Office of the Historian

332. Telegram 28424 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Uruguay1

Washington, February 14, 1973, 2243Z.

28424. Ref: MVD 453. Subject: Preliminary Recommendations Re U.S. Posture in New Uruguayan Situation.

1. We concur in “wait and see” policy regarding Uruguayan Developments. Regular contact should be resumed by mission personnel with GOU authorities. Naturally, we will follow through on any existing commitments, but agree that we should go very slowly in completing any unfinished business, undertaking any new initiatives in existing programs, and starting up new activities.

2. Pending items in para 3 reftel should be weighed carefully on ad hoc basis in consultation with US. Dunning GOU on ten percent payment on military assistance and collection of postal debt appears to US as routine matters to be taken up as normal business.

3. Members country team are commended on excellent reporting.

4. We have no intention of making any public comments on Uruguayan situation. If asked, we will stick to facts as we know them and avoid interpretation.

  1. Summary: The Department of State concurred with the Embassy’s recommendation that contact with the Uruguayan Government should be normal but that any new initiatives should wait until developments in Uruguay were clearer.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–73, POL 15 UR. Confidential; Limdis. Drafted by Stedman and K.N. Rogers; cleared by Crimmins; and approved by Meyer. Repeated for information to Southcom. Telegram 453 from the Embassy in Uruguay is Document 331.

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