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Sri Lanka - Prime Minister Bandaranaike
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Sri Lanka - Prime Minister Bandaranaike
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Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders (Ford Administration)
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Foreign aid
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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Sri Lanka - Prime Minister
Bandaranaike" of the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with
Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
NSC REFERRAL TO STATE SECRETARIAT
Date: April 21 1975
1A
MEMORANDUM FOR:
GEORGE SPRINGSTEEN
NSC LOG 750225 3
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
TO: Sirimavo Bandaranaike
FROM: President
DATE: April 21 1975
SUBJECT: Thank you 1tr
ACTION REQUESTED:
DRAFT REPLY FOR:
PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE
WHITE HOUSE STAFF SIGNATURE
OTHER
DIRECT REPLY
FURNISH INFO COPY
XXX DISPATCH
RECOMMENDATIONS/COMMENTS
TRANSLATION
APPROPRIATE HANDLING
INFORMATION
FOR ADDITIONAL PROCESSING AS INDICATED:
DUE DATE:
URGENT
ROUTINE
COMMENTS:
for JEANNE W. DAVIS
Staff Secretary
CLASSIFICATION
Digitized from Box 4 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
I
1B
NSC/S
Send green to
State for
pouching
FORE
GERALD
2253
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
URGENT VIA LDX
April 21, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR
GEORGE SPRINGSTEEN
Executive Secretary
Department of State
SUBJECT: Presidential Letter to Prime Minister Bandaranaike
of Sri Lanka -- S/S 7507094
As recommended in S/S 7507094, the President has signed a letter
to Prime Minister Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka. State should telegram
the text of the President's letter (copy attached) to our Embassy in
Colombo on an urgent basis (NIACT Immediate) since Secretary
Simon is in Sri Lanka and -- as State has recommended -- may still
be able to personally deliver the message.
The signed original will be forwarded separately for pouching.
Jeanne W. Davis
Staff Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1975
Dear Madame Prime Minister:
Thank you for your very thoughtful letters of
March 21 and March 24. I am pleased that our
Government has been able to assist the people
of Sri Lanka through the provision of economic
and food assistance. I assure you that my
Administration will do all it can to see that our
relationship remains cordial. Americans feel
a special kinship for Sri Lanka because of our
shared democratic political traditions.
I read with great interest your observations on
the drought in Sri Lanka and the rising cost of
imported commodities. I'am pleased that our
economic and food assistance was helpful.
Although budget and other uncertainties pre-
cluded our making a specific pledge at the
recent Aid Group meeting in Paris, I assure you
that within our financial and supply limitations
we intend to continue to support Sri Lanka's
efforts to deal with its economic problems. We
have been impressed by the steps you have taken
to move your nation toward self-sufficiency in
basic foodstuffs. We share your hope that this
goal can become a reality in the near future.
I want to take this opportunity to express my
personal pleasure that Secretary of the
Treasury Simon is able to visit Sri Lanka on
his current trip. He carries with him my
personal best wishes and my hopes for the
continued friendship between our Governments
and our peoples.
With warm best wishes,
Sincerely,
Gerard R.
Her Excellency
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Prime Minister of the
Republic of Sri Lanka
Colombo
2253
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
April 21
FOR JEANNE DAVIS
Jeanne,
The Presidential letter to Prime Minister
Bandaranaike is finally signed and came
t hrough this morning. State would still
like to have the text on the wires soonest
since Secretary Simon will be in Sri Lanka
through tomorrow.
I suggest the attached memo be LDXed to
State immediately.
Bob Avon Oailey
-
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
4/21
To NSC/S
For close-out
with file
on 2253.
LDX was SenT.
Rosemacy
2253
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
URGENT VIA LDX
April 21, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR
GEORGE SPRINGSTEEN
Executive Secretary
Department of State
SUBJECT:
Presidential Letter to Prime Minister Bandaranaike
of Sri Lanka -- S/S 7507094
As recommended in S/S 7507094, the President has signed a letter
to Prime Minister Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka. State should telegram
the text of the President's letter (copy attached) to our Embassy in
Colombo on an urgent basis (NIACT Immediate) since Secretary
Simon is in Sri Lanka and -- as State has recommended -- may still
be able to personally deliver the message.
The signed original will be forwarded separately for pouching.
Staff ms.
