Military Rebellion in Suriname: Status Report

F-1988-00163

Z 251730Z FEB 80

SUBJECT: MILITARY REBELLION IN SURINAME: STATUS REPORT

REF: PARAMARIBO 0315 (NOTAL)

  1. Situation 11:00 a.m. local time: Captured gunboat has destroyed police headquarters. Several of the Surinamese Defense Force’s five “Saracen”-type armored cars, controlled by the rebels, are patrolling downtown Paramaribo, firing .50 caliber bursts into the air. Streets, which until a short time ago were filled with civilians going about business normally, have been emptied. Dissident NCOs have taken over the local telephone company and, we understand, are blocking some outgoing overseas calls. Since they are in control of almost all arms available within the country, there is no effective force to oppose the group, small though it is.
  2. The dissidents have also, we understand from reliable sources, taken over the international airport at Zanderij and have said that “all airplanes should leave.” We have no further information as to why, but Dutch Embassy strongly suggests the three AGAR airplanes depart as soon as possible, even though this might mean cancelling launch. Squadron Commander Col. Ward, here with mission, concurs. Thus, per telecom with WPAFB we are attempting to arrange transport for crews to airport ASAP. Will advise by flash cable when ground transportation leaves for airport. Aircraft will try to contact WPAFB via HF radio as soon as operational. Dutch, including military mission, feel confident that convoy should be able to get through to airport without incident.
  3. Overall situation: At least six civilians reportedly were killed in shelling of police headquarters. We understand rebels also attempted to capture Minister President Henk Arron in their 2:00 a.m. coup, but that he escaped. One rumor reports him now in Curaçao. FonOff Permanent Under Secretary Heinemann reports that Olton van Genderen is Acting Minister President. We understand other government ministers have also taken refuge, whereabouts unknown. No information on President Ferrier, though Dutch report a rebel armored car outside their embassy firing at the Presidential Palace. At least one radio station also taken over by rebels, and all but two are now off the air. Minor looting downtown earlier this morning has been suppressed by armored cars and a few rebel troops patrolling the streets.
  4. Though we are not in contact with the rebels and do not know for certain what they plan next, a local contact who has been monitoring the radio frequency used by the rebels to communicate with the gunboat tells us the next step will be to shell Fort Zeelandia, the old museum where loyal army officers reportedly are gathered, if demands are not met. What those demands might be we do not know.
  5. Dutch Embassy’s view, in which we concur, is that this is purely an internal matter and there is no threat to foreigners (including embassy personnel) except from stray rounds. We are preparing standfast notice and have told all AMCITS calling that the best thing is to simply stay home.
  6. We also concur with Dutch view that rebels have almost no political or popular support, though opportunistic union leaders who supported them for their own ends might seek to capitalize on current troubles or, Dutch speculate, opposition leader Jagernath Lachmon — who has been in no way involved, so far as we are aware — might step in, call for peace and order and form new government. This, however, is no more than speculation at this point since rebel demands are unclear. It is also possible that Van Genderen (who is a popular figure) may be able to placate rebels.
  7. Dutch also tell us they have not received any request from GOS for assistance — or indeed been in touch with senior GOS officials this morning — but that if such a request were made they would of course have to consult with The Hague. Venezuelan Ambassador also tells us that he has, at government request, notified FonOff that government would be prepared to assist if requested by GOS, but gave no further details.
  8. For 4950th Test Wing: we are now attempting to send five-man USAF advance group to airport to prepare aircraft for departure, and will advise further developments.
  1. For Defense Mapping Agency: Capt. Esslemont, commanding British Army mapping team here, asks you be advised he is in Paramaribo, has two two-man teams in field, one at Nickerie and one quartered with small Army detachment at Coronie.
  2. Group of 15 Amcit tourists here as guests of Suriname Airways asks that Department contact Suriname Airways Miami for list of names and addresses, inform families of situation and fact that everyone all right. FYI, we assume civilian air traffic likely be disrupted for at least one or two days. End FYI.
  3. Len Jacob, who heads large Suralco (Alcoa Aluminum) operations here, asked me to contact J.E. Yates, Alcoa Pittsburgh, inform him that “Suralco is preparing for orderly shutdown its Paranam plant if situation continues deteriorate here.” Jacobs reports situation at Paranam currently is quiet and apparently feels — as we do — that trouble is pretty well localized within the capital and unlikely to spread.
  4. Embassy is closed except for three-man emergency team (Admin Officer, CPO, DCM) and, like all other Amcits here, dependents have been told to stay home and keep heads down. Difficult to keep abreast with fast-moving situation, creaky phone system and inability to reach sources, but we will try to send SitReps every two hours and will of course report any significant new developments. PAO and I are remaining at my house, telephone 98101, if you are unable to get through to Embassy.

OSTRANDER

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https://surinamepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Military-Rebellion-in-Suriname-Status-Report-1980-C09000002.pdf

Date:
February 25, 1980
Categories:
Desi Bouterse
Tags:
Boxes:
F-1988-00163
Years:
1980
Persons:
Oostrander
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META DATA

Department of State
TELEGRAM
UNCLASSIFIED

AN: 080009B-0237
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 01 PARAMA 00317 01 OF 02 251929Z
INFO OCT-01 EUR-12 ADS-00 CIAE-00 DODE-00 PM-05 H-02 INR-10 L-03 NSAE-00 PA-02 SP-02 SS-15 TRSE-00 OMB-01 EB-08 COMB-00 ACDA-12 SY-05 SYE-00 DCT-02 USSS-00 A-02 OC-06 CCO-00 OPR-02 OCS-06 CA-01 FAA-00 DOTE-00 WRDE-00 LAB-04 SIL-01 GSA-02 AID-07 FBOE-00 SR-04 PER-05 MCE-00 ANAE-00 NSCE-00 SSO-00 ICAE-00 INRE-00 4135 W 124856 251929Z /44

FM AMEMBASSY PARAMARIBO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC FLASH 0000 DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INFO AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY BRASILIA IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY CARACAS IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN IMMEDIATE
HQ USSOUTHCOM QUARRY HTS PANAMA IMMEDIATE
ARIA AOCC WPAFB OH //DOMM// IMMEDIATE
DMATC WASHDC IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS SECTION 1 OF 2 PARAMARIBO 0317
ACTION ARA-15

E.O. 12065: N/A
TAGS: PINT, MILI, NS

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