57. Telegram 315 to Bogota, November 11
Rptd: US POLAD CINCARIB. Joint State Defense message.
President has signed determination furnish internal security aid Colombia. Program has been designed here furnish on priority basis all items Colombian Ambassador requested in memcon October 6 except SA–16 aircraft and one of three C–54 aircraft.
[Typeset Page 142]Ambassador and Chief MAAG should inform Colombian civil and military officials at high level of determination and program details, making following clear:
1. Items programmed represent only part total FY 62 military aid Colombia with balance dependent on division still under discussion of total appropriation for Latin America.
2. This is first internal security package arranged for any individual LA country during this FY and US has moved urgently this matter order help Colombian Government maintain law and order during upcoming electoral period.
3. US depriving other high priority end-users including possibly own troops order make early deliveries Colombia.
Secretary Defense seeing Colombian Ambassador and General Ruiz noon November 1 order inform them above points and hand over list specific items [Facsimile Page 2] to be furnished. List Army items identical that given CINCARIB message CC 68609 MA October 21 with exception increases made infantry small arms to totals requested by Colombians in ref memcon. Air items are four C–47 and two C–54 for troop carrier use.
FYI Possibility being investigated of meeting your request deliver key items before elections. Embassy will be advised later of exact delivery dates. Department hopeful at present obtain target delivery date February for gas masks, tear gas, all infantry weapons except 106 mm rifles and possibly C–47 aircraft. Two programmed C–54 aircraft cannot be rehabilitated and delivered before August. All deliveries will be labeled with code name “Bandera” order distinguish this separate package clearly from other shipments reaching Colombia as result direct purchase or previous MAP programs.
Presidential determination set figure $3 million for this internal security package. Scheduled deliveries, including shipment which by air for infantry weapons, total somewhat less than this figure leaving balance available future use as needed.
Regarding SA–16 aircraft, delivery problems preclude their inclusion this package. Three SA–16–B programmed ASW for Colombia in FY 62. As Embassy aware ASW items do not require presidential determination. If MAAG believes Colombia needs this type aircraft primarily for internal security mission, matter must be re-studied. Remaining funds under current determination would not cover cost these aircraft. End FYI.
Colombian Ambassador states he understands his Government does not desire publicity presidential determination or our plans deliver equipment thereunder.
- Announcement that President Kennedy has signed determination to furnish internal security aid to Colombia. Confidential. 2 pp. DOS, CF, 721.00/11–0161.↩