BOUTERSE'S REACTION TO INVASION RUMORS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91B00874R000200200009-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 4, 2011
• Sequence Number: 9
• Content Type: MISC

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/30: CIA-RDP91 B00874R000200200009-0
According to Embassy reporting, Bouterse met in
emergency session with the Topberaad--Bouterse's main
advisory group--on December 8 to inform the council that a
foreign invasion of Suriname was about to be launched. The
Embassy report gave no information on the source of the
rumors.
Bouterse speculated that invasion plans may have
been sparked by recent reports of Bush Negro
killings in Eastern Suriname.
In an uncharacteristic move, Bouterse asked party
leaders to advise him on measures to be taken.
Bouterse reportedly agreed to an election timetable,
based on the Topberaad's advice that such a move
might stave off the invasion.
The Embassy also reports that contacts have
advised them that offensive measures also are being
contemplated.
-- According to the Dutch Ambassador, the Topberaad
may extend the state of emergency presently in
effect in the east to Paramaribo and the rest of
the country.
Rumors are circulating that preparations are
underway for large-scale arrests of business and
political leaders, including some cabinet members.
The Embassy comments that although these rumors may
merely reflect the tense atmosphere of the moment,
Bouterse could still "lash out" at his enemies as
happened before.
-;, Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/30: CIA-RDP91 B00874R000200200009-0