Post-coup Political Developments

F-1988-00163

  1. C – ENTIRE TEXT.
  2. We appreciate a detailed report on the ambassador’s conversation with Bruma and your assessment of the rapidly evolving situation. You are setting the right tone in the meeting with Bruma and in dealings with other junta members. We do not want to get out in front of the Dutch and key border states in responding to NMC’s desire to continue normal relations. We see the Dutch playing a central role in determining how to deal with NMC and the civilian council.

At the same time, we do not want to alienate members of the NMC and the civilian council because we want to be in a position to encourage the junta to move in a constructive direction, especially to restore the democratic process and preserve the constitution. We are encouraged by many of Bruma’s comments, especially regarding maintaining Suriname’s favorable human rights environment. Thus, the embassy should keep its lines of communication open with junta members. Your staff should work with junta and civil servants on operational matters but should continue to avoid, at your discretion, substantive policy discussions with coup members. You should continue discussions with Ferrier, however. Embassy staff level may maintain discreet contact with junta members.

  1. The Dutch embassy here tells us that the GON has not taken a clear position on how it should deal with the junta. A cabinet session will be held on Friday, Feb 29, to reach a decision. The GON will then present its position to parliament which will debate on the issue will continue on Tuesday, Mar 4.
  3. The Dutch expect their ambassador to Suriname to return to post shortly. He is flying from NYC on February 28 and, if necessary, will travel by overland from Georgetown on February 29.
  4. On the question of recognition, we will continue to take the line on which we are both agreed, i.e., “The new government has not yet been in touch with us concerning continued relations, but that matter will be reviewed at the appropriate time. It is our long-standing policy not to extend recognition, but to continue relations.” Apparent decision of ceremonial Chief of State Ferrier to remain in place obviously simplifies this question.
  5. Regarding the attitude of other governments, we have noted REF (C) which indicates that ROV has not yet taken a decision on the question which seems at variance with the reported position of their ambassador in Paramaribo. Can embassy clarify?
  6. A preliminary review of what Bruma had to say (REF A) indicates that his presentation was obviously tailored to his American audience in order to still our concerns and reassure us regarding the political complexion of the new government and its probable attitude on such issues as nationalization. It is obviously much too early to speculate on how that government will evolve, depending as it apparently does on how the relationship will develop between the apparent vessel of power (the National Military Council) and the government (the civilian council). Your response to the questions posed in REF S will be of considerable assistance to us in trying to evaluate all of this.
  7. Clearly, personalities will play an important part in sharing the directions and policies of the new government.
    We would therefore appreciate receiving, as soon as possible, a full list of the membership of the civilian council as well as a list of the principal members of the NMC, which may not be readily available, but would appreciate being advised of whatever you obtain.
  8. For The Hague, we would appreciate being informed ASAP of results reported from cabinet meeting and debate on Suriname. Please use immediate cable.
  9. Again, a commendation to an over-burdened small mission for its fine effort in trying to get on top of a most fluid situation.

CONFIDENTIAL

Source:

C09000023

Link:

Internal Link:

https://surinamepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Post-coup-Political-Developments-February-1980-C09000023.pdf

Date:
February 29, 1980
Categories:
Tags:
Boxes:
F-1988-00163
Years:
1980
Persons:
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META DATA

CONFIDENTIAL
AN: D800105-0309
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 01 STATE 054662
ORIGIN ARA-15
INFO OCT-00 EUR-12 NEA-06 IO-14 ADS-00 HA-05 AID-07
CIAE-00 DODE-00 NSAE-00 NFE-00 ICAE-00 INRE-00
PM-05 H-01 INR-10 L-03 PA-01 SP-02 SS-15 SSC-01
DRAFTED BY ARA/CAR: JRBURKE:SCH
APPROVED BY AR: W. G. BOWDLER
CAR: WRWARNE
TAR: RAMCCOY
A: FARMSTRONG
MR. WOLFLEY
024889 291637Z

FEB 80 ZFF4
WASNOC

IMMEDIATE:
THE HAGUE
BRASILIA
CARACAS
GEORGETOWN
AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMCONSUL CURACAO
USSOUTHCOM QUARRY HEIGHTS PANAMA
AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI
AMEMBASSY LONDON

CONFIDENTIAL
STATE 054662
E.O. 12065: GDS 2/28/86 (BOWDLER, W.G.)
TAGS: PINT, XL, N

SUBJECT: POST-COUP POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 STATE 054662
REFS: (A) PARAMARIBO 0.03(15) (B) STATE 52949; (C) CARACAS

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