Horb on Suriname’s foreign policy

F-2012-32749

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P 291615Z JUL 82

FM AMEMBASSY PARAMARIBO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8875
INFO AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN
AMEMBASSY BRASILIA
AMEMBASSY CARACAS
AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE

CONFIDENTIAL PARAMARIBO 1574
RELEASED IN FULL
E.O. 120″5: GDS 07/29/88 (LA ROCHE, RICHARD R.) OR-M
TAGS: PGOV PINT NS

SUBJ: Horb on Suriname’s foreign policy

  1. (C) Addressing the closing session of a conference of Surinamese ambassadors on July 28, Deputy Chairman of the Policy Center, Major Roy Horb, spoke about the “correct” foreign policy course Suriname needs to follow as a Third World country. The speech, which was probably drafted by Foreign Minister Naarendorp, was interesting in itself for its content. Its delivery by Horb is also noteworthy as it marks the first time we can remember when he has spoken publicly on anything other than domestic affairs.
  2. (U) Following are pertinent extracts from Horb’s address:

“…. Suriname is on the correct course as a Third World country. As we succeed in making more friends in the world, particularly among the countries with the same problems as Suriname, we will profit more directly from our foreign relations. Recent developments in the world and in particular the relationship between Third World countries and Western nations show that the Third World countries have no other choice if they want to survive than to intensify their mutual ties in the field of technological exchange, management, trade and cultural relations.

The conflict around the Malvinas has taught us that Western nations operate as a bloc if they have to defend their specific interests. History teaches us that we don’t advance ourselves from promises and speeches. The big question is: Are the rich countries willing to transfer technology? Are they willing to establish relations on the basis of mutual interest? Are they willing indeed to recognize the sovereignty of all nations? Experience has taught us that the answers to those questions are often “no,” but their “no” teaches us how we have to direct ourselves if we indeed want to develop this country further.

We are conscious of the fact that we are in the beginning of a glorious future. Our country is rich in potential. We have a lot of natural resources … (in order to develop them to the full benefit of our people) more than ever before, we will have to clearly identify who our friends are in the world and who regards us without good intentions. The ties with our friends we must improve.”

  1. (C) The Naarendorp themes of greater regional involvement, closer identification with “progressive” countries, and detachment from the West are all present. The reference to the Malvinas conflict and its significance was touched on also by Army Commander Bouterse during a press conference July 27 during which he reported to the public on his recent official visit to Venezuela. Bouterse said: “After the Malvinas matter, many countries in Latin America understood that they need to work together to find out how they can cooperate economically and militarily because while there are indeed many beautiful treaties in existence, when things come to a head, other interests prevail over those treaties.”

LA ROCHE

Source:

C05267157

Link:

Internal Link:

https://surinamepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Horb-on-Suriname-foreign-policy-July-1982-C05267157.pdf

Date:
July 29, 1982
Categories:
Desi Bouterse, Foiled Coups & Plots, Planned Suriname Invasion
Tags:
Boxes:
F-2012-32749
Years:
1982
Persons:
Desi Bouterse, La Roche, Roy Horb
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