Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980 Volume XXIV, South America; Latin America Region

260. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to Secretary of State Vance and Secretary of Defense Brown¹

Washington, March 10, 1980

The President has reviewed the notes of the interagency meeting and given the following instructions:²

Asylum. Hold to our present official position that we do not favor asylum for terrorists. (S/S)

Ransom. Maintain our present position that the U.S. will not to be a party to the payment of ransom and actively seek to discourage payment of ransom. (S/S)

Release of Prisoners. In a letter in response to President Turbay,³ make explicit the long-run costs worldwide of conceding to the release of prisoners which can only encourage similar terrorists activities in the future. (S/S)

Use of Force. Do not involve the U.S. military with any Colombians without the approval of President Turbay. (S/S)

Zbigniew Brzezinski

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, General Odom File, Box 52, Terrorism: Bogota Crisis, 2-3/80. Secret; Sensitive. Copies were sent to Turner and Jones.
2. See Document 257.
3. See Document 259.