A. YOUR MEETING WITH GUATEMALAN FOREIGN MINISTER MOLINA,
COSTA RICA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 11:30 A.M.
PARTICIPANTS:
U.S. - SECRETARY KISSINGER; MR. ROGERS
GUATEMALA - FOREIGN MINISTER ADOLFO MOLINA ORANTES
(MO-LEE-NAH)
B. YOUR MEETING WITH GUATEMALAN PRESIDENT LAUGERUD, G
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 STATE 042545
GUATEMALA CITY, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 5:30 P.M.
PARTICIPANTS:
U.S. - SECRETARY KISSINGER; MR. ROGERS; AMB MELOY
GUATEMALA - PRESIDENT KJELL LAUGERUD GARCIA (LAU-GEH-ROOD)
FOREIGN MINISTER ADOLFO MOLINA ORANTES
CHECKLIST:
-- EARTHQUAKE: EXPRESS YOUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE
TRAGIC SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA.
-- U.S. ASSISTANCE: WE HAVE PROVIDED EXTENSIVE EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE AND WILL BE FOLLOWING THROUGH TO AID IN THE
RECONSTRUCTION EFFORT. PRESIDENT FORD HAS ASKED CONGRESS
FOR DOLS 25 MILLION IN RELIEF AND REHABILITATION FUNDS FOR
GUATEMALA.
-- GOG PERFORMANCE: THE GOG HAS DONE AN EFFECTIVE JOB IN
ORGANIZING AND PROVIDING RELIEF FOR THE HUNGRY AND
INJURED AND DESERVES PRAISE FOR ITS EFFORTS.
-- BELIZE: YOU HOPE THAT THE SOON-TO-BE-RESUMED
NEGOTIATIONS WILL LEAD TO A SOLUTION SATISFACTORY TO
ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED.
SETTING:
GUATEMALA HAS JUST SUFFERED THE MOST POWERFUL AND
WIDESPREAD SERIES OF EARTHQUAKES EVER RECORDED IN CENTRAL
AMERICA. BEGINNING AT 3:00 A.M., FEBRUARY 4, THERE HAVE
BEEN SEVERAL MAJOR QUAKES AND MORE THAN 600 AFTER-SHOCKS.
INJURY AND LOSS OF LIFE HAVE BEEN STAGGERING. MORE
THAN 23,000 DEAD; 76,000 INJURED AND 1.1 MILLION
HOMELESS, OUT OF A TOTAL POPULATION OF 5.6 MILLION.
THE HEAVILY POPULATED AND ALMOST ENTIRELY INDIAN-INHABITED
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS SECTOR WAS COMPLETELY DEVASTATED.
THE CAPITAL CITY WAS ALSO HEAVILY DAMAGED, WITH THE MOST
EXTENSIVE DESTRUCTION OCCURRING IN THE POORER AREAS OF
TOWN. THE MAIN FACETS OF OUR RELIEF ASSISTANCE, WHICH,
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 03 STATE 042545
AT THE GOG'S REQUEST, HAVE BEEN CONCENTRATED IN THE HIGH-
LANDS AREA, WERE A FULLY EQUIPPED AND STAFFED 100-BED U.S.
MILITARY HOSPITAL (NOW WITHDRAWN) AND A FLEET OF SIXTEEN
LARGE HELICOPTERS FOR FERRYING RELIEF SUPPLIES UP INTO
THE REMOTE AREAS AND BRINGING THE INJURED DOWN TO
THE FIELD HOSPITAL. IN ADDITION, A DETACHMENT OF U.S.
ARMY ENGINEERS IS NOW WORKING TO REOPEN THE VITAL
CARIBBEAN HIGHWAY. WE WILL BE PROVIDING ADDITIONAL
EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR RECONSTRUCTING THE HOMES OF THE
RURAL POOR THAT WERE DESTROYED IN THE EARTHQUAKE.
WE INTEND TO FOLLOW OUR RELIEF EFFORT WITH ADDITIONAL
ASSISTANCE FOR REHABILITATION ON FEBRUARY 19,
PRESIDENT FORD ASKED CONGRESS TO PROVIDE DOLS 25 MILLION
FOR THE RELIEF AND REHABILITATION EFFORT. AMBASSADOR
MELOY RECOMMENDS WE CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS IN THE
RURAL AREAS, LEAVING THE CITIES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL
ASSISTANCE AGENCIES. THE GOG AGREES.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
GUATEMALA IS THE LARGEST AND STRONGEST OF THE FIVE CENTRAL
AMERICAN COUNTRIES. UNTIL THE QUAKE STRUCK, THEY HAD
BEEN DOING VERY WELL ECONOMICALLY, BUT NO ONE KNOWS
HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO RECOVER. IT IS BASICALLY
AN AGRICULTURAL COUNTRY, BUT IN MANY HIGHLAND AREAS,
WHERE CONSIDERABLE FARMING IS DONE, NOT A SINGLE BUILDING
IS STILL STANDING. THE WRENCHING, TEARING POWER OF
THE QUAKES WAS SO VIOLENT AS TO ACTUALLY ALTER THE TOP-
OLOGICAL LAYOUT OF THE LAND IN SOME PLACES. IN ADDITION,
WATER FLOW HAS BEEN DISRUPTED. THE INDIAN FARMERS ARE
TOUGH, STOIC PEOPLE, HOWEVER, AND WILL BE BACK IN THEIR
FIELDS AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.
