Jamaica, The Bahamas, and the Eastern Caribbean


428. National Intelligence Estimate 87.7–73

Summary: This estimate analyzed problems in U.S.-Bahamian relations that were likely to arise as a result of Bahamian independence in July 1973.

Source: Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Council Files, Job 79R01012A, Box 472, Folder 4. Secret; Controlled Dissem. According to a note on the cover sheet, the Central Intelligence Agency, the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, and the NSA participated in the preparation of this estimate. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in the estimate except the representative of the FBI, who abstained because the subject was outside his jurisdiction. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors or that remains classified.


429. Telegram 327 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reviewed the performance of Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley during his first year in office.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 15–1 JAM. Confidential. Repeated to Bridgetown, Georgetown, and Port of Spain. In telegram 3425 from Kingston, October 3, Chargé Hewitt characterized Manley as “one of the most magnetic and commanding figures I have met and dealt with,” though he was concerned by the Prime Minister’s “apparently limited grasp of the details and problems of government.” (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])


430. Memorandum From William Jorden of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Summary: With Bahamian independence approaching, this memorandum recommended that the United States seek an extension of the existing U.S.–UK base agreement while offering the Bahamian Government reasonable remuneration for use of the facilities.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files, Box H–181, NSSM Files, NSSM 117. Secret. Sent for action. In the margins, Kissinger wrote, “I approve for Pres. (There is no real choice.) Redo NSDM. Give new response [?] date of July 1.” Attached but not published is a March 16 memorandum from Eliot to Kissinger outlining the Department of State’s position on The Bahamas. Tabs B, C, D, I, and II are not attached and not found. In an April 12, 1972, memorandum to Kissinger, Laird suggested “some kind of Bahamas association with the U.S.” as an alternative to full independence. (Ibid.) In an April 18, 1972, memorandum to Kissinger, Jorden called the association idea a “non-starter” but recommended that Kissinger not reject Laird’s suggestion out of hand. (Ibid.) In a March 9 memorandum to Kissinger, Kennedy and Jorden noted Richardson’s request for a Senior Review Group meeting on The Bahamas; an attached note from Scowcroft to Kennedy conveyed Kissinger’s request that the issue be resolved without the necessity of a meeting. (Ibid.)


431. Telegram 1701 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: Ambassador Vincent de Roulet reported on a meeting in which he discussed the future of the Jamaican bauxite industry with Prime Minister Manley.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Limited Official Use. In telegram 99360 to Buenos Aires, May 23, the Department repeated the text of this report to Kubisch. (Ibid., [no film number]) In telegram 1622 from Kingston, May 17, the Embassy referred to comments by Isaacs indicating that the government “intended to become more involved in the operations of the bauxite industry.” (Ibid.)


432. Telegram 1757 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: Rogers and Manley met and discussed bilateral relations and Western Hemisphere issues during the Secretary’s visit to Jamaica.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential; Limdis. Repeated to all American Republic diplomatic posts in telegram 112155 from the Department, June 10, because the memorandum of conversation touched “succinctly on a number of topics which are important to hemisphere problems.” (Ibid., [no film number]) Telegram 90066 from the Department was not found.


433. National Security Decision Memorandum 221

Summary: President Nixon approved the holding of talks with the British and Bahamian Governments on the extension of U.S. base rights in The Bahamas.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, National Security Memoranda, 1969–1977, Lot 83D305, NSDM 221—6/5/73, U.S. Policy Toward The Bahama Islands. Secret. Copies sent to the Director of Central Intelligence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a July 9 memorandum to Kissinger, Eliot reported that June 22–25 technical talks with the British and Bahamian Governments had resulted in an agreement in principle on a carryover agreement allowing the continued operation of U.S. bases in The Bahamas, pending the conclusion of a permanent agreement. (Ibid.)


434. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon

Summary: In a memorandum informing Nixon that The Bahamas would become independent on July 10, Rogers recommended recognition of the new nation and the elevation of the Consulate General in Nassau to Embassy status.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 17 US–BAH. Confidential. Drafted by Wauchope on June 5 and cleared by Burke, Hurwitch, Gantz, Malmborg, and Smoak. A note on the memorandum indicates it was approved by the White House on June 30. In telegram 134523 to Nassau, July 10, the Department transmitted to the Consulate General the text of a message from Nixon to Prime Minister Pindling that extended recognition to the Bahamian Government. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])


435. Intelligence Memorandum

Summary: This memorandum analyzed the Bahamian political scene and U.S.-Bahamian relations on the eve of Bahamian independence.

Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Current Intelligence Files, Job 79T00861A, Box 16, Folder 29. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors.


436. Telegram 135953 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jamaica

Summary: The Department informed Ambassador De Roulet of a meeting in which Jamaican Ambassador Douglas Fletcher assured the Office of Caribbean Affairs of Jamaican friendship with the United States, noting that his government had received reports indicating that the U.S. Embassy in Kingston had characterized Manley’s administration as being “on the verge of going Communist.”

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I. Confidential; Immediate; Nodis; Eyes Only. Drafted and approved by Burke and cleared by Shlaudeman.


437. Telegram 2301 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: De Roulet reported on a telephone call he made to Manley after learning of Ambassador Fletcher’s July 11 visit to the Department.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. All brackets are in the original except “[s]”, added for clarity. In airgram A–122 from Kingston, June 21, the Embassy transmitted an assessment of Manley’s record, concluding that the Prime Minister was “clearly committed to a policy of moderate redistribution.” (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 15–1 JAM) In telegram 2370 from Kingston, July 18, De Roulet reported on a July 17 meeting with Manley and emphasized the importance of a direct channel of communication between the U.S. Ambassador and the Jamaican Prime Minister in order to avoid misunderstandings between the two countries. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I) Telegram 135953 is published as Document 436.


438. Diplomatic Note From the Jamaican Ambassador (Fletcher) to Secretary of State Rogers

Summary: The Jamaican Government declared De Roulet persona non grata after the Ambassador asserted that Manley had agreed in 1972 not to raise the nationalization of the bauxite industry as a campaign issue in exchange for a pledge by De Roulet that the United States would not interfere in the Jamaican elections.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 17 US–JAM. No classification marking. In a July 23 memorandum to Kubisch Burke assessed the likely impact of De Roulet’s recall, concluding that the incident would have “unsettling consequences throughout the English-speaking Caribbean.” (Ibid., ARA/CAR Files, Lot 75D463, POL 17–1, Acceptability and Accreditation, Jamaica 1973) In telegram 2461 from Kingston, July 24, the Embassy reported that Manley had assured an Embassy officer that his request for the termination of De Roulet’s mission was “not an anti-American gesture but an action he regretted very much taking.” (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) The Department agreed to recall De Roulet in a suggested reply to Fletcher’s note that was transmitted to Kissinger under a July 27 memorandum from Eliot. (Ibid., Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 17 US–JAM)


439. Telegram 198985 From the Department of State to the Embassies in Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago

Summary: Shlaudeman assured the Ambassadors from four Caribbean nations that the U.S. Government would examine ways of ameliorating the effects of a reduction in those nations’ sugar quotas.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Limited Official Use; Priority. Drafted by Burke; cleared by Thomas Turgman in EB/ICD/TRP, Paul Pilkauskas in EB/ORF/ICD/TRP, and Charles Reynolds in ARA/ECP; and approved by Shlaudeman. Repeated Priority to London, Geneva, and the Mission to the EC. Section 202 (D) (4) of the U.S. Sugar Act Amendments of 1965 stated that if a country failed to fill its established quota, it would be reduced. (79 Stat. 1271) On September 20, the four Ambassadors met with Kubisch to protest the reduction of their nations’ sugar quotas. (Telegram 189220 to Nairobi, September 24; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) On September 26, King informed the Department of Reid’s great concern regarding the reduction of the quota. (Telegram 1437 from Georgetown, September 26; ibid., [no film number]) According to a Department of State memorandum to Scowcroft, October 3, the sugar quota for Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana would be reduced from approximately 200,000 short tons in 1973 to 25–30,000 short tons for 1974. (Ibid., Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR Files, Records Relating to Regional Matters, Lot 75D475, Sugar Work File)


440. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Kubisch) to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Porter)

Summary: Kubisch requested authorization for negotiations with The Bahamas on the continued use of military facilities there, outlining U.S. objectives and the prospects for successful talks.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830032–0676. Confidential. Attached to a February 6, 1976, memorandum from Rogers to Sisco, published as Document 460. Referenced attachments have not been found. Drafted by Burke and Michel on October 16 and cleared by Shlaudeman, Feldman, Harry Anderson in EUR, Eleanor McDowell in L/T, John MacKenzie in H, Hugh Camitta in L/OA, Ted Borek in L/ARA, Alan Ford in PM/PA, Jonathan Stoddart in PM/ISO, and Gen. Wallace in DOD/ISA. Porter approved all four recommendations on October 23. NSDM 221 is published as Document 433.


441. Telegram 217552 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Barbados

Summary: The Department expressed concern about the prospect of the emergence of “non-viable and potentially troublesome” island nations in the Caribbean and stated that it was not prepared to offer bilateral aid to Grenada when the British colony attained independence.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential; Limdis. Repeated to The Hague, London, Port of Spain, Georgetown, and Curacao (by pouch). Drafted by Burke; cleared in draft by Gilbert Sheinbaum in EUR/WE, Joseph Becelia in EUR/NE, George Krieger in ARA/MGT/FM, Patrick Daly in S/CPR, and William Wheeler in ARA–LA/CAR, and in substance by Fred Flemings in PM/ISO and R. Gooden in DOD/OSD; and approved by Shlaudeman. In telegram 1425 from Bridgetown, October 11, the Embassy recommended at least modest aid to Grenada as an independence gift. (Ibid., [no film number]) In telegram 1607 from Bridgetown, November 22, Donovan reported that the Embassy had delivered a letter to Gairy outlining the U.S. position on development aid and diplomatic representation. (Ibid.) In telegram 241 from Bridgetown, February 8, 1974, the Embassy reported that independence celebrations had taken place without incident, despite political tensions during the period leading up to the ceremonies and the arrest of Maurice Bishop of the opposition New Jewel Movement on the eve of independence. (Ibid.) Telegram 1426 from Bridgetown was not found.


442. Telegram 34 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reported on Manley’s announcement that he intended to renegotiate the Jamaican Government’s agreements with the aluminum companies involved in the country’s bauxite industry.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. In a December 24, 1973, memorandum to Casey, Kubisch stated that while the Jamaican Government clearly intended “to seek changes in the way that the companies have been doing business,” information available to the Bureau of Inter-American Affairs and to the Embassy in Kingston did not indicate that nationalization of the industry was imminent. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR Files, Lot 74D416, Bauxite) Telegram 21 from Kingston is dated January 3. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, P750001–1772)


443. Memorandum of Conversation

Summary: Kissinger and Manley reviewed their private discussions on the Jamaican Government’s proposals with respect to the bauxite and alumina industry.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820043–2156. Confidential. Drafted by Elkin Taylor in ARA. Telegrams 940 and 1047 from Kingston, March 16 and 25, reported on initial meetings between Jamaican and aluminum company representatives, noting that the corporate executives were “stunned and shocked” by the proposal that Manley transmitted to them on March 15 and that negotiations “got off to a shaky and uncertain start” on March 16. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I) In telegram 802 from Kingston, March 7, the Embassy transmitted Thompson’s explanation for remarks in Mexico City in February that were seen as being critical of U.S. policy. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])


444. Telegram 88820/Tosec 91 From the Department of State to Secretary of State Kissinger in Alexandria

Summary: After informing Kissinger and Maw of separate discussions with Jamaican Government officials and aluminum company representatives regarding the state of negotiations on the future of the bauxite industry in Jamaica, Eagleburger suggested that the parties’ future contacts with the Department should be shifted away from the Secretary’s office so that Kissinger would not become “embroiled in the details of the negotiations.”

