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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: White House Outreach
Working Group on Central America
(7 of 18)
Box: 57
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https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
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WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name BLACKWELL, MORTON: FILES
Withdrawer
KDB
8/5/2009
File Folder
WHITE HOUSE OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON
FOIA
CENTRAL AMERICA
(7)
F08-0004/01
Box Number
9076 9090A
KRAUSE
9th 9/28/10
2
DOC Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
NO
Pages
1 LIST
RE SUGGESTED INVITEES
2
ND
B6
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified Information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose Internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial Information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information complied for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 13, 1983
OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON CENTRAL AMERICA
DATE:
Wednesday, December 14, 1983
LOCATION:
Room #450 - OEOB
TIME:
2:30 p.m.
I.
PURPOSE:
To brief certain individuals from the private sector on
matters relating to Central America and the Administration's
policies.
II. BACKGROUND:
This is the 30th in a series of meetings of the White
House Outreach Working Group on Central America chaired by
Faith Whittlesey.
III. PARTICIPANTS:
Assistant Secretary of State Elliott Abrams
Dr. Constantine C. Menges, National Security Council
IV. PRESS PLAN:
None
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS:
2:28 p.m. - Faith Whittlesey arrives in the Holding Room
of ROOM #450
2:30 p.m. - Faith Whittlesey opens meeting
2:38 p.m. - Faith Whittlesey introduces Assistant Secretary
of State Elliott Abrams
3:35 p.m. - Faith Whittlesey introduces Dr. Constantine Menges
VI. ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agenda
2.
Introduction for speaker
3.
Talking points
TALKING POINTS
-
On behalf of President and Mrs. Reagan, I want to
again welcome you to the White House Complex and the
thirtieth in our series of briefings on Central America.
-
Last week, we all stood for a moment remembering in
silent prayer Sean Luketina (Loo-key-tina) who had
been so gravely injured during the Grenadian rescue
mission. Many of you will recall that when Mr. Robin
Luketing (Loo-key-tina) Sean's father, spoke to us
he called on us to remember that "freedom isn't free,"
and we know that Sean has paid dearly for our freedom.
On Monday, when the President was speaking to the 1983
Convention of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
he reminded the assembled audience that, "The price of
freedom is high, but never more costly than the loss of
freedom.
Each generation must do what ever is
necessary to preserve it and pass it on to the next or
it will be lost forever."
-
The President also told the Medal of Honor Society that
"Peace with freedom is the highest aspiration of the
American people. We negotiate for peace. We sacrifice
for it. We will never surrender for it. Our commitment
for arms reduction is unshakable. We will not give up
our search for peaceful solutions in the Middle East or
Central America or elsewhere."
- 2 -
-
Since last week, Sean's condition has worsened and
he now is not expected to live. Sean has given his
all to preserve our freedom. Preserving that freedom
is now up to us.
-
A few weeks ago, I told you of a number of resolutions
and initiatives which had been introduced into various
state legislatures condemning the President's actions
in the Grenadian rescue mission. Well, let me share with
you the text of a Resolution which was adopted by the
New Orleans City Council:
-
"Whereas, stability, peace and freedom in the Caribbean
Basin are vital to the national security of the United
States and the economic growth and prosperity of our
neighbors in that area; and
"Whereas, the security of that region and the lives of
American citizens were recently threatened by a violent
coup on the Island of Grenada which resulted in a
fanatical Marxist Government with close ties to Cuba and
the Soviet Union; and
"Whereas, at the request of neighboring governments and
in an effort to protect Americans who were under a
24-hour curfew American Marines and Army Paratroopers
- 3 -
have been sent by President Reagan to restore order
and democracy on Grenada; and
"Whereas, it is the sense of the City Council that the
use of American Forces in this instance is wise and
prudent and in the best interests of America and its
neighbors in the Caribbean; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS,
that it supports President Reagan in his decision to
protect American lives and preserve order in the
Caribbean Basin Area by ousting a pro-Cuban, pro-Soviet
Government on the Island of Grenada, freeing the
Governor-General from prison, and restoring democracy
to the Island of Grenada." Dated November 3, 1983.