THE GOG HAS DONE AN EFFECTIVE JOB IN RESPONDING TO THE
EMERGENCY. THLRE WAS CONSIDERABLE CONFUSION IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE FIRST QUAKE, BUT THE GOG HAS PRETTY WELL SORTED
ITSELF OUT AND IS DOING A CAPABLE JOB IN MAINTAINING
PUBLIC ORDER AND PROVIDING RELIEF UNDER THE MOST DIFFICULT
CIRCUMSTANCES IMAGINABLE, WITH CONSIDERABLE U.S. AND
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 04 STATE 042545
OTHER ASSISTANCE.
COURTESY POINT:
--I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE DEATH OF YOUR FATHER.
THIS PERSONAL TRAGEDY IS ALL THE MORE DIFFICULT TO BEAR,
COMING, AS IT DID, IN THE WAKE OF THE TERRIBLE DEVASTA-
TION SUFFERED BY YOUR COUNTRY. (MOLINA'S FATHER DIED
ON FEBRUARY 13. YOU SENT A CONDOLENCE MESSAGE, TAB 3.)
U.S. ASSISTANCE - DISASTER RELIEF:
WITHIN HOURS AFTER THE FIRST QUAKE, AID'S FORLIGN
DISASTER RELIEF CENTER WAS IN OPERATION. AS SOON AS THE
GOG ASKED FOR OUR ASSISTANCE, WE BEGAN TO MOVE IN
SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL. FIRST TO GO WAS A U.S.
MILITARY DISASTER ASSISTANCE SURVEY TEAM (DAST) FROM
PANAMA. WE PROVIDED A FULLY-EQUIPPED AND STAFFED 100-BED
U.S. MILITARY FIELD HOSPITAL THAT SET UP OPERATIONS
IN THE CENTER OF THE HARDEST HIT AREA; A U.S. ENGINEERING
SURVEY TEAM TO ASSESS DAMAGE TO ROADS, BRIDGES, AND
RAILROADS; SIXTEEN LARGE HELICOPTERS; AND A CONSIDERABLE
AMOUNT OF TENTS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, FIELD KITCHENS, GEN-
ERATORS, ETC., FROM AID'S DISASTER RELIEF STOCKPILE IN
PANAMA. A DETACHMENT OF U.S. ARMY ENGINEERS TO REOPEN THE
CARIBBEAN HIGHWAY AND A LARGE GRANT FOR RECONSTRUCTING
DAMAGED HOUSING HAS BEEN PROVIDED OUT OF EMERGENCY RELIEF
FUNDS. WE ALSO GAVE A DOLS 100,000 GRANT TO THE OAS FUND
TRANSPORTATION FOR FOUR PACKAGE DISASTER HOSPITAL
(PDH'S) DONATED BY ALABAMA AND SOUTH CAROLINA. WE ARE
FUNDING THE TRANSPORTATION COSTS FOR A VARIETY OF
RELIEF SHIPMENTS BY VOLUNTEER AGENCIES. TO DATE, WE
HAVE ALLOCATED DOLS 7.7 MILLION TO THIS EFFORT. AN
ADDITIONAL DOLS 2.5 MILLION IS AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY
SHELTER NEEDS.
PRESIDENT FORD SENT A LETTER TO PRESIDENT LAUGERUD
EXPRESSING HIS SYMPATHY (TAB 1). YOU SENT A SIMILAR
LETTER TO FOREIGN MINISTER MOLINA (TAB 2).
TALKING POINT:
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 05 STATE 042545
-- THIS IS A MOST TERRIBLE TRAGEDY. YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE
HAVE RESPONDED MAGNIFICENTLY. WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE BEEN
OF ASSISTANCE AND WILL CONTINUE TO HELP WHEREVER WE CAN.
OTHER DONORS:
MOST OF THE NATIONS IN LATIN AMERICA AND EUROPE HAVE
CONTRIBUTED ASSISTANCE. MEXICO HAS TRUCKED IN A LARGE
QUANTITY OF FOOD AND HAS BEEN PROVIDING HOT MEALS TO
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. VENEZUELA AND WEST GERMANY HAVE
PROVIDED LARGE AMOUNTS OF ASSISTANCE. ISRAEL HAS DONATED
SUPPLIES. BRITAIN TRIED TO, BUT THE OFFER, WHILE NEVER
EXACTLY REFUSED, WAS TURNED ASIDE. THE GOG FORESTALLED
A CUBAN OFFER BY SAYING IT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO
OTHER COMMUNIST NATION HAS SINCE OFFERED.
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES -- SUCH AS CARE, CATHOLIC RELIEF
SERVICES (CRS), CARITAS, THE SALVATION ARMY, THE RED
CROSS -- AND A HOST OF MISSIONARY, RELIGIOUS AND
CIVIC GROUPS HAVE ALL PROVIDED ASSISTANCE.
