MEETING OF THE SPECIAL GROUP (CI), THURSDAY,JANUARY 3RD, CHAIRED BY ALEXIS JOHNSON
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
CIA-RDP80B01676R001900150093-6
Release Decision:
RIPPUB
Original Classification:
K
Document Page Count:
6
Document Creation Date:
December 23, 2016
Document Release Date:
January 31, 2014
Sequence Number:
93
Case Number:
Publication Date:
January 4, 1963
Content Type:
MFR
File:
Attachment | Size |
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CIA-RDP80B01676R001900150093-6.pdf | 302.62 KB |
Body:
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MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
I Li
4 January 1963
SUBJECT: Meeting of the Special Group (CI), Thursday, January 3rd,
Chaired by Alexis Johnson.
Present were: The Attorney General, Mr. Gilpatric, DCI,
General Krulak, Mr. Murrow, Mr. Coffin
1.. Secretary Ed Martin gave a comprehensive oral briefing on
Latin America by country. Following are some points which he dealt
with on each country and actions or questions which were raised by
DCI to be considered by CIA.
Z. No attempt was made to cover all points reported by Martin.
In general, his attitude was that things in Latin America are better
than they were a year ago, gross national product has increased by
about five percent and further increases are expected this coming
year. Political conditions, while troublesome, are better than they
were in 1955 when ten military dictators were in control of ten of the
Latin American countries. McCone questioned whether or not con-
ditions were as good as they were in 1955, pointing out great distress
in many of the Latin American countries due to depressed market
prices on such commodities as coffee, cocoa, sugar (until recently)
and other commodities which Latin American countries depend upon
for foreign currencies.
3. Mexico has increasing tension as elections approach July 1964.
Some disorders expected. However, it is unlikely that the disorders
will get out of hand and the elections would be reasonably orderly.
4. Dominican Republic. Result of the election quite satisfactory
and nothing serious arose although there is a possibility that internal
disturbances may prevent the new President-elect from taking office.
McCone raised question of the management of industries and lands
owned by Trujillo and taken over by government, pointing out there
was an absence of competent management in some 1�5--, industries in the
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Dominican Republic. Martin reported the International Business
Council had been very helpful, this problem was being watched,
however, it is DCI's opinion that proper organization and management
of Dominican Republic industry and agriculture in the absence of
competent managers is robably a central problem to be watched
5. Haiti. Apparently Duvalier intends to stay in office as he
has not taken necessary steps for an election. State distressed over
conditions in Haiti. Martin referred to a late October meeting in the
President's office attended by J. C. King and, 1-4"kitte for CIA.
No action was taken then because of the Cuban situation. However,
time is now at hand for a plan of action designed to try and straighten
Haitian situation.
6. Jamaica-Trinidad. Nothing of concern in either of these
countries, except for the problems of Williams of Trinidad. Apparently
some arrangements have been made recently to try and satisfy Williams'
claim for extensive aid in exchange for a Naval base in Trinidad� which
incidentally, Gilpatric indicated was not important to our Navy.
Williams now has made additional demands.
ACTION: I believe we might have a seriou i tion with
Williams In the
past Williams prin a comp amt as been improper handling by
State because of lack of confidence and seniority on the art of
assigned to his problem by Ste and AID.
imormed.
I would like to be kept currently
NOTE: Admiral Arleigh Burke is thoroughly familiar with
this situation as he is the Director of the Texas Company which has
very extensive petroleum-producing and refining interests in Trinidad.
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7. Guatemala. Principal problem is the forthcoming election.
There seems to be no danger of extreme Communist movement.
However, the election of Arevalo would be detrimental and is feared
by many important people in Guatemala.
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8. Honduras. No special problems, no insurgency threat.
Country is considered more or less lawless and the political situation
in Honduras is always a target of neighboring Central American political
or military figures. However, there is no immediate problem.
9. El Salvador. Reasonably stable.
10. Nicaragua. Situation reasonably stable although there is
danger of disorders with February elections at hand. Not considered
that the situation will get out of hand. However, it should be watched
11. Costa Rica. No serious problem other than those recently
reported having to do with Communist activity in certain agricultural
areas and decision to develop some radio facilities in the area.
12. Panama. Martin reported that in his opinion Panama is one of
the most serious and dangerous situations which we face and lacks any
organized political party.
