As you pull into the driveways of various consulates, By designing each individual component and feature to you’ll have them wondering where, exactly, did your new be easier and better for you to use, the result is a better- Ford Taurus come from. Some may even insist it’s a product designed vehicle overall. of their country-that is, until they see the familiar blue The result is a line of front-wheel-drive sedans and oval on the back. wagons that combine advanced technology with human need. Even its aerodynamic shape is part of its dedication to Taurus: An American design philosophy. function. Which means you can judge Taurus not only by Even as the first engineers began work, over 400 how good it looks, but how well it works. specific objectives were being established for Taurus. So if your aim is to please just about everyone, and still The list was based on how you drive an automobile ... please yourself, consider the Ford Taurus. Avery diplomatic what you want from it.. .what you need from it. The list solution to your transportation needs. included: How comfortable the seat belts are to wear; the effort required to open and close the doors; the FORD INTERNATIONAL convenience of checking the oil. EXPORT SALES
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Embassies Amidst Turmoil 21 In Asia and Latin America, two ambassadors deal with abrupt changes in political power Indonesia: Nudging the Tiller 22 Marshall Green The embassy rides out the storm and follows a new
Cover: Violent changes in political power accompanied tack during crisis and change in the late 1960s by unrest, noting, and turmoil pose challenges and risks for both American policies and Foreign Sendee employees in the host country. Two ambassadors. Marshall Green, who was in Indonesia during the 1965 coup, and Natha¬ Chile: Mixed Signals 28 niel Davis, in Chile during Allendc’s overthrow in 1973, tell about dealing with the old and the new during those Nathaniel Davis pivotal tunes. Our special section on “Embassies Amidst Turmoil" begins on page 21. In the early 1970s, Washington’s two-level policy complicates the ambassador’s role Journal: An African Christmas 36 Mary Thomas Sargent A donkey, a baby, and three wisemen create a perfect Christmas story
AFSA Views 3 10-25-50 20 Letters 4 People 38 Books 8 Foreign Exchange 42 Periodicals 14 Index 43 Clippings 16 AFSA News 48 Editor: STEPHEN R. DUJACK Associate Editor: NANCY A. JOHNSON Diplomacy 18 AFSA Annual Report .... 53 Assistant Editor: WILLIAM E. WlCKERT III
Editorial Board
Chair: STEPHEN ElSEN'BRAUN Vice Chair: ANDREW STEIGMAN Members: JIM ANDERSON GUY BURTON “The Independent Voice of the Foreign Service” THOMAS DOWLING LINDA JEWELL The FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL is the magazine Second-class postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at PATRICIA MALLON for professionals in foreign affairs, published monthly additional post office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes WILLIAM B. NANCE except August by the American Foreign Service Asso- to FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL, 2101 E Street NW, ciation,aprivatenon-profitorganizaridn.Materialappear- Washington, D.C. 20037. JOHN D. PIELEMEIER ing herein represents the opinions of the writers and Microfilm copies: University Microfilm Library Ser¬ BERNARD REICH does not necessarily represent the official views of the vices, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 (October 1967 to PERRY SHANKLE foreign affairs agencies, theU.S. govemment,or AES A. present). Indexed by PAIS. The Editorial Board is responsible for general content, The JOURNAL welcomes manuscripts of 1500-4000 but statements concerning die policy and administra¬ words for consideration by die Editorial Board. Audior tion of AESA as employee representative under the queries arc strough' urged, stamped envelope required Foreign Service Act of1980 in the ASSOCIATION NEWS for return. All authors arc paid on publication. and the ASSOCIATION VIEWS, and all communica¬ The appearance of advertisements herein does not imply any endorsement of the services or goods offered. International Advertising Representative tions relating to these, arc the responsibility of the © American Foreign Service Association, 1987. AFSA Governing Board. 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037. JOSHUA B. POWERS, LTD. JOURNAL subscriptions: One year (11 issues), S15. Phone (202)338-4045. 46 Keyes House, Dolphin Square, Overseas subscriptions (except Canada), add S3 per year. Airmail not available. London SW1, 01-834-5566 December 1987. Volume 64, number 11. ISSN 0015-7279.
