NSDD 105 Eastern Caribbean Regional Security Policy

TOP SECRET SYSTEM II 91092 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON TOP SECRET October 4, 1983 MO8-726738344 National Security Decision Directive 105 by RW 7/10/13 EASTERN CARIBBEAN REGIONAL SECURITY POLICY 1st The principal objective of the United States in the Eastern Caribbean is to promote econmically viable, independent democratic governments friendly to the United States and free of Cuban and Soviet influence. U.S. policy for this subregion should also help generate support for U.S. objectives and efforts in Central America. Increased economic assistance and the recently enacted Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) are expected to have a positive impact on the economic independence of these island states. The security situation, however, is a continuing concern; the small island states of the Eastern Caribbean are vulnerable to both internal and external threats. None of the nations, with the possible exception of Barbados, has security assets and organiza- hostile to democratically oriented, pro-U.S. governments. 1st tions that are adequate to meet the challenges posed by forces Grenada, with increasingly closer ties to Cuba, serves as a location from which anti-democratic elements of each of the other islands receive encouragement, training, and financial support. In the face of Grenada's growing military potential and the possible, use of the island as a base for subversion, and Cuban/Soviet strategic outreach, the Eastern Caribbean states entered into a regional security arrangement in late 1982. 1ST U.S. Interests A significant portion of our imported oil and U.S. commercial shipping transits through the sea lanes of the Eastern Caribbean. U.S. military logistic support and reinforcements essential for use in a Persian Gulf contingency must also pass through the region. Should the small states of the area fall under the control of radical groups with anti-U.S. orientation, the U.S. would face significant threat to our economic and security interests. 1st To meet our own security needs and those of the democratically oriented Eastern Caribbean states, the U.S. should increase assistance to the area's security forces and bolster elements dedicated to the enhancement and/or preservation of democratic institutions. The conclusions of the interagency policy review of TOP SECRET TOP SECRET COPY / OF 5 COPIES Declassify on: OADR CHRON FILE