Office of the Historian

233. Memorandum From Stephen Low of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)1

Washington, June 21, 1976.

SUBJECT

  • Chile Arms

The $15 million spare parts agreement with Chile is moving very slowly. On Friday, State sent up to the Secretary an action memorandum with three alternatives:

  • —to disapprove it,
  • —to approve it without consultation with the Congress, or
  • —to consult with Senators Humphrey, Case, and McGee, and Congressmen Morgan and Fascell. If they were favorable, to authorize Defense to enter into the agreement.

He approved the last of these.

Today (Monday, June 21) Chuck Robinson went up to see Senator Humphrey. They had a long conversation on the matter. Humphrey was not enthusiastic, but he was not entirely negative and seemed willing to go along provided he was convinced it was necessary. Humphrey posed three questions:

  • —whether the spare parts could not be obtained from other countries like Israel,
  • —whether the pipeline itself could be repackaged to include the spare parts and stay within the $112 million total, and
  • —exactly what was in the pipeline and spare parts package?

Robinson was not able to provide answers on these questions. He is telegraphing the Secretary tonight with a report on the meeting and will await the Secretary’s response before deciding whether to go back [Page 634] to Humphrey with more information; whether to check with the other Senators and Congressmen named in the memorandum; and whether to authorize Defense to proceed.

The Security Assistance Bill will be passed by the House and the Senate on Tuesday, the 22nd. I understand there is some pressure to get an early signature by the President. At best, I suppose that could not be until early the week of the 29th. Nevertheless, if Defense is to work out this agreement with the Chileans, it must act immediately. Not only does the agreement have to be negotiated, but the Chileans must get approval from Santiago. All of this must be completed and a final document signed before the bill is signed by the President. Unless Defense is authorized to proceed by State within the next day or two, I do not believe there is any chance of getting the $15 million spare parts package.

Recommendation:

I therefore suggest you wire the Secretary separately pointing out to him that unless he instructs State to authorize Defense to negotiate the agreement while simultaneously carrying on the consultations with Congress, there is no possibility of getting this agreement.

  1. Summary: Low recommended that Scowcroft advise Kissinger to provide the Department of State’s authorization for the Department of Defense to negotiate an agreement on spare parts for Chile, while simultaneously continuing consultations with Congress.

    Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, National Security Council Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Box 1, Chile, Political, Military, 2. Confidential. Sent for action. Scowcroft wrote “OK” on the memorandum and initialed it. On June 22, Kissinger instructed Eagleburger to inform Scowcroft “how outraged I am that the Chile matter has not yet gone ahead. I want you [Eagleburger] to take the responsibility for getting the Department moving on this since they are obviously dragging their feet despite explicit instructions. I will not repeat not accept any further procrastination or resistance. Rogers has also been instructed.” (Telegram Hakto 4; Ibid., Trip Briefing Books/Cables of Henry A. Kissinger, Box 26, 6/20–28/76, Paris, Munich, London, San Juan, P.R., HAKTO, 20)

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