Guyana
360. Draft Country Analysis and Strategy Paper for Fiscal Year 1974–1975
Summary: Ambassador King stated that while the economic nationalism and leftist orientation of the Guyanese Government might cause friction in bilateral relations, the United States could work with Prime Minister Burnham. King recommended that the U.S. assistance program should remain robust.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 1 GUYANA—US. Secret. Sent as an enclosure to airgram A–6 from Georgetown, February 5, 1973. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors.
361. Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Plans, Central Intelligence Agency (Karamessines), to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: The CIA assessed the political situation in Guyana and concluded there was no need to reconsider the 40 Committee’s December 1972 decision to terminate covert electoral support for Burnham’s government.
Source: National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject Files A–I, Guyana, 23 May 1969–6 February 1973. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. A copy was sent to Meyer. For background on the decision to terminate covert assistance to Burnham, see Documents 376 and 379 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. E–10, Documents on American Republics, 1969–1972.
362. Telegram 1032 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy predicted that the People’s National Congress would attempt to maintain a pretense of honesty in the upcoming elections.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Bridgetown, Kingston, London, Port of Spain, Martinique, and USCINCSO for POLAD. All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text.
363. Telegram 1062 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that the PNC won a landslide victory in national elections marked by extensive fraud.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated Priority to Bridgetown, Kingston, Port of Spain, and USCINCSO for POLAD. All brackets are in the original except “[27.0]”, added for clarity. Telegram 1032 is Document 362. Telegram 1060 from Georgetown is dated July 18. (Ibid., [no film number]) The airgram mentioned in paragraph 4 was not found.
364. Telegram 1097 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Commenting on Burnham’s reelection, the Embassy predicted the Guyanese Prime Minister would cause the United States difficulties, adding that he might seek support from China, the Soviet bloc, and extremist Arab nations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750007–1770. Secret; Exdis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. The Embassy submitted the draft CASP to the Department on February 5 see Document 360. On July 24, the Embassy reported that the PPP and the LP had announced a boycott of the newly-elected National Assembly. In telegram 1093 from Georgetown, July 24, the Embassy predicted that the boycott would not pressure the government enough to force new elections. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])
365. Telegram 1606 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: In a conversation with Burnham, Ambassador King forcefully denied that the U.S. Government’s decision to reduce the West Indian sugar quota was a politically motivated punitive measure.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Bridgetown, Kingston, and Port of Spain. All brackets are in the original except “[29?]”, added for clarity. In Document 439, the Department reported on Shlaudeman’s assurances to Caribbean Ambassadors that the U.S. Government would examine ways of ameliorating the effects of a reduction in the region’s sugar quotas. On October 27, the Department informed the Embassy that in an October 18 meeting, West Indian officials had informed their U.S. counterparts that they were fully aware the reduction in the sugar quota was a technical, not a political, issue. (Telegram 212526 to Georgetown, October 27; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) In telegram 1599 from Georgetown, October 29, the Embassy requested information on previous cases in which Latin American nations had not fulfilled their sugar quotas. (Ibid.) No reply from the Department has been found. On November 8, Ramphal stated to King that he thought the reduction in the sugar quota was not politically motivated. (Telegram 1661 from Georgetown, November 9; ibid.)
366. Telegram 667 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: In his first meeting with Ambassador Krebs, Foreign Minister Ramphal invited Kissinger to visit Guyana, noting the admiration that he had gained for the Secretary through his personal encounters with him at regional meetings. Ramphal added that he and Burnham recognized that the United States and Guyana had drifted apart, and that they desired to restore close, cooperative relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750101–1079. Confidential; Stadis; Limdis. In telegram 39184 to Georgetown, February 27, the Department transmitted a letter to Ramphal in which Kissinger expressed appreciation for the Foreign Minister’s “thoughtful and incisive contributions to the discussions” at the Mexico City MFM. (Ibid., P750001–0871) In telegram 435 from Georgetown, March 21, the Embassy transmitted Ramphal’s reply, which thanked Kissinger for his “generous sentiments.” (Ibid., D740060–0787) In telegrams 662 and 665 from Georgetown, April 29, Krebs reported on his April 27 discussion with Ramphal regarding Guyana’s more active role in hemispheric affairs. (Both ibid., D740102–0371 and D740101–1095) In telegram 92731 to Georgetown, May 6, the Department transmitted Kissinger’s reply to Ramphal’s letter in which Kissinger said that he would consider a stop in Guyana as his travel plans developed. (Ibid., D740109–0187) Kissinger did not visit South America until 1976; he did not stop in Guyana.
367. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs (Enders) and the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Kubisch) to Deputy Secretary of State Ingersoll
Summary: Enders and Kubisch proposed to Ingersoll that the U.S. Government inform Guyana that expropriation of Reynolds Metals Company’s bauxite mining facilities would damage Guyana’s credit rating and prejudice the chances of positive action on U.S. assistance and other issues.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850125–0457. Confidential. Drafted by Courtney, Burke, and Norton on July 24; Wientraub, Ellis, Benedick, Meyers, and Shlaudeman concurred. All brackets are in the original except those indicating illegible text. On July 26, Ingersoll wrote on the first page of the memorandum, “Are we supposed to do anything now?” On May 7, Foreign Minister Ramphal told Krebs that the Guyanese Government could not “accept less than majority participation” in Reynolds’s operations in the country, adding that he believed he had persuaded Burnham to proceed slowly towards nationalization, since “precipitate action would be inconsistent with GOG endeavor to seek rapprochement with U.S.” (Telegram 757 from Georgetown, May 10; ibid., D740114–0925) On July 22, Burnham stated that because Reynolds indicated during talks in February that it was not interested in allowing Guyana a majority interest in its operations, he favored nationalization. (Telegram 1272 from Georgetown, July 23; ibid., D740199–0455)
368. Telegram 182088 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guyana
Summary: The Department instructed Krebs to inform Burnham that the proposed imposition of a bauxite levy on Reynolds appeared confiscatory and that the U.S. Government would terminate assistance to Guyana if the tax were imposed.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740228–0647. Confidential; Niact Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Courtney and Burke; cleared by Boeker, Smith, Willis, Gantz, Gilbert, Shlaudeman, and Norton; and approved by Enders. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended in 1973, was passed on December 17, 1973. (87 Stat. 714, as amended by 22 USC 2151) In telegram 1453 from Georgetown, August 17, the Embassy informed the Department that Burnham was insisting on imposing a production levy on Reynolds. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740227–0349) In telegram 1473 from Georgetown, August 20, Krebs informed the Department that Burnham said he was prepared to forgo U.S. Government assistance, if necessary. (Ibid., D740229–0594)
369. Telegram 214581 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guyana
Summary: The Department instructed the Ambassador to inform Burnham that the United States was deeply disappointed with the Guyanese Government’s decision to impose a bauxite production levy even as it moved towards the nationalization of Reynolds’s assets in Guyana. The Department stated its hope that the Guyanese Government and Reynolds would be able to negotiate an agreement on compensation for the company’s assets in Guyana.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740273–0971. Confidential; Niact Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Stebbing, Bond, and Norton; cleared by Burke and Hunt; and approved by Boeker. In telegram 1721 from Georgetown, September 25, the Embassy reported on the Guyanese legislature’s imposition of a levy on bauxite. (Ibid., D740270–0836) Telegram 1733 from Georgetown is dated September 26. (Ibid., D740272–0126) On September 26, Shlaudeman informed Guyanese Ambassador Talbot of the Department’s concern over the levy. (Telegram 212890 to Georgetown, September 26; ibid., D740272–0202) In response to Krebs’s démarche, Burnham rejected any link between the bauxite levy and the projected nationalization of Reynolds’s holdings, and stated he saw no reason that the dispute over the levy should harm overall bilateral relations. (Telegram 1745 from Georgetown, September 28; ibid., D740274–1094)
370. Telegram 1925 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that Burnham had lambasted the United States as an enemy of Guyana in a public speech intended to rally support for the nationalization of the bauxite industry. The Embassy noted that the speech seemed to be the strongest attack on the United States by a Guyanese Government official in several years.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740307–1005. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to Port of Spain, Kingston, Santo Domingo, Canberra, Paramaribo, and USCINCSO for POLAD. All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text. In telegram 244753 to Georgetown, November 6, the Department reported that Shlaudeman was calling in Ambassador Talbot to inform him that Guyanese officials’ anti-U.S. rhetoric created an unfavorable atmosphere for resolving the Reynolds compensation negotiations. (Ibid., D740319–0505)
371. Telegram 263802 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guyana
