Haiti


390. Memorandum From the White House Situation Room to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Summary: The White House Situation Room reported that Ambassador Clinton Knox had been kidnapped by gunmen demanding the release of political prisoners held by the Haitian Government.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 785, Latin America, Haiti, Vol. 1. Secret. A January 24 memorandum from Kissinger to President Nixon, marked “OBE” (overtaken by events), noted that U.S. officials were very reluctant to use an American aircraft to take the kidnappers and the released prisoners to Mexico and that other means were being sought to transport the prisoners. (Ibid.) In circular telegram 14532, January 24, the Department informed diplomatic and consular posts in the Western Hemisphere of Ambassador Knox’s release, noting that the United States had refused to play a direct role in providing ransom or transportation to the terrorists who had held him hostage. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 23–9 HAI)


391. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Eliot) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

Summary: The Department reviewed the circumstances surrounding Ambassador Knox’s release after being held hostage in Haiti, emphasizing that U.S. officials had sought to bring about an outcome that would discourage similar incidents in the future.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 23–9 HAI. No classification marking. Drafted by Macomber. In telegram 14530 to Mexico, January 24, the Department instructed the Embassy to express the United States Government’s appreciation for Mexican assistance in securing Knox’s release and its hope that the Mexican Government would ensure the kidnappers were brought to justice. (Ibid.) In telegram 19510 to Mexico, February 1, the Department reported that the Mexican Government would allow the Haitian terrorists to proceed to a third country, probably Chile, despite the United States Government’s expressed desire to see the hostage-takers prosecuted. (Ibid.)


392. Telegram 235 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: After receiving reports that an invasion by Haitians exiles was imminent, the Haitian Government requested that the United States share intelligence and reinforce its air and sea patrols in the region in order to meet the alleged threat.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 23–9 HAI. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Santo Domingo. In Document 328 the Embassy in Santo Domingo informed the Department of reports that a guerrilla band had landed in the Dominican Republic. In telegram 234 from Port-au-Prince, February 11, Knox noted that the Haitian Government was greatly disturbed by the guerrilla landing in the Dominican Republic, adding that in view of “recent incidents here concerning my personal security I can quite appreciate feelings of GOH.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 23–9 HAI) In telegram 26257 to Port-au-Prince, February 12, the Department indicated it had seen no evidence of suspicious activities around the country’s north coast or among Haitian exiles in the United States. (Ibid.) In a March 1 aide mémoire to the Department, the Haitian Embassy in Washington reiterated the Haitian Government’s request for U.S. assistance in monitoring any unusual activities around Hispaniola or among Haitians in the United States. (Ibid.)


393. Memorandum From the Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs (Burke) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Hurwitch)

Summary: Burke briefed Hurwitch in advance of a meeting with Haitian Foreign Minister Adrien Raymond, informing him of Haiti’s interest in receiving additional U.S. economic aid and in becoming eligible for increased military assistance.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D393, POL 7 Visits and Meetings. Confidential. In a February 28 letter to Burke, Knox expressed satisfaction that consideration was being given to including Haiti in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and recommended that military training be provided through the Military Assistance Program (MAP). (Ibid., POL 1–3 CASP) In telegram 93698 to Port-au-Prince, May 16, the Department informed the Embassy of its approval for Haiti’s first purchase of military equipment under the FMS program. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) No record of the April 10 meeting between Hurwitch and Raymond has been found.


394. Memorandum From the Chief of the Western Hemisphere Division, Directorate of Operations, Central Intelligence Agency (Phillips), to the Associate Deputy Director of Operations, Central Intelligence Agency

Summary: Phillips commented on rumors of possible governmental changes in Haiti, concluding that the Duvaliers remained firmly in control and that the prospects for influencing changes for the better in the country were not good.

Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DCI Files, Job 80M01066A, Box 11, Folder 30. Secret. The July 27 Weekly Review article Phillips referenced has not been found.