Jeanne Davis
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1975
Dear Madame Prime Minister:
Thank you for your very thoughtful letters of
March 21 and March 24. I am pleased that our
Government has been able to assist the people
of Sri Lanka through the provision of economic
and food assistance. I assure you that my
Administration will do all it can to see that our
relationship remains cordial. Americans feel
a special kinship for Sri Lanka because of our
shared democratic political traditions.
I read with great interest your observations on
the drought in Sri Lanka and the rising cost of
imported commodities.' I am pleased that our
economic and food assistance was helpful.
Although budget and other uncertainties pre-
cluded our making a specific pledge at the
recent Aid Group meeting in Paris, I assure you
that within our financial and supply limitations
we intend to continue to support Sri Lanka's
efforts to deal with its economic problems. We
have been impressed by the steps you have taken
to move your nation toward self-sufficiency in
basic foodstuffs. We share your hope that this
goal can become a reality in the near future.
I want to take this opportunity to express my
personal pleasure that Secretary of the
Treasury Simon is able to visit Sri Lanka on
his current trip. He carries with him my
personal best wishes and my hopes for the
continued friendship between our Governments
and our peoples.
With warm best wishes,
Sincerely,
Her Excellency
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Prime Minister of the
Republic of Sri Lanka
Colombo
THE WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
TIME SENT:
WHITE HOUSE
RECEIVED:
SH 1.4 in ROOM
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
*75 APR 21 AM 10: 56
1975 APR 21 AM 11 03
LOX NR 343 PAGES 3
W
DIA/G
DESCRIPTION/COMMENT
CIA
STATE
DIA/H
NNCC
TREAS
ANMCC
NPIC
NSA
FROM: Rosempry))
TO: Garge Springsteen
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION
WASHINGTON
2253
April 19, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
HENRY A. KISSINGER
SUBJECT:
Letters to You from Prime Minister
Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka
Mrs. Bandaranaike has written you two letters regarding US assistance
for Sri Lanka. In the letter at Tab C, the Prime Minister expresses her
deep appreciation for US food assistance under PL 480 this fiscal year.
As it turned out, we were able to be more generous this year than in the
past in dollar terms. Our $25 million commitment was almost three
times the amount expected by Sri Lanka at a time when that country's
food problems have increased. Our food aid has always been taken as
an expression of US interest in this small nation and Mrs. Bandaranaike
sees this increase as an important contribution to the marked improve-
ment in our relations, which she has helped to foster.
Mrs. Bandaranaike followed up with the letter at Tab B in connection
with the annual World Bank Aid Group meeting on April 9, urging that
the US make a generous pledge at that meeting for Sri Lanka. Mrs.
Bandaranaike writes a similar letter every year at this time. We are
planning to provide Sri Lanka a development loan of approximately
$8 million the same as last year -- and roughly the same amount of
food aid. However, we did not announce this proposed pledge in Paris in
order to encourage Sri Lanka to look primarily to its own domestic resources
as the primary ingredient to its development program. The World Bank
also feels that Sri Lanka needs to be encouraged to take further measures
to increase savings and investment.
Mrs. Bandaranaike greatly values her personal ties with foreign leaders,
and her 1971 White House visit was an important factor in motivating her
to work toward improving our bilateral relations. Mrs. Bandaranaike's
pro-US views represent a marked reversal of an earlier trend in her
country's policies and her own thinking.
- 2 -
At Tab A is a suggested letter of reply expressing appreciation for
her letters and understanding of Sir Lanka's problems. It does not
specify aid levels but notes that the US will be as sympathetic as
possible within the limits of our resources.
In the course of his current trip to the Soviet Union and South Asia,
Secretary Simon will visit Sri Lanka April 21-22 -- the first high level
U.S. official in some time. It would be a nice gesture if the Secretary
could personally deliver your reply to the Prime Minister at that time.
RECOMMENDATION: That you sign the proposed letter to Prime
Minister Bandaranaike at Tab A. [Paul Theis has cleared the text. ]
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
Retype - 4/18/75
Gen. Scowcroft/feb
ACTION
2253
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
HENRY A. KISSINGER
SUBJECT:
Letters to You from Prime Minister
Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka
Mrs. Bandaranaike has written you two letters regarding US assistance
for Sri Lanka. In the letter at Tab C, the Prime Minister expresses her
deep appreciation for US food assistance under PL 480 this fiscal year.