We have done no real political construction job, the ambassador,
while personable, does not seem able to cope with the political situations.
As a result, the country has drifted, the Panama Canal always represents
a political whipping boy for an ambitious group, there is a disparity in
living standards and wealth between those within the Zone who are
working for the company, and those outside of the Zone depending on
the resources of Panama. In general, Panamanian situation is
considered very dangerous.
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13. Colombia. Reported that Colombia is taking strong measures
since the election. A new tax bill has been passed. The country has
adopted an Internal Defense Plan, the police and military have improved
their organizations and the outlook generally is better than expected.
There remains insurgent groups in various locations and local conflict
and murders continue as in the past. However, the number of incidents
in 1962 have been less than previous years and we expect that there
will be fewer incidents in 1963.
14. Brazil. There are some reasons for encouragement.
Foreign Minister Santos advised Ambassador Compos that President
Goulart will relate his new program of reforms to the requirements
of the Alliance for Progress. I think that Goulart will support the
Alliance. There are indications that new cabinet appointments will
be satisfactory--most particularly, the appointment of Compos as
Minister of Finance and also the retention of a satisfactory Minister
of Interior. Governor Arias, recently elected at Pernambuco, married
to a Catholic and it's a possibility (at least though by no means a
certainty) that this will influence him away from some of his radical
Communist ideas. Actuallyit appeared to me that the report on
Brazil was more optimistic1. a.rranted in view of the reports from
the Ambassador/
15. Ecuador. Arosemena is holding on but probably will lose
out during the year. Vice President is not at good shape to succeed
Arosemen.a is the president is deposed on constitutional grounds
because the Vice President has no political following and his involve-
ment in military procurement has discredited him although he was finally
vindicated. Therefore, if the President falls there will be a military
takeover �military leadership are considered conservatives-but a
situation would evolve much like Peru.
16. Peru. Communists in the labor movement are making progress.
They were extremely active in the recent s
ereamia44141:=trke. The
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military junta seems both unable and unwilling to handle the situation.
The armed forces are reasonably well-equipped and trained. There is
no information on the plans for the election in June. It is to be recalled
that the military junta established June 63 as the date for an election and
signed affidavits that they would not run for election themselves.
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17. Bolivia. Thin
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18. Paraguay - Election in February. No serious problems
envisaged.
19. Uruguay. No serious problems, however, there is a mild /
economic . recession going on. The country is politically stable and
friendly.
20. Argentina. There now exists a general optimism about the
future. Chasoos of the past several months seems to have passed. The
a
President s& the Administration is in charge of the situation. A large
number of new, able men have been brought into government and the
attitude seems to be one of a "new frontier" approach. The political
future of the country seems dependent upon splitting the Peronista
party and steps are being undertaken to accomplish this. In general,
the report on Argentina was unusually optimistic.
21. Chile. Conditions are considered normal. The visit of Presi-
dent Alessandri to the United States was a great success. It removed
certain illusions in his mind that had been planted by Europeans con-
cerning U.S. attitudes. He was pleased with this country and its
approach to Latin American problems and particularly those in
connection with Chile. Inflation has been checked to a considerable
extent and generally speaking the country will enjoy a forward movement.
22. The Committee reviewed and approved the internal defense
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program for Venezuela. 1-
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23. Medical training in Thailand was discussed. Apparently
this program.
has been lost. It involved short-term first aid-type medical
training for Laotian and Thailand police and others so that they can
administer medical aid in villages throughout the country. Attorney
General most critical that no action had been taken and no one at the
meeting knew what had or could be done. Alexis Johnson felt that
the program could be extended into the provincial police. It is now
extensively implemented in the Border Police of Thailand, however
it is a relatively small group.
24. Mr. Murrow raised the question of communist control of
Laotian newspapers. He stated the communists were in control of
the one principal newspaper and that they were now prepared to
furnish a 50 kilowatt radio transmitter. Souvanna would have no
control over this transmitter nor does he have any control over the
newspaper. He does control one or more small transmitters which
should be vastly overpowered by the Soviet equipment. Murrow raised
the question as to what the United States was doing about it.
ACTION. I would like to have a report on this question. In
my talk with Souvanna he indicated an intention to start a newspaper
John A. McCone
Director
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