LETTER TO WILLIAM J. CASEY FROM JAMES A. WILLIAMS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85M00158R000800020060-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 4, 2010
• Sequence Number: 60
• Publication Date: January 25, 1983
• Content Type: LETTER

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/04: CIA-RDP85MOO158R000800020060-8
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DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20301
25 January 1983
Mr. William J. Casey
Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, DC 20305
Dear Bill:
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(S/NF) During the moring intelligence briefing for General Vessey on 25 January,
the Chairman had a lengthy discussion with the staff on long-term implications
of events, first in Central America and then in the entire Latin American region.
I am sure General Vessey discussed his concerns with you at lunch on the 24th,
however, he expressed frustration to us over the inability of the US to focus
clearly on what is actually transpiring.
(S/NF) He has asked DIA to prepare a briefing which lists applicable national
security documentation and relevant statements by the Administration, as well
as a chronology of events in Central America. He requests that we then straight
line these events out 10 years and develop what the situation would look like in
1993. In further discussion, the Chairman thought we might add South America and
where do current trends take the hemisphere. Specifically, how far will it move
toward Marxist/Cuban domination. He asked that we point out constraints on US
activity to counter present trends and specifically mentioned the. following:
-- Impact of human rights on moving Argentina toward closer contact with
the USSR.
-- Impact of unfavorable economic trends coupled with poor crop forecasts.
-- Inability to define US strategy for the region or focus. attention on
unfavorable trends.
-- Limitations on use of US intelligence resources and military forces in
support roles.
(S/NF) In short, General Vessey asked. that we develop a briefing that will paint
the picture in vivid fashion for the. Congress. As you are aware, the Caribbean
Basin Steering Group convened by has been concerned over the same
implications as they relate to current un ertakings in Central America. It
is important that this briefing project be pushed emphatically with the goal of
resolving short-term problems and obtaining NSC approval of US priorities at
least through the mid term (1985-1988).
CLASSIFIED BY': DIA/DR
DECLASSIFY ON: OADR
TO .?
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(S/NF) As we develop the overall briefing for General"Vessey I request
your assistance, since many of the subjects will be beyond the strict
military purview. For maximum impact. of such a presentation, it should
my Defense Intelligence'Officer for Latin America, to-be-the Project Officer.
He can be contacted at 695-0198. I request that you designate someone with
whom ColonelF--7 can work.
JAMES A. WILLIAMS
Lieutenant General, USA
Director
IN
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