As it turned out, we were able to be more generous this year than in the
past in dollar terms. Our $25 million commitment was almost three
times the amount expected by Sri Lanka at a time when that country's
food problems have increased. Our food aid has always been taken as
an expression of US interest in this small nation and Mrs. Bandaranaike
sees this increase as an important contribution to the marked improve-
ment in our relations, which she has helped to foster.
Mrs. Bandaranaike followed up with the letter at Tab B in connection
with the annual World Bank Aid Group meeting on April 9, urging that
the US make a generous pledge at that meeting for Sri Lanka. Mrs.
Bandaranaike writes a similar letter every year at this time. We are
planning to provide Sri Lanka a development loan of approximately
$8 million -- the same as last year -- and roughly the same amount of
food aid. However, we did not announce this proposed pledge in Paris in
order to encourage Sri Lanka to look primarily to its own domestic resources
as the primary ingredient to its development program. The World Bank
also feels that Sri Lanka needs to be encouraged to take further measures
to increase savings and investment.
Mrs. Bandaranaike greatly values her personal ties with foreign leaders,
and her 1971 White House visit was an important factor in motivating her
to work toward improving our bilateral relations. Mrs. Bandaranaike's
pro-US views represent a marked reversal of an earlier trend in her
country's polities and her own thinking.
TOHD
&
GERALD
- 2 -
At Tab A is a suggested letter of reply expressing appreciation for
her letters and understanding of Sir Lanka's problems. It does not
specify aid levels but notes that the US will be as sympathetic as
possible within the limits of our resources.
In the course of his current trip to the Soviet Union and South Asia,
Secretary Simon will visit Sri Lanka April 21-22 -- the first high level
U.S. official in some time. It would be a nice gesture if the Secretary
could personally deliver your reply to the Prime Minister at that time.
RECOMMENDATION: That you sign the proposed letter to Prime
Minister Bandaranaike at Tab A. [Paul Theis has cleared the text.]
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
FORD
&
BERALD
LIBRARY
Retype - 4/18/75
Gen. Scowcroft/feb
ACTION
2253
Dear Madame Prime Minister:
Thank you for your very thoughtful letters of
March 21 and March 24. I am pleased that our
Government has been able to assist the people
of Sri Lanka through the prevision of economic
and food assistance. I assure you that my
Administration will do all it can to see that our
relationship remains cordial. Americans feel
a special kinship for Sri Lanka because of our
shared democratic political traditions.
I read with great interest your observations on
the drought in Sri Lanka and the rising cost of
imported commodities. I am pleased that our
economic and food assistance was helpful.
Although budget and other uncertainties pre-
cluded our making a specific pledge at the
recent Aid Group meeting in Paris, I assure you
that within our financial and supply limitations
we intend to continue to support Sri Lanka's
efforts to deal with its economic problems. We
have been impressed by the steps you have taken
to move your nation toward self-sufficiency in
basic foodstuffs. We share your hope that this
goal can become a reality in the near future.
FORD
?
GERALD
LISAARY
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ACTION
2253
April 14, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: SECRETARY KISSINGER
FROM:
ROBERT B. OAKLEY
SUBJECT:
Presidential Reply to the Annual Assistance
Letter from Prime Minister Bandaranaike
of Sri Lanka
Mrs. Bandaranaike has written the President two letters regarding
US assistance to Sri Lanka. The first is a thank-you letter for
US food assistance in FY 75. The second is her annual letter in
support of a US pledge at the spring World Bank Aid Group meeting.
Attached at Tab I is a memo you could forward the President seeking
his signature on a suggested reply to Mrs. Bandaranaike. If signed
in time, Secretary Simon could deliver the text of the message
personally to Mrs. Bandaranaike when he visits Sri Lanka April 21-22.
RECOMMENDATION: That you forward the memorandum at Tab I
to the President recommending his signature on a letter of reply to
Mrs. Bandaranaike [Paul Theis concurs in the text. ]. If possible,
this should be done expeditiously so that Secretary Simon could deliver
the reply as State recommends (attached).
APPROVE
B
DISAPPROVE
7507094
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
2253
Washington, D.C. 20520
April 10, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR LIEUTENANT GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Prime Minister Bandaranaike's
Letters on U.S. Aid
Secretary Simon is visiting Sri Lanka April 21-22
and we hope he can present the attached letter from the
President when he meets Prime Minister Bandaranaike.