2 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Seek Solutions, Not Blame AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION Governing Board
A President: PERRY SHANKLE X \jl during the spring and the summer, we saw the secre¬ State Vice President: EVANGELINE MONROE AID Vice President: HENRY MERRILL tary of state appealing to Congress for adequate funding, and USIA Vice President: A. STEPHEN TELKINS Congress telling him in turn to seek the monies from the Secretary: JAMES A. DERRICK Treasurer: SAMUEL MOK White House. Dan Mica and Olympia Snowe, the chairman State Representatives: WARD BARMON and minority leader of the House Overseas Operations Sub¬ JONATHAN FARRAR BARBARA HUGHES committee, are saying that the “State Department created the SANDRA ODOR fix it’s in,” as a recent Washington Post opinion piece by them CHARLES SCHMITZ AID Representatives: DAVID GARMS was titled. And Assistant Secretary' Elliott Abrams, also in die MICHAEL ZAK Post, writes that “majorities in both houses of Congress have USIA Representative: JOHN WALSH Retired Representatives: L. BRUCE LAINGEN made clear their belief that a decently funded diplomatic estab¬ DAVID SCHNEIDER lishment, with a well-run career Foreign Sendee, is a risk the JOHN THOMAS nation cannot afford to face.” Staff
Our country’s diplomatic capability is being starved to death Director far Administration while Congress and the administration argue over who is at and Member Services: SABINE SlSK General Counsel: SUSAN Z. HOLIK fault. At AFSA, our concern has not been to cast blame but Member Sendees to find a solution. Representatives: NE.AL M. CALLANDER DAVID COHEN The country desperately needs leadership, in both the ex¬ Controller: ELLEN TENN ecutive and legislative branches, to grapple with the problem Membership Coordinator: MYRI.AM DUNCAN Legal Assistant: CHRIS BAZAR of how we can maintain our position as a world leader in a Law Clerk: JOSEPH RILEY time of budget problems. Somehow, we must find die energy Executive Secretaries: BONITA CARROLL and imagination to solve the problem in a way diat does not PAT REYNOSO HALL cripple our ability to conduct and administer foreign policy. Congressional Liaison ROBERT M. BEERS Gutting the Foreign Service—the solution seemingly favored RICK WEISS by the department—is not the answer. Scholarship Programs AFSA has worked widi the Congress, where as we went DAYVN CUTHELL Face-to-Face Program to press the Senate approved reprogramming of funds already PETER SVVIERS appropriated for diplomatic security expenses to the general The American Foreign Service Association, founded in 1924, is the professional association of the Foreign State account for salaries and expenses—without reducing Service and the official representative of all Foreign Service employees in the Department of State and the needed protections. And we have worked with die depart¬ Agencv for International Development under the terms ment, where we have identified economies totalling $44.2 mil¬ of the Foreign Serv ice Act of 1980. Active membership in AFSA is open to all current or retired professionals lion in the State budget and an additional savings of $32.6 in foreign affairs overseas or in the United States. Asso¬ ciate membership is open to persons having an active million if certain construction projects are postponed — interest in or close association with foreign affairs who without losing a job. are not employees or retirees of the foreign affairs agen¬ cies. Annual dues: Active Members—S65-143; Retired The leaders on both sides need to try again to resolve dieir Members—S30-45; Associate Members—S35. Dues in¬ clude S9.50 allocation for subscription to the JOUR¬ differences and seek solutions. It is in the national interest to NAL and ASSOCIATION NEWS. All AFSA mem¬ solve this crisis, and those in a position to do so should get bers are members of the Foreign Service Club. AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCLATION at it instead of casting blame at each other. 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 —Perry Shanklc, President Membership inquiries, controller, scholarship programs, insurance programs. JOURNAL offices: (202)338-4045 Governing Board, standing committees, general counsel, labor-management relations, member services, grievances: (202)647-8160 Foreign Service Club: (202)333-8477
DECEMBER 1987 3 You owe it to yourself to try . . .
Officers of Distinction served the nation with distinction, capping a varied Foreign Service career with appoint¬ Our ranks of dedicated and professional of¬ ments as chief of mission to Ghana and Ni¬ 824 New Hampshire Ave., N.W. ficers are sadlv diminished by the demise geria. His last contribution to the Service of Leon Poullada. No officer was more de¬ was as deputy' inspector general. His human¬ Washington, D.C. 20037 voted than he to the Foreign Sendee and ity, dignity, and courage were widely ad¬ (202) 337-6620 (800) 426-4455 its mission, and none gave them more un- mired. We will miss him. stintingly of his heart and mind. Percep¬ JOURNAL readers may enjov one of his tive and far-sighted, he did not hesitate to last creative efforts. A senior inspector re¬ analyze critically the Sendee’s performance cently reviewed the department’s adminis- • Metro, (Orange or Blue Line) bv professional criteria, thereby demonstrat¬ tration of danger pay, and reached the con¬ ing that his lovalty to it, its mission, and clusion-startling to Tom—that the award 1 1/2 blocks away the country' whose needs it was designed of danger pay should not be influenced bv to meet was of the highest quality'. whether or not dependents had been evac¬ • State Department within I first met Leon in 1970 when organiz¬ uated from a high-risk post. After debat¬ walking distance ing a conference on diplomacy and how to ing the point unsuccessfully, Tom wrote teach it as a political science on the univer¬ the following: • Short or long term leasing sity' level. His lively intellect, imagination, and legally trained mind made him a stim¬ Lines for a Senior Inspector • Beautifully appointed suites ulating participant. When a national Com¬ mittee for the Studv of Diplomacy emerged Athena, grey eyed and most fair • Kitchenettes from the conference, Leon was a logical Listen to my heartfelt prayer member and he took an active part in its From all die hazards of diis life • Nightly turndown service with work. Through articles for professional and Pestilence, plague, communal strife popular journals, letters to the editors of From what we lately