NSDD 291 United States Policy toward Mexico

SECRET SECRET SYSTEM II 91291 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 16, 1987 NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION DIRECTIVE NUMBER 291 U.S. POLICY TOWARD MEXICO (U) A politically stable, economically healthy and cooperative Mexico is of crucial importance to U.S. national security. Therefore, it is U.S. policy to foster the political stability and economic well-being of Mexico; to strengthen our cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern with a view to overcoming our bilateral and multilateral differences; and to achieve better understanding and acceptance of U.S. foreign policy, especially with respect to Central America and a reduction of narcotics production, transshipment, and distribution. The complexity and vital importance of our relationship with Mexico, particularly the harm to U.S. interests which would be an inevitable consequence of Mexican instability, require that greater attention be given to U.S. policies, programs and actions regarding Mexico. To support this U.S. policy, the President has made the following decisions based on the interagency study dated April 14, 1987, prepared in response to National Security Study Directive 5-87: (S) 1. The Interagency Group on Mexico, chaired by the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, shall meet regularly to assure the fullest coordination of coherent and consistent policies, programs and actions regarding Mexico. The executive secretary of the IG, designated by the chairman, will be the principal point of contact for all departments and agencies in assuring appropriate interagency coordination. Reports required by this NSDD shall be submitted to the Executive Secretary of the IG with a copy sent to the NSC. The functions of the Interagency Group shall include but not be limited to the following: (S) coordination of public statements, meetings with Mexican officials, and other actions by senior U.S. officials so as to maintain a high-level dialogue in a climate which fosters cooperation, progress and mutual understanding; (S) avoidance, to the extent possible, of the U.S. becoming a major issue in the 1988 Mexican elections or of otherwise strengthening elements in Mexico which are hostile to U.S. interests; (s) SECRET A Declassify on: OADR Authority 4/20/05 WHATHEN DECLASSIFIED Letty to my SECRET (u NARA DATE 6/10/11