Topic for Discussion at DCI Meeting with Judge Clark

CIA-RDP84B00049R001604120003-0

SUBJECT: Topic for Discussion at DCI Meeting with Judge Clark,
the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, on 15 December 1982

Possible Military Unrest in Aftermath of Executions in Suriname

  1. The political situation in Suriname remains fluid. Shock and outrage grow as news of the brutal executions of leading citizens becomes known. On the afternoon of 13 December, a crowd estimated at over 5,000 persons gathered in a local cemetery to pay their last respects at the burial of several civilian leaders. Spontaneous singing of hymns occurred. The crowd was tense. Military forces reportedly kept a low profile for fear of provoking a reaction by the crowd. Several additional civilian leaders who were executed are to be cremated in a Hindustani ceremony on 14 December. A handbill is circulating in Paramaribo condemning Bouterse and some of his top military leaders for the killings. The handbill calls for guerrilla warfare against the military and demands that the Cubans leave the country.
    There is a backlash within the [CENSORED] military to the executions. While there are no reports as yet of hostilities breaking out within the military, several military leaders believe they are being targeted and there will be trouble.
  2. Two of the leading bishops in Paramaribo were arrested for a short period of time and released. They were interrogated about their discussions with officials of the Dutch Embassy.
  3. Reports of additional arrests are being received. Approximately 15 or more prisoners are being held by the military authorities. The only reason the military has not executed these prisoners is because of the overwhelming negative attitude of the populace.
  4. Suralco, the Alcoa bauxite company which is the most important company in Paramaribo, remains open but its smelter plant is closed down. On 13 December only 100 workers arrived at a plant employing 3,000. Suralco authorities have told the government that they will return to normal operations when the workers return.
  5. Condemnation in the international press is growing, particularly in Western Europe. There are reports that a government in exile is being formed in the Hague in opposition to Bouterse.
  6. Protests took place on 12 and 13 December in front of the Surinamese Embassy in the Hague.
  7. During the night of 13 December, sporadic shots were heard, presumably fired by the military.
  8. Four funerals of executed moderate opposition leaders were held on 13 December and were very heavily attended. Conservative estimate of the number of attendees was 10,000.

Source:

CIA-RDP84B00049R001604120003-0

Link:

Internal Link:

https://surinamepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Possible-Military-Unrest-in-Aftermath-of-Executions-in-Suriname-1982-CIA-RDP84B00049R001604120003-0.pdf

Date:
December 14, 1982
Categories:
Desi Bouterse
Tags:
CIA
Boxes:
CIA-RDP84B00049R
Years:
1982
Persons:
Desi Bouterse
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