Office of the Historian

211. Memorandum From Robert Pastor of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)1

Washington, July 21, 1980

SUBJECT

  • SCC(I) Jamaica (S)

I have had a long discussion with Frank Kramer in Defense and with the DDO for Latin America from CIA, and both agree with me that CA proposals for Jamaica would be counterproductive at this time. Moreover, the proposals which Turner put forward are extraordinarily weak and demonstrate only a lack of understanding of the political struggle within Jamaica.2 (S)

One of those proposals is to encourage the CDU in Germany to provide international observers for the election. I wrote you a memo on that and thought you agreed that this idea was mistaken (Tab A).3 I have since learned from the CIA that you thought it was a good idea and wanted it developed further. Needless to say, it would be useful to get a better understanding of your views on this subject. I would recommend that we not include any items on Jamaica at the next SCC(I). Do you agree?4 Yes_______. Nov_______. If no, can we meet and talk about it?5 Yes_______. No_______.

  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor, Country, Box 26, Jamaica, 7–8/80. Secret. Sent for action. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates Brzezinski saw it.↩
  2. In a July 23 memorandum to Henze, Pastor described the CIA proposals as: 1) funding the CDU to observe elections in Jamaica, 2) funding the Daily Gleaner, 3) funding the JLP, 4) funding the Jamaican military and police forces to ensure stability. (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor, Country, Box 26, Folder: Jamaica, 7–8/80) A CIA paper also dated July 23 described the actions as 1) funding the CDU, 2) calling for the retention of democratic institutions and condemning Manley’s ties to the Cubans and Soviets through an international network of covert assets, 3) assisting the JLP to provide guidance to Edward Seaga. The paper also suggested an action that could be performed overtly: providing spare parts to the Jamaican Defense Force. (National Security Council, Carter Intelligence Files, SCC Meetings 1979–1980)↩
  3. Printed as Document 209.↩
  4. Brzezinski checked the no option.↩
  5. Brzezinski checked the yes option.↩