Summary: The Department informed Krebs that increased economic assistance could not be used as a sweetener in negotiations with the Guyanese Government over compensation for Reynolds assets that were to be nationalized.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740347–0566. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by Wheeler; cleared by Shlaudeman, Burke, Kleine, Smith, and Eltz; and approved by Rogers. All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text. In telegram 2085 from Georgetown, November 25, Krebs requested guidance on whether an increase in U.S. assistance could be used to facilitate an agreement in the Reynolds negotiations. (Ibid., D740345–0250, D740341–0601) In telegram 2124 from Georgetown, December 3, the Embassy informed the Department that it agreed with the position laid out in telegram 263802, adding that it had not intended to suggest that “economic assistance be offered as sweetener or offset to compensation agreement” but rather it had thought that previously approved AID projects could be mentioned as evidence of U.S. good faith should talks between Reynolds and the Guyanese Government reach a point at which such an act could help to close the gap between the two parties. (Ibid., D740350–0633) In telegram 2257 from Georgetown, December 31, the Embassy reported that Reynolds and the Guyanese Government had reached an agreement on compensation for the company’s assets. (Ibid., D750001–0532)
372. Country Analysis and Strategy Paper
Summary: Krebs reported that the settlement between Guyana and Reynolds had resolved the only major issue in U.S.-Guyanese relations. Noting that Burnham’s poli-cies could cause the United States some discomfort, Krebs recommended a low U.S. profile and the maintenance of open channels of communication with the Guyanese Government.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750039–1385. Secret; Noforn. Transmitted as an enclosure to airgram A–28 from Georgetown, February 20, 1975. In the body of the CASP, the Embassy recommended a phase-out of bilateral economic assistance to Guyana. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. In telegram 75029 to Georgetown, April 3, the Department reported on a preliminary review of the CASP, noting that some readers believed that it might be premature to terminate assistance. (Ibid., D750118–0147) In telegrams 530 and 535 from Georgetown, April 15 and 16, Krebs repeated his recommendation, noting that further aid was unlikely to affect Guyana’s open tilt toward Communist nations and that the Guyanese Government had not shown any interest in receiving further U.S. aid. (Both ibid., D750131–0804 and D750133–0366) The approved CASP endorsed a phase-out of aid, with some qualifications. (Telegram 256 from Georgetown, Februrary 6, 1976; ibid., D760046–0526)
373. Telegram 773 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Krebs reported that in a public speech Burnham categorically placed himself in the Socialist camp.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750183–0224. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Bridgetown, Caracas, Kingston, London, Port of Spain, Paramaribo, and USCINCSO for POLAD.
374. Telegram 806 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on deepening ties between Guyana and Cuba and the potential implications for the region.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750192–0311. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Brasília, Bridgetown, Caracas, Kingston, Lima, Port of Spain, Paramaribo, and USCINCSO for POLAD. Telegram 773 from Georgetown, May 23, is Document 373. Telegram 782 from Georgetown is dated May 28. (D750187–0110)
375. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Rogers informed Kissinger that despite some resistance from within AID, he, Krebs, and AID Administrator Parker had agreed that no further aid to Guyana would be programmed unless circumstances there changed.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830081–1257. Confidential. Drafted by Rogers. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors.
376. Telegram 1828 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy outlined ways the United States could signal its displeasure over Guyanese opposition to the U.S. position on key issues at the United Nations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750378–0868. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text. In telegram 225930 to all diplomatic posts and telegram 228331 to Georgetown, September 22 and 24, the Department identified the Korea resolutions before the UN as vitally important to the United States, adding that other countries’ votes on the issue would in many cases have an impact on bilateral relations. (Both ibid., D750328–0593 and D750332–0806) In telegram 254964 to Georgetown, October 28, Kissinger wrote Wills requesting Guyana’s support for the U.S. position on Korea at the UN. (Ibid., D750373–0030) In telegram 1816 from Georgetown, October 29, the Embassy informed the Department that the Guyana would oppose the U.S. position in order to maintain solidarity with the Non-Aligned Movement. (Ibid., D750375–0293) In telegram 258993 to Georgetown, November 3, the Department authorized the Embassy to hold up signing an AID training loan, noting that other measures recommended in telegram 1828 were under review. (Ibid., D750381–0821) In telegram 277688 to Georgetown, November 24, the Department informed the Embassy that because the legislation providing for Guyana’s admission to the IDB was already well advanced, it was not feasible to impede Guyanese member-ship. (Ibid., D750409–0631) Telegram 1606 from Georgetown is dated September 25. (Ibid., D750333–0338)
