Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 2, Documents on South America, 1973–1976

364. Telegram 292202 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Uruguay¹

Washington, December 1, 1976, 0155Z.

292202. Subject: Threat Against Congressman Koch.

1. Congressman Edward Koch wrote to Attorney General Levi on October 19 informing him of a threat to “get” Koch which a Uruguayan military official reportedly made [less than 1 line not declassified] in Montevideo. According to Koch’s letter, this threat was reported to [less than 1 line not declassified] which in turn notified the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice, the letter continues [less than 1 line not declassified] to inform Koch of the threat and FBI agent, Richard T. Taylor, Jr., did so by phone on October 1.

2. Quoting from the letter, which is being separately pouched, the threat was described as follows: “He (Taylor) advised me that in July of 1976 a conversation took place between a Uruguayan military official [less than 1 line not declassified] in Montevideo, in which the Uruguayan military person said, in a conversation relating to my legislative efforts in the House of Representatives to end all military aid to Uruguay: ‘maybe we would have to send someone to the U.S. to get Congressman Koch.’”

3. Koch’s letter asked what he and his staff should do in view of the threat, and whether FBI protection was in order. He further asked whether the Uruguayan Government should be advised that it would be held responsible in the event of an assault upon him or his staff. Attorney General Levi forwarded Congressman Koch’s letter to the Department and asked that we reply to this latter question.

4. Congressman Koch is clearly concerned. The Embassy is requested to assess the seriousness of this threat. In this regard it would be helpful to know the identity and position of the military official quoted. In addition the Embassy’s recommendation is requested concerning the manner in which this incident may best be brought to the attention of the GOU, if such action appears warranted.

Robinson

1. Summary: The Department informed the Embassy that an Uruguayan military official had made a threat against Congressman Koch in July 1976, and asked for the Embassy’s recommendations regarding the threat.

   Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Roger Channel, Montevideo 1962–79. Confidential; Roger Channel. Drafted by R. C. Graham of ARA/ECA; cleared in ARA and S/S; and approved in INR. Koch’s letter to Attorney General Levi and Levi’s letter to Secretary of State Kissinger are in National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840121–2166.