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740103–0572. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Adams; cleared by Rush, Enders, and Feldman; and approved by Eagleburger. Kissinger was in Egypt engaging in shuttle diplomacy between Egypt and Israel. In telegram 78/Secto 145 from Alexandria, May 4, Kissinger approved the approach suggested by Eagleburger. (Ibid., D740113–0944) In telegram 92365/Tosec 252 to Kingston and Jerusalem, May 4, Eagleburger reported that he had informed the Jamaicans and the aluminum companies that Kissinger did not wish to become directly involved in negotiations but that he hoped both parties would keep Maw and Enders informed of developments. (Ibid., D740108–0435) In telegram 1557 from Kingston, May 3, the Embassy reported that the Jamaican Government and the aluminum companies had suspended their negotiations. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I)


445. Telegram 110874 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jamaica

Summary: The Department transmitted a letter from Kissinger to Manley urging the Jamaican Prime Minister to make another effort to reach an agreement with the bauxite companies.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. In telegram 110650 to Jerusalem and Kingston, May 25, the Department reported that the aluminum companies had decided to make a new offer to the Jamaican Government and had persuaded former Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg to present their offer to Manley. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740131–0652) In telegram 1849 from Kingston, May 29, the Embassy reported that Chargé Hewitt had delivered Kissinger’s letter to Manley, who said he would give full attention to Justice Goldberg in a meeting scheduled for May 30. (Ibid., D740134–1034) In telegram 1876 from Kingston, May 31, the Embassy reported on Goldberg’s account of his meeting with Manley, noting that Goldberg commented “that he thought it was very late in the day for him to play a decisive role” and that Manley had publicly reemphasized that “the revenue issue was closed.” (Ibid., D740138–0076)


446. Memorandum From the Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs (Burke) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Kubisch)

Summary: Burke reviewed the implications of the failure of the bauxite negotiations for future relations with the Jamaican Government, concluding that it was difficult to imagine that the relationship would not be “importantly altered.”

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR Files, Lot 76D482, Bauxite, Jamaica 1974. Confidential. Attached but not published is telegram 1909 from Kingston, June 4, in which the Embassy noted that the cancellation of a planned loan to support rural education in Jamaica would not favorably influence bauxite negotiations and recommended that the loan be allowed to go forward. (Ibid.) In telegram 1949 from Kingston, June 5, the Embassy reported that Ambassador Sumner Gerard had discussed the future of U.S.-Jamaican relations in light of the failure of the bauxite negotiations during his first meeting with Manley. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I)


447. National Intelligence Analytical Memorandum 87–1–74

Summary: Noting frustrations over inequality, unemployment, and poor public services, this memorandum concluded that the Caribbean faced a troubled future and predicted that points of conflict between the nations of the region and the United States would develop.

Source: Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Council Files, Job 79R01012A, Box 484, Folder 4. Secret; Controlled Dissem. According to a note on the cover sheet, the Central Intelligence Agency, the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, and the NSA participated in the preparation of this memorandum. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in the memorandum except the representatives of the FBI and the Atomic Energy Commission, who abstained because the subject was outside their jurisdiction. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors.


448. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Kubisch) and the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs-Designate (Enders) to Secretary of State Kissinger

Summary: Kubisch and Enders requested a decision from Kissinger on how to proceed with a planned AID loan to Jamaica in light of the bauxite problem.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P800080–1424. Confidential. Drafted by Shlaudeman on June 22 and cleared in substance by Kleine and Maw. Telegram 1909 from Kingston, June 4, is attached but not published. An unknown individual hand underlined “but consider it neither timely nor wise to proceed under the circumstances on a ‘business as usual’ basis;” and “until the bauxite situation improves.” Kissinger approved the first recommendation (option 3) on June 25. In telegram 162106 to Kingston, July 25, the Department reported that Kubisch had informed Fletcher that the loan had been approved but that “our ability to provide assistance is not unrelated to developments in the bauxite negotiations.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740202–0526) In telegram 2613 from Kingston, July 29, the Embassy expressed concern about the possible reaction of the Jamaican Government to the linkage between the loan and the bauxite negotiations. (Ibid., D740205–0824)