learned to fear imported chocolates newspapers, participation in panels at pro¬ The terrorist’s far-shadowing spear fessional conventions, and other activities, From perils of die wine-dark sea • Daily maid service he more than pulled his weight as a com¬ Goddess, pray deliver me mittee member. In another two-day con¬ But if you camiot, right away ference at the University of Virginia in 1983, Grant me, please, some danger pay he again took an active part. Worry not diat my dependent In all of this, Leon was unassuming and Is not yet declared redundant whole-heartedly cooperativ e, interested in It’s nicer not to reason why no glory or position for himself but only, With Molly Pitcher standing by as a useful citizen and professional diplo¬ And any facile FSO mat, in making a constructive contribution Can cite the rules of EEO to a great cause. All who knew him were To prove die daughters of die nadon impressed bv these solid qualities and will Oppose, as one, discrimination always remember him for them. Every hero, it must be seen No tribute to one member of the Poul¬ Could just as W'ell be a heroine lada team should be without a reference to We prefer to face “au pair” file survivor. Leila Jackson Poullada was no The fallout from bombs burst in air mere individual, traveling around the world And in die red glare of die rockets at government expense as a Foreign Serv¬ Allow us still to fill our pockets © Metro ice appendage. She had prepared for entry It is the Congress’ clear intent * The Inn at Foggy Bottom into the Service herself, and was an active That w’e should have a few' percent Above die pittance diat we get ® State Department partner in a joint mission; well-equipped intellectually, culturally, psychologically, and To pav the grocer, stave off debt socially for this role. Our nation got two So let the following lines be graven representatives for the price of one. Both, Upon the walls of each safe haven Contact Sales Department accordingly, contributed greatly and grace¬ “When die mob is at die door for special fully to the service of their country and the Clamoring for loot and gore international community'. Remember, back at ALS State Department/ They are seeking to assess Foreign Service Institute SMITH SIMPSON The precise degree of peril Foreign Service Officer, retired By reason cold and logic sterile rates at Annandale, Virginia You only lose a point at most (202) 337-6620 If your family’s still at post” Thomas W. Smith, who died July 22 in And so, Atiiena, grey eyed, wise (800) 426-4455 Washington after a long and painful illness, Prove die truth of our surmise
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INSTANT Reviews The Politics of United States Foreign Aid. INFORMATION By GeorgeM. Guess. St. Martin’s Press, 1987. With Congress again beating foreign aid, To make your moving experience easier, simpler and more its friends are mounting a counterattack. convenient you are invited to call District’s new “Moving Abroad The latest salvo is fired bv George Guess Telephone Information Service.” of Georgia State University, who presents Questions about planning, scheduling, packing, air freight, a strong, though heavily written, defense of development assistance. accompanied baggage or any other problem that is troubling you Guess acknowledges that foreign as¬ will bring a friendly, polite answer when sistance is “everyone’s clav pigeon . . . al¬ you call 420-3300 and ask for the “In¬ ternately blamed for both successes and fail¬ formation Service.” ures.” The fault lies in the competition for Let us put our more than 20 years hinds during the annual budget cvcle, when AID falls victim to the National Security experience making Department of State, Council staff, the Department of Defense, USIA, AID and Peace Corps moves to and some members of Congress. The solu¬ work for you - by giving you helpful in¬ tion is to give the agency autonomy, thus formation and making your moving distancing it from the foreign policy deci¬ experience the best ever. sion mill, Guess believes. In the short run perhaps “not much can be done about recip¬ ient country poverty and underdevelop¬ ment,” but a lot can be done to revitalize AIDdirough administrative consistency, pro¬ gram flexibility, and creative direction. ''DISTRICT Guess proposes that AID coordinate all MOVING &= STORAGE , INC. foreign assistance programs under the inte¬ 3850 Penn Belt Place grated budget system, with Congress becom¬ Forestville. Marviand 20747 ing both participant and appropriator. Along with the secretary of state, those • • 301 420 3300 sullen enemies of AID, the NSC and De¬ fense, would take a back seat. Congress, if it had the wit, could turn the professor’s proposals into a takeover of foreign policy direction bv making AID the kingpin in the distribution of overseas good¬ ies, and tying foreign aid policy even more closelv to the congressional heartbeat. Move over NSC, here comes AID. —WILLIAM SOMMERS
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DECEMBER 1987 9 news gathering in a turbulent era. The 1930s, “that leaders of the Kremlin were AUTHORIZED EXPORTER various journalists deal bluntly with Chinese intending to contribute eventually to the and American personalities, but with humor violent overthrow of all countries with as well as exasperation. There is much soul- which the Soviet Union maintained rela¬ GENERAL ELECTRIC searching about what might have been. tions.” The author, however, also came to They explore divergent ideas on whether see nationalism as an important element of different ingredients in American relations Kremlin policy. with the Kuomintang could have brought These fascinating memoirs explain how about a different ending, for instance. die ambassador formed his views on the The other half consists of a broad look Soviet Union. Equally important, they give GENERAL ELECTRONICS at the news profession. This section does illuminating glimpses of Foreign Service life much more than capture the attention of in an early day. —HENRY E. MATTOX INC. China hands; it also will be of interest to any government official who deals with the media, and rice versa. Here is debate over REFRIGERATORS • FREEZERS Eroding Empire: Western Relations with whether the participants actually had an Eastern Europe. Edited by Lincoln Gordon. RANGES • MICROWAVE OVENS impact on American policy (it is quite clear The Brookings Institution, 1987. $11.95, AIR CONDITIONERS • DRYERS that most thought they should have had, paper. WASHERS • SMALL APPLIANCES but