Office of the Historian

80. National Security Action Memorandum No. 881

Washington, September 5, 1961.

TO

  • The Secretary of Defense

SUBJECT

  • Training for Latin American Armed Forces

I would appreciate hearing what steps we are taking to train the Armed Forces of Latin America in controlling mobs, guerrillas, etc. In addition, as the events of the past week have shown in Brazil, the military occupy an extremely important strategic position in Latin America. I would like to know how many officers we are bringing up from Latin America to train here and whether we could increase the number. Also, what other steps we are taking to increase the intimacy between our Armed Forces and the military of Latin America. It has been suggested that we set up a camp in the United States similar to the FBI Academy which brings in police from all over the United States. We would bring up a good many officers from the different countries of Latin America for a period from 1 to 2 months; we would have FBI people there who could talk to them about the techniques they have developed to control communism, subversion and we could have our military coming in to teach them how to control mobs and fight guerrillas. In addition to increase their effectiveness it would also strengthen their ties with the United States. Will you let me know your view of this?

John F. Kennedy2
  1. Source: Department of State, NSAM Files: Lot 72 D 316, NSAM 88. Secret.↩
  2. Printed from a copy that indicates Kennedy signed the original.↩