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

381. Memorandum From the Deputy Director of Coordination, Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Trueheart) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Meyer)¹ ²

Washington, April 29, 1969

SUBJECT:

• Minutes of the Meeting of the 303 Committee, 15 April 1969

The minutes of the meeting of the 303 Committee, dated April 15, 1969, contained the following item:

[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to Haiti.]

c. Mr. Broe also briefed the Committee on covert support to a group of prominent Haitian exiles initially approved by the 303 Committee in July 1965. This group has formed a Haitian coalition comprised of anti-Duvalier Haitians primarily resident in the United States, Canada and the Bahamas. Until August 1968, the coalition broadcast regular anti-Duvalier Creole-language programs designed to offset the inflammatory propaganda broadcasts to Haiti from Radio Habana. Effectiveness of the programs has been indicated by the fact that they have been attacked by both Duvalier and Havana. Since August 1968 broadcasts have been irregular due to loss of the original facilities in New York and unsuccessful efforts to obtain effective alternate outlets. Efforts are continuing to locate suitable new facilities, and the success or failure of this effort will be reported to the Committee in the next few months. Total cost of support to the Haitian coalition has been $135,000 annually [text not declassified]

d. Mr. Broe mentioned a disclosure problem which might conceivably arise as the result of possible prosecution by the Department of Justice of two Haitians formerly affiliated with the coalition and four United States citizens for violation of certain U.S. laws in connection with their individual unauthorized participation in the abortive 20 May 1968 invasion of Haiti. He stated that CIA is in touch with Departments of State and Justice representatives on developments in this matter.

[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to Haiti.]

1. Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, 303 Committee, January–June 1969. Secret; Eyes Only. Attached but not published is an April 17 memorandum for the record, which indicates that Kissinger, Johnson, Helms, and Haig attended the meeting. (Central Intelligence Agency, ODCI Files, Job 80–R01284A) The issue of disclosure was again discussed on April 17 at a regular weekly meeting between CIA and Department of State officials. (Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Latin America General, 1969–70)
2. Deputy Director Trueheart reported that at an April 15 meeting, CIA briefed the 303 Committee on covert support to a group of prominent anti-Duvalier Haitian exiles. CIA mentioned concerns over disclosure of the covert program “as the result of possible prosecution by the Department of Justice of two Haitians formerly affiliated with the coalition and four United States citizens for violation of certain U.S. laws in connection with their individual unauthorized participation in the abortive 20 May 1968 invasion of Haiti.”