377. Telegram 2040 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Krebs recommended that the United States Government be temperate in applying sanctions on Guyana, while making it clear that the country’s voting record in the United Nations had hurt bilateral relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750422–0933. Secret; Exdis. In telegram 282526 to all American Republic diplomatic posts, December 1, the Department requested specific suggestions on how it could better relations with the nations of the hemisphere. (Ibid., D750416–0746) Telegram 1828 from Georgetown is Document 376. Telegram 1829 from Georgetown was not found. In telegram 289060 to Georgetown, December 8, the Department informed the Embassy that the Secretary had decided to react to the Guyanese Government’s position on Korea at the UN by continuing to delay the signing of an AID public service training loan. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750426–0720) In telegram 2104 from Georgetown, December 13, Krebs sought further guidance on how best to inform the Guyanese Government of the decision to continue withholding the AID loan, recommending that Guyanese officials also be told that “Washington is re-evaluating degree of community of interests essential to any program or project of assistance, given recent GOG pattern of consistently opposing ‘gut’ USG interests.” (Ibid., D750435–0449)
378. Telegram 2172 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Krebs reported that Wills had informed him of a Cuban request for transit facilities for flights en route to Africa, and he suggested that a message from a Third World leader might persuade Burnham not to facilitate the Cuban military airlift to Angola.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750444–0495. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Bridgetown, Caracas, Kingston, Kinshasa, Lusaka, Paramaribo, Port of Spain, and USUN. In telegram 2151 from Georgetown, December 19, Krebs reported that he had discussed the possibility of a Cuban request for transit facilities with Wills, who said there had been no Cuban approach on the subject. (Ibid., D750442–0113) In telegram 300224 to Georgetown, December 20, the Department asked the Embassy to watch for signs that Burnham might grant transit facilities for Cuban military flights. (Ibid., D750443–0615) In telegram 300232 to Peking, December 21, the Department instructed the Liaison Office to ask the Chinese Government to use its influence to dissuade Guyana from granting transit facilities. (Ibid., P850012–2207) In telegram 2191 from Georgetown, December 24, the Embassy transmitted reports that Cuban flights had passed through Guyana between December 21 and 23. (Ibid., D750444–0495) In telegram 302785 to Caracas, December 24, the Department instructed Shlaudeman to ask the Venezuelan Government to “pass the word to Guyana to block the Cuban fueling flights.” (Ibid., D750447–0467)
379. Telegram 2196 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Krebs reported that he delivered to Burnham a message from Kissinger regarding the use of Guyanese facilities by Cuban flights en route to Angola.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850104–1548. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text. In telegram 302692 to Georgetown, December 24, the Department transmitted a message to Burnham in which Kissinger appealed to him “to insure that Guyana not lend its cooperation and support to that [Cuban] effort of external intervention in Africa.” (Ibid., P850012–2223) In telegram 2194 from Georgetown, December 24, Krebs expressed his doubt that a high-level message from the United States would produce a desirable result. (Ibid., P850104–1543) In telegram 2195, Krebs reported that Wills favored conveying Kissinger’s message to Burnham. (Ibid., P850104–1545) Telegram 303329 to Georgetown is dated December 25. (Ibid., P850012–2230)
380. Telegram 2220 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Krebs reported that the Guyanese Government was disturbed by what it perceived as U.S. pressure tactics intended to prevent the transit through Guyana of Cuban military flights en route to Angola.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850104–1551. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. In telegram 2213 from Georgetown, December 30, Krebs reported that the Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana had apparently hinted to Burnham that the United States might use force against Guyana if Cuban flights continued to pass though the country. (Ibid., D750450–0190) In telegram 305226 to Georgetown, December 31, the Department authorized Krebs to “tell Jack orally, privately and emphatically that we have at no time contemplated the use of force against Guyana on this issue.” (Ibid., D750050–0842) In telegram 2227 from Georgetown, December 31, Krebs reported that Jack was relieved by this assurance. (Ibid., P850104–1555) In telegram 33 from Caracas, January 2, 1976, Shlaudeman reported that he was unaware of what the Venezuelan Ambassador might have said to Burnham, but that it was not inconceivable that “the inspiration for such excesses as he may have uttered came from President Pérez.” (Ibid., D750002–0964) Telegram 302692 to Georgetown is dated December 24. (Ibid., P850012–2223) Telegram 303982 is dated February 11. (Ibid., D750449–0493)
381. Telegram 9480 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guyana