U.S. ASSISTANCE - LONG-TERM:
WE INTEND TO ASSIST IN WHAT MUST CERTAINLY BE A DIFFICULT
AND LONG-TERM REHABILITATION EFFORT. WE ARE ASKING
CONGRESS FOR DOLS 25 MILLION TO PAY FOR OUR ASSISTANCE.
AMBASSADOR MELOY SUGGESTS WE CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS
IN THE RURAL AREAS, REBUILDING ROADS, SCHOOLS AND MARKET
PLACES, AND IMPROVING HEALTH AND HYGIENE CONDITIONS.
THE GOG AGREES.
AMBASSADOR MELOY SUGGESTS WE LEAVE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
THE URBAN CENTERS TO THE MULTILATERAL AGENCIES, SUCH
AS THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (IDB), AND THE
WORLD BANK (IBRD).
TALKING POINT:
-- WE PLEDGE TO CONTINUE ASSISTANCE TO HELP IN THE
REBUILDING OF YOUR COUNTRY.
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 06 STATE 042545
BELIZE:
NEGOTIATIONS WERE TO BEGIN IN EARLY FEBRUARY, BUT HAVE
BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL BECAUSE OF THE
EARTHQUAKE. EVEN THEN THERE IS ONLY A SLIM CHANCE THAT
THEY WILL BE EVEN PARTIALLY SUCCESSFUL. IF THEY FALTER
WE CAN EXPECT BOTH THE UK AND THE GUATEMALANS TO TRY AGAIN
TO GET US ACTIVELY INVOLVED TO PRESSURE THE OTHER TO
MAKE CONCESSIONS. WE ARE TRYING TO REMAIN ON THE SIDELINES,
AND CONFINE OURSELVES TO EXHORTING BOTH SIDES TO BE
MODERATE AND KEEP TALKING. IF THE NEGOTIATIONS FAIL,
THE UK, OR BELIZE'S CARIBBEAN SUPPORTERS, PROBABLY WILL
SEEK A STRONGER UNGA RESOLUTION NEXT FALL.
THE BRITISH HAD AGREED TO REDUCE THEIR GARRISON AS A
GESTURE OF GOOD FAITH. THEY HAVE NOT YET DONE SO AND
LAUGERUD HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS TO MELOY. HE WILL
REPEAT HIS COMPLAINT TO YOU. WE ASKED THE BRITISH
ABOUT THIS AND THEY TELL US THAT A ROTATION OF UNITS
IS NOW UNDERWAY THAT WILL END WITH THE WITHDRAWAL OF
A COMPANY (APPROXIMATELY 150 MEN) IN MID MARCH. LAUGERUD
ALSO SAID THE UK HAS INCREASED THE NUMBER OF SHIPS
PATROLLING OFF BELIZE FROM ONE TO TWO, BUT THE UK DENIES
THIS. IF LAUGERUD ASKS, YOU MAY WANT TO PASS THESE
TWO POINTS OF INFORMATION TO HIM.
TO BALANCE THE EQUATION, THE BRITISH HAVE ASKED THAT YOU
MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT IT WAS
UNFORTUNATE THAT THE GOG TURNED DOWN A UK OFFER OF
DISASTER ASSISTANCE. WE DECLINED. THEY ALSO PASSED
ON AN INVITATION FROM BELIZEAN PRIME MINISTER PRICE
THAT YOU STOP IN BELIZE WHILE IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
WE DECLINED THAT ONE ALSO. MORE SERIOUSLY, HMG ASKED
THAT YOU MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT ON BELIZE DURING THE
TRIP. THEY WANT A PUBLIC AFFIRMATION OF OUR NEUTRALITY.
BECAUSE OF THE DISASTER THAT HAS BEFALLEN GUATEMALA,
I DO NOT BELIEVE IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOU TO MAKE
ANY PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT BELIZE AT ALL. IF ASKED,
I SUGGEST YOU RESPOND ALONG THE LINES OF THE TALKING
POINT BELOW. WE HAVE ALREADY TOLD THE BRITISH THAT THIS
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 07 STATE 042545
WOULD BE OUR LIKELY RESPONSE.
TALKING POINTS:
I HOPE THE NEGOTIATIONS ON BELIZE, WHICH ARE DUE TO
START SHORTLY, WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A CONSTRUCTIVE
MANNER AND WILL LEAD TO A SOLUTION SATISFACTORY TO ALL
PARTIES.
-- THE UK TELLS US IT WILL BE REDUCING ITS GARRISON BY
ONE COMPANY (150 MEN) IN MARCH. THEY HAVE ONLY ONE
SHIP OFF BELIZE, NOT TWO.
DELTA/FLOMERCA SHIPPING DISPUTE (IF RAISED):
DELTA STEAMSHIP LINES OF NEW ORLEANS HAS BROUGHT A
COMPLAINT BEFORE THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION AND
THE SPECIAL TRADE REPRESENTATIVE CHARGING THAT GUATEMALAN
SHIPPING PRACTICES ARE DISCRIMINATORY AND ACT TO BAR U.S.
