Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, American Republics; Cuba 1961–1962; Cuban Missile Crisis and Aftermath, Volumes X/XI/XII, Microfiche Supplement

54. Memorandum from Woodward to Acting Secretary, September 27¹

September 27, 1961

• TO: The Acting Secretary

• THROUGH: S/S

FROM

• ARA—Mr. Woodward

SUBJECT

• Urgent Need for Internal Security Aid to Colombia

Discussion

One of the major problems which the present Government of Colombia inherited when the rightist dictatorship was deposed in 1957 was a pattern of political unrest in rural areas where banditry had become a way of life for small but ruthless groups operating from isolated mountain or jungle hideouts. In addition, pro-Communist and pro-Castro elements have made increasing efforts to prevent the pacification of the rural population and to simultaneously stir up labor groups and slum dwellers in the cities.

Colombia faces crucial elections in 1962, with all Congressional and Senatorial seats to be voted on March 1 and a new President to be elected in May. Extremists of both the right and left are seeking to play an increased role in the election campaigns. They have had some success in encouraging rural violence and stimulating demonstrations and riots in the larger cities.

Acting on personal telephonic instructions from President Lleras, the Colombian Ambassador has been in to ask for urgent assistance with his country’s internal security problems during the upcoming campaign months. The Ambassador also raised this matter with Mr. Goodwin in the White House, who, it is understood, expressed an interest in helping with this situation. In addition, the Chairman of Colombia’s UNGA Delegation informed the Secretary of President Lleras’ strong desire for this aid.

In actual fact, US plans for dealing with Colombia’s internal security problems have been made on a continuing basis, interrupted solely by delays in congressional action on this year’s aid appropriation bill. Working under the terms of a presidential determination obtained on January 5, 1961, internal security aid totalling $1,670,000 was provided to Colombia during FY 61. Further internal security aid totalling at least US $3 million has been provided for as a part of the FY 62 appropriation. Because of the urgency of the matter, however, it appears extremely undesirable to wait for final executive action on this appropriation, as this would delay deliveries of urgent internal security equipment items beyond the election campaign months when they are so badly needed. The best way to proceed with this matter appears to be to obtain at once an oral presidential determination of the need for internal security equipment for Colombia, so that the Department of Defense can order the necessary equipment and schedule early delivery. (It is believed that the delivery of major items under this program to Colombia prior to the end of this year would provide an active deterrent to extremist groups.) (This oral request would be followed by a formal written recommendation by the Department based on the requirements of the aid appropriation bill for FY 62.)

Recommendation:

That you telephone the White House to obtain an oral presidential determination that military aid for internal security purposes in an amount not to exceed $3 million is necessary for Colombia.

1. Urgent need for internal security aid to Colombia. Confidential. 2 pp. DOS, CF, 721.5–MSP/9–2761.