-
Perhaps because New Orleans is geographically closer
to Castro's Cuba than are the folks in Seattle, Washington,
where Initiative #28 "Should Seattle petition Congress
to make more Federal funds available to cities by
eliminating expenditures for war in Central America"
passed by a margin of 54% to 46%, they have a deeper
appreciation of the very real danger which is posed by
a communist take-over in Central America. They under-
stand what Senator Jeremiah Denton was talking about
when he said, "For a long time, I have feared that we
would be like the man who hopes that if he feeds his
- 4 -
brothers to the crocodile the crocodile will eat him
last. The media are full of comparisons ov Vietnam
and El Salvador. Much of the comparison is ill-informed.
Some is ill-advised, but it is right in one essential
respect: the crocodile now is not in faraway Southeast
Asia, but on our doorstep in Central America." At the
time he made those remarks, Senator Denton was chairing
the hearings on "The Role of Cuba in International
Terrorism and Subversion."
-
It is up to each of us who attend these White House
briefings on Central America to take the information that
we receive here and impart it to others. We must get
the facts of the situation in Central America out to the
American people. We must strip away the disinformation
which daily flows from some of our media because we know
that when the American people are given the facts, they
make the right decisions.
-
We know that the price of freedom is high. Sean Luketina
knows the price of freedom is high. The Medal of Honor
winners whom President Reagan addressed on Monday know
that the price of freedom is high, but as the President
reminded us, "never more costly than the loss of freedom.
And freedom, we must always remember, is never more than
one generation away from extinction."
- 5 -
-
I know that many of you expressed an interest in
receiving a copy of Ambassador Negroponte's talk
of last week, and I am delighted to inform you that
he has given us a copy of his speech which we will
distribute. For those of you who were not present
at that meeting, reading it will give you an opportunity
to share the information the Ambassador gave us.
-
I hope that each of you has completed one of our
small Registration Forms. That is how we are able
to communicate with you outside of these meetings.
If you have not filled one out, I urge you to do so
today and turn it in to Joyce Thomann or Morton Blackwell
of my staff before you leave the building.
-
Before I introduce Secretary Abrams, I would like to
open the floor to our audience so that we may hear
about the activities in which you have been engaged
regarding Central America.
OPEN TO FLOOR
-
INTRODUCE SECRETARY ABRAMS.
NOV 15 1983
CUTY OF ORIGINAL
The Council
JOSEPH I. GIARRUSSO
City of New Orleans
COUNCILMAN AT LARGE
November 9, 1983
Mr. George Pratt Shultz
Secretary of State
2201 "C" Street
Washington, D. C.
20520
Dear Mr. Shultz:
At the Council meeting of October 27, 1983, the City
Council of New Orleans adopted the attached resolution:
R-83-440.
The City Council supports President Reagan in his
decision to protect American lives and preserve order in
the Caribbean Basin Area by ousting a pro-Cuban, pro-Soviet
Government on the Island of Grenada, freeing the Governor-
General from prison, and restoring democracy to the Island
of Grenada.
Sincerely yours,
Councilman-at-Large I. Giarrusso
JIG/dpr
RESOLUTION
(CYING OVER)
NO. R-83-440
CITY HALL, OCTOBER 27, 1983
By: COUNCILLIEN GIARRUSSO, DAGNER AND SINGLETON
THEREAS, stability, peace and freedom in the Caribbean Basin
area are vital to the national security of the United States and the economic
growth and, prosperity of our neighbors in that area; and
WHEREAS, the security of that region and the lives of American
citizens were recently threatened by a violent coup on the Island of Grenada
which resulted in a fanatical Marxist Government with close ties to Cuba and
the Soviet Union; and
THEREAS, at the request of neighboring governments and in an
effort to protect Americans who were under a 24 hour curfem American Marines
and Army Paratroopers have been sent by President Reagan to restore order and
democracy on Grenada; and
DHEREAS, it is the sense of the City Council that the use of
American Forces in this instance is wise and prudent and in the best interests
of America and its neighbors in the Caribbean; now therefore
BE IC RESOLVED By THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORCEANS, that
it supports President Reagan in his decision to protect American lives and
preserve order in the Caribbean Basin Area by ousting a pro-Cuban, pro-Soviet
Government on the Island of Grenada, freeing the Guvernor-General from prison,
and restoring democracy to the Island of Grenada.
November 3, 1983.
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION DAS READ IN FUCC, AND THE RESOLUTION
WAS ADOPTED.
