56. Memorandum From Gerald Funk of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) and the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Aaron)1
SUBJECT
- Liberia Situation (U)
[less than 1 line not declassified] Liberia as of this morning is worth skimming. I requested it last night,2 [2 lines not declassified].
—No functional government, but signs that things may stabilize in next 48 hours.
—No army command structure remaining.
—Police hold the key: they have been inactive, but may begin to function soon to restore order.
—New government says it will be fair and just with old regime, but likely to be less than discriminate.
—Some order in evidence at the Mansion, with Sgt. Doe and Foreign Minister Matthews (PPP) showing leadership.
[Page 164]—Cabinet will be popular but ineffective government of national unity.
—Government covers ideological spectrum which will lead to dissension.
—PPP (“resemble European social democrats”) appear to have policy upper-hand.
—Doe wants close ties with U.S., Mathews (PPP, Min. F.A.) will steer to non-aligned status, with leaning toward “a special relationship” with U.S. (S)
State sent guidance for the Charge’s use this morning, expressing our desire to work with the new government, and urging restraint as they bring the former government to trial.3 (S)
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 48, Liberia 12/79–1/81. Secret. Sent for information. “ZB has seen” is stamped in the upper right corner.↩
- Not further identified.↩
- In telegram 98174 to Monrovia, April 14, the Department transmitted talking points to the Chargé for use with the new Foreign Minister. The démarche expressed concern about possible show trials and the desire of the United States to work with the new government. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800186–0780)↩