Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XLI, Global Issues II

43. Action Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs (Palmer) to Secretary of State Haig¹

Washington, undated

SUBJECT

• Solicitation of Ambassadors’ Views on Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

SUMMARY: Dr. Lefever has proposed, and all concerned Bureaus have agreed, to canvass our Ambassadors’ views on the annual human rights reports exercise. We recommend that you authorize the attached cable.

ANALYSIS OF ISSUES

The Administration needs systematically to evaluate how the Congressionally-mandated human rights reports affect our bilateral relations and other national interests. We expect a renewed effort by certain Senators, and perhaps Members of the House, to rescind the requirement for the reports. A logical first step is to solicit the views of our Ambassadors on this annual requirement.

The Embassies’ analyses will also provide us with useful background information for the hearings on the 1980 reports, expected next month, by Congressman Bonker’s Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations.²

Since the results of this survey may be politically sensitive in the United States, we would make an effort to keep its results confidential. If they should be leaked to the press, we believe this would not cause any serious embarrassment to the State Department or to the governments surveyed. In fact, such publicity might promote a more thoughtful understanding of the role of human rights in foreign policy.

RECOMMENDATION

That you authorize the dispatch of the attached telegram.³

Attachment

Draft Telegram From the Department of State to All Diplomatic Posts⁴

Washington, undated

SUBJECT

• Annual Human Rights Reports

1. (LOU) Since 1977 the Department has compiled, with considerable assistance from the field, an annual volume, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, reporting practices during the previous year. The Congress mandated these reports to assist it in the determination of economic and security assistance.

2. (C) To assist the Department in evaluating this annual exercise, I would welcome your candid assessment, including but not restricted to the considerations noted herebelow. Do not solicit comments outside of your Country Team.

A. How have host government, media and any other important elements reacted to the 1980 report? If you have already reported some reaction, cite reference.

B. What have been the beneficial and/or negative effects, if any, of the 1980 and previous reports in our relations with the host government? If you think that the reports have affected bilateral governmental relations indicate how and why.

C. How have the reports been received by influential non-governmental individuals or groups in the country?

D. Has there been any perceptible effect of the reports on the nature and number of human rights violations by the host government or on violations of the integrity of person by non-government groups in the country?

E. On balance, what effect if any have the reports had on our national interests vis-a-vis your country and region?

3. (C) Please be specific in your response. We shall make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of your assessments. If any significant dissenting opinions emerge within your Country Team, they should be included in your report.⁵

4. (LOU) Your assessment, captioned Stadis and Exdis, is requested within six working days of receipt of this instruction.

1. Source: Department of State, Assistant Secretary Files—Elliott Abrams Subject and CHRON Files, 1981–1987, Lot 89D184, Human Rights—General. Confidential. Drafted by Palmer on February 20. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates that Haig saw it.
2. On February 23 Haig wrote in the left-hand margin, “Good AH.” See Document 45.
3. Transmitted as telegram 45423 to all diplomatic posts, February 23. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, D810085–0265)
4. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by LeFever, Palmer, and the HA Staff; cleared in AF/I, EA, NEA, S/P, ARA, EUR, IO, H, PM, S/S, AID, P, and L; approved by Haig.
5. See Document 50.