GOING
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 12, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: FAITH WHITTLESEY
THROUGH:
Jack Courtemanche
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
MB
SUBJECT:
Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution
Attached to refresh your memory is a copy of your memorandum
to Bob McFarlane with your handwritten note to Bob Reilly and
me.
At our working group meeting today, Donald Mathes, Senior
Policy Officer for USIA inquired about the status of the
effort. As we approach the 25th anniversary of Castro's
takeover of Cuba and the massive propaganda effort we
know will emanate from that quarter, this project takes
on more urgency.
Do we know what progress has been made to date?
MCB:jet
1 Attachment a/s
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 29, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT C. McFARLANE
FROM:
FAITH RYAN WHITTLESEY FRW
SUBJECT:
Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution
An idea surfaced at the Monday afternoon Central America meeting
to commemorate the 25th year since Castro's takeover on January 2,
1959, by having the President speak directly to the people of Cuba,
just as he spoke directly to the Soviet peoples from VOA. Though
Radio Marti will not have begun to broadcast at that time, the
President could announce a starting date by saying: "You may be
receiving the voice of freedom only faintly now, but it will be
growing stronger, not only as the broadcast signal of Radio Marti
grows stronger, but as those who hope for freedom and long for
truth realize that the oppression of the Marxist state must in-
evitably crumble before man's free spirit and the sovereignty of
God."
The President could also take this opportunity to tell the Cubans
the high cost of empire as they serve as Soviet surrogates in
Angola, Ethiopia and Mozambique, and how they are being used as
tools in Soviet global strategy. He could use the occasion also
to deplore the loss of basic human freedoms in Cuba since Castro's
victory 25 years ago.
Revely (moston
To: To:Baw
From that NSC saw + w/ act this
idea onet; Monday
informating your
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 5, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: FAITH WHITTLESEY
THROUGH:
Jack Courtemanche
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
SUBJECT:
Regional Outreach Briefings on Central America
On Friday afternoon, December 2, I met with Otto Reich and
others of his State Department colleagues regarding our
planning for White House outreach briefings in selected
major United States' cities. We left in agreement on the
following points:
1. The State Department Public Affairs Office would
arrange for co-sponsorship in each city. Co-
sponsors would be groups such as the World
Affairs Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis,
Rotary, etc. The idea is to find sponsors that
would not be identified with either end of the
political spectrum but towards the center.
2. The invitations would be from the White House
and, depending upon the speakers, would read
something like: "The White House Office of
Public Liaison, the U.S. Department of State,
the U.S. Department of Defense and the Agency
for International Development, in cooperation
with the Pittsburgh World Affairs Council and
the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
cordially invite you to attend a briefing on
United States policy in Central America.
3. The list of invitees would be initially provided
by the local sponsoring organization. The list
would be submitted to the White House to make
sure that the major opinion leaders in each
locality are included. This would include the
prominent educators, clergy, union leaders,
business leaders, and local editors, publishers,
and broadcasters. The idea here is for the
invitation list to reach out beyond those normally
invited to foreign policy briefings.
- 2 -
4. Target cities. We plan eventually to cover all
twenty-four of the cities we have been discussing
for some time, but we will start with one pair
of cities. Either Philadelphia and Pittsburgh,
or Cincinnati and St. Louis, depending upon the
availability of appropriate sponsors.
5. Sponsors. For the first pair of cities, we will
not shoot for "superstars" such as Secretary of
State Shultz, or Secretary of Defense Weinberger,
but will go for a reasonably balanced team of
three sponsors, one each from the defense area,
the diplomacy area and the development area.
6. Funding for the hall will be provided by the local
sponsoring organization. Each agency will fund the
travel expenses of its personnel. The invitations
will be issued by the White House.
7. Scheduling. Otto Reich's office will coordinate
this with the State Department Bureau of Public
Affairs, in consultation with the White House
Office of Public Liaison and other appropriate
offices. It was agreed that we would not schedule
any cities in the month immediately prior to each
respective state's Presidential primary. The first
pair of cities would be covered in mid-January,
after which we would evaluate this pilot and make
appropriate changes in procedures.
All in all, it was a very successful meeting. I expect that
we will, by the end of next week, have obtained sponsors,
sites, and speakers for the first two cities Outreach Briefing.