395. Letter From the Political Officer of the Embassy in Haiti (De Santillana) to the Chief of Haitian Affairs, Office of Caribbean Affairs (Wauchope)

Summary: De Santillana reported on speculation regarding a military coup in Haiti and concluded that an attempt by the Armed Forces to overthrow the government of President Duvalier was unlikely.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D393, POL Political Affairs—General. Confidential; Official-Informal. In telegram 1375 from Port-au-Prince, August 10, the Embassy reported on the cabinet changes referred to in the postscript of this letter, noting that Duvalier’s August 9 reshuffle would help to deflate some of the pressure for change that had been mounting. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])


396. Weekly Summary Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency

Summary: The Central Intelligence Agency reported that political unrest was on the increase in Haiti, adding that the Haitian Government might soon make a show of force to regain the upper hand.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D393, POL Political Affairs, General. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors or that remains classified. In a September 21 letter to Simms, De Santillana characterized the CIA’s report as largely unsubstantiated and “too alarmist in tone.” (Ibid.)


397. Airgram A–137 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy provided an overview of the political situation in Haiti, noting that President Duvalier had begun to assert himself more strongly after a period in which his administration had faced significant challenges.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 2 HAI. Confidential. Drafted by De Santillana, cleared by Mattox and Key, and approved by Corcoran. Page numbers reference original pagination. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors.


398. Telegram 2001 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Noting the Haitian Government had become markedly less repressive since the 1960s, the Embassy recommended the establishment of a modest military training program for members of the Haitian Armed Forces.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Secret. In telegram 214666 to Port-au-Prince, October 31, the Department indicated that certain individual training courses could be made available to members of the Haitian Armed Forces on a cash sales basis during the current fiscal year. (Ibid., [no film number]) Airgram A–137 from Port-au-Prince is Document 397. Airgram A–125 and the FY 74–75 CASP for Haiti were not found.


399. Memorandum From the Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs (Burke) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Shlaudeman)

Summary: Burke informed Shlaudeman that Haitians were increasingly traveling to the United States in small boats in search of better economic opportunities and filing claims for political asylum upon arrival.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D474, POL 30 Refugee and Migration, 1974. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Simms. On April 18, 1973, officials at the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service met and agreed that “it was necessary to stop the influx of Haitians into the U.S. by acting quickly” in ruling on their asylum claims. (Memorandum of conversation, April 18, 1973; ibid., POL 30 HAI)


400. Telegram 535 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Ambassador Heyward Isham reported on a meeting in which he and newly designated Haitian Foreign Minister Edner Brutus reviewed the problem of Haiti’s image in the United States, the economic priorities of President Duvalier, and the interest of the Haitian Armed Forces in obtaining additional equipment and training.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740066–0756. Confidential; Limdis; Stadis. In telegram 551 from Port-au-Prince, March 29, the Embassy provided biographical information on Brutus. (Ibid., D740070–0744)


401. Telegram 718 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Ambassador Isham reviewed Senator Edward Brooke’s April 15–18 visit to Haiti and concluded that the trip had helped to convince the ranking Republican member of the Senate Appropriations Committee that the country deserved U.S. assistance.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740093–0235. Confidential; Limdis. In telegram 720 from Port-au-Prince, April 22, the Embassy reported that Brooke had emphasized to Haitian officials the importance of improving the country’s image abroad in order to win U.S. support. (Ibid., D740094–0120) In telegram 722 from Port-au-Prince, April 22, the Embassy detailed Brooke’s activities during his stay in Haiti. (Ibid., D740094–0151) Telegram 726 from Port-au-Prince, April 22, provided a more detailed account of Brooke’s meeting with Duvalier. (Ibid., D740094–0440)


402. Telegram 1419 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Ambassador Isham briefed Foreign Minister Brutus on the Inouye subcommittee hearings on Haiti in the U.S. Senate, in which witnesses had attacked the Haitian Government’s record on human rights.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740202–0415. Confidential; Immediate. In telegram 160347 to Port-au-Prince, July 24, the Department requested the Embassy’s assistance in obtaining information on the status of individuals who had been described as political prisoners by witnesses at the congressional hearings. (Ibid., D740200–0532) A July 26 letter from Burke to Isham briefly reviewed the Inouye subcommittee’s hearings on Haiti and concluded that it was “unfortunate that the GOH did not have the benefit of some sympathetic witnesses” who might have “presented a more balanced and accurate view of conditions.” (Ibid., Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D474, Official-Informal, Outgoing, 1974)


