MEMORANDUM FROM HELMS ON POLITICAL SITUATION ON JAMAICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-19-3-22-3
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: May 10, 2010
• Sequence Number: 22
• Publication Date: December 18, 1970
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-19-3-22-3Y
W RP
(Outside System)
INFORMATION
December 18, 1970
SECRET; SENSITIVE
MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL HAIG
FROM: Arnold Nachnianoff
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
SUBJECT: MemorandumfrarnHelrzis on Political Situation on
Jamaica
Dick Helms has sent you a memorandum, in response to your rego ';-%
on the Jamaican political situation. The essence of his assessment is
that Prime Minister Shearer's government does not face any serious
threat on the immediate horizon, but that he and his principal political
opponent would be pretty evenly matched if elections were held soon.
However, elections are not required until May of 1972, although Shearer
could call them at any time be believes he could win.
Although Shearer's position has weakened since the last election, he
does have the advantages that any incumbent party would normally have.
Helms notes that the probable major opposition candidate, Michael
Manley, would not be expected to pursue policies radically different
from those of the present government if ShQarer were defeated. He
concludes, therefore, that there are no compelling reasons at this
time to warrant U. S. involvement in the upcoming Jamaican national
elections. You will recall that, in a conversation with you a couple of
weeks ago, Ambassador de Roulet made the none recommendation.
I will continue to watch the situation, but I see no reason for further
action at this time.
Attachment:
14; 11 J'70 memo fm Helms to Haig
State Dept. review completed
SECRET / SENSITIVE' -EYES ONLY
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-19-3-22-3