MCB:jet
CC: Outreach Working Group Members
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 28, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: FAITH WHITTLESEY
THROUGH:
Jack Courtemanche
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell (Joyce Thomann)
SUBJECT:
Memorandum to Outreach Working Group
I trust the attached is self-explanatory.
If Mrs. Whittlesey would please sign the memorandum (using a
black pen) we can get the maili== out by tomorrow at the
latest.
:jet
1 Attachment a/s
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 28, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: THE MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF THE WHITE HOUSE
OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON CENTRAL AMERICA
FROM:
Faith Ryan Whittlesey
Assistant to the President
for Public Liaison
SUBJECT:
Meetings for December
Following is a listing of our principal speakers and room loca-
tions for the White House Central American Outreach Meetings for
the month of December. As usual, all meetings will begin at
2:30 p.m. (In order to facilitate the clearance process, please
arrive at the meeting location no later than 2:15 p.m.
December 7, - "Honduras - Today and Tomorrow"
The Honorable John D. Negroporte,
United States Ambassador to Eonduras
"The Decisions and Deliberations == the O.A.S.' "
The Honorable J. William Middendorf, II,
U.S. Permanent Representative to the
Organization of American States
ROOM #474 - OEOB
December 14, - "Human Rights"
The Honorable Elliott Abrams,
Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau
of Human Rights & Humanitarian Affairs
ROOM #450 - OEOB
December 21, - "Central America: Its Economic and Strategic
Importance to the United States"
The Honorable Langhorne Motle-.
Assistant Secretary of State for
Inter-American Affairs
ROOM #450 - OEOB
December 28, - CANCELLED (Due to Christmas/New Tears' Holiday)
I am also enclosing copies of the six White House Disests which
have been published to date so that you may be certain to have
a complete set.
Let me take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas
and a New Year filled with blessings and joy.
Enclosures a/s
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 11, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: FAITH WHITTLESEY
THROUGH:
Jack Courtemanche
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
M
SUBJECT:
Regional Briefings on Central America
We received this afternoon the attached material from
Patrice Malone who works with Otto Reich.
They asked, if you approve, that you sign the attached and
return it promptly to Patrice at the State Department
Their proposal is one which we have worked out jointly.
I recommend you sign and return it to Patrice.
MCB:jet
1 Attachment a/s
United States Department of State
Office of the Secretary
November 14, 1983
NOTE TO: MORTON BLACKWELL
FROM :
PATRICE MALONE
SUBJ
:
REGIONAL BRIEFINGS
Ambassador Reich has prepared an action
plan to carry out the regional briefings
which we have discussed.
Please review this and let us have your
comments. If this plan is acceptable
to your office, would you please have
Ambassador Whittlesey sign the attached.
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
November 14, 1983
MEMORANDUM
TO:
PA
- Mr. John Hughes
FROM:
S/LPD
- Otto J. Reich
WH/OPL
- Faith Whittlesey
SUBJECT:
Major Media Market Briefings
We would like to ask your assistance in implementing
the attached proposal for a series of regional briefings on
Central America to begin in early December.
We have discussed this concept with Jim Baker and have
received his approval.
Attachment: Regional Briefings
on Central America
REGIONAL BRIEFINGS ON CENTRAL AMERICA
Concept:
Organize a series of regional briefings on Central America
in an effort to reach the greatest number of Americans to
inform the public on United States policy in Central America.
Organization:
The top 24 media markets have been selected as one
effective vehicle for communicating U.S. policy to the American
public. They are as follows:
New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Philadelphia
Detroit
San Francisco
Washington
Dallas/Fort Worth
Houston
Boston
St. Louis
Pittsburgh
Baltimore
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Atlanta
Cincinnati
Milwaukee
Denver
Cleveland
San Diego
Miami
Seattle-Everett
Tampa-St. Petersburg
Phoenix
By organizing these 24 media markets into regional
briefings of 2 to 3 cities depending on the proximity, we can
maximize the use of our resources.
- 2 -
The proposed tours are as follows:
Philadelphia/New York/Boston
Baltimore/Washington
Pittsburgh/Cleveland/Detroit
Dallas/Ft. Worth/Houston
San Diego/Phoenix/Los Angeles
Milwaukee/Chicago/Minneapolis-St. Paul
Atlanta/Miami/Tampa-St. Petersburg
Cincinnati/St. Louis
San Francisco/Denver/Seattle
Depending on the number of cities involved, each tour would
consist of 2 or 3 major forums hosted by prominent
organizations within the participating city, i.e., World
Affairs Council, International Chamber of Commerce, and/or the
League of Women Voters. Media add-ons would be scheduled
around the platforms, for example, interviews with editorial
boards, TV talks shows and/or other town meetings.
