436. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Eagleburger) to Secretary of State Shultz 1

SUBJECT

  • Presidential Certification of Argentina

I support the recommendation that the President certify Argentina for future military sales. ARA and EUR agree on the certification but differ on procedures for informing the British, and more importantly on how much of a check we provide the UK on future US arms sales to Argentina.

I think we should basically follow ARA’s recommended scenario, but also meet EUR concerns for adequate consultations with the British to the extent possible.2 If the President decides next week to certify Argentina, we should consult with the British Ambassador here and Ambassador Price would do likewise in London before we inform the Argentines of our decision. We would tell the UK that certification would be announced shortly before the Vice President’s December 10 visit to Argentina for the inauguration. We would also consult with the Congressional leadership and send letters to President Bignone of Argentina and President Pinochet of Chile.

On the arms sales issue, I do not support the EUR recommendation that we establish a three month hiatus before any sales are made. We should, however, assure the British that we will consult with them on any significant sales to Argentina. While we should be sensitive to their concerns re the Falklands, we should not give them a veto on specific weapons systems that might be sold to the Argentines.

If you approve this course of action, I will set things in motion.3

Lawrence S. Eagleburger 4
  1. Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/S Special Handling Restrictions Memos 1979–1983, Lot 96D262, ES Sensitive November 24–30 1983. Secret. A stamped notation at the top of the memorandum indicates that Shultz saw it.
  2. See Document 435.
  3. Shultz approved the recommendation.
  4. Eagleburger wrote “LSE” above his typed signature.