Summary: The Department instructed the Embassy to inform Wills that the signing of the AID training loan had been delayed indefinitely because of Guyana’s position on Korea at the UN but that another AID loan was being processed normally. The Department added that it did not wish to make aid an emotional issue, as it still hoped to win Guyanese restraint on the Angola issue and in the Security Council.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760016–0257. Confidential; Exdis. Repeated Priority to USUN on January 16, which is the copy published here. In telegram 63 from Georgetown, January 11, the Embassy reported on Guyanese reaction to a January 9 article in the New York Times on cuts in aid to countries that voted against U.S. interests at the UN. (Ibid., P840105–0327) In telegram 87 from Georgetown, January 15, the Embassy reported that it had delivered the Department’s message to Wills and that it did “not believe that this message or decision will induce greater Guyanese restraint since motivation for consistent Guyanese opposition to U.S. has deep ideological, racial and personal roots.” (Ibid., D760015–1132) In telegram 256 from Georgetown, February 6, the Embassy recommended that the Department consider further reductions in aid to Guyana in response to continuing hostile actions. (Ibid., D760046–0526) Telegram 2104 from Georgetown is dated December 13, 1975. (Ibid., D750435–0449) For the article mentioned, see Leslie Gelb, “U.S. Linking Aid to Votes at UN: Kissinger Reported to Aim Punitive Cuts at Nations Aiding Hostile Stands,” New York Times, January 9, 1976, p. 1
382. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Wills discussed Guyana’s votes in the United Nations, Angola, and bilateral relations. Kissinger told Wills that the United States had no interest in confrontation with Guyana, and Wills assured Kissinger that Guyana would not become a Soviet or Cuban base.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820117–0908. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Norton on February 13 and approved by Covey on March 16. The meeting occurred in the Secretary’s office. In telegram 186 from Georgetown, January 28, Krebs reported that Mann told him on January 27 that Wills desired a meeting with Kissinger because of “new directions in GOG foreign policy.” (Ibid., D760032–0866) In telegram 333 from Georgetown, February 17, Krebs reported on a February 16 discussion with Wills that covered the Guyanese Foreign Minister’s conversation with Kissinger. (Ibid., D760060–0929) In addition, Krebs reported in telegram 362 from Georgetown, February 20, that Wills said that he and Kissinger had not discussed economic assistance but that if the subject had been raised he would have noted that a lack of U.S. aid would tend to make Guyana “hostage” to offers of assistance from sources such as the Soviet Union and China. (Ibid., D760065–0133)
383. Telegram 751 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Krebs expressed concern to Wills over the training of Guyanese troops in Cuba.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760143–0603. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Brasília and Caracas in telegram 91582, April 16. (Ibid., D760143–1009) In telegram 8681 from Georgetown, April 4, the Embassy informed the Department of reports that GDF personnel had been sent to Cuba for training. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, Box 4, Guyana, State Department Telegrams to SecState—NODIS) In telegram 87613 to Georgetown, April 21, the Department instructed Krebs to inform Burnham and/or Wills that the training of GDF troops in Cuba could cause anxiety and misunderstanding throughout the hemisphere. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760137–1135) In telegram 727 from Georgetown, April 12, Krebs expressed concern to Wills regarding the training of GDF troops in Cuba. In paragraph 8 of that telegram, Krebs reported that he had said to Wills that he supposed that recent Guyanese statements that there were no Cuban troops in the country had made it impractical for Burnham to allow the Cuban trainers to come to Guyana. (Ibid., D760138–0296)
384. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Mann, Wills, and Kissinger discussed Guyana’s relations with its neighbors and with the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820118–1504. Secret. Drafted by Norton and approved by Covey on July 12. The meeting was held in the Secretary’s office. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. In telegram 817 from Georgetown, April 28, Krebs reported to the Department that he and Wills had discussed the possibility of arranging another meeting between Wills and Kissinger. (Ibid., D760161–0761) In a June 29 meeting, Rogers and Luers informed Mann of the result of Kissinger’s discussion of Guyanese border concerns with Brazilian and Venezuelan officials. In addition, Mann seemed pleased with Kissinger’s assurances to Wills that the United States was not seeking to destabilize the Guyanese Government. (Telegram 169170 to Georgetown, July 8; ibid., D760264–0872) Rogers informed Kissinger of the meeting with Mann in a July 1 memorandum. Kissinger rejected a suggestion in the memorandum that Wills be sent written assurances on the destabilization issue. (Ibid., P760104–1389)
