Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XXX, Public Diplomacy

190. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance to President Carter¹

Washington, November 15, 1979

SUBJECT

• Proposal for Enhancement of U.S. Non-Government Activities in Central America and the Caribbean.

Because of your personal interest in helping the peoples of the Caribbean and Central America to cope with their economic and political problems, and your desire to engage the U.S. private sector in supporting economic development and democratic processes in the two regions, I have prepared a series of recommendations for your consideration. I believe that these recommendations, if implemented, will stimulate private organizations as well as state and local governments to intensify their activities in these two areas with little or no incremental cost to the United States Government.

There already exists an impressive number of U.S. citizen organizations active in Central America and the Caribbean. A number of others which command significant resources would, I believe, be responsive to an appeal from you to support programs in these countries. These include not only non-profit organizations, but also U.S. corporations with vested interests in the Caribbean and Central America.

Although only a handful of organizations are present in some of the smaller Caribbean islands, as many as 100 or more are involved to some extent in the larger countries. I have attached a list of active organizations at Tab 1.² Further, under the aegis of Sister Cities International and the Partners of the Americas, 50 cities and several countries are linked to U.S. cities and states. An analysis of these programs is attached at Tab 2.³ According to our Ambassadors, many of these private organizations and state and local government programs have had a visible impact in the development and democratization processes of host countries.

In spite of the impressive work being done by these organizations, however, more can and should be done. I have prepared, by country, illustrative lists of urgent requirements in the Caribbean and Central America which are not now being fully met. These requirements were identified in consultation with AID, our Ambassadors and private sources. In every case I have suggested non-governmental organizations based in the United States which appear to have the resources and skills to address the identified need. The lists include both organizations already active in the country and those which would be becoming involved for the first time. Copies of the lists are attached at Tab 3.⁴ These lists should be considered as illustrative of the kinds of contributions private organizations could make rather than comprehensive lists of the needs of individual countries.

What is required is a catalyst of some sort to bring these organizations together, to coordinate their efforts, and to stimulate activity by organizations not now engaged in outreach programs in Central America and the Caribbean. I believe you can serve as that catalyst. I recommend that you convoke a meeting of representatives of non-governmental organizations and state and local government representatives at the White House in the near future. A suggested list of participants is attached at Tab 4⁵ which we consider broadly representative of the kinds of groups whose services are urgently needed in the Caribbean and Central America. The purpose of the meeting would be:

—to explain that you have assigned a high priority to the Caribbean and Central America, and to indicate your interest in private organization activities in the two regions;

—propose the establishment of a new private non-profit organization which would be charged with expanding the role of voluntary organizations in the Caribbean and Central America. Between 50 and 100 founding members would be desirable, drawn from a wide range of organizations representing business, churches, foundations, the universities, service clubs and others. It could be headed by a prominent citizen with an acknowledged interest in Central America and the Caribbean. In addition to a Board and executive steering group, the umbrella organization could organize subcommittees for each country. Each of these subcommittees would visit its country, determine key needs, and stimulate U.S. private sector activity to address the need. The U.S. Government would support the organization’s activities but not become directly involved;

—announce the establishment of an annual Presidential award for the organization judged to have made the greatest impact on the processes of democratization and development in the Caribbean and Central America. The award would be a medal or cash grant, or both. Nominations would be made by our Ambassadors. This would serve to focus public attention on private sector activities in the two regions.

I believe these suggestions, if implemented, would help stimulate activity, avoid duplication and make non-government organization activity more supportive of broad policy objectives of the United States Government. If you decide to implement these recommendations, it must be made clear to all concerned that the Administration is not attempting to control or direct the activities of private agencies and that no additional federal funds will be available for expanded activities. Members of your staff should consult with a core group of 15–20 private organization leaders before you convoke the larger meeting to insure that there are no misunderstandings on these two issues. A suggested list of contacts is attached at Tab 5.⁶

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 46, Latin America: 10/15–31/79. Confidential. Printed from an unsigned copy. There is no indication that the President saw the version of the memorandum printed here.
2. Attached but not printed is an undated paper entitled “U.S. Private Organization in the Caribbean and Central America, by Country.”
3. Attached but not printed is an undated paper entitled “State and Local Government Efforts in Central America and the Caribbean.”
4. Attached but not printed is an undated paper entitled “List of Immediate Requirements.”
5. Attached but not printed is an undated paper entitled “Alphabetical Listing of Possible Participants at Core Group Meeting.”
6. Attached but not printed is an undated paper entitled “List of Key Individuals for Preliminary Consultations.”