LETTER TO THE HONORABLE AMBASSADOR FROM JOHN F. KENNEDY
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
CIA-RDP80M00165A002100140002-5
Release Decision:
RIFPUB
Original Classification:
C
Document Page Count:
6
Document Creation Date:
December 15, 2016
Document Release Date:
February 5, 2004
Sequence Number:
2
Case Number:
Publication Date:
May 29, 1961
Content Type:
LETTER
File:
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
![]() | 347.8 KB |
Body:
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ULMORANI5UM FOR THE HEADS OF
There is attached a copy of a letter which I have sent to
each American Ambassador abroad. The fourth and fifth para-
graphs on page three were omitted from the letter sent to coun-
tries where we do not have military forces.:
On page three of this letter Iatatt
"I have informed all heads of departments and
agencies of the Government of the responsibilities
of the chiefs of American Diplomatic Missions for
our combined operations abroad, and I have asked
them to instruct their representatives in the field
accordingly."
I shall appreciate your instructing representatives you may
have in the field in accordance with the attached letter.
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I have asked you to represent our Government in
because I am confident that you have the ability, dedication. and
experience. The purpose of this letter is to define guidelines
which I hope may be helpful to you.
The practice of modern diplomacy requires a close under-
itanding not only of governments but also of .people, tbatr ea +
!hexes and institutions. Tberefore, I hope that you will plan
work so that you may have the time to travel endensively vt
We the nation's capital. Only in this way can you develop the,
close, personal associations that go beyond official diplomatic
circles and maintain a sympathetic and accurate understanding
our ambassadors and their staffs.
If we are to make progress toward a prosperous comity
of nations in a world of peace. the United States must exercise
the most affirmative and responsible leadership. Beyond our
shores, this leadership, in large measure, must be provided by
g
r
e
dsstr vs forces are challenging the saiversal values rhich,
for centuries have inspired man of good will in all parts of
the world.
in a critic*1 moment in story. Powerful
? livin
'il a
of our most distinguished citizens.
plisbment of your mission. As the personal representative of
the President of the United States in you are
part of a memorable tradition which began with Benjamin
Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, and which has included many
r Mr. Ambassador:
of all segments of the country.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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Moreover, the improved understanding which is so essential to
a more peaceful and rational world is a two-way street. It is
task not only to understand what motivates others, but to give tbem
-s better understanding of what motivates us.
band-persons in who have never visited the Vb1t*d
States, receive their principal impressions of our nation through
their eoadact with Americans who come to their country either as
private citiaens or as government employees.
Therefore, the manner, in which you and your staff personally
conduct yourselves is of the utmost importance. This applies to
the way in which you carry out your official duties and to the at-
titudes you and they bring to day-to-day contacts and associations.
It is an essential part of your task to create a climate of digni-
tied, dedicated understanding, cooperation, and service is and around
the Embassy.
In regard to your personal authority and responsibility. I shall
count on you to oversee and coordinate all the activities of the
United States Government in
You are in charge of the entire United States Diplomatic Mission,
and I shall expect you to supervise all of its operations. The Mission
incindes not only the personnel of the Department of State swd the
Foreign Service, but also the representatives of all other United
States agencies which have programs or activities in
I shall give you full support and backing in carrying out your assign-
ment,
Needless to say, the representatives of other agencies'are
expected to cmnrnunicate directly with their offices here in
Vashingtan, and in the event of a decision by you in which they.
do not concur, they may ask to have the decision reviewed by a
higher authority in Washington.
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CONFIDENTIAL
However. it is their responsibility to keep you fully Inf
their views and activities and to abide by your decisions 'kRhlli t
In some particular instance you and they are notified to the oia?
trsry.
if. in your dgmeat Individual agawatnbea r ' ~ a o _.
lad a ctive ly, you should take whatever - ozt 'fit
may be regudsed, reporting the- circumstli l ," e, ~-
Department of State.
In case the departure from of any individual
member of the Mission I. indicated in your jud`meat, I skill *X.
you to make the decision and see that it is carried life ~.
~h Instances I am confident will be rare.
Now on. word abort your relations to rnU * . -; -
Nils',, the United Stites Diplomatic Mission includIN Serrlao
teaches, Military Assistance Advisory Groups and other h tiii.
azy components attached to the Mission. It does set. however,
lazy United States military forces operating in the field what*
inch forces are under the command of a United States area
Mary coemauder. The line of authority to those forces runs
fraeo me, to the Secretary of Defense, to the Jotn efrs ad 8i#'.
hi Washington hod to the area commander, In the field.
Although this means that the chief of the American DIrlaenat
Mission is not to the line of military command, noverthtlsss as
Chief of Mission. you should work closely with the appropriate
area military commander to assure the full exchange 'o# Infer.
oration. If it is your opiuirm that activities by the sited owes
an'1Dary forces may adversely affect our over-all TeiatIma with
the people of government of you should promptly
& *cuss the matter with the military comflsiedei and, If aecoi?
axle rogwst a decision by higher suth ority.
I bave informed all heads of departments and agencies of the
Government of the responsibilities of the chiefs of American
Diplomatic Missions for our combined operations abroad, sad I
have asked them to instruct their representatives in the field se
Cordiaily.
As you know,
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As you know, your own lines of communication as Chief
of Mission run through the Department of State.
Let me dose with an expression of confidence In you per-
ssoally and the earnest hope that your efforts may help
strengthen our relations with loath the Government. 4s4. Ow
people at . I am sure that you will make a major
contribution to the cause of world peace and understandiag.
Good luck and my warmest regards,
Sincerely,
(Signed)
John F. Kennedy
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Dear Mr. Ambassador:
EGR
00 65AM2100140002-5
My letter to you dated 29 May 1961 was marked confidential.
There are some matters within your jurisdiction that require a
higher classification, notably the United States clandestine intel-
ligence activities and covert action programs. While I expect you
to be generally responsible for and informed of the objectives and
targets of such activities, I do not charge you with the respons-
ibility for their direct and detailed supervision. These activities
will continue to be supervised in accordance with existing National
Security Council Intelligence Directives and other pertinent direc-
tives, regulations, and procedures.
The officer responsible for such activities will be instructed
through appropriate channels to keep you informed about the nature
of these activities and you should, of course, promptly raise with
him any questions you may have about his activities and the possi-
bility of their having adverse effect on over-all United States
relations.
Security of these operations recommends that for the most part
discussion of them be restricted to the communications channels of
the agency concerned. You are requested therefore to use these
channels as appropriate to convey any recommendation you may wish to
make regarding these activities to higher authority. The officer
responsible will be instructed to convey your comments verbatim to
Washington.
Sincerely,
John F. Kennedy
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