403. Letter From the Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs (Burke) to the Ambassador to Haiti (Isham)

Summary: Burke described an August 12 meeting in which he and Haitian Ambassador Gerald Bouchette discussed Haiti’s interest in purchasing arms, U.S. views of Haiti, and the possibility of an invasion by opponents of the Duvalier regime.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D474, Official-Informal, Outgoing, 1974. Secret; Official-Informal. In an August 9 letter to Isham, Burke reported that he had met with the Haitian Military Attaché on August 8 and conveyed the message that it might be best to defer Haiti’s request for additional arms purchases for 2 to 3 months and that “Haiti should acquire arms in sensible quantities through legitimate channels.” (Ibid.) Isham’s letter on the political ambience in Port-au-Prince was not found.


404. Airgram A–127 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Noting that the United States Government faced the problem of handling the cases of Haitian migrants who claimed political asylum, the Embassy recommended “normal enforcement of the exclusion provisions of our immigration law” and suggested that the Haitian Government be reminded that any persecution of repatriated illegal aliens would have a negative impact on the country’s image.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, ARA/CAR, Lot 75D474, POL 30 Refugee and Migration, 1974. Confidential. Drafted by Vincent; cleared by Montgomery, Carbone, Key, Wilson, and Thomson; and approved by Isham. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. In an August 16 letter to Kellogg that referred to mounting Church opposition to the U.S. position on Haitian refugees, Isham reported that he “had just mentioned how serious the Haitian refugee problem was becoming for us” to Brutus, who was “showing considerable sensitivity to domestic difficulties we face that affect congressional opinion.” (Ibid.)


405. Telegram 1840 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Isham requested assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating subversive actions against the Haitian Government carried out by U.S.-based opponents of President Duvalier.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740263–0349. Confidential; Immediate. In telegrams 1727 and 1816 from Port-au-Prince, September 5 and 17, the Embassy reported more fully on the September 4 explosion that killed Ralph Harrington. (Ibid., D740245–1036 and D740260–1039) In telegram 206412 to Port-au-Prince, September 19, the Department reported that the FBI had identified a Florida-based anti-Duvalier figure, Bernard Sansaricq, as the likely ringleader of the group responsible for the Harrington incident. (Ibid., D740263–0290) In telegram 224694, October 11, the Department informed Port-au-Prince that FBI personnel would travel to Haiti to assist in the investigation of the blast. (Ibid., D740290–0006) In telegram 249427, November 12, the Department reported that the FBI was considering establishing a regular communication channel with Haitian authorities. (Ibid., D740326–0244) In telegram 2283 from Port-au-Prince, November 22, the Embassy concurred with the establishment of such a channel. (Ibid., D740339–0677) Telegram 1818 from Port-au-Prince has not been found.


406. Telegram 201 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Noting that the Haitian Government had pardoned 26 political prisoners, the Embassy concluded that Ambassador Isham’s quiet representations to Haitian officials on the subject of human rights were having a positive effect.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750031–0603. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Kingston and Santo Domingo. All brackets are in the original except “[certain]”, added for clarity. In telegram 160347 to Port-au-Prince, July 24, 1974, the Department transmitted Senator Inouye’s request for information on the whereabouts and legal status of Jean Bernardel, one of the prisoners whose pardon by Duvalier was reported in this telegram. (Ibid., D740200–0532) In telegram 1415 from Port-au-Prince, July 25, 1974, the Embassy replied that Bernadel had been arrested in August 1972 in connection with an alleged plot against the Haitian Government and was presumed to be in prison. (Ibid., D740201–1219) In telegram 225 from Port-au-Prince, January 29, the Embassy reported that the background of the other 25 released prisoners remained unclear and that some of them might have been common criminals. (Ibid., D750033–0849)


407. Country Analysis and Strategy Paper for Fiscal Year 1976–1977

Summary: Observing that U.S.-Haitian relations had become more benign and normal since Jean-Claude Duvalier had succeeded his father as President in 1971, Ambassador Isham recommended that the bilateral relationship be carefully nurtured.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750043–2158. Confidential. Sent as an enclosure to airgram A–32 from Port-au-Prince, March 4, 1975. The Department transmitted the approved CASP as an enclosure to airgram A–4431 to Port-au-Prince, June 27. (Ibid., P750106–1062)