only a minority' thought they did), as AUDIO EQUIPMENT • TELEVISION well as the advantages and difficulties inher¬ Among the many books dealing with East¬ DISHWASHERS • TRANSFORMERS ent in the close relations between reporters ern Europe, none has tried to bring toge¬ and Foreign Sendee officers. The cooper¬ ther in one volume, as this one does, ana¬ Available for All Electric ative way in which journalists pooled informa¬ lyses of the varied policies of the West tion and exchanged views on the reliability' toward the Eastern Bloc during the last 40 Currents/Cycles of various sources is also discussed. years. Lincoln Gordon and the five contri¬ These verbatim views of a truly distin¬ butors are able and respected experts who Immediate Shipping/Mailing guished group of professionals have time¬ write well. Given a complex and convoluted From our Local Warehouse lessness and immediacy. In all, the book is subject, they have brought into sharp focus an interesting and thoughtful contribution the political and policy attitudes of several We Can Also Furnish to die annals of the sometimes stormy rela¬ kev western states. In doing so, they probe Replacement Parts for tions between media and governments. the problems of Europe and Germany, Most Manufactures —ARTHUR W. HUMMEL JR. review available policy' options, and eluci¬ date the significance of detente, of econo¬ mic relations, and of the recent crisis in SHOWROOM Loy W. Henderson. A Question of Trust: Poland. General Electronics, Inc. The Origins of U.S.-Soviet Diplomatic J.F. Brown sets the stage in succinct and 4513 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Relations. Edited by George W. Baer. Hoover masterful chapters on Eastern Europe and Washington, D.C. 20016 Institution Press, 1986. $44.95. the outlooks of its regimes and societies Tel. (202) 362-8300 toward the West. Gordon describes the ebb TWX 710-822-9450 Loy Henderson, who served for 40 years and flow of U.S. interests and policies GENELECINC WSH as one of America’s premier diplomats, toward Eastern Europe in a comprehen¬ wrote these memoirs covering his career to sive review. Pierre Hassner, Josef Joffe, and tite beginning of World War II after retir¬ Edwina Moreton offer penetrating chap¬ ing in 1961. Sadly, there will be no con¬ ters on the French, German, and British tinuation; ill health prevented him from points of view, while Brown briefly covers finishing a full autobiography before his tiie Austrian and Italian (and Vatican) roles. to ^ death last year. Gordon concludes bv reviewing the major © o The central theme Henderson explores problems and the factors of convergence -I is the rockv road of early U.S.-Soviet rela¬ and conflict in western aims and policies, O ® tions. He is not given in these pages to deep stressing the crucial importance of the U.S.-
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DECEMBER 1987 11 This is Lucy’s own story of living in the ing. The chapter devoted to Inis four-year totally unfamiliar and unstable world of effort to bring to justice those responsible South Asia, and of her friendship with Niki, for the murders of four American church- a savvy and adventurous Foreign Sendee women makes especially compelling read¬ daughter, and Bud, another American stu¬ ing. dent. The teens explore die city’s streets and One hopes that Duarte is correct in claim¬ bazaars where they witness a communist- ing that the Salvadoran military has finally led riot, anti-American demonstrations, and seen the folly of its opposition to democ¬ other world-shaking events. Undercover racy and today accepts the rule of the major¬ political intrigues against foreigners arouse ity. Skeptics believe this unaccustomed sup¬ their suspicions and entice Niki to pursue port for democracy by the nation’s top sol¬ a course of detective work. She leads the diers may last only as long as necessary to trio from one escapade to another until the maintain American aid. On the other hand, "There was the diree are forced bv events to leave for board¬ four national elections (the last in 1985, ing schools outside the archipelago. when Duarte’s Christian Democrats won door to which I In this first novel, the author draws on an unprecedented majority' in the legislative found no key.*..” her experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer assembly) have tested the resolve of die mil¬ and resident of Indonesia in the early 1960s itary' to abstain from interfering and to re¬ Edward Fitzgerald to depict a poignant storv of the confusion spect the will of the majority'. and malaise of maturing teenagers in a polit¬ Only time will tell who is right, but ically turbulent adult world. Her acute per¬ Duarte’s contention that the armed forces ATTENTION... ceptiveness in describing the flavors of life’s are giving their lives to stop a guerrilla move¬ minutia in Jakarta, Bogor, and Singapore ment, and that they want a popularly elec¬ PEOPLE on the will make anyone who has lived in South ted government to defend, deserves seri¬ Asia, or anv developing countrv, feel at ous consideration, even from his critics. MOVE... home. Little tjitjak lizards on the walls, —JOHN J. CROWLEY JR. eating sanitized salads, and “corrugated roofs that thunder in the rain” bring back many memories. By Our Readers We specialize in sales There is much appeal in dais small book- and property parts of which appeared in the November Mark My Words. By Peggy Smith. Edito¬ management in the 1983 JOURNAL—for both adults and teen¬ rial Experts, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 1987. agers in the Foreign Service and others who $28. The author, a former Foreign Service Metropolitan go abroad to live. It is a valuable account spouse, is publications manager at Editorial Washington area. of the interaction between generations, of Experts, Inc., and teaches proofreading at die vulnerability of foreigners, of the plea¬ George Washington University. This book sures and inadequacies of the simpler life includes both instruction and practice and Cathie Gill has the key in the developing world. This reader wishes will point the reader toward a professional it were expanded to reveal even more about approach to proofreading. to care-free services for being uprooted, family life, other relation¬ all your real estate ships overseas, returning to Bloomington, They Changed Their Worlds: Nine needs. and how each teen survived after “losing Women of Asia. Edited by Mae Handy Est- her place” so far from home. erline. University Press of America, Lanham. —MARY LOUISE WEISS Maryland, 1987. $12.50. This collection of biographies, edited by a Foreign Service spouse, tells of extraordinary women from Personal attention Duarte, My Story. By Jose Napoleon seven countries who pioneered new roles gets results. Duarte. G.P. Putnam Sons, 1986. $18.95. in Asia. Their stories illustrate the prob¬ lems faced during the course of their pro¬ President Duarte of El Salvador has taken jects in social change. the unusual step of publishing his autobiog¬ Call raph}' (or at least a first installment) while The Vision of Anglo-America. The U.S.