Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 2, Documents on South America, 1973–1976

278. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Shlaudeman) and the Special Assistant to the Secretary of State and Coordinator for International Narcotics Matters (Vance) to Secretary of State Kissinger¹

Washington, July 30, 1976.

Narcotics Program Assistance to Colombia

Today, our Chargé in Bogota reports that he has reached an agreement on arrangements which would finally permit our increased narcotics assistance program with Colombia to proceed (see Bogota 7617 at Tab 1). It would involve among other things the transfer of three helicopters, a reasonable number which the Colombians now find acceptable. We have directed the Chargé to press forward urgently and have briefed Ambassador Sanchez, who will treat completion of the program as top priority.

As we reported to you in our memorandum of June 11 (Tab 2), our planning for an enhanced narcotics program to Colombia, following the Ford-Lopez conversation of September 25, envisaged a total program in FY’s 76 and 77 of almost $9 million. We made it clear to the GOC that this was “starters” because the next fiscal year begins October 1 and, if an effective program could be developed which called for more equipment, including aircraft, we would sympathetically consider future needs, funded from still more FY 77 monies.

The Foreign Minister told the Chargé July 28 that President Lopez concurs in our now negotiating this agreement with the National Police. The Colombian Defense Minister, with whom the earlier negotiations were carried on, has finally said that his Ministry is not currently interested as the helicopters envisaged cannot be used for anti-guerrilla and other internal security operations. He has really aspired to another helicopter wing for his air force. The Chargé reports that he has confidence that he can now move rapidly to complete these negotiations with the Police as the Police envisage a program about like the one we had hoped to see develop.

If we do not have this matter moving in the very early future, we will recommend to you appropriate action including the possibilities of a message from you to President Lopez and/or a Shlaudeman/Vance visit to Bogota.

1. Summary: Shlaudeman and Vance reported that the Chargé in Bogotá had reached an agreement on increased narcotics assistance to the National Police.

   Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P760132–0548. Secret. Sent through Habib. Drafted by Vance and Luers. Attached but not published are Tab 1, telegram 7617 from Bogotá, July 29, and Tab 2, a June 11 memorandum from Vance and Luers to Kissinger. In telegram 8176 from Bogotá, August 12, Sanchez reported on his conversations with Colombian officials regarding the operational details of the anti-narcotics plan. (Ibid., D760310–1037)