Briefing teams will be composed of senior as well as
mid-level USG officials representing all components of our
foreign policy in the region. A few examples are as follows:
Team Leader
Destination
Jeane Kirkpatrick
Philadelpha/New York/
or Vernon Walters
Boston
Bill Middendorf
Baltimore/Washington
Peter McPherson
Pittsburgh/Cleveland/Detroit
Eugene Douglas
Dallas-Ft.Worth/Houston
Caspar Weinberger
San Diego/Phoenix/Los Angeles
John Vessey
Milwaukee/Chicago/Minneapolis-
St. Paul
Otto Reich
Atlanta/Miami/Tampa-
St. Petersburg
Verne Orr
Cincinnati/St. Louis
Tony Motley
San Francisco/Denver/Seattle
The above team leaders were selected because of their
knowledge of the geographic area.
- 3 -
Our goal is to communicate our policy to the greatest
number of persons. With this in mind, we believe that the
White House would be able to generate more interest within the
communities to attend a "National Security Briefing on Central
America," therefore, the invitation should be issued from the
White House.
We have explored this idea with organizations in a few of
these key cities and their response has been extremely positive.
Our thought is to schedule these briefings throughout
December and into the month of January.
Drafted: S/LPD - Patrice Malone
Rm. 5917 632-6751
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 8, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: CASPAR A. WEINBERGER
FROM:
Faith Ryan Whittlesey
SUBJECT:
Department of Defense Display of
Captured Documents and Weapons
I want to commend you for the Department of Defense's planned
public display of captured documents and weapons scheduled
to take place at Andrews Air Force Base, November 11-22.
It occurs to me that this would be a perfect opportunity to
also let the public know of the other efforts which are being
made in Central America and other Caribbean Basin countries.
In that regard, I would like to suggest that as a part of the
public display a small booth or table be established where
already public U.S. Government information materials such
as those attached could be made available to the general
public. In that manner, we may begin to get some attention
not only to the recent rescue operation in Grenada, but to
the political and economic development efforts which this
Administration as made as well as to some of the problems
which yet remain unresolved.
FRW:mcb-j
Attachments
(See listing)
- 2 -
ATTACHMENT LISTING:
1. White House Digests:
a. June 1, 1983 - Nicaragua's Sandinistas: Having
It All Ways
b.
July 6, 1983 - Soviet/Cuban Threat and Buildup
In the Caribbean
C. July 13,1983 - Central America: Facts Not Widely
Known
d. Aug. 10,1983 - Human Rights in Cuba
e. Aug. 24,1983 - Nicaraguan Repression of Labor Unions
2. Joint Department of State/Department of Defense paper,
May 27, 1983, "Background Paper: Central America"
3. Remarks of the President to a Joint Session of the
Congress, April 27, 1983
4. Department of State Gist:
a.
June 1983
Central America: US Policy
b.
April 1983
El Salvador's Land Reform
C.
May 1982
US Interests in the Caribbean Basin
d.
Nov. 1982
El Salvador
e. July 1983
El Salvador: Certification Process
5. Department of State, Current Policy Issues:
a. #522 - Speech by President Reagan, "America's
Commitment to Peace"
b. #518
"The Cuban Revolution and Its Impact On
Human Rights"
C. #509
"Economic Growth and U.S. Policy in
Central America"
d. #503
"Elections in El Salvador"
e. #502
"Comprehensive Strategy for Central America"
f. #499
"Saving Freedom in Central America"
g. #478
"Struggle for Democracy in Central America"
h. #477
"Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act"
i.
#476
"Nicaragua: Threat to Peace in Central America"
j.
#467
"Bilateral Assistance for Latin America and
the Caribbean, FY 1984"
k.
#464
"Strategic Importance of El Salvador and
Central America"
1. #443
"Dealing with the Reality of Cuba"
m. #414
"Building the Peace in Central America"
n. #412
"U.S. Approach to Problems in the Caribbean
Basin"
O. SR #103 - "Cuban Armed Forces and the Soviet
Military Presence"
6.