449. Telegram 1369 From the Embassy in The Bahamas to the Department of State and the Department of Defense

Summary: The Embassy reported on a July 31 meeting between Ambassador Spiers and Adderley in which it became clear that the Bahamian Government had never accepted the view that an agreement on military facilities would not involve a program of economic assistance.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740208–0920. Secret; Priority to Department of State. Repeated to London and CINCLANT. In telegram 1177 from Nassau, July 1, the Embassy reported that Adderley had suggested that talks on military facilities should lead to an agreement involving considerable U.S. financial aid to The Bahamas. (Ibid., D740174–0756) In telegram 162871 to Nassau, July 26, the Department noted that there was “no realistic prospect for bilateral economic or developmental assistance to the GCOB.” (Ibid., D740203–0797) In telegram 165649 to Nassau, July 30, the Department transmitted additional guidance for Spiers’s July 31 meeting with Adderley. (Ibid., D740207–0497) In telegram 2130 from Nassau, December 31, the Embassy transmitted a Bahamian request that the target date for completion of the negotiations be moved to June 30, 1975. (Ibid., D750001–0554)


450. Telegram 4147 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reported on a speech by Manley in which the Jamaican Prime Minister denounced capitalism and pledged “to build a socialist system in this country.”

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740334–0198. Limited Official Use. In airgram A–199 from Kingston, November 20, the Embassy reported on the recent reemergence of socialism as a political issue in Jamaica, noting that Manley’s People’s National Party and the opposition Jamaican Labor Party had “debated the evils (JLP) and virtues (PNP) of socialism with varying degrees of intensity for over 30 years.” (Ibid., P740130–0955)


451. Telegram 1375 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: Gerard reported that an April 9 meeting with Manley had been “friendly and relaxed” but that the Jamaican Prime Minister had raised several difficult subjects, leading the Ambassador to conclude that Manley had “not yet determined on the policy he now plans to follow with the U.S.”

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser Papers, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 4, Jamaica—State Department Telegrams, To Secstate—Exdis. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. In telegram 1181 from Kingston, March 26, the Embassy reported that a meeting between Gerard and Manley was scheduled for April 9. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750107–0155) In telegram 1369 from Kingston, April 11, the Embassy reported on the agreement between Reynolds Aluminum and the Jamaican Government that was discussed by Gerard and Manley in their meeting. (Ibid., D750128–0579) In telegram 1360 from Kingston, April 10, Gerard reported that Manley had also alleged in his April 9 meeting with Gerard that the CIA was carrying out inappropriate activities in Jamaica. Gerard denied the charge. (Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Kingston 1963–1969, Roger Channel)


452. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) and the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs (Enders) to Secretary of State Kissinger

Summary: Rogers and Enders presented the views of their respective bureaus on whether or not to proceed with a planned AID loan to Jamaica prior to the resolution of the bauxite issue.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830115–0764. Confidential. Drafted by Norton and Stebbing on June 9, and cleared by Eagleburger and John Murphy in A/AID and in draft by Bushnell, Luers, Kleine, Gantz, Burke, and Boeker. Kissinger approved the first recommendation on June 24 and wrote: “Make sure we get Treasury aboard.” Tab 1 is published as Document 448; Tab 2, telegram 162106 is dated July 25, 1974. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740202–0526)


453. Telegram 2743 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reported on a visit by Manley to Cuba, noting that many of the Prime Minister’s statements during and after the trip appeared to reflect a presumption of fundamental antagonism between Jamaica and the United States.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750247–0647. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Bridgetown, Georgetown, Mexico City, Port-au-Prince, Port of Spain, and Santo Domingo. In telegram 2624 from Kingston, July 9, the Embassy reported on Manley’s departure for Cuba. (Ibid., D750237–0211) In telegram 2711 from Kingston, July 16, the Embassy transmitted the text of the joint communiqué issued by the Jamaican and Cuban Governments at the conclusion of Manley’s visit. (Ibid., D750246–0115) In telegram 3005 from Kingston, August 1, Gerard reported on a July 31 meeting with Manley in which the Ambassador expressed concern about the tone of the communiqué released by Jamaica and Cuba. (Ibid., D750266–1139)


