Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973–1976

393. Memorandum From the Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs (Burke) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Hurwitch)¹

Washington, April 10, 1973.

SUBJECT

• Your Appointment with Haitian Foreign Minister Adrien Raymond: 11:00 AM, April 10

Raymond may raise the following issues with you during your meeting:

Haitian Hope for Increased Bilateral Aid

Haitian hopes for an increase in U.S. economic assistance continue high. While we will continue to place maximum reliance on the multilateral financing institutions to meet Haiti’s external financing needs, we have informed the GOH that we would consider sound project proposals beyond the capacity or interest of the multilateral agencies. We have recently signed a $3.7 million loan for road maintenance. If Raymond mentions the GOH’s desire for increased bilateral assistance, you should:

—stress our continued emphasis on providing U.S. assistance through multilateral channels and indicate our support for Haitian loan applications that meet standard economic criteria.

—note our satisfaction with recent U.S. efforts to assist the GOH in the development field (in particular the road maintenance loan) and our feeling that these proposed projects are progressing in a speedy manner.

Haitian Desire for Military Assistance

As you know, in response to a GOH request, the USG dispatched a seven man team of military experts to Haiti last July to assist the Haitians in establishing a coastal patrol capability, as well as advising them on sensible military procurements. We presented the GOH a “sanitized” version of the report within the last two weeks. We have also been successful in adding Haiti to the list of countries eligible for Foreign Military Sales. The Haitians appear very grateful for these moves although there is some tendency on their part to exaggerate their significance, with the GOH apparently now viewing the door as “wide open” on a resumption of full-scale military assistance to Haiti. As you know, we have no intention of reopening a full-scale military mission in Haiti; likewise, the prospects for MAP grant matériel, as recommended in the Haiti CASP, appear somewhat dim although Haiti is now eligible for FMS sales and credits and, depending on the success of the current foreign assistance legislation, may become eligible for military training. If Raymond raises this subject, you should:

—indicate our pleasure with the significant progress that has been made in this area since the last time you saw Raymond, noting the inclusion of Haiti on the FMS list as well as the presentation of the Military Survey Team report to the GOH.

—indicate that while we will continue to be sympathetic to legitimate Haitian needs to modernize its Armed Forces, the entire question of military assistance is coming under increasing pressure in Congress and we cannot be too hopeful about the possibility of re-establishing a MAP grant matériel program for that reason. Sympathy we may have in abundance, but monies available for assistance are in short supply. You should impress on Raymond the need for examining the technical team report carefully and for tailoring the Haitian military establishment in accordance with its recommendations. The point should be made that what is needed is a force well-balanced against Haitian resources or needs.

1. Summary: Burke briefed Hurwitch in advance of a meeting with Haitian Foreign Minister Adrien Raymond, informing him of Haiti’s interest in receiving additional U.S. economic aid and in becoming eligible for increased military assistance.

   Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D393, POL 7 Visits and Meetings. Confidential. In a February 28 letter to Burke, Knox expressed satisfaction that consideration was being given to including Haiti in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and recommended that military training be provided through the Military Assistance Program (MAP). (Ibid., POL 1–3 CASP) In telegram 93698 to Port-au-Prince, May 16, the Department informed the Embassy of its approval for Haiti’s first purchase of military equipment under the FMS program. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) No record of the April 10 meeting between Hurwitch and Raymond has been found.