- still in office. American readers—to whom U.K. Alliance and the Emerging Cold the book is primarily addressed—will find War 1943-1946. By Henry Butterfield CatfiieQillmc. in it ample reassurance that our interests Ryan. Cambridge University Press, New York, REALTORS’ are well-served by the U.S. assistance pro¬ 1987. $39.50. The author, a former For¬ vided to Duarte’s struggling democratic eign Service officer with USLA, analyzes the regime. That is no doubt the chief reason loss of British power in the cold war and 4801 Massachusetts for its appearance at this time. demonstrates the British need to forge a Ave., N.W. Duarte’s image as an honest, unselfish, perpetual U.S. alliance to arrest this global and courageous politician has held up ex¬ decline. Suite 400 tremely well in American public and con¬ gressional opinion, and this book should Br OUR READERS is an occasional feature that Washington, D.C. further strengthen that reputation. From highlights the published works of JOURNAL read¬ 20016 his days at Notre Dame studying “Chris¬ ers. If you have had a book published recently, tian virtue,” to his unexpected triumph in send us a copy, including price, publisher, and (202) 364-3066 the 1972 Salvadoran presidential elections the date of publication. Write to Book Renew (quickly cut short by a vengeful military Editor, Foreign Service Journal, 2101 E Street who beat him and sent him into a seven- N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037. year exile), to his reelection as president in Readers interested in reviewing booh should 1984, his story is as exciting as it is inspir¬ also unite to the above address.
12 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL In Response to the Demand for Increased Language Proficiency LA REVISTA ENESPANOL A QUARTERLY REVIEW OF LATIN AMERICA IN SPANISH
IN PRINT AND ON CASSETTE • Articles selected from leading Latin American publications • Sixty-minute cassette with excerpts of articles read and dramatized by Latin American professional broadcasters • Topics include economics and business, politics, science, culture and style. Less familiar Spanish words and expressions are highlighted in the text. The English translations are easily found in the margin. SEND FOR A FREE BROCHURE OR CALL (202) 328-4524
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DECEMBER 1987 13 PERIODICALS An insider’s look at one of the world’s By MICHELLE MAYNARD especially in the 1960s. These programs most glamorous relied on the U.S. experience and often had embassies: Is Crisis Management Always Possible? little relevance for the nations where they By Richard Ned Lebow; Political Science Quar¬ were implemented. They were also the pro¬ terly, Summer 1987, Vol. 102, No. 2. ducts of our cold war strategies. Wiarda ex¬ plores claims that agrarian reform, com¬ President Kennedy’s success in avoiding war munity development, law and development, and getting the Soviets to back down during and family planning programs suffer from the Cuban missile crisis has encouraged the this ethnocentrism. He concludes that the belief that this is a feasible objective in the often misguided and misdirected develop- future, argues Lebow. The missile-crisis mentalist programs stem from naivete and model has also led to an exaggerated empha¬ wrong asstunptions rather than from venal¬ sis on not onlv the military capabilities that ity, malevolence, or “imperialism.” Since figured in die crisis but on analyses of the ethnocentrism is prevalent in virtually all leaders’ behavior. aspects of our Third World development The behavior of leaders is not irrelevant policy, U.S. policymakers must become to a crisis’s outcome but a narrow focus aware of the consequences of the develop¬ on crisis management is unlikely to improve ing countries’ inclination to reject western performance significandv. It is more impor¬ models and recommendations. Change will tant to delineate clearly the nature of the be difficult, but donor nations will have to links between leaders’ performance and the re-orient their programs and learn the lan¬ underlying strategic, political, and psy¬ guage, culture, and institutional procedures chological factors at work in the crisis. of Third World areas if they are to succeed. Come to France with former Lebow believes that studies of command, Ambassador Evan Galbraith. This control, and communications are necessary The (Relative) Decline of America. By fast-paced diary offers a provocative for an understanding of crisis instability. Paul Kennedy, The Atlantic Monthly, August look at how policy is conducted in Moreover, the threat to peace can be over¬ 1987, Vol. 260, No.2. one of the most exciting—and come onlv by far-reaching changes in force powerful—embassies in the world. structure, strategic doctrine, and targeting While U.S. commitments have steadily in¬ Outspoken and often controver¬ policy’. But because the current political cli¬ creased since 1945, the economic founda¬ sial, Galbraith provides a critical mate does not appear conducive to making tions of our power have been eroding. Ken¬ analysis of issues that arose during these changes, it is also important to focus nedy suggests that, in one sense, the eco¬ his tenure, including the invasion attention on the conceptual aspects of crises. nomic decline is irrelevant because U.S. cit¬ of Grenada. If there is another world war, it is likely izens are better off in absolute terms than to be the result of either miscalculation or they were forty years ago. In another sense, an act of desperation during a crisis or a the shrinking of the U.S. share of world ORDER TODAY! conventional war. Lebow identifies preemp¬ production is alanning because of its implica¬ Use the coupon below tion, loss of control, and miscalculated escala¬ tions for the country’s grand strategy’, which or call toll-free:. tion as three distinct sequences leading to depends on economic as well as military, 1-800-448-8311 