385. Telegram 1209 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Citing intensified Guyanese hostility towards the United States, the Embassy recommended canceling or continuing to defer economic assistance to Guyana.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760229–0619. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. In telegram 256 from Georgetown, February 6, the Embassy recommended that the Department consider further reductions in aid to Guyana in response to continuing hostile actions. (Ibid., D760046–0526) In telegram 141011/Tosec 160130, June 9, the Department transmitted an action memorandum from Ryan to Kissinger which contained a recommendation from ARA and AID that a proposed food crops loan to Guyana be allowed to go forward (Option 1). IO recommended the continued deferral of both a food crops loan and a public sector training loan (Option 2). Other alternatives offered included proceeding with the food crops loan and canceling the public sector training loan (Option 3) and canceling both loans (Option 4). (Ibid., D760222–0468)
386. Telegram 1862 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State
Summary: Noting that the behavior of the Guyanese Government had become more positive in recent months, the Embassy recommended that the United States proceed with two long-delayed AID loans to Guyana.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760355–0323. Confidential; Immediate; Limdis. Repeated Immediate to Bridgetown. In telegram 1741 from Georgetown, August 31, Chargé Blacken reported on an August 25 conversation with Burnham in which the Guyanese Prime Minister expressed a desire to improve relations with the United States and an interest in receiving U.S. economic assistance. (Ibid., D760330–0731) In telegram 223208 to Georgetown, September 9, the Department responded to Burnham’s suggestion by asking the Country Team to submit an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of proceeding with two pending AID loans. (Ibid., D760341–0861) Telegram 1744 from Georgetown is dated August 31. (Ibid., D760331–0102)
387. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Blacken informed Wills that he was being recalled to the United States after Burnham delivered a speech suggesting U.S. involvement in the October 6 bombing of a Cubana de Aviación airliner. Blacken and Wills reviewed recent Guyanese foreign policy positions.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830032–0587. Confidential. Drafted by Blacken. The meeting took place in Wills’s office. In telegram 4470 from USUN, October 15, the Mission transmitted the text of a Guyanese press release containing an October 11 statement in which Wills suggested that the Cubana bombing, which killed 11 Guyanese citizens, represented evidence of a sustained destabilization campaign against Guyana. (Ibid., D760387–1020) In telegram 256677 to Georgetown, October 16, the Department instructed the Embassy to tell Wills that statements by Guyanese officials implying that the United States was involved in the Cubana bombing were unacceptable and to reiterate U.S. Government opposition to all forms of terrorism. The Department noted that it had delivered a démarche along those lines to the Guyanese Chargé. (Ibid., D760388–0754) In telegram 2072 from Georgetown, October 16, Blacken reported that Wills informed him that Luers’s démarche had hardened the anti-U.S. attitudes of Guyanese officials. (Ibid., D760389–0654) In telegram 2073 from Georgetown, October 17, Blacken reported on Burnham’s speech that day, which he characterized as a “bitter, scathing attack on the United States.” (Ibid., D760390–0046)
388. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Blacken told Burnham that the Guyanese Prime Minister’s speech implying a U.S. role in the Cubana bombing had resulted in his recall to Washington. Burnham stated that he did not think that the speech should cause any lasting damage to bilateral relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830032–0592. Confidential. Drafted by Blacken. The meeting took place in Burnham’s office. In telegram 258529 to Georgetown, October 19, the Department instructed Blacken to protest allegations of U.S. Government complicity in the Cubana bombing. (Ibid., D760392–0453) In telegram 2088 from Georgetown, October 19, Blacken reported that Wills, in “personal comments” to Blacken, stated he wanted to improve U.S.-Guyanese relations. (Ibid., D760392–0827)
389. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Shlaudeman) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Shlaudeman asked Kissinger to decide whether to respond to conciliatory gestures from Guyana by sending Blacken back to Georgetown.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P760191–2293. Confidential. Sent through Habib. Drafted by Heavner and Shlaudeman. The disapproval line next to the recommendation that Blacken be authorized to return to Georgetown was initialed for Kissinger on December 14 by Covey. A notation next to the recommendation reads, “Oral instructions to Habib.” The alternative options were not initialed. In a November 11 memorandum to Luers, Heavner noted that Blacken had suggested an approach to the Guyanese Chargé to explore the possibility of a retraction of Burnham’s accusations. (Ibid., P830032–0603) In a November 17 memorandum to Luers, Blacken reported that Guyanese Chargé Peter Holder had transmitted to him a message from Wills, who said that Guyana would like to resume a dialogue with the United States. (Ibid., P830032–0604) On November 17, Heavner drafted an options memorandum for Shlaudeman to send to Kissinger. (Ibid., P830032–0606) In telegram 16801 to Georgetown, January 25, 1977, the Department noted that in light of Guyanese Government gestures indicating a desire for better relations, Blacken would return to Georgetown. (Ibid., D770027–0590)