CIA Targeted Suriname, ABC Reports

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Article appeared on page 4-7 – Washington Post – 1 June 1983

United Press International – President Reagan authorized covert CIA actions aimed at overthrowing the government of Suriname last year but backed off because of strong congressional opposition, ABC News reported last night.

ABC said the rationale of Reagan and the CIA was that Desi Bouterse, military leader of the South American state, was moving toward close alliance with Cuba.

White House spokesman Anson Franklin said last night, “It is the administration’s policy not to comment on any reports of covert activities.”

Rep. Edward P. Boland (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said, “I don’t discuss any matters of that committee.”

ABC reported that CIA Director William J. Casey, as required by law, informed Boland’s panel and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence of the plan to create a paramilitary force of exiles from Suriname.

In the face of overwhelming bipartisan opposition, the administration reportedly reconsidered. Several weeks after Casey’s appearance on Capitol Hill, he told the committees that the plan was being withdrawn, ABC said.

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