war. Thus, better understanding of the dy¬ social, political, and diplomatic resources. namic behind miscalculation would help us The United States has faced a relative REGNERY GATEWAY, INC. manage adversarial relationships and the con¬ decline in industry and agriculture, as well flicts they spawn. Understanding these three as great financial turbulence over the past 950 North Shore Drive sequences and their relative danger will be few years. Thus, from the viewpoint of Lake Bluff, IL 60044 helpful in future crises. American grand strategy' and of the econo¬ mic base necessary' for long-term foreign Yes! Send me copies of Ambassador Ethnocentrism and Third World Devel¬ policy, the picture is not good. The United in Paris at $16.95 each, plus $2.00 for opment. By Howard J. Wiarda, Society, Scp- States’ two greatest tests are whether it can postage and handling. Please allow 4-6 tember/Octobcr 1987, Vol. 24, No. 6. preserve a balance between its perceived de¬ weeks for delivery. fense commitments and rite maintenance of □ Check enclosed DV1SA □ MasterCard Political development theories are being these commitments, and yx'hether it can pre¬ Card No. Expires attacked for various reasons, including that serve its technological and economic founda¬ Signature they bas e been conceived in almost exclu¬ tions of poyver from erosion. sively western terms. Wiarda writes that this Ultimately, die United States can not pre¬ Name charge has major implications for the Third serve its world postition because, histor¬ Address World, as well as for the social sciences and ically, no one society' has been able to remain City for donor nations. pennanentiv ahead of the others. The prece¬ Early' development literature and prac¬ dents suggest, hoyvever, that the United State Zip tice were uniquely American phenomena States’ sheer size will prey'ent it from fading that had direct and indirect policy impact, into obscurity.
14 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL American policymakers must recognize and non-sectarian political analysts contribut¬ bodia dramatized hoyv far a president faced that new trends are underway and the ing to the discussion. yvith a strong domestic opposition yvas yvill- United States must manage its affairs so A neyv debate, focusing on the very mean¬ ing to go to free the national security' sy'stem that this erosion will take place slowly and ing of “moral reasoning” and its applica¬ from constimtional and democratic controls. smoothly. Kennedy adds diat serious threats tion to the policy agenda, is afoot. Two Together with the Vietnam yvar, Watergate to the real U.S. interest can only come from areas in particular—the “just yvar” theory reminded the American people about the a failure to recognize emerging multipola¬ and liberation theologies—are receiving sig¬ dangers of an increasingly autonomous na¬ rity and to adjust to this new world order. nificant attention as analysts address die pres¬ tional security bureaucracy' headed by an sures of today’s political violence and the unaccountable president. The post-Vietnam Exorcising Wilson’s Ghost: Morality and concept of political freedom in the context formula yvas a commitment to open the for¬ Foreign Policy in America’s Third Cen¬ of morality and foreign policy. eign policymaking process and to alter its tury. By George Weigel, The Washington content. Little yvas done to restructure die Quarterly, Autumn 1987, Vol. 10, No. 4. The Real Cause of Irangate. By Kenneth national security apparatus, and the basic E. Sharpe, Foreign Policy, Fall 1987, No 68. assumption of the U.S. postwar policy re¬ During the 1988 presidential campaign, mained unaltered. In the 1980s the Reagan Weigel predicts, the whole country will The secret bombing of Cambodia, Water¬ Doctrine has confronted the “no more Viet- engage in a debate regarding morality and gate, and the Iran-contra affair each had its nams” consciousness of the 1970s. As such, foreign policy. Moral arguments surface reg¬ genesis in a policy aimed at imposing U.S. the Iran-contra affair represents the admin¬ ularly in our public discourse partly because political yvill on a Third World country'. istration’s attempt to rey’ive the fears of Americans have brought religious convic¬ More important, according to Sharpe, each Soviet expansion that re-justified policies tions into the public arena. scandal demonstrates the chronic tension requiring an insulated security' apparatus. Our present difficulties with the moral¬ betyveen our democratic political system and In each of these scandals we see die strug¬ ity and foreign policy debate derive largely its non-democratic national security system. gle betyveen “aberrationists,” yy'ho focus on from the U.S. involvement in World War The cold yvar created a rationale for the human failures, and “legalists,” yvho assume I. When Woodrow Wilson first articulated groyvth of a powerful security apparatus that abuses of poyver are inevitable unless the themes of the United States’ entrance ruled by' an “imperial presidency.” Inher¬ checked byr institutional restraints. onto the world stage, his arguments intro¬ ent in the 1947 National Security' Act was The dangerous struggle betyveen the do¬ duced the concept of U.S. intentions—the a tacit agreement that checks and balances mestic and security' considerations is likely sincerity of our motives —into the debate. to ensure shared decision-making yvith Con¬ to continue. Sharpe argues that in search¬ As we enter our third century', Weigel gress yvould sometimes be suspended, since ing for a safer balance, yve should not over¬ says, the country’s central problem is not the nation’s security in the nuclear age look new legislation. The Reagan administra¬ whether we shall apply commonly held seemed to demand secrecy, efficiency, and tion’s abuses demonstrate, hoyvever, that moral values to foreign policy', but hoyv. unity of action. new layvs are insufficient if the political will The real issues focus on the quality' of the As the bipartisan foreign policy consen¬ to enforce them is lacking. requisite ethical reasoning. We face a mixed sus broke doyvn, these three scandals de¬ picture—rvith Protestant, Catholic, Jeyvish, monstrated the surfacing of tensions. Cam¬ Michelle Maynard is a State historian. Merrill Lynch Realty There Is Only One Place Welcomes " To Stay In Washington Roberta YOUR PLACE McLean Uptown Office
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DECEMBER 1987 15 OVERSEAS RELOCATION FOR THE FAMILY PET DOG, CAT, OR BIRD IS NOW EASY.
