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  4. Document 287

287. Telegram 3670 From the Embassy in Peru the Department of State1

Lima, May 31, 1973, 2259Z.

3670. Subject: Credit Sales of Northrop F–5 Military Aircraft. Ref: State 98509.

1. Embassy notes Peru not included in list of countries for which President determined sale of F–5 military aircraft is important to U.S. national security. We assume this stems from suspension of FMS to Peru at time determination initiated.

[Page 770]

2. However, once consultations with Congress are completed and availability of F–5’s to various LA’s, including Chile, becomes public, we anticipate GOP will raise with us usual questions, to wit: (A) why does U.S. sell major system to avowedly Marxist state which historical adversary of Peru? (B) Does U.S. consider Chile good credit risk as compared Peru? (C) Why are F–5’s not offered to GOP?

3. Embassy believes it can turn these questions temporarily by: (A) Referring to GOP priority interest in acquiring A–37 B’s, and (B) fact GOP purchasing mission in UK is reportedly interested in purchase of Canberras on very favorable terms ($500,000 per copy with guarantee of 10 years supply of spares).

4. Embassy nevertheless wishes call Department’s attention to this potential problem with GOP and would appreciate press guidance.

Belcher

  1. Summary: The Embassy requested guidance on how to answer questions by Peruvian officials with regards to sales of F–5 aircraft to Latin American nations.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. On May 23, the Department informed the Embassy that on May 21 the President had signed Determination 73–14, which granted credit to the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela in connection with the sale of F–5s. (Telegram 98509 to Brasília, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Caracas, and Lima, May 23; ibid.) There is no indication the Department provided guidance to the Embassy. On June 8, in a telegram forwarded to Lima, the Department stated that the U.S. Government was prepared in principle to sell F–5s if the request were made. (Telegram 108603 to Bridgetown, Georgetown, Guatemala, Kingston, Managua, Mexico, Panama, Port au Prince, Port of Spain, San Jose, San Salvador, Santo Domingo, Tegucigalpa, and Nassau, June 8; ibid.)

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