Department of State, "Atlas of the Caribbean Basin",
September 1982
7. Agency for International Development paper, "U.S.
Economic Aid to Latin America," November, 1983
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 8, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: FAITH WHITTLESEY
THROUGH:
Jack Courtemanche
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
SUBJECT:
The Opportunity Presented by the DoD Display
of Captured Grenadan Documents and Weapons
We have collaborated with Constantine on the attached.
The memorandum from you to Secretary Weinberger has been
prepared with a separate attachment listing for the purpose
of allowing you or Secretary Weinberger to select from the
listing those items you believe should be excluded; thereby
facilitating your review.
Attachment #7 listed on your memorandum to Secretary Weinberger
is in the final stages of preparation at AID. I have been
assured by AID that it will be in our possession by close
of business today. Inasmuch as it is a single item, I did
not want to delay your review of this package and will forward
it to you immediately upon its receipt.
MCB:jet
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
November 8, 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR FAITH WHITTLESEY
FROM:
CONSTANTINE C. MENGES can
SUBJECT:
The Opportunity Presented by the DOD Display of
Captured Grenadan Documents and Weapons
After you had departed the Outreach meeting this afternoon, the
discussion turned to the public display of captured documents and
weapons which the Department of Defense is going to open at
Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, beginning Friday, November 11
and continuing through November 22. (For your information, at
Tab I I am attaching a copy of DOD's "Grenada Display Plan" which
was distributed at the meeting by Ray Warren of DOD.)
It occurred to many of us that this would be a perfect
opportunity to emphasize the other efforts which this
Administration has made in Central America and the Caribbean
Basin as a whole. To that end, it was suggested that the
Department of Defense use this opportunity to provide the public
with already published US Government information materials on the
Caribbean and Central America such as:
-- the May 27, 1983 DOD-State Department paper,
"Background on Central America", selected issues of the
"White House Digests";
-- selected issues of the State Department's "Gists"
be made a part of this planned public display;
--
a one or two-page summary of the President's Caribbean
Basin Initiative and its potential economic benefits.
Also it was suggested to Mary Catherine English of AID that AID
prepare a brief one-page summary of AID programs in the Caribbean
and Central America along with a summary showing how funding
levels have gone up since FY 1977. She believed this could be
quickly accomplished. This would also be made a part of the
materials which would be made available to the public.
If you agree that this might be a good idea, I suggest that you
telephone Secretary Weinberger and also send him a note attaching
the specific US Government information items you believe should
be made available. The Defense Department then would have to
arrange for copies to be reproduced and displayed at Andrews Air
Force Base along with the Grenada material.
Attachment:
Tab I
DOD's "Grenada Display Plan"
Tab II
Draft memorandum to SecDef
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 3, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: JOHN TILLER
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
SUBJECT:
Central American Briefings Update
Today I was visited by Patsy Faoro of Craig Fuller's
office regarding the plans for a Central American briefing
for Administration Hispanic appointees. She then spoke with
Dolf and the upshot is that the briefing has been cancelled
or at least deferred. What was surprising was that Fuller's
office knew nothing of our wish to brief political appointees
in the departments and agencies.
I think it would be timely for you to put together a
written report for distribution at our Monday Outreach Working
Group meeting. The report should describe the status of the
four categories of briefings listed in my attached memo to of
August 4th.
I recall that we agreed you would work first on the briefings
of appropriate White House staff. But the time for arranging
briefings on the other categories is now as well.
With Grenada having gone so well, we have a great story to
tell.
With respect to Fuller, Dolf has smoothed things over with
Faoro, so you should get details of his understandings for the
report on Monday.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 3, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: FAITH WHITTLESEY
THROUGH:
Jack Courtemanche
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
SUBJECT:
Outreach Working Group Meeting of Monday,
November 7
Next Monday afternoon, I am scheduled to be at a very
important meeting of the American Conservative Union Board
of Directors. This means I would not be able to attend the
regular Outreach Working Group meeting in Room #194.
If you are not able to preside at that meeting, with your
permission, I will ask Constantine Menges to do SO.
MCB:jet
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON CENTRAL AMERICA
DATE:
Wednesday, November 2, 1983
LOCATION:
Room #450 - OEOB
TIME:
2:30 p.m.