CALL, WRITE, OR TELEX THE PET RELOCATION SPECIALISTS IN TAMPA, The Cuts in State and menacing for being hard to measure. ‘The president set the stage by his single- USA/DOMESTIC SERVICES “Unless Congress decrees otherwise, the minded emphasis on military power as the ATTN: MILLIE WOOLF United States will soon be closing 15 over¬ basic source of American strength—and bv seas diplomatic posts, including two embas¬ his readiness to turn to covert operations. OVERSEAS/INTERNATIONAL sies, and laying off 1300 employees from Subtly and not so subtly he helped spread ATTN: DR. WALTER WOOLF a State Department payroll of 22,000. Con¬ the notion that diplomacy is for sissies. New gress proposes to slash a crippling 23 per¬ respectability', or at least new currency, was STAFF VETERINARIAN cent, or $767 million, from the department’s given the conspiratori.il right’s view that the budget. And this is being inflicted by the State Department is the preserve of elitists same lawmakers who piously bewail Wash¬ with their own suspect agenda. Other ington’s declining global influence and riskv trends, meanwhile, were legitimizing con¬ dependence on cheaper-to-hire foreign gressional inroads on the executive branch’s nationals. foreign policy prerogatives. . . . ’These prospective cuts represent the men¬ “Last week was a bad week but a predic¬ tality of a banana republic, not a great table one. The Senate approved 86 far- power. Diplomacy is the first line of de¬ ranging foreign policy amendments, 26 in fense and the front line of peace. one hour, in what Senator John Danforth “Congressional desire to reduce the fed¬ protested as ‘a cacophony of confusion.’ The ranking Republican on Foreign Relations, PET TRAVEL AGENCY eral deficit makes sense. But the cuts are far from equitable and sensible. The same Jesse Helms, who detests the State Depart¬ 4120 WEST CYPRESS STREET Congress that begrudges diplomacy con¬ ment, led the wrecking crew. ... It was TAMPA, FLORIDA 33607-2358 tinues to approve bv unrecorded voice votes disclosed that die State Department is draw¬ (813) 879-3210 TELEX 808857 billions for pork-barrel programs. And it’s ing up vet another budget-shrinking plan, not just a matter of pouring money into whose gross dimensions—a permanent loss vote-getting domestic programs. Congress of eight percent of departmental jobs — has disproportionately cut State Department scarcely hint at the further deterioration of SHOP IN AN AMERICAN operations overseas compared with over¬ efficiency, good planning, and morale that DRUG STORE BY MAIL! seas missions of other departments that is likely to result.... Surely there are a few persons [in the administration and Con¬ An ice cream soda is one of the employ 70 percent of U.S. personnel abroad. gress] who could at least join to hold the few items we cannot mail. Drugs, ‘The lawmakers are plaving dice with the line and keep matters from getting cosmetics, sundries country’s security: America’s Foreign Serv¬ vvorse’aren’t there?” mailed to every coun¬ ice officers supply the bulk of political and Editmial in The Washington Post, try in the world. We economic intelligence. They often work October 13 maintain permanent under the worst and most dangerous con¬ ditions, as in Lebanon. Now thev are asked “Sharp budgetary restrictions, affecting an family prescription to do more for less, and are blamed for fail¬ unprecedented number of positions sched¬ records. SEND NO ures to improve embassy security in uled for elimination, will severely damage MONEY — pay only after satis¬ Moscow—which is a bit much coming from the performance of the State Department in a critical period of the nation’s history. factory receipt of order. legislators who for years showed so little interest in repeated appeals for needed se¬ “Departmental officials would be well- curity funds. advised to concentrate their economies on “No homeowner would sensibly econo¬ new construction and equipment, which can mize by canceling fire insurance. Thafls what always be deferred, rather than on whole¬ Congress proposes to do—unless the Senate sale reductions in personnel which are sure rises above the House’s banana-republic re¬ to create an untimely effect on employee flexes and reinstates money denied a fed¬ morale. eral department as vital as it is vulnerable.” “Present plans . . . call for the elimina¬ Editmial in The New York Times, October 3 tion of some 1270 jobs, or about eight per¬ cent of the 15,800 Foreign Service and Civil “If the State Department were a country, Service positions. Far better, for instance, you could almost say it had fought a battle would be the deferment of a new campus for national survival, and lost. Assorted parts in Virginia for the Foreign Service Insti¬ of the government hav e taken their lumps tute and some of the embassy-building Morgan PharmacyTM in recent years . . . but none more than the planned for overseas. agency that is supposed to conduct the coun¬ “Short-sighted also is the proposed clos¬ 3001 P Street, N.W. try’s foreign relations. The result is an insti¬ ing of the United States consulates in kev Washington, D.C. 20007 tutional crisis and, worse, a degree of na¬ foreign cities. . . . Eliminating consulates tional self-crippling that is no less certain and key service officers will have a crush-
16 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL ing impact at a time when the United States is struggling to maintain an international image of probin' and diplomatic foreign rela¬ The Intelligent Alternative tions.” Editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle, to Overpriced Hotels. October 13