CARRIERS FROM THE GUATEMALAN TRADE. BOTH FMC AND STR
FOUND IN FAVOR OF DELTA AND SET FEBRUARY 14, 1976
AS A DEADLINE FOR THE GOG TO SATISFACTORILY REFORM ITS
SHIPPING PRACTICES, OR SEE COUNTERVAILING PENALTIES LEVIED
AGANST GUATEMALAN SHIPPING. BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE,
BOTH FMC AND STR HAVE AGREED TO SUSPEND ACTION FOR THE
TIME BEING.
TALKING POINT (IF RAISED):
WE HAVE PREVAILED UPON THE SPECIAL TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
AND THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION TO POSTPONE ANY
ACTION ON THE SHIPPING DISPUTE BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE.
HOWEVER, THE ISSUE REMAINS PENDING AND WILL HAVE
TO BE RESOLVED SOME TIME SOON.
ATTACHMENTS: -
TAB 1 - PRESIDENT FORD'S MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT LAUGERUD
TAB 2 - SECRETARY KISSINGER'S MESSAGE TO MOLINA
TAB 3 - CABLE OF CONDOLENCE TO MOLINA
TAB 1:
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 08 STATE 042545
DEAR PRESIDENT LAUGERUD:
ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES, I EXTEND TO YOU AND THE BRAVE PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY OVER THE LOSS OF LIFE AND SUFFERING
CAUSED BY YESTERDAY'S DISASTROUS EARTHQUAKE. THE CLOSE
BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES MAKE YOUR LOSS
THE MORE DEEPLY FELT.
YOU MAY BE ASSURED OF OUR COMMITMENT TO COOPERATE WITH
YOU TO BRING PROMPT RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE TO THE AREAS
AFFECTED SO THAT HUMAN SUFFERING MAY BE EASED AND RECOVERY
FROM THE DEVASTATION SPEEDED.
SINCERELY,
GERALD R. FORD
TAB 2:
DEAR MR. MINISTER:
I AM DEEPLY GRIEVED BY THE MAJOR DISASTER WHICH AFFLICTS
YOUR COUNTRY. THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES ARE PROFOUNDLY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF LIFE AND
EXTENSIVE PERSONAL INJURIES SUFFERED BY THE GUATEMALAN
PEOPLE AND ARE RESPONDING TO YOUR GOVERNMENT'S REQUEST FOR
MEDICAL AND OTHER ASSISTANCE TO MEET THIS EMERGENCY.
PLEASE BE ASSURED OF OUR INTEREST IN CONTINUED ASSISTANCE
TO HELP YOUR GOVERNMENT IN THIS MOMENT OF NEED.
SINCERELY,
HENRY A. KISSINGER
TAB 3:
DEAR MR. MINISTER:
AMBASSADOR MELOY HAS ADVISED ME OF THE UNTIMELY DEATH
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 09 STATE 042545
OF YOUR FATHER FEBRUARY 13. THIS PERSONAL LOSS MUST
BE EVEN MORE TRAGIC FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT A
TIME WHEN YOUR COUNTRY HAS BEEN BESET BY SO MAJOR
A CATASTROPHE. PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES.
SINCERELY,
HENRY A. KISSINGER. INGERSOLL
UNQUOTE INGERSOL
CONFIDENTIAL
<< END OF DOCUMENT >>
| BRIEFING MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH GUATEMALAN FOREIGN MINISTER FOR THE SECRETARY FROM RYAN | |
1976 February 24, 22:32 (Tuesday) |
1976STATE042545_b |
CONFIDENTIAL |
UNCLASSIFIED |
|
-- N/A or Blank -- |
12686 |
11652 GDS |
TEXT ON MICROFILM,TEXT ONLINE |
-- N/A or Blank -- |
TE - Telegram (cable) |
|
ORIGIN ARA - Bureau of Inter-American Affairs -- N/A or Blank -- |
Electronic Telegrams |
Margaret P. Grafeld Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review 04 MAY 2006 |
|
Content
Raw content
PAGE 01 STATE 042545
55
ORIGIN ARA-02
INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 EUR-02 /005 R
66011
DRAFTED BY ARA/CEN:MJPLATT
APPROVED BY ARA/CEN:MWEISSMAN
--------------------- 117636
O 242232Z FEB 76
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE
AMCONSUL BELIZE IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 042545
FOL RPT STATE 042545 TOSEC 040172 ACTION USDEL SECRETARY
INFO GUATEMALA SAN JOSE 21 FEB.
QUOTE
C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 042545 TOSEC 040172
E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: OVIP (KISSINGER, HENRY A.)
SUBJECT:BRIEFING MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH
GUATEMALAN FOREIGN MINISTER
FOR THE SECRETARY FROM RYAN
A. YOUR MEETING WITH GUATEMALAN FOREIGN MINISTER MOLINA,
COSTA RICA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 11:30 A.M.
PARTICIPANTS:
U.S. - SECRETARY KISSINGER; MR. ROGERS
GUATEMALA - FOREIGN MINISTER ADOLFO MOLINA ORANTES
(MO-LEE-NAH)
B. YOUR MEETING WITH GUATEMALAN PRESIDENT LAUGERUD, G
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 STATE 042545
GUATEMALA CITY, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 5:30 P.M.
