93. Memorandum From Gary Sick of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)1
SUBJECT
- Tank Transporters to Libya
David’s earlier call to State was successful in preventing a total collapse of their position opposing the sale of heavy trucks to Libya for use as tank transporters. However, it was not successful—at least thus far—in getting State officially back to its previous position of lobbying with Commerce to get the trucks placed on a validated list rather than the general license it is now on. A validated listing permits us to exercise policy control over sales. A general license is only for notification purposes. (C)
The issue will go to Under Secretary Harmon at Commerce within 24 hours. Once he has made a decision, it will be extremely difficult to reverse it. As far as I can tell, State does not plan to weigh in on this, although they are still trying to develop a collective position. I believe it is essential that Commerce be aware of the foreign policy implications of this case and that they be informed in advance of our concern. I have previously talked to Stan Marcuss, the Deputy Assistant Secretary, and I intend to make these points with him again today. But Harmon will make the final decision. (C)
RECOMMENDATION: That you or David call Dr. Sidney Harmon, Under Secretary of Commerce, and make the talking points at Tab A.2
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 48, Libya: 1/77–1/81. Confidential. Sent for action. Aaron initialed the memorandum, drew an arrow pointing to Sick’s name, and wrote: “Return with it!”↩
- Tab A, an undated paper entitled “Talking Points on Heavy Trucks to Libya,” is attached but not printed. Brzezinski drew an arrow to the Approve option and wrote: “DA to call.”↩