The letter answers Mrs. Bandaranaike's messages of
March 21 and 24 in which she expresses thanks for U.S.
aid and requests a substantial U.S. aid pledge for FY
76 at the Paris Aid Group Meeting on April 9.
We have drafted a warm letter stressing continued
U.S. friendship and the President's interest in good
relations with Sri Lanka. Mrs. Bandaranaike values her
personal ties with foreign leaders and she felt that
her 1971 meeting with President Nixon was an important
factor in improved U.S. relations with Sri Lanka. We
think the proposed letter from the President will help
to establish similar rapport.
The U.S. position at the Paris Aid Group April 9
Meeting is only partially responsive to Prime Minister
Bandaranaike's request for a substantial U.S. pledge
of assistance in FY 76. We are planning to provide a
development loan of approximately $8 million, and
approximately 100,000 tons ($18.4 million) of Title I
PL 480 wheat flour, but we are not specifically pledging
this aid at Paris. Our decision not to make a specific
pledge is based on budget uncertainties but also is
designed to encourage the Ceylonese to focus greater
attention on efforts to stimulate domestic food pro-
duction.
The Department would appreciate expeditious
processing so that we can forward the text of the
President's reply by pouch or cable in ime for delivery
April 21.
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Proposed letter from the President
2. Prime Minister Bandaranaike's letter of March 24
3. Prime Minister Bandaranaike's letter of March 21
Prime Minister
Sri Lanka
March 24 , 1975
Excellency,
I am writing to you in connection with the Sri
Lanka Aid-Group Meeting to be held on the 9th of April, 1975.
The World Bank has recently reviewed the current
economic situation in Sri Lanka. Their report, identifying
the problems and the immediate needs of Sri Lanka's economy,
has been circulated among countries of the Aid-Group.
As the World Bank reports indicate, our efforts to
steer the economy of Sri Lanka on a path of rapid development
consistent with our objectives of social justice, have been
overwhelmed by factors beyond our control. The terms of trade
have deteriorated alarmingly during the last few years. World
market prices of our essential imports like food, fertilizer
and oil have reached almost prohibitive levels. Unfavourable
weather conditions in Sri Lanka have retarded agricultural
production. Sri Lanka thus continues to require external
economic assistance to sustain her economy and to support her
economic development effort.
I am grateful for the generous assistance extended
by your Government to Sri Lanka in the past. In view of the
continuing need of Sri Lanka for additional foreign resources,
I would appreciate it greatly if your Government would find it
possible to make a pledge of substantial assistance at the
forthcoming meeting of the Aid-Group.
With assurances of my highest consideration.
(Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike)
PRIME MINISTER
His Excellency Mr Gerald Ford,
President of the United States of America,
WASHINGTON
Prime Minister
Sri Lanka
Colombo, 21st March, 1975.
My dear President,
I have heard from your Ambassador in
Sri Lanka as well as from our Ambassador in
Washington that the United States Government
has decided to allocate a sum of U.S. Dollars
24.5 million to Sri Lanka for the purchase of
approximately 100,000 metric tons of wheat flour
under PL 480.
I am writing to you to convey my
personal appreciation and thanks as well as
that of my Government for this important as
well as timely gesture.
As you are aware Sri Lanka has been
buffeted in recent years by the high prices of
commodities which she imports, including food
commodities, and has also been unfortunate to
have had the experience of facing upto several
years of partial drought within the last 5 years
thus affecting considerably our capacity to feed
ourselves adequately. We are at the moment
facing one of the worst droughts in our recent
history which has seriously affected the
traditional rice growing areas of the country.
We, therefore, expect a considerable reduction
in our rice crop this year thus compounding our
difficulties and placing an almost intolerable
burden on our foreign exchange resources which
have to be deployed to import more food. It is
in this context that the decision of your
Government has come as a welcome measure of
relief to Sri Lanka.
We are also grateful for the assistance
that the Government of the United States of
America has given us in the matter of fertilizer
in recent times. We are encouraged by this
support to press on even more diligently to make
ourselves self-sufficient in our basic food
commodities, and I myself have taken the initiative
to attend to this task inspite of the many set
backs we have been receiving.