PARTICIPANTS:
U.S. - SECRETARY KISSINGER; MR. ROGERS; AMB MELOY
GUATEMALA - PRESIDENT KJELL LAUGERUD GARCIA (LAU-GEH-ROOD)
FOREIGN MINISTER ADOLFO MOLINA ORANTES
CHECKLIST:
-- EARTHQUAKE: EXPRESS YOUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE
TRAGIC SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA.
-- U.S. ASSISTANCE: WE HAVE PROVIDED EXTENSIVE EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE AND WILL BE FOLLOWING THROUGH TO AID IN THE
RECONSTRUCTION EFFORT. PRESIDENT FORD HAS ASKED CONGRESS
FOR DOLS 25 MILLION IN RELIEF AND REHABILITATION FUNDS FOR
GUATEMALA.
-- GOG PERFORMANCE: THE GOG HAS DONE AN EFFECTIVE JOB IN
ORGANIZING AND PROVIDING RELIEF FOR THE HUNGRY AND
INJURED AND DESERVES PRAISE FOR ITS EFFORTS.
-- BELIZE: YOU HOPE THAT THE SOON-TO-BE-RESUMED
NEGOTIATIONS WILL LEAD TO A SOLUTION SATISFACTORY TO
ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED.
SETTING:
GUATEMALA HAS JUST SUFFERED THE MOST POWERFUL AND
WIDESPREAD SERIES OF EARTHQUAKES EVER RECORDED IN CENTRAL
AMERICA. BEGINNING AT 3:00 A.M., FEBRUARY 4, THERE HAVE
BEEN SEVERAL MAJOR QUAKES AND MORE THAN 600 AFTER-SHOCKS.
INJURY AND LOSS OF LIFE HAVE BEEN STAGGERING. MORE
THAN 23,000 DEAD; 76,000 INJURED AND 1.1 MILLION
HOMELESS, OUT OF A TOTAL POPULATION OF 5.6 MILLION.
THE HEAVILY POPULATED AND ALMOST ENTIRELY INDIAN-INHABITED
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS SECTOR WAS COMPLETELY DEVASTATED.
THE CAPITAL CITY WAS ALSO HEAVILY DAMAGED, WITH THE MOST
EXTENSIVE DESTRUCTION OCCURRING IN THE POORER AREAS OF
TOWN. THE MAIN FACETS OF OUR RELIEF ASSISTANCE, WHICH,
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 03 STATE 042545
AT THE GOG'S REQUEST, HAVE BEEN CONCENTRATED IN THE HIGH-
LANDS AREA, WERE A FULLY EQUIPPED AND STAFFED 100-BED U.S.
MILITARY HOSPITAL (NOW WITHDRAWN) AND A FLEET OF SIXTEEN
LARGE HELICOPTERS FOR FERRYING RELIEF SUPPLIES UP INTO
THE REMOTE AREAS AND BRINGING THE INJURED DOWN TO
THE FIELD HOSPITAL. IN ADDITION, A DETACHMENT OF U.S.
ARMY ENGINEERS IS NOW WORKING TO REOPEN THE VITAL
CARIBBEAN HIGHWAY. WE WILL BE PROVIDING ADDITIONAL
EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR RECONSTRUCTING THE HOMES OF THE
RURAL POOR THAT WERE DESTROYED IN THE EARTHQUAKE.
WE INTEND TO FOLLOW OUR RELIEF EFFORT WITH ADDITIONAL
ASSISTANCE FOR REHABILITATION ON FEBRUARY 19,
PRESIDENT FORD ASKED CONGRESS TO PROVIDE DOLS 25 MILLION
FOR THE RELIEF AND REHABILITATION EFFORT. AMBASSADOR
MELOY RECOMMENDS WE CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS IN THE
RURAL AREAS, LEAVING THE CITIES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL
ASSISTANCE AGENCIES. THE GOG AGREES.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
GUATEMALA IS THE LARGEST AND STRONGEST OF THE FIVE CENTRAL
AMERICAN COUNTRIES. UNTIL THE QUAKE STRUCK, THEY HAD
BEEN DOING VERY WELL ECONOMICALLY, BUT NO ONE KNOWS
HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO RECOVER. IT IS BASICALLY
AN AGRICULTURAL COUNTRY, BUT IN MANY HIGHLAND AREAS,
WHERE CONSIDERABLE FARMING IS DONE, NOT A SINGLE BUILDING
IS STILL STANDING. THE WRENCHING, TEARING POWER OF
THE QUAKES WAS SO VIOLENT AS TO ACTUALLY ALTER THE TOP-
OLOGICAL LAYOUT OF THE LAND IN SOME PLACES. IN ADDITION,
WATER FLOW HAS BEEN DISRUPTED. THE INDIAN FARMERS ARE
TOUGH, STOIC PEOPLE, HOWEVER, AND WILL BE BACK IN THEIR
FIELDS AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.
