304. Transcript of the Secretary of State’s Staff Meeting1
[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to Peru.]
Secretary Kissinger: That reminds me—Bill, I want a very tough protest to the Peruvians on the CIA involvement.
Mr. Rogers: All right, sir. As soon as we can get Berckemeyer.
Secretary Kissinger: And I want Anderson to say something.
Mr. Rogers: Yes.
Secretary Kissinger: Just say it’s a lie and they know it’s a lie.
Mr. Anderson: Yes, sir.
Secretary Kissinger: But you say it publicly.
Mr. Anderson: Yes, sir.
Mr. Rogers: I’ll try to reach Berckemeyer.
Secretary Kissinger: We don’t even have the capability any more! (Laughter.)
Mr. Rogers: That’s what I told him. We had done it when it fizzled out too.
Secretary Kissinger: Tell him it’s not women with empty pans.
What is that thing Letelier accused me of? On that, I assured him the women that were marching in Chile weren’t organized by it.
[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to Peru.]
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Summary: Kissinger instructed Rogers and and Special Assistant for Press Relations Anderson to protest a Peruvian official’s claim that the CIA was involved in unrest in Peru.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, Lot 78D443, Box 6, Secretary’s Principals’ and Regionals’ Staff Meetings. Secret. In telegram 1538 from Caracas, February 7, the Embassy reported that Peruvian Ambassador Barrios Llona had stated the day before that the CIA was involved in “‘just about everything that goes on in Latin America’” including recent unrest in Peru. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D750046–0082) In telegram 29385 to Lima, February 7, Rogers conveyed the Department’s concern to Roca-Zela that Peruvian officials had alleged CIA intervention in Peru, adding that the allegations had no foundation. (Ibid., [no film number]) In telegram 28577 to all American Republic diplomatic posts, February 7, the Department reported Anderson’s statement that Velasco’s personal secretary had publicly announced that APRA and left-wing groups were responsible for the recent violence, and allegations of CIA involvement had no foundation. (Ibid.)
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