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

302. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter¹

Washington, June 13, 1977

SUBJECT

• Follow-Up from Mrs. Carter’s Meetings in Peru

The following items requiring follow-up or continuing attention emerged from Mrs. Carter’s conversation with Peruvian President Francisco Morales Bermudez:²

—The President agreed that Peru would sign and ratify the American Convention on Human Rights.³

—The President expressed his interest in pursuing joint efforts, perhaps through revitalized OAS machinery, at arms reduction, to buttress the Ayacucho Declaration and the activities of the Andean Group.

—The President indicated his willingness to continue discussions with Ecuador aimed at guaranteeing Ecuadorian shipping access to the Amazon, as is provided under the Rio Protocol.

—The Foreign Minister mentioned conversations with U.S. officials⁴ about a joint effort in crop substitution, to address the drug problem emanating from Peru.

—The President indicated that a remaining expropriation issue with Gulf would be resolved quickly, and promised that the 15 or so Americans accused of drug trafficking would be brought to trial speedily.

I have issued appropriate instructions for following up these items and others which emerged from Mrs. Carter’s conversations in Jamaica, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 64, Peru, 1/77-12/79 [#1]. Confidential. Sent for information. At the top of the memorandum, Carter wrote: “Zbig-Please let Bob Pastor: a) Draft 7 letters-one to each leader, confirming points from R’s meetings; b) Keep R. posted on L.A. affairs- J.”
2. In telegram 4636 from Brasilia, June 7, the Embassy reported on Rosalynn Carter’s conversation with Morales Bermudez. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770203-0146)
3. See footnote 4, Document 303.
4. Reference is to an October 1, 1976, meeting between de la Puente and Shlaudeman in New York. (Telegram 249900 to Lima, October 7, 1976; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760379-0300)