THE GOG HAS DONE AN EFFECTIVE JOB IN RESPONDING TO THE
EMERGENCY. THLRE WAS CONSIDERABLE CONFUSION IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE FIRST QUAKE, BUT THE GOG HAS PRETTY WELL SORTED
ITSELF OUT AND IS DOING A CAPABLE JOB IN MAINTAINING
PUBLIC ORDER AND PROVIDING RELIEF UNDER THE MOST DIFFICULT
CIRCUMSTANCES IMAGINABLE, WITH CONSIDERABLE U.S. AND
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 04 STATE 042545
OTHER ASSISTANCE.
COURTESY POINT:
--I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE DEATH OF YOUR FATHER.
THIS PERSONAL TRAGEDY IS ALL THE MORE DIFFICULT TO BEAR,
COMING, AS IT DID, IN THE WAKE OF THE TERRIBLE DEVASTA-
TION SUFFERED BY YOUR COUNTRY. (MOLINA'S FATHER DIED
ON FEBRUARY 13. YOU SENT A CONDOLENCE MESSAGE, TAB 3.)
U.S. ASSISTANCE - DISASTER RELIEF:
WITHIN HOURS AFTER THE FIRST QUAKE, AID'S FORLIGN
DISASTER RELIEF CENTER WAS IN OPERATION. AS SOON AS THE
GOG ASKED FOR OUR ASSISTANCE, WE BEGAN TO MOVE IN
SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL. FIRST TO GO WAS A U.S.
MILITARY DISASTER ASSISTANCE SURVEY TEAM (DAST) FROM
PANAMA. WE PROVIDED A FULLY-EQUIPPED AND STAFFED 100-BED
U.S. MILITARY FIELD HOSPITAL THAT SET UP OPERATIONS
IN THE CENTER OF THE HARDEST HIT AREA; A U.S. ENGINEERING
SURVEY TEAM TO ASSESS DAMAGE TO ROADS, BRIDGES, AND
RAILROADS; SIXTEEN LARGE HELICOPTERS; AND A CONSIDERABLE
AMOUNT OF TENTS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, FIELD KITCHENS, GEN-
ERATORS, ETC., FROM AID'S DISASTER RELIEF STOCKPILE IN
PANAMA. A DETACHMENT OF U.S. ARMY ENGINEERS TO REOPEN THE
CARIBBEAN HIGHWAY AND A LARGE GRANT FOR RECONSTRUCTING
DAMAGED HOUSING HAS BEEN PROVIDED OUT OF EMERGENCY RELIEF
FUNDS. WE ALSO GAVE A DOLS 100,000 GRANT TO THE OAS FUND
TRANSPORTATION FOR FOUR PACKAGE DISASTER HOSPITAL
(PDH'S) DONATED BY ALABAMA AND SOUTH CAROLINA. WE ARE
FUNDING THE TRANSPORTATION COSTS FOR A VARIETY OF
RELIEF SHIPMENTS BY VOLUNTEER AGENCIES. TO DATE, WE
HAVE ALLOCATED DOLS 7.7 MILLION TO THIS EFFORT. AN
ADDITIONAL DOLS 2.5 MILLION IS AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY
SHELTER NEEDS.
PRESIDENT FORD SENT A LETTER TO PRESIDENT LAUGERUD
EXPRESSING HIS SYMPATHY (TAB 1). YOU SENT A SIMILAR
LETTER TO FOREIGN MINISTER MOLINA (TAB 2).
TALKING POINT:
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 05 STATE 042545
-- THIS IS A MOST TERRIBLE TRAGEDY. YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE
HAVE RESPONDED MAGNIFICENTLY. WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE BEEN
OF ASSISTANCE AND WILL CONTINUE TO HELP WHEREVER WE CAN.
OTHER DONORS:
MOST OF THE NATIONS IN LATIN AMERICA AND EUROPE HAVE
CONTRIBUTED ASSISTANCE. MEXICO HAS TRUCKED IN A LARGE
QUANTITY OF FOOD AND HAS BEEN PROVIDING HOT MEALS TO
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. VENEZUELA AND WEST GERMANY HAVE
PROVIDED LARGE AMOUNTS OF ASSISTANCE. ISRAEL HAS DONATED
SUPPLIES. BRITAIN TRIED TO, BUT THE OFFER, WHILE NEVER
EXACTLY REFUSED, WAS TURNED ASIDE. THE GOG FORESTALLED
A CUBAN OFFER BY SAYING IT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO
OTHER COMMUNIST NATION HAS SINCE OFFERED.
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES -- SUCH AS CARE, CATHOLIC RELIEF
SERVICES (CRS), CARITAS, THE SALVATION ARMY, THE RED
CROSS -- AND A HOST OF MISSIONARY, RELIGIOUS AND
CIVIC GROUPS HAVE ALL PROVIDED ASSISTANCE.
U.S. ASSISTANCE - LONG-TERM:
WE INTEND TO ASSIST IN WHAT MUST CERTAINLY BE A DIFFICULT
AND LONG-TERM REHABILITATION EFFORT. WE ARE ASKING
CONGRESS FOR DOLS 25 MILLION TO PAY FOR OUR ASSISTANCE.
AMBASSADOR MELOY SUGGESTS WE CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS
IN THE RURAL AREAS, REBUILDING ROADS, SCHOOLS AND MARKET
PLACES, AND IMPROVING HEALTH AND HYGIENE CONDITIONS.
