 1969–1972, Document 418.

Document 57: Memorandum From the President's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) for the President's File, November 30, 1972, 10:15 a.m.

In a meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, President Nixon indicated he wanted more U.S. military assistance for Latin America.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 862, For the President's Files (Winston Lord)–China Trip/Vietnam, Camp David Memos, September–December 1972. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The meeting took place in the Oval Office. According to the President's Daily Diary, the meeting lasted until 11:34 a.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President's Daily Diary)

Document 58: Study Prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, November 1972.

In its annual review of worldwide developments, the CIA noted continuing problems with Latin American economic nationalism and politically motivated violence affecting U.S. interests in the region.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–194, NSSM Files, NSSM 161. No classification marking. The study is titled, “Response to NSSM No. 161—A Review of Major International Developments During 1972.” NSSM 161, the President's Annual Review of American Foreign Policy, was issued September 25. (Ibid.)