408. Airgram A–38 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: In an annual human rights report on Haiti, the Embassy noted the progress made under President Duvalier and concluded that U.S. policies encouraging further liberalization were most effective when they were implemented in a non-confrontational manner.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750052–1386. Confidential. Drafted by Vincent, cleared by Thomson and S. L. Behoteguy of AID, and approved by Isham. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. In airgram A–26 from Port-au-Prince, March 15, 1976, the Embassy presented its next assessment of the human rights situation. (Ibid., P760041–0149) Telegram 479 from Port-au-Prince is dated February 28. (Ibid., D750072–0139) Telegram 12320 to all diplomatic posts is repeated to Nicosia February 20. (Ibid., D750020–0520) Telegram 14917 to all diplomatic posts is dated January 25. (Ibid., D750025–0090) Telegram 34811 to all diplomatic posts is dated February 14. (Ibid., D750056–0995) Telegram 35185 to all American Republic diplomatic posts is dated February 15. (Ibid., D750056–1018) Telegram 43532 to all diplomatic posts is dated February 26. (Ibid., D750069–0367) Airgram A–1045 is dated February 14. (Ibid., P750034–1600)


409. Airgram A–46 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reaffirmed its recommendation that members of the Haitian armed forces be invited to take part in a limited program of training at U.S. expense.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750057–0976. Confidential. Repeated to USCINCSO. In telegrams 15489 and 33070, January 22 and February 13, the Department provided posts guidance on security assistance objectives and on available security assistance levels. (Both ibid., D750024–0986 and D750054–0073) With airgram A–32 from Port-au-Prince, March 4, the Embassy transmitted its proposed CASP, which recommended that the United States seek to reestablish influence with the Haitian Armed Forces by offering a modest program of training to members of the Haitian military, with an emphasis on navigational and sea/air rescue capabilities. (Ibid., P750043–2158) Reestablishing U.S. influence with the Haitian Armed Forces was not listed as a major issue in the final version of the CASP, but that document did retain the draft report’s recommendation for funding of MAP training; the Department transmitted the final text of the CASP with airgram A–4431, June 27. (Ibid., P750106–1062)


410. Telegram 1260 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reviewed President Duvalier’s record after 4 years in office and concluded that his leadership was serving U.S. interests.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750186–0773. Confidential. Repeated to Kingston and Santo Domingo. In airgram A–78 from Port-au-Prince, May 26, the Embassy transmitted a more extensive version of this report to the Department. (Ibid., P750088–2169) In telegram 997 from Port-au-Prince, April 29, the Embassy reported on a conversation in which Isham reminded Duvalier that congressional concern about human rights made it important for Haiti to continue on the path of international openness and good governance. (Ibid., D750150–1070)


411. Telegram 1838 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reported that the Haitian Government was showing signs of being more favorably disposed towards the United States after the U.S. Government provided emergency relief to a drought-stricken region of the country.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750254–0602. Confidential. Repeated to Ottawa. In telegram 1235 from Port-au-Prince, May 23, the Embassy reported on aid provided by the United States to regions affected by drought. (Ibid., D750182–0451)


412. Telegram 2605 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy characterized the prosecution of former Haitian Government officials for fraud as a sign of the Duvalier regime’s liberalizing tendencies.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750358–0429. Confidential. Repeated to Kingston, Ottawa, Paris, Santo Domingo, and USPS. In airgram A–156 from Port-au-Prince, October 20, the Embassy transmitted more details of the fraud trial. (Ibid., P750165–1983) In telegram 2401 from Port-au-Prince, September 19, the Embassy reported that Fourcand had been acquitted of the charges against him but that several others charged in the case had been convicted. (Ibid., D750326–0104)


413. Telegram 2857 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reported that Haiti’s record on human rights had improved since Jean-Claude Duvalier became President in 1971 and observed that Haitian applicants for political asylum who were returned to the country did not face reprisals.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750396–0066. Confidential; Priority. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. In telegram 264683 to Port-au-Prince, November 7, the Department requested an update on the Embassy’s previous reporting in anticipation of a November 18 congressional hearing on the human rights situation in Haiti and on the influx of Haitian refugees coming to the United States. (Ibid., D750388–0642) No record of the November 12 telephone conversation between Heavner and Vincent has been found.