THE GOG AGREES.
AMBASSADOR MELOY SUGGESTS WE LEAVE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
THE URBAN CENTERS TO THE MULTILATERAL AGENCIES, SUCH
AS THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (IDB), AND THE
WORLD BANK (IBRD).
TALKING POINT:
-- WE PLEDGE TO CONTINUE ASSISTANCE TO HELP IN THE
REBUILDING OF YOUR COUNTRY.
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 06 STATE 042545
BELIZE:
NEGOTIATIONS WERE TO BEGIN IN EARLY FEBRUARY, BUT HAVE
BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL BECAUSE OF THE
EARTHQUAKE. EVEN THEN THERE IS ONLY A SLIM CHANCE THAT
THEY WILL BE EVEN PARTIALLY SUCCESSFUL. IF THEY FALTER
WE CAN EXPECT BOTH THE UK AND THE GUATEMALANS TO TRY AGAIN
TO GET US ACTIVELY INVOLVED TO PRESSURE THE OTHER TO
MAKE CONCESSIONS. WE ARE TRYING TO REMAIN ON THE SIDELINES,
AND CONFINE OURSELVES TO EXHORTING BOTH SIDES TO BE
MODERATE AND KEEP TALKING. IF THE NEGOTIATIONS FAIL,
THE UK, OR BELIZE'S CARIBBEAN SUPPORTERS, PROBABLY WILL
SEEK A STRONGER UNGA RESOLUTION NEXT FALL.
THE BRITISH HAD AGREED TO REDUCE THEIR GARRISON AS A
GESTURE OF GOOD FAITH. THEY HAVE NOT YET DONE SO AND
LAUGERUD HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS TO MELOY. HE WILL
REPEAT HIS COMPLAINT TO YOU. WE ASKED THE BRITISH
ABOUT THIS AND THEY TELL US THAT A ROTATION OF UNITS
IS NOW UNDERWAY THAT WILL END WITH THE WITHDRAWAL OF
A COMPANY (APPROXIMATELY 150 MEN) IN MID MARCH. LAUGERUD
ALSO SAID THE UK HAS INCREASED THE NUMBER OF SHIPS
PATROLLING OFF BELIZE FROM ONE TO TWO, BUT THE UK DENIES
THIS. IF LAUGERUD ASKS, YOU MAY WANT TO PASS THESE
TWO POINTS OF INFORMATION TO HIM.
TO BALANCE THE EQUATION, THE BRITISH HAVE ASKED THAT YOU
MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT IT WAS
UNFORTUNATE THAT THE GOG TURNED DOWN A UK OFFER OF
DISASTER ASSISTANCE. WE DECLINED. THEY ALSO PASSED
ON AN INVITATION FROM BELIZEAN PRIME MINISTER PRICE
THAT YOU STOP IN BELIZE WHILE IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
WE DECLINED THAT ONE ALSO. MORE SERIOUSLY, HMG ASKED
THAT YOU MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT ON BELIZE DURING THE
TRIP. THEY WANT A PUBLIC AFFIRMATION OF OUR NEUTRALITY.
BECAUSE OF THE DISASTER THAT HAS BEFALLEN GUATEMALA,
I DO NOT BELIEVE IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOU TO MAKE
ANY PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT BELIZE AT ALL. IF ASKED,
I SUGGEST YOU RESPOND ALONG THE LINES OF THE TALKING
POINT BELOW. WE HAVE ALREADY TOLD THE BRITISH THAT THIS
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 07 STATE 042545
WOULD BE OUR LIKELY RESPONSE.
TALKING POINTS:
I HOPE THE NEGOTIATIONS ON BELIZE, WHICH ARE DUE TO
START SHORTLY, WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A CONSTRUCTIVE
MANNER AND WILL LEAD TO A SOLUTION SATISFACTORY TO ALL
PARTIES.
-- THE UK TELLS US IT WILL BE REDUCING ITS GARRISON BY
ONE COMPANY (150 MEN) IN MARCH. THEY HAVE ONLY ONE
SHIP OFF BELIZE, NOT TWO.
DELTA/FLOMERCA SHIPPING DISPUTE (IF RAISED):
DELTA STEAMSHIP LINES OF NEW ORLEANS HAS BROUGHT A
COMPLAINT BEFORE THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION AND
THE SPECIAL TRADE REPRESENTATIVE CHARGING THAT GUATEMALAN
SHIPPING PRACTICES ARE DISCRIMINATORY AND ACT TO BAR U.S.
CARRIERS FROM THE GUATEMALAN TRADE. BOTH FMC AND STR
FOUND IN FAVOR OF DELTA AND SET FEBRUARY 14, 1976
AS A DEADLINE FOR THE GOG TO SATISFACTORILY REFORM ITS
SHIPPING PRACTICES, OR SEE COUNTERVAILING PENALTIES LEVIED
AGANST GUATEMALAN SHIPPING. BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE,
BOTH FMC AND STR HAVE AGREED TO SUSPEND ACTION FOR THE
TIME BEING.