The Cut Ups in State Now you can enjoy more than twice the living space of an ordinary hotel room at less than one-half the cost.* And still have all the services and “A Career as a Foreign Sendee Economics luxuries you need: 24-hour switchboard, maids and linens; outdoor swim¬ Officer. An Extraordinary Opportunity' to ming pool and whirlpool; indoor Health Club with sauna; Computer Room sen'e in the International Arena. Invest a and Conference Room with catering kitchen. There’s a complimentary small percent of your time by taking the Continental breakfast. Children and extra guests are welcomed and there Foreign Sendee Written Exam. . . . Yield: is no charge for parking. All located off Washington Boulevard opposite High Job Satisfaction.” Fort Myer and minutes from the District, the Pentagon, Crystal City and Advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, National Airport. September 29 If you are transferring into the Washington area or are here temporar¬ ily on company or government business, call The Executive Club today. A Hard-corps Life You can take advantage of our reduced Grand Opening rates while you enjoy a full sized apartment suite. “A real threat to our future well-being is being prepared in Washington. . . . The $1.6-billion budget State is planning on The Executive Club receiving for operations is about one-half of one percent of the defense budget. Diplo¬ Arlington macy, once deemed an elite profession, now looks like a rust-belt industn'. ... If mili¬ tary' morale fell to such a [low] level, we 108 South Courthouse Road might have reason to worry’ about a coup. Arlington, Virginia 22204 But, happily, State Department officers don’t pull triggers, and they have no con¬ stituency. They push cookies, not bomb¬ (703) 522-C L U B (800) 535-C L U B releasing buttons. . . . Does this year’s $80 million shortfall—less than one month’s pro¬ Brokers Welcomed *Based on minimum 30 day lease. tection for Kuwaiti tankers—add up to wisdom for the long-term? . . . The sense of a “profession” will be destroyed. . . . dissent will become non-existent in an inse¬ cure career. Vital skills will be lost. . . . Of¬ ficers who spend years learning Russian, In Amsterdam, Munich, Chinese, Arabic, or other hard languages Bath, Istanbul and Seville, will be flushed out. Out will go the experi¬ enced trade promoters and negotiators. . . the Foreign Service made gone already' is all language training for plans for your assignment. wives, the best (unpaid but highly moti¬ In Washington, D.C., vated) bargain anywhere. A generation of promising diplomats will be lost forever. . BARBARA HELD/CITY SITES . .The slashing of the Foreign Service now REAL ESTATE, INCORPORATED, BARBARA HELD / CITY SITES will also mean a heavy' burden on the future. will pave the way for The future, we can be confident, will re¬ REAL ESTATE INCORPORATE! 1 quire: your arrival. ■ Efforts to defuse tensions and negotiate peaceful outcomes in an increasingly ho¬ stile world. BARBARA HELD/CITY SITES REAL ESTATE, INCORPORATED, ■ Political and economic intelligence essen¬ has provided distinguished service to generations of tial for keeping national policies on course. discriminating Foreign Service families. ■ Responding to the threats of terrorism, slowing the drug trade, regulating immi¬ gration. Let us know how we can attend ■ Managing our overseas missions. . . . “Those are State Department jobs. . . . to your real estate needs. International influence is not cheap. . . . We’ll earn your trust! We will get what we pay for.” Henry Precht in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 16 RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SALES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND RENTALS CUPPINGS brings to the reader's attention state¬ ments about the Foreign Service or its agencies appearing in the media or in speeches. No endorse¬ 705 DSTREET, S.E., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20003*202/546-7600 ment of the views or facts expressed is implied.
DECEMBER 1987 17 DIPLOMACY
The Toughest Dilemma
By STEPHEN R. DU JACK
A hostage situation is one of the toughest dilemmas a president can face. Either bar¬ gain with the terrorists and risk rewarding the kidnapers, or stand firm and place the Coming home—Going overseas? lives of the captives in jeopardy. Many ad¬ ministrations have suffered political losses Buy from the following eidier course, and Ronald Reagan Washington area’s largest is not the first chief executive to announce a policy of refusing to make concessions while secretlv doing just that. Dating back Jeep • Eagle to die beginning of the Republic, presidents Dealer have found political theory to be of little comfort when dealing with the harsh real¬ Choose from our complete line of ity’ of human lives at risk. I 4-wheel drive Jeeps, and the all new When George Washington was in office, ri COURTESY | Medallion and Premiere. Local or Congress voted to pay the equivalent of > overseas delivery. Diplomatic corps $992,463 to the dev of Algiers to free 115 Jeep • Eagle ' discounts. Phone or write Christo- American sailors. The ransom included a I pher Zourdos (301) 424-1700 36-gun frigate complete with stores and 755 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md. 20852 ammunition. The United States also agreed J to pav an annual bribe to the Barbary powers to protect American shipping, a prac¬ tice that continued while John Adams was in office despite the cry of his minister to FREE SQUASH* France, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, that the new nation would pay “millions for de¬ MEMBERSHIPS FOR fense but not one cent for tribute.” This humiliating situation persisted until Thomas AFSA MEMBERS Jefferson dispatched warships to face down die Barbarv pirates at Tripoli —an event me¬ morialized in the Marine Hymn. In more recent times, Theodore Roose¬ velt won a cheer from the floor of the 1904 Republican convention with his ultimatum, “We want Perdicaris alive or Raