Request Suriname HIRAN Operations Base (1959)

American Consulate

Paramaribo, Surinam September 24, 1959

Excellency:
I have the honor to inquire whether permission might be granted for the use of Zanderij Airport by the United States Air Force as a base of operations for the proposed HIRAN survey of the South American coastal area from Trinidad to the mouth of the Amazon River.

The United States Air Force is considering the possible use of a number of alternative sites. The Consulate has been requested to ascertain informally whether the use of Zanderij would be authorized and whether the required facilities could be made available.

It is understood that use of the operations base selected would be required for approximately 12 – 15 months, beginning about March, 1960. The operating team would consist of approximately 12 officiers and 117 enlisted men. Four military aircraft of the B-50 type would use the base.

Billeting and messing facilities for about 129 personnel would be required at, or as near as possible to Zanderij. The use of local food supplies in so far as possible would be preferred. Other necessary would include parking space for the four aircraft, supplies in monthly quantities of about 100,000 gallons of aviation gasoline, 800 gallons of oil, 6000 cubic feet of oxygen, and operations space totalling about 3900 square feet.

If authority for use of the airport is granted in principle, the Consulate would discuss with the appropriate officials of the Surinam Government the details concerning the required facilities. In view of the early starting date for the operation in March 1960, it is necessary for the Air Force to determine as soon as possible the location of its base of operation.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Respectfully yours,
w.s. E.R. Williams. Elbert R. Williams American Consul.
His Excellency,
Jan van Tilburg,
Governor of Surinam.

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Date:
September 24, 1959
Categories:
HIRAN, Mapping
Tags:
Zanderij
Boxes:
Years:
1959
Persons:
META DATA
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