LETTER TO STROM THURMOND FROM RONALD REAGAN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85M00364R001502590090-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 10, 2008
• Sequence Number: 90
• Publication Date: October 25, 1983
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2008/06/11: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01502590090-4
October 25, 1983
Dear Mr. Pre:lident:
On October 12, a violet t series of events in Grenada was set in
motion, which led to tte murder of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop
and a number of his Cakinet colleagues, as well as the deaths_ of
a number of civilians. Over 40 killings were reported. There
was no goverr{ment ensux,ing the protection of life and property
and restorinc1 law and S,rder. The only indication of authority
was an announcement that a barbaric shoot-to-kill curfew was in
effect. Under these circumstances, we were necessarily concerned
about the safety of innocent lives on the island, including those
of up to 1,OCgo United States citizens.
?i
The Organization of Eagtern Caribbean States (OECS) became
seriously concerned by?the deteriorating conditions in the member
State of Grerlada. The other members of the OEC S are Antigua,
Dominica, Mor?1tserrat, 4t. Kitts/Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint
Vincent and t;he Grenadines. We were formally advised that the
Authority of Heads of Government of Member States of the OECS,
acting pursualnt to the Treaty establishing the OECS, met in
emergency seelsion on October 21. The meeting took note of the
anarchic conditions and, the serious violations of human rights
and bloodshe(.that had occurred, and the consequent unprecedented
threat to thjl peace an, security of the region created by the
vacuum of authority in Grenada. The OECS determined to take im-
mediate, necels.3ary ste5,s to restore order in Grenada so as to pro-
tect against further lq,ss of life, pending the restoration of
effective goNiernmental institutioins. To this end, the OECS formed
ll
i
a co
ect
ve security force comprising elements from member
States to ree1tore order in Grenada and requested the immediate
cooperation of a number- of friendly countries, including the
governments cif Barbados, Jamaica end the United States, in these
efforts. In response to this call for assistance and in view of
the overriding importance of protecting the lives of the United
States citizel;ns in Grenada, I have authorized the Armed Forces of
the United States to p~:rticipate along with these other nations
in this colle>,ctive sect city force.
In accordancef with my desire that the Congress be informed on this
matter, and consistent with the War Powers Resolution, I am pro-
-i-vi.ding this report on this deployment of United States Armed
Eorees.
Approved For Release 2008/06/11: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01502590090-4
 Approved For Release 2008/06/11: CIA-RDP85M00364RO01502590090-4
'!Today at about 5:0C AM Iastern Daylight Time, approximately 1,900
United States Army and United States Marine Corps personnel began
landing in .Grtpnada,, Th,?y were supported by elements of the
United States Navy and ;:he United States Air Force. Member
States of the OECS alons; with Jamaica and Barbados are providing
if approximately 300 persoiinel. This deployment of United States
H Armed Forces is bei.ng ui dertaken pursuant to my constitutional
ii-authority wit;p respect .:.o the conduct of foreign relations and as
} Commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces.
Although it, i.s not possible at this time to predict the duration
of the temporary p :esen -.e of United States Armed Forces. in
Grenada, our- -objeclrives in providing this support are clear. -
They are to 'Din the OECS collective security forces in assisting
the restorati,Dn of conditions of law and order and of governmental
institutions to thte isl,and of Grenada, and to facilitate the
protection?an0 evac:uati,3n of United States citizens. Our forces
will remain only s{> long as their presence is. required..
Sincerely,
11
fi
The Honorable Strom Thurmond
President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Washington, D