454. Telegram 3672 From the Embassy in Jamaica to the Department of State

Summary: Gerard reported on a September 16 meeting in which National Security Minister Eli Matalon explored the possibility of linking Jamaican cooperation in a range of areas to the provision by the United States of a package of economic aid.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser Papers, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 4, Jamaica—State Department Telegrams, To Secstate—Nodis. Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Stadis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. In telegram 3581 from Kingston, September 11, Gerard reported on part of his September 9 meeting with Manley in which the Ambassador expressed concern that previously routine exchanges of intelligence between the U.S. and Jamaican Governments were no longer taking place. (Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Kingston 1963–1969, Roger Channel) In telegram 3770 from Kingston, September 25, Gerard reported on a September 23 meeting in which Matalon laid out the general shape of proposed U.S. assistance, including credits to finance Jamaican exports, in exchange for trade and investment benefits, more favorable treatment of U.S. bauxite interests, and expanded exchanges of information. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750333–0110) In telegram 240693 to Kingston, October 9, the Department indicated that the Jamaican Government should be encouraged to formulate more realistic proposals. (Ibid., D750350–0441)


455. Telegram 1584 From the Embassy in The Bahamas to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy transmitted a Bahamian proposal that the United States pay $5 million in rent per year and provide $500 million in economic, technical, and security assistance over 10 years in exchange for the use of military facilities in The Bahamas.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750333–0140. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to London, DOD, and CINCLANT. In telegram 1350 from Nassau, August 19, the Embassy transmitted the text of a Bahamian note linking military facilities talks to economic assistance. (Ibid., D750286–1135) In telegram 1616 from Nassau, September 26, Weiss reported on his meeting with Adderley, in which the Ambassador gave his personal view that “there was not a prayer of a chance that Washington would be prepared to consider any economic and technical assistance” and that the Bahamian Government “might be under a false impression concerning the value of the facilities in The Bahamas to the USG.” (Ibid., D750337–0263) In telegram 234776 to Nassau, October 2, the Department reported that it was reviewing its position and probably would be unable to provide a more definitive response until at least the end of October. (Ibid., D750343–0202)


456. Telegram 2135 From the Embassy in Barbados to the Department of State

Summary: Chargé Simms reported on a démarche to Barbadian officials regarding refueling stops in Barbados by Cuban planes carrying troops and arms to Angola.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750406–0426. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. In telegram 274684 to Bridgetown, November 20, the Department instructed Simms to protest Cuba’s use of Barbados as a refueling stop. (Ibid., D750403–0815) In telegram 2270 from Bridgetown, December 18, the Embassy reported on a Barbadian protest to Cuba over use of Barbados as a transit point en route to Angola. (Ibid., D750440–0792) Telegram 266239 to Brasilia, Mexico City, Caracas, Quito, Lima, Bogotá, Panama City, Kingston, Georgetown, Santo Domingo, San José, and Tegucigalpa is dated November 11. (Ibid., D750391–0348, D750403–0864, and [no film number])


457. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)

Summary: Low briefed Scowcroft on military facility negotiations with The Bahamas, noting that Weiss had been authorized to offer $5 million in rent per year for a 15-year period.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser Papers, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Box 1, Country Files, Bahamas. Secret. Sent for information. Scowcroft wrote ‘Thanks’ on the memorandum. In telegram 301837 to Nassau, December 23, the Embassy transmitted the revised text of the U.S. reply, which offered $5 million in annual rent for 15 years and pointed out the additional benefits that would accrue to The Bahamas through spending on salaries, training, and infrastructure. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750445–1053)