Suriname: The Growing Danger – 4 August 1982

CIA-RDP84B00049R001604010010-4

MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
FROM: National Intelligence Officer for Latin America

  1. Bouterse’s need to consolidate his power suggests that he will move Suriname steadily leftward and into the Cuban orbit:
    a. Bouterse reportedly visited Cuba secretly in early May 1982 requesting military assistance. CIA does not believe any major arms shipments have been made, mostly because Bouterse is concerned this would arouse strong domestic protests.
    b. Bouterse, however, did likely receive a small number of arms during his Cuban visit and checked on four military personnel now receiving training in Cuba.
    c. In early June 1982, the Suriname Foreign Minister, Naarendorp, also visited Cuba; met with Castro; and signed economic, scientific, and technical cooperation agreements with the [CENSORED].
  2. Bouterse is vulnerable:
    a. March 1982 coup attempt against him by military personnel trying to prevent a pro-Cuban policy almost succeeded.
    b. Press freedom now is very limited; prospects for elections very dim.
    c. Bouterse much influenced by Grenada’s Maurice Bishop—sees him as a model and fellow revolutionary leader (who made his revolution work by relying on the Cubans).
    d. Bouterse also has created a People’s Militia that appears modeled after the Cubans. But, the People’s Militia is not yet large enough to contain or defeat the army.

CC: DDCI, C/NIC, C/LAD/DDO

SECRET
Constantine C. Menges

Date:
August 4, 1982
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