We look forward to the continued support
of the United States of America in the task of
development and reconstruction that we have
undertaken in order to provide a better and happier
life for our people.
May I once again thank you most sincerely,
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
PRIME MINISTER.
His Excellency Mr. Gerald Ford,
President of the United States of America,
WASHINGTON.
1R
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CIRCLE Oshlay AS APPROPRIATE
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FROM: KISSINGER, H
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UNCLAS
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SUBJECT: fres reply to LTRS for PM Bandaronaike of
Sir Lanka re US and & form anstance
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
REC
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO
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ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/SCOWCROFT
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(
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(
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REFER TO
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(
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UNITED NATIONS
ECONOMIC
ANY ACTION NECESSARY?
(
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SCIENTIFIC
CONCURRENCE
(
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PROGRAM ANALYSIS
DUE DATE:
NSC PLANNING
COMMENTS: (INCLUDING 4/20 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)
CONGRESSIONAL
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FROM
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(NBC-74-21)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1976
Dear Madame Prime Minister:
Thank you for your thoughtful message of April 12. I am
pleased that the United States has been able to play a
helpful role in the economic development of Sri Lanka,
in the spirit of the warm friendship and mutual respect
which exists between our Governments and our peoples.
I want to assure you that we will continue to give the
requirements of Sri Lanka our close consideration this
year. As you know, the United States has sought to work
constructively with your Government in its development
efforts and we expect to continue this support in the future.
While we are still in the early stages of our fiscal year
1977 Congressional authorization and appropriation cycle,
we hope to be as responsive in Paris as these limitations
will permit.
With warm best wishes,
Herald R. and
Her Excellency
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Prime Minister of the Republic of Sri Lanka
Colombo
FOHD
&
GERALD
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SOLOMON
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(TURN THIS TAB UP TO MOVE
BACK TO THE SECRETARIAT)
CLASSIFICATION:
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
REFERRAL
Date: April 28, 1976
NSC log # 7602236
MEMORANDUM FOR:
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Department of State
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
To:
PM Bandaranaike
From: President
Apr 27, 1976
Date:
Subject: Assistance to Sri Lanka
ACTION REQUESTED:
Draft reply for:
President's Signature
White House Staff
Other
Direct reply
Furnish info copy
XX Dispatch
Translation
Recommendations / Comments
Appropriate Handling
Other
Information
DUE DATE:
COMMENTS:
for Jeanne W. Davis D'Agostime
Staff Secretary
CLASSIFICATION:
MEMORANDUM
THE PRESIDENT HAS SENN
2236
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
April 26, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
B
SUBJECT:
Annual Letter from Prime Minister (Mrs.)
Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka on U.S. Economic
Assistance
Prime Minister (Mrs.) Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka has sent you the letter
at Tab B urging that the U.S. be as generous as possible in its pledge of
economic assistance at the forthcoming annual World Bank Aid Group
meeting for Sri Lanka. It would be appropriate for you to reply to her
message, as you did last year.
Mrs. Bandaranaike has written a similar letter every year at this time
since she took office almost six years ago, to remind us of her needs and
request that the U.S. continue to be helpful at the time the pledges are made
at the annual Aid Group meeting. Our recent Congressional Presentation
for Sri Lanka anticipated PL 480 Title I pledges of 100, 000 metric tons of
flour and $8 million in development loans -- approximately the same levels
of aid we provided last year. Mrs. Bandaranaike has been extremely
appreciative of our past assistance.
Since it is early in our FY 77 planning and since Congress has not yet
acted on your request, we will not be able to take a firm position at the
Paris meeting. However, our representatives will review the figures
cited in our Congressional Presentation as indicative of our objectives,
which is of interest to the Sri Lankans mainly for their own planning pur-
poses. The proposed reply for your signature at Tab A, therefore, simply
indicates our willingness to be responsive without at this time committing
us to specific levels.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter to Mrs. Bandaranaike at Tab A. [Text coordinated
with Mr. Hartmann's office (Mr. Smith).
2236
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
ACTION
April 22, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
TabsI
FROM:
ROBERT B. OAKLEY
& rezyped
SUBJECT:
Annual Letter from Prime Minister (Mrs.)