TALKING POINT (IF RAISED):
WE HAVE PREVAILED UPON THE SPECIAL TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
AND THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION TO POSTPONE ANY
ACTION ON THE SHIPPING DISPUTE BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE.
HOWEVER, THE ISSUE REMAINS PENDING AND WILL HAVE
TO BE RESOLVED SOME TIME SOON.
ATTACHMENTS: -
TAB 1 - PRESIDENT FORD'S MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT LAUGERUD
TAB 2 - SECRETARY KISSINGER'S MESSAGE TO MOLINA
TAB 3 - CABLE OF CONDOLENCE TO MOLINA
TAB 1:
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 08 STATE 042545
DEAR PRESIDENT LAUGERUD:
ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES, I EXTEND TO YOU AND THE BRAVE PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY OVER THE LOSS OF LIFE AND SUFFERING
CAUSED BY YESTERDAY'S DISASTROUS EARTHQUAKE. THE CLOSE
BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES MAKE YOUR LOSS
THE MORE DEEPLY FELT.
YOU MAY BE ASSURED OF OUR COMMITMENT TO COOPERATE WITH
YOU TO BRING PROMPT RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE TO THE AREAS
AFFECTED SO THAT HUMAN SUFFERING MAY BE EASED AND RECOVERY
FROM THE DEVASTATION SPEEDED.
SINCERELY,
GERALD R. FORD
TAB 2:
DEAR MR. MINISTER:
I AM DEEPLY GRIEVED BY THE MAJOR DISASTER WHICH AFFLICTS
YOUR COUNTRY. THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES ARE PROFOUNDLY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF LIFE AND
EXTENSIVE PERSONAL INJURIES SUFFERED BY THE GUATEMALAN
PEOPLE AND ARE RESPONDING TO YOUR GOVERNMENT'S REQUEST FOR
MEDICAL AND OTHER ASSISTANCE TO MEET THIS EMERGENCY.
PLEASE BE ASSURED OF OUR INTEREST IN CONTINUED ASSISTANCE
TO HELP YOUR GOVERNMENT IN THIS MOMENT OF NEED.
SINCERELY,
HENRY A. KISSINGER
TAB 3:
DEAR MR. MINISTER:
AMBASSADOR MELOY HAS ADVISED ME OF THE UNTIMELY DEATH
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 09 STATE 042545
OF YOUR FATHER FEBRUARY 13. THIS PERSONAL LOSS MUST
BE EVEN MORE TRAGIC FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT A
TIME WHEN YOUR COUNTRY HAS BEEN BESET BY SO MAJOR
A CATASTROPHE. PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES.
SINCERELY,
HENRY A. KISSINGER. INGERSOLL
UNQUOTE INGERSOL
CONFIDENTIAL
<< END OF DOCUMENT >>
Metadata
---
Capture Date: 15 SEP 1999
Channel Indicators: n/a
Current Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Concepts: n/a
Control Number: n/a
Copy: SINGLE
Draft Date: 24 FEB 1976
Decaption Date: 01 JAN 1960
Decaption Note: n/a
Disposition Action: RELEASED
Disposition Approved on Date: n/a
Disposition Authority: KelleyW0
Disposition Case Number: n/a
Disposition Comment: 25 YEAR REVIEW
Disposition Date: 28 MAY 2004
Disposition Event: n/a
Disposition History: n/a
Disposition Reason: n/a
Disposition Remarks: n/a
Document Number: 1976STATE042545
Document Source: ADS
Document Unique ID: '00'
Drafter: ARA/CEN:MJPLATT
Enclosure: n/a
Executive Order: 11652 GDS
Errors: n/a
Film Number: D760069-0728
From: STATE
Handling Restrictions: n/a
Image Path: n/a
ISecure: '1'
Legacy Key: link1976/newtext/t197602103/baaaeofd.tel
Line Count: '376'
Locator: TEXT ON-LINE, TEXT ON MICROFILM
Office: ORIGIN ARA
Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Original Handling Restrictions: n/a
Original Previous Classification: n/a
Original Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Page Count: '7'
Previous Channel Indicators: n/a
Previous Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Previous Handling Restrictions: n/a
Reference: n/a
Review Action: RELEASED, APPROVED
Review Authority: KelleyW0
Review Comment: n/a
Review Content Flags: n/a
Review Date: 19 MAY 2004
Review Event: n/a
Review Exemptions: n/a
Review History: RELEASED <19 MAY 2004 by ellisoob>; APPROVED <21 OCT 2004 by KelleyW0>
Review Markings: ! 'n/a
Margaret P. Grafeld
US Department of State
EO Systematic Review
04 MAY 2006
'
Review Media Identifier: n/a
Review Referrals: n/a
Review Release Date: n/a
Review Release Event: n/a
Review Transfer Date: n/a
Review Withdrawn Fields: n/a
Secure: OPEN
Status: NATIVE
Subject: MEMORANDUM FOR SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH
TAGS: OVIP, (KISSINGER, HENRY A)
To: ! 'LONDON
BELIZE'
Type: TE
Markings: ! 'Margaret P. Grafeld Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic
Review 04 MAY 2006
Margaret P. Grafeld Declassified/Released US Department of State EO Systematic Review
04 MAY 2006'
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