I. PURPOSE:
To brief certain individuals from the public sector
on matters relating to Central America and the Administration's
policies.
II. BACKGROUND:
This is the 25th in a series of meetings of the White
House Outreach Working Group on Central America chaired by
Faith Whittlesey.
III. PARTICIPANTS:
The Honorable James H. Michel, Deputy Assistant Secretary
of State for Inter-American Affairs
Miss Lynne Burtan of Saddle River, New Jersey,
Student, St. George's University Medical School, Grenada;
Mr. Dennis Sheridan of Glen Head, New York,
Student, St. George's University Medical School, Grenada;
Mr. Robert Shapiro of Butler, Pennsylvania,
Student, St. George's University Medical School, Grenada.
Dr. Roger Fontaine, Director for Latin American Affairs,
National Security Council
IV. PRESS PLAN:
None.
V.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS:
2:28 p.m. - Faith Whittlesey arrives at holding room
of Room #450.
2:30 p.m. - Faith Whittlesey escorts speakers to the
stage and opens prograam.
VI. ATTACHMENTS:
1. Talking points
2. Introduction for Speaker (Only for James Michel)
3. Agenda (previously forwarded)
TALKING POINTS
On behalf of President and Mrs. Reagan, I want to
again welcome you to the White House Complex and the
twenty-fifth in our series of briefings on Central
America.
-
For those of you who have been regular attendees at
our briefings, I think it is safe to say that the
revelations of the Soviet/Cuban arsenal found in Grenada
came as no surprise to us. We have been watching the
largest airfield in the Caribbean Basin being built
for the avowed purpose of enhancing tourism when no
hotels or other normal activities associated with
tourism were being constructed. We were not really
surprised by the Soviet arsenal on Grenada.
I can assure all of you that in my State of Pennsylvania,
and I'm sure where you come from too, that our tractors
and other construction equipment are NOT equipped with
anti-aircraft missiles.
And I think we in the United States thought the days of
using hospitals as ammunition dumps went out with Hitler.
But those of you who have attended our weekly briefings
know that religious persecution and violations of basic
human rights are, unfortunately, alive and frighteningly
well in the Marxist-Leninist bag of dirty tricks.
- 2 -
-
It does occur to me, however, that a benefit of the
liberation of Grenada which may have been overlooked
is that now the American public will know where Grenada
is! Many of you in this audience will remember that as
late as May of this year, less than 10% of the American
public knew where El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and
Nicaragua were located and although some might have been
able to hum the first few bars of "Grenada" few could
have told you where the island Grenada was located.
-
But I fear that the American public's awareness is still
sadly lacking regarding the importance of Central America
to our welfare -- not only to our security, but in
economic terms. During peacetime, 44% of all foreign
trade tonnage and 45% of all import tanker tonnage moves
through the Caribbean Sea Lanes.
-
The Caribbean states provide 75% of our nation's aluminum
requirements.
-
Within the Caribbean itself, refineries process approx-
imately five million barrels of crude oil a day and
three-fourths of all our imported oil passes through
the Caribbean Sea Lanes.
-
In terms of local trade alone, U.S. commerce with the
Caribbean Basin countries is about 12% of our total world
- 3 -
trade and amounted to almost $68 billion worth of
exports and imports in 1982 alone.
-
Lately, critics of the President's actions have compared
the recent liberation of Grenada to the Soviet invasion
of Afghanistan. In my view, there is something seriously
wrong with anyone who cannot see the difference between
100,000 Soviets trying to force a dictatorship down the
throats of the Afghan people and the United States, at
the request of six threatened Caribbean democracies,
joining to liberate the people of Grenada.
-
If the situations are as analagous as our detractors
would have us believe, then why is it that the Soviets
are being attacked by the people of Afghanistan, while
the U.S. and Caribbean forces have been greeted as
liberators in Grenada? The answer is quite simple.
No people in history have ever chosen to become slaves.
People everywhere want to be free. And freedom is the
bottom line difference between Afghanistan and Grenada.
-
Although recent days in Grenada have emphasized the
military, let me assure you that the Administration is
still firmly committed to its policies of economic aid
for Central America. We are committed to assist in
the development of viable economies and democracies in
- 4 -
with
Central America. Development. Democracy. Defense.
Dialogue. These continue as the four cornerstones
of the Reagan Administration's Central American policy.
