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

34. National Security Study Memorandum 117¹ ²

Washington, February 16, 1971

TO:

• The Secretary of State
• The Secretary of Defense
• Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
• The Director of Central Intelligence

SUBJECT:

• Review of U.S. Policy in the Caribbean Area

The President has directed that a comprehensive review of U.S. policies and programs in the Caribbean be undertaken. The study should take into account, but not necessarily be constrained by, studies prepared in response to NSSM 108. It should identify U.S. interests in the area and consider inter alia the implications of the following factors and developments for those interests:

• —pressure being exerted on the foreign bauxite interests in Guyana and its effect on U.S. bauxite investments in Jamaica;
• —the intention of the British Government to reduce its obligations and costs in the Caribbean;
• —the interest of some Caribbean governments in regularizing trade and/or diplomatic relations with Cuba;
• —the growth of black power or black nationalism in the area;
• —increased Soviet military activities in the region.

The study should include recommendations or options, as appropriate, for U.S. policies and programs in the Caribbean area to advance or protect U.S. interests.

The President has directed that the NSC Interdepartmental Group for Inter-American Affairs conduct the study, which should be submitted to the Senior Review Group by April 15, 1971.

Henry A. Kissinger

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–59, Latin America, Caribbean, 1/17/71. Secret. Copies were 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.)
2. 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.