61. Presidential Finding1
Finding Pursuant to Section 662 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, As Amended, Concerning Operations in Foreign Countries Other Than Those Intended Solely for the Purpose of Intelligence Collection
I hereby find the following operation in a foreign country (including all support necessary to such operation) is important to the national security of the United States, and direct the Director of Central Intelligence, or his designee, to report this Finding to the concerned committees of the Congress pursuant to Section 662, and to provide such briefings as necessary. (S)
| SCOPE | DESCRIPTION |
| Liberia | Provide directly to the Government of Liberia, or unilaterally as appropriate, advice, guidance and assistance in managing Liberia’s governmental affairs in the political, economic, public administration, intelligence, security and related fields, and assist in equipping and training the Liberian intelligence/security services, for the purpose of maintaining U.S. interests in Liberia, keeping Liberia moderate and pro West, and encouraging respect for human rights. (S) |
| Wherever possible provide advice and assistance overtly, either by U.S. advisers or through international organizations, such advice to be supplemented, particularly in the public administration and political areas. [2 lines not declassified] In economic areas, advisers should be non-American insofar as possible. (S) | |
| Disseminate all forms of covert propaganda worldwide and in Liberia in support of these objectives. (S) |
Jimmy Carter
[Page 186]SCOPE OF CIA ACTIVITIES UNDER THE LIBERIA FINDING
Following approval by the President of the attached Presidential Finding on Liberia, CIA will undertake the following specific activities:
(a) As a supplement to overt advice and assistance provided by U.S. advisers or through international organizations, furnish covert advice and guidance to the new Liberian Government as agreed upon [1 line not declassified] in the political, economic, and public administration fields in order to: promote internal stability and a moderate, pro-West stance by the new Government; preserve and further U.S. interests in Liberia; pre-empt, reduce or neutralize the influence of hostile intelligence services; and influence the Government to adopt policies which respect and preserve human rights. (S)
(b) Provide advice and guidance on intelligence and security matters, and appropriate training, equipment and other support to the Liberian Government’s [less than 1 line not declassified] in furtherance of the above objectives. (S)
(c) Utilize all forms of covert propaganda techniques worldwide [1 line not declassified] in order to indirectly and favorably influence the Liberian Government and to otherwise promote and facilitate the accomplishment of these objectives. (S)
- Source: Carter Library, Plains File, Box 30, NSC/SCC Minutes 4/16/80–8/6/80. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only.↩