377. Telegram From the Department of State [text not declassified] to the Consulate General in British Guiana1

Following is a [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] State [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] cable for Carlson [less than 1 line of source text not declassified]:

1.
We concur with guidance to Burnham not to resort to counter-violence and that he can be assured that if PPP makes effort take over country by force the U.S. Govt will not stand by and see opposition crushed by terror, and Carlsonʼs comments on arms to Burnham (Congentel 377).2
2.
We are now exploring possibility of giving counterterrorist training to selected members of opposition.3 While this will not have any immediate positive effect on containing violence, it may give boost to opposition. We will inform you when final decisions and plans are made. [less than 1 line of source text not declassified]
3.
Meanwhile we suggest you discuss [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] steps which could be taken to control violence.4 It our view that frequent use of [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] mechanism should be made not only to work out locally solutions to problems but also to give true picture to Governor so he will in turn influence ColOff. Request cable summary of all [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] meetings [less than 1 line of source text not declassified].
4.
Please note Deptel 2855 re our approach to British here.
  1. Source: Department of State,INR/IL Historical Files, Messages between Consul General/Ambassador Carlson and Ranking Department Officials [file name not declassified] re: Situation in British Guiana, Vol. 1, March–September, 1964. Secret.
  2. Telegram 377 from Georgetown, May 6. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–8 BR GU)
  3. In an April 30 memorandum to Bundy, Helms wrote that if the situation deteriorated “to the extent that it is decided to furnish the trainees with the necessary material, this would be furnished them [text not declassified] British Guiana.” A marginal note in Bundyʼs handwriting reads “Approved by phone. May 7.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Intelligence File, British Guiana, Special File)
  4. In a March 23 memorandum to Bundy, Helms reported that “the Colonial Office has taken note of the request by the Department of State that the British Guiana elections not be held prior to the U.S. Presidential elections on 3 November 1964.” (Ibid.)
  5. Telegram 285 to Georgetown, May 9. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23 BR GU)