-
Before I introduce our first speaker, let me show you
the November issue of the Reserve Officer Association's
magazine, The Officer. This is the type of activity
which we are delighted to see as the result of our
Outreach efforts and I want to thank General Roberts for
sharing this with us.
-
(Introduce speaker: Jim Michel - pronounce MICHAEL).
INTRODUCTION
JAMES H. MICHEL
-
James Michel (MICHAEL) serves as the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of State for Inter-american Affairs. In
that capacity, he serves as the principal Deputy to
our friend, Ambassador Tony Motley, who is responsible
for carrying out the foreign policy of the United
States in its relations with the nations of the Western
Hemisphere.
-
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Michel had
served, since 1965, in the Department of State's
Office of the Legal Advisor.
-
In 1974 he was named Assistant Legal Adviser for
Politico-Military affairs and was named a Deputy Legal
Advisor. From November 1977 to August 1981
Mr. Michel was the principal Deputy to the Legal Advisor
and shared responsibility for the management of the
Office of the Legal Adviser.
From 1958 until 1965, Mr. Michel was employed by the
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, as an expert in
fingerprint and other forms of criminal identification.
- 2 -
-
Mr. Michel has twice been the recipient of the State
Department's Superior Honor award. He was awarded the
rank of Meritorious Executive by President Carter in
1980. In 1981, he received the Secretary of State's
Distinguished Honor Award. And in 1982, President
Reagan awarded him the rank of Distinguished Executive
in the Senior Executive Service.
-
Mr. Michel was born in St. Louis, Missouri and attended
the public schools there. He attended St. Louis
University and was graduated from the St. Louis University
Law School with the degree of Juris Doctor, cum laude.
He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar, the
Missouri Bar, the Federal Bar Association, and the
American Society of International Law.
-
It gives me great pleasure to present, James H.
Michel, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for
Inter-American Affairs.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 27, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: FAITH WHITTLESEY
THROUGH:
Jack Courtemanche
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
MB
SUBJECT:
Memo to the Outreach Group
Attached is a proposed memorandum for your signature
advising the members and guests of the speakers and rooms
for November.
If it meets with your approval, please sign it using
a BLACK pen. We will have it printed on White House letter-
head and will send it to our listing.
MCB:jet
1 Attachment a/s
October 28, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: THE MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF THE WHITE HOUSE
OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON CENTRAL AMERICA
FROM:
Faith Ryan Whittlesey,
Assistant to the President
for Public Liaison
SUBJECT:
Meetings for November
Following is a listing of our principal speakers and
room locations for the Central American Outreach Meetings
for the month of November. As usual, all meetings will
begin at 2:30 p.m. :
November 2 - "Grenada"
The Honorable James Michel,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
for Inter-American Affairs
Room #450 - Old Executive Office Building
November 9 - "El Salvador as Seen by Its Youth"
Fernando Aceto
Ana Vicky Morales
Ana Berrios
Eduardo Torres
Bertha Van Ripper
Marisa Fortin
(NOTE: Only two of the above students
will be speaking after having returned
from a speaking tour of the United States)
Room #450 - Old Executive Office Building
November 16 - "The Situation in the Caribbean"
General John Vessey,
Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Room #450 - Old Executive Office Building
November 23 - CANCELLED (Due to Thanksgiving Holiday)
November 30 - "KGB Disinformation in the Media and Other
Soviet Active Measures"
Mr. Arnaud De Borchegrave, noted author/lecturer
Room #2008 - New Executive Office Building
If you have any questions, please contact: Mrs. Joyce
Thomann, Office of Public Liaison (202) 456-2657.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 18, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO:
CATHI VILLAPANDO
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
M
SUBJECT:
Invitations to C.B.I. Signing Ceremony
Attached is the list of people that I suggest be invited
to the Caribbean Basin Initiative signing ceremony. If it is
necessary to prioritize the list I can do so.
attachments: two page list
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name
Withdrawer
BLACKWELL, MORTON: FILES
KDB 8/5/2009
File Folder
FOIA
WHITE HOUSE OUTREACH WORKING GROUP ON
F08-0004/01
CENTRAL AMERICA
(7)
KRAUSE
Box Number
9076
2
DOC Document Type
No of Doc Date Restric-
NO Document Description
pages
tions
1 LIST
2
ND
B6
RE SUGGESTED INVITEES
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.