414. Telegram 351 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State and the Department of Defense

Summary: Brutus informed Isham of a report that Cuba was planning an attack on Haiti and urgently requested U.S. assistance.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760044–0712. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated Niact Immediate to Santo Domingo and the Naval Station at Guantánamo Bay. In telegram 30052 to Port-au-Prince, February 7, the Department reported that it had no information to indicate that Cuba was planning an attack on Haiti, adding that it considered such an attack unlikely and suggesting that the Embassy should couch its reply to any future Haitian Government inquiries on the subject “in terms of U.S. honoring its commitments under the Rio Treaty.” (Ibid., D760046–0870) In telegram 81894 to Port-au-Prince, April 6, the Department acknowledged continuing high-level Haitian concern about Cuba and expressed a desire “to put matter in perspective for GOH leaders,” noting that it might be possible “to increase somewhat visits by senior U.S. military officials and U.S. ships to Haiti” as a way to reassure Haitian leaders. (Ibid., D760128–0707)


415. Telegram 36580 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Haiti

Summary: The Office of Caribbean Affairs forwarded information on an alleged plot by Haitian exiles to assassinate President Duvalier.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760056–0376. Secret; Niact Immediate; Limdis. Drafted by Strasser and approved by Heavner. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. In telegram 36581 to Port-au-Prince, February 14, the Department requested the Embassy’s recommendation on whether or not to warn Duvalier about the alleged plot, noting that doing so might trigger a crackdown that would “sharply set back if not reverse recent moves toward liberalization” while failing to do so could result in “chaos” in the event of his assassination. (Ibid., D760056–0379)


416. Telegram 433 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Isham recommended that he be authorized to warn Duvalier of the danger posed by the reported assassination plot.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760063–0022. Secret; Niact Immediate; Exdis. In telegram 37485 to Port-au-Prince, February 14, the Department authorized Isham to proceed to warn Duvalier but provide no names or details “which could compromise possibly innocent individuals.” (Ibid., D760057–0647) In telegram 434 from Port-au-Prince, February 14, Isham reported that he had “conveyed substance of report in general terms” to a grateful Duvalier. (Ibid., D760057–0847) In telegram 517 from Port-au-Prince, February 24, the Embassy requested additional information on the figures allegedly involved in the coup plotting. (Ibid., D760070–0063) In telegram 47701 to Port-au-Prince, February 27, the Department transmitted a report with additional information on the efforts of coup plotters to obtain weapons to put their plan into effect. (Ibid., D760073–1179) Telegram 36580 to Port-au-Prince is Document 415.


417. Telegram 439 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: The Embassy reported that U.S.-Haitian relations were on course and reviewed key issues in the bilateral relationship, including human rights, immigration, economic development, and investment disputes.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760059–0283. Confidential. Repeated to Santo Domingo and Kingston. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors.


418. Country Analysis and Strategy Paper for Fiscal Year 1977–1978

Summary: Isham summarized U.S. interests in Haiti and recommended a policy that would contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P760039–1511. Confidential. Sent as an enclosure to airgram A–27 from Port-au-Prince, March 16. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors.


419. Telegram 1019 From the Embassy in Haiti to the Department of State

Summary: Isham concurred in the Department’s recommendation that Duvalier be warned about a possible coup attempt, adding that the Haitian President should be advised that such plots were likely to recur if the Haitian Government did not demonstrate a serious will to address the country’s pressing needs.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760154–0131. Secret; Niact Immediate; Stadis; Exdis. In telegram 902 from Port-au-Prince, April 6, the Embassy commented on March 31 cabinet changes. (Ibid., D760131–0243) In telegram 1200 from Port-au-Prince, May 7, the Embassy reported that the personnel changes appeared to reflect Duvalier’s “acquiescence in the elimination of strong-willed advisors opposed to corruption” and had “not stilled doubts about who is the real captain at the helm.” (Ibid., D760178–0082) Telegram 47701 to Port-au-Prince is dated February 27. (Ibid., D760073–1179) Telegram 95859 to Port-au-Prince is dated April 20. (Ibid., D760152–0623) Telegram 95858 to Santo Domingo is published as Document 421.