422. Telegram 49571 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jamaica1 2
Subj:
- Bauxite
Ref:
- Kingston 674
For Ambassador from Hurwitch
1. The Embassy is correct in reporting that it has not received instructions to express to Jamaican Government US unhappiness over expropriations generally and to authorize Jamaicans to quote our position publicly, as suggested in my memcon of March 10 with ALCOA Board Chairman Harper. The reason for the absence of such instructions is, of course, your judgment expressed to Country Director Broderick and me during your recent visit to the Dept that such action would have little effect in Jamaica.
2. If the purpose of the allusion in reftel to the absence of instructions on this matter is to indicate to the Dept that the Embassy would now welcome such instructions, you may consider this message as fulfilling that requirement.
3. The Dept will continue to read with interest the [Page 2] Embassy’s reports of its activities designed to influence both the GOJ and the bauxite companies (1) to maintain a dialogue regarding the future of bauxite in Jamaica and (2) to adopt moderate postures during such dialogue. With regard to the second point, the Embassy should, of course, avoid becoming directly involved in setting the terms of any negotiation that might eventually take place between the two parties.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 786, Country Files, Latin America, Jamaica, Vol. I. Secret; Exdis. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates that it was received in the White House Situation Room at 11:43 a.m. on March 25.↩
- The Department of State instructed the Embassy to influence the Jamaican Government to maintain a dialogue with the bauxite companies and avoid direct involvement in any potential negotiations.↩