Bandaranaike on US Economic Assistance
for Sri Lanka
Mrs. Bandaranaike has sent her annual letter to the President expressing
the hope that the US will be as generous as possible at the upcoming World
Bank Aid Group meeting for Sri Lanka. Our aid levels this year will
probably be the same as last, although we are not now in a position to
commit specific levels until Congress actually appropriates the funds
requested in our recent presentation on the Hill.
The President owes a courtesy reply to the Prime Minister indicating
our general interest in being as responsive as we can within the limits
of our resources. He sent a similar letter last year.
Bureaucratically, there is a slight variance in the way in which State
forwarded its proposed reply this year. State sent over a proposed
cable for clearance (attached), evidently because the new desk officer
did not understand that the President had previously signed a letter on
green in reply (as has been done since 1970). Also, Mrs. Bandaranaike
sent her message through her Ambassador here rather than sending a
personal letter, but only because she was out of the country at the
time. Since Mrs. Bandaranaike puts immense stock in the personal touch,
I suggest we continue our past policy of having the President sign the
green letter of reply. This is set up in the memo at Tab I which you
could forward to the President.
[FYI: Ambassador Van Hollen has now extended the President's open
invitation for an Official Visit and Mrs. Bandaranaike is absolutely
delighted.
RECOMMENDATION: That you forward the memo at Tab I to the
President seeking his signature on a reply to Mrs. Bandaranaike.
[Text coordinated with Mr. Hartmann's office and is essentially the same as
that sent to us by State in the draft telegram].
APPROVE
AS AMENDED
Concurrence: Bob Hormats
JUH
2236
7607852
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
April 15, 1976
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Transmittal of Letter to the President from
Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka
Attached is a letter from Prime Minister Sirima
Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka to the President making the
annual appeal for a forthcoming stance at the Sri Lanka
aid consortium meeting (April 27). A draft reply is
attached indicating sympathetic consideration but mak-
ing no commitments.
1-4
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Letter from Prime Minister Bandaranaike
2. A Draft Reply
UNCLASSIFIED
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
NEA/INS: AATHIBAULT JR. : JES
4/14/76 EXT: 22307
NSC:
NEA/INS:DKUX
NEA: ADUBS
AID/ASIA/SA: JECOLES
S/S:
IMMEDIATE
COLOMBO
NSC
E.O. 11652: N/A
AAT/PE
TAGS: EAID, CE
DK
AD
Ho
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT'S REPLY TO PRIME MINISTER BANDARANAIKE
JE
66/m
1. PLEASE FORWARD FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT TO
PRIME MINISTER BANDARANAIKE: QUOTE: DEAR MADAM PRIME
S/S
MINISTER: THANK YOU FOR YOUR MESSAGE OF APRIL 12 CONCERNING
THE UPCOMING MEETING OF THE SRI LANKA AID GROUP.
2. YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT WE WILL GIVE SRI LANKA'S REQUIRE-
MENTS OUR CLOSE CONSIDERATION. AS YOU KNOW, THE UNITED
STATES HAS SOUGHT TO WORK WITH SRI LANKA IN ITS DEVELOPMENT
EFFORTS AND WE EXPECT TO CONTINUE THIS SUPPORT IN THE FUTURE.
WE ARE STILL AT AN EARLY STAGE IN OUR FISCAL YEAR 1977
APPROPRIATION AND PLANNING CYCLE BUT WE HOPE TO BE AS RE-
SPONSIVE IN PARIS AS THESE LIMITATIONS PERMIT US TO BE.
3. PLEASE ACCEPT, MADAM PRIME MINISTER, THE ASSURANCES OF
MY HIGHEST CONSIDERATION. SINCERELY, GERALD R. FORD. END
QUOTE.
7607852
4. FOREGOING IS IN RESPONSE TO PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE
CONVEYED TO ASSISTANT SECRETARY ATHERTON BY AMBASSADOR
KANAKARATNE. SEPTEL FOLLOWS WITH TEXT. YY
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
THE AMBASSADOR OF SRI LANKA
WASHINGTON, D.C.
April 12, 1976.
My dear Mr. President,
I have been instructed by my Prime Minister
to convey the following message to you :-
" Your Excellency,
I am writing to you in connection with the
Sri Lanka Aid Group Meeting scheduled to be held on
April 27th 1976.
The economy of Sri Lanka has recently been
reviewed by the World Bank, and their Economic
Memorandum, which identifies the present problems,
and the immediate need, for Sri Lanka's economy, has
already been circulated among the member countries
of the Sri Lanka Aid Group.
It is gratifying to note that, despite
many obstacles, Sri Lanka has been able to achieve
a measure of success in her effort to develop the
economy in a manner consistent with our political
and social objectives. Within a few years, we
have been able to bring down the population growth
to a very satisfactory level. A marginal improvement
in the growth rate and a more equitable distribution
of income, with equality of opportunity, have been
realized. These successes, though far from adequate,
were possible through the generous assistance from
countries such as yours.
With the external assistance received, a
more impressive performance would have been possible
had it not been for certain unfavourable conditions
which were beyond our control. As is evident from
the World Bank Economic Memorandum, for some years
now, our terms of trade have been deteriorating
alarmingly and the prices of our essential imports
have reached a prohibitive level. The consequent
widening of the external resource gap has acted as
a severe constraint on the growth of our economy.
/
- 2 -
We have taken all possible measures within our means
to steer the economy on the path of rapid development. A
policy reorientation which is more favourable to rapid
economic growth has been initiated and plans for a number
of major development projects are being worked out.
However, in view of our deteriorating balance-of-payments
position, continued success in our effort would require
a substantial amount of external assistance, particularly
in the form of Commodity Aid.
Your Government has been generous in giving us
sustained assistance in the past, for which I am most
grateful. In view of Sri Lanka's continuing need for
external assistance, I would appreciate it greatly if
your Government would find it possible to make a pledge
of substantial assistance at the forthcoming meeting of
the Aid Group.
With assurances of my highest consideration.
Sirima R. D. Bandaranaike
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. "
Yours sincerely,
Neville Kanakaratne
Neville Kanakaratne.
The President
The White House
Washington D.C.
It
LIBRARY
FORD
&
GERALD
The President
The White House
WASHINGTON D.C.
2236
25
Dear Madame Prime Minister:
Thank you for your thoughtful message of April 12. I am
pleased that the United States has been able to play a
helpful role in the economic development of Sri Lanka,
in the spirit of the warm friendship and mutual respect
which exists between our Governments and our peoples.
I want to assure you that we will continue to give the
requirements of Sri Lanka our close consideration this
year. As you know, the United States has sought to work
constructively with your Government in its development
efforts and we expect to continue this support in the future.
While we are still in the early stages of our fiscal year
1977 Congressional authorization and appropriation cycle,
we hope to be as responsive in Paris as these limitations
will permit.
With warm best wishes,
Her Excellency
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Prime Minister of the Republic of Sri Lanka
Colombo
GERALD ? FORD
Revised:BS:nm:4/25/76
2236
2x
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Annual Letter from Prime Minister (Mrs.)
Bandaramaike of Sri Lanka on U.S. Economic
Assistance
Prime Minister (Mrs.) Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka has sentyomu the letter
at Tab B urging that the U.S. be as generous as possible in its pledge of
economic assistance at the forthcoming annual World Bank Aid Group
meeting for Sri Lanka. It would be appropriate for you to reply to her
message, as you did last year.
Mrs. Bandaranaike has written a similar letter every year at this time
since she took office almost six years ago, to remind us of her needs and
request that the U.S. continue to be helpful at the time the pledges are made
at the annual Aid Group meeting. Our recent Congressional Presentation
for Sri Lanka anticipated PL 480 Title I pledges of 100, 000 metric tons of
flour and $8 million in development loans -- appreximately the same levels
of aid we provided last year. Mrs. Bandaranaike has been extremely
appreciative of our past assistance.
Since it is early in our FY 77 planning and since Congress has not yet
acted on your request, we will not be able to take a firm position at the
Paris meeting. However, our representatives will review the figures
cited in our Congressional Presentation as indicative of our objectives,
which is of interest to the Sri Lankans mainly for their own planning pur-
poses. The proposed reply for your signature at Tab A, therefore, simply
indicates our willingness to be responsive without at this time committing
us to specific levels.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter to Mrs. Bandaranaike at Tab A. [Text coordinated
with Mr. Hartmann's office (Mr. Smith).]
