Government of Suriname MILITARY ACTIONS – SITREP Dec. 8

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CONFIDENTIAL SECTION 01 OF 02 PARAMARIBO 08848
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CORRECTED COPY ADD EO, TAGS, & SUBJ
E.O. 12356: DECL 12/08/92
TAGS: PINT, NS

SUBJ: GOS MILITARY ACTIONS: SITREP DEC. 8

  1. (CONFIDENTIAL-ENTIRE TEXT).
  2. This telegram constitutes first report of GOS military actions which commenced in Paramaribo shortly after midnight, in early morning hours of Wednesday, December 8. Chronology of events as follows:

— 0100 Automatic weapons fire first heard in city. Recurred sporadically throughout hours of darkness.
— 0200 One, perhaps two, large explosions or detonations.
— 0400 Two large explosions or detonations.

— 0600 Army commander Bouterse spoke briefly on government-controlled radio (no other stations broadcasting, contrary to normal practice). Bouterse explained military leadership had taken actions to protect the revolution and was intact and in control of the situation. He asked people to stay at home, and not send children to school. This brief announcement was followed by martial music.

  1. Results of night’s activities as follows:

— A. Army and/or its agents attacked and largely destroyed, by combination of explosives and burning, premises of Radio ABC, Radio Radika, newspaper Vrije Stem, and trade union Moederbond. These two radio stations and newspaper have been noteworthy as courageously independent, willing to criticize military and disseminate news and information detrimental to army interests.

— B. Army has reportedly taken into custody trade union leaders Derby and Daal, and lawyers Hoost, Goncalves, and Riedewald. Hoost was defense for Rambocus in his court martial for attempted coup of March 1982. Goncalves and Riedewald head Bar Association and have been prominent among leaders of functional groups pressing government to return to democratic practices. Father/son owners of Radio ABC (Kamperveens) were taken into custody but we understand father has been released. Father’s house was badly shot up during process. Two of Radikishun family, owners of Radio Radika, also taken into custody. Finally, two military implicated in Rambocus coup attempt have also been taken into custody.

— C. As of 1600 December 8, city is quiet, traffic moving without impediment, but most people are staying home. Most shops are closed, harbor is closed, ferry resumed service after mid-day.

— D. American staff reported to office at opening of business, and all are safe and accounted for. Some local staff elected to stay at home. There does not appear to be any threat against American community as such.

— E. Army has posted four guards at embassy chancery. They say their orders are to protect embassy and monitor Surinamers who may seek access. So far, they have not prevented anyone from entering. According to Indonesian ambassador, guards placed at his chancery have prevented his Suriname employees from entering. Dutch ambassador reports guards at his residence but not at his chancery.

— F. Aloca subsidiary Suralco reports virtually 100 percent attendance among labor force. However, with trade union leaders Daal and Derby in custody, there is likelihood of early union meeting to decide what action rank and file should take.

END OF DOCUMENT

Date:
December 12, 1982
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