SENSE OF THE COMMUNITY MEMORANDUM ON PANAMA SANCTIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP92T00533R000100120015-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 6, 2008
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: August 31, 1988
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2008/08/06: CIA-RDP92T00533R000100120015-2
SECRET
The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, D.C. 20505
National Intelligence Council
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
FROM: Fritz W. Ermarth
Chairman
NIC #03011-88
31 August 1988
SUBJECT: Sense of the Community Memorandum on Panama Sanctions
1. Action: That you approve distribution of the attached Sense of the
Community Memorandum assessing the current impact of US economic sanctions
on Panama.
2. Deane Hoffmann, NIO/ECON, has recommended the distribution of an
update on the impact of sanctions. A more broad-gauged NIE on political
prospects for Panama is in the works but won't be completed until later in
the fall.
3. The attached Sense of the Community Memorandum was drafted by
the Assistant NIO ECON and coordinated by CIA, DIA, NSA, Army,
Navy, Treasury, and Knowing him to be concerned about
the political and policy impact of a largely negative assessment, I checked
personally with Mort Abramowitz as to his view of this Memorandum. Mort
reviewed it personally, found it sound and professional, and recommends its
distribution.
4. I am seeking your permission to go ahead with distribution because
of the political sensitivity of the subject. I think this Memorandum
soberly assesses the situation and meets our obligation to keep a candid
assessment before the policymaker without being gratuitously carping about
problems of which all are aware. The broader political NIE on Panama should
be ready by the time the USG is again in a position to review policy toward
that country.
5. Recommendation: That you approve NIC distribution of the attached
Sense of the Community Memorandum.
Attachment:
As stated
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2008/08/06: CIA-RDP92T00533R000100120015-2
 Approved For Release 2008/08/06: CIA-RDP92T00533R000100120015-2
NIC #03011-88
31 August 1988
SUBJECT: Sense of the Community Memorandum on Panama Sanctions
epu y irec or o Central Intelligence
7,/-sir
Date
Director of Central Intelligence Date
Approved For Release 2008/08/06: CIA-RDP92T00533R000100120015-2
 Approved For Release 2008/08/06: CIA-RDP92T00533R000100120015-2
NIC #03011-88
31 August 1988
SUBJECT: Sense of the Community Memorandum on Panama Sanctions
DCI/C/NIC:FWErmarth:bha(31Aug88)
Distribution:
Orig - DCI
1 - DDCI
1 - SA/DCI
1 - ER
1 - NI0/Econ
1 - NI0/LA
1 - NIC/PO
2 - C/NIC
Approved For Release 2008/08/06: CIA-RDP92T00533R000100120015-2