FORD
&
DERALD
LIGRARY
Revised:BS:nm:4/25/76
2236
2L
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
SUBJECT:
Annual Letter from Prime Minister
(Mrs. ) Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka on
US Economic Assistance
Prime Minister (Mrs.) Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka has sent you the
letter at Tab B urging that the US be as generous as possible in its
pledge of economic assistance at the forthcoming annual World Bank
Aid Group meeting for Sri Lanka. It would be appropriate for you to
reply to her message, as you did last year.
Mrs. Bandaranaike has written a similar letter every year at this
time since she took office almost six years ago, to remind us of her
needs and ensure that the US will continue to be helpful at the time
the pledges are made at the annual Aid Group meeting. Our recent
Congressional Presentation for Sri Lanka anticipated PL 480 Title I
pledges of 100,000 metric tons of flour and $8 million in development
loans--approximately the same levels of aid we provided last year.
Mrs. Bandaranaike has been extremely appreciative of our past
assistance.
However,
Since it is early in our FY 77 planning and since Congress has not
yet appropriated our requested funds, we will not be able to take a
firm position at the Paris meeting. but our representatives will review
the figures cited in our Congressional Presentation as indicative of
our objectives, which is of interest to the Sri Lankans mainly for
their own planning purposes. The proposed reply for your signature
at Tab A, therefore, simply indicates our willingness to be res-
ponsive without at this time committing us to specific levels.
RECOMMENDATION: That you sign the letter to Mrs. Bandaranaike
at Tab A. Text coordinated with Mr. Hartmann's office (Mr. Smith). ]
FORD
R
GERALD
LIBRARY
am
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Madame Prime Minister:
Thank you for your thoughtful message of April 12.
I am pleased that the United States continues to play
a helpful role in the economic development of Sri
Lanka, in the spirit of the warm friendship and mutual
respect which exists between our Governments and
our peoples.
I want to assure you that we will continue to give the
requirements of Sri Lanka our close consideration
this year. As you know, the United States has sought
to work constructively with your Government in its
development efforts and we expect to continue this
support in the future. While we are still in the early
stages of our fiscal year 1977 Congressional authori-
zation and appropriation cycle, we hope to be as res-
ponsive in Paris as these limitations will permit.
With warm best wishes,
Her Excellency
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Prime Minister of the Republic of Sri Lanka
Colombo
FORD LIBRARY & 03
DOC
RECD
LOG NUMBER
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INITIAL ACTION O
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S/S 76078526
TO: PRES
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$
CODEWORD
SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
OTHER Bandaranciche, S
TS
SENSITIVE
SUBJECT Ach lt to fres for In Bandaranaike of
Sir Landa re US pontion at aid consortium
mtg on 27 Apr 1976
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
REC
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
CONCUR-
COOR-
INFO
CY
RENCE
DINATE
FOR
ADV CYS S'CROFT / WGH
MEMO FOR SCOWCROFT
STAFF SECRETARY
MEMO FOR PRES
CONGRESSIONAL
REPLY FOR
ECONOMIC
DISTRIBUTION/INITIAL ACTION ASGMT
to
APPROPRIATE ACTION
EUR/ CANADA/ OCEANS
MEMO
TO
FAR EAST PRC
RECOMMENDATIONS
INTELLIGENCE
JOINT MEMO
LATIN AMERICA
REFER TO
FOR:
MID EAST/ NO. AFRICA
t
ANY ACTION NECESSARY?
NSC PLANNING
CONCURRENCE
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
SCIENTIFIC
DUE DATE: 4/22
COMMENTS: (INCLUDING SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)
Lonad, SUB-SAH/ AFRICA/ m UN
cefor DATE (wH
In
&
Out
only
X
FROM
TO
STATUS
SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED IOR TAKEN):
DUE
CY TO
4/22
Oakly
Daves
4/22
scuft
X
Pres to 5 fn lts to Bankmenathe
(4/28)
SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS
4-26
Pris
Dgn ltr to Bandaranaike
4-27
Joses
X Bandaranad
4/28
Havis
S
frie to Ligited
4/29
4/28
State
C
In despated
DISPATCH Jia 5/5 4/27/26
NOTIFY
MICROFILM & FILE ROMTS
NSC/S DISP INSTR
M/FD
BY
SPECIAL DISPOSITION:
CRT ID
NS
DY
SPEC IL INDEXING:
OPEN
WH SA FP
SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED
X
CLOSE Hb
PA
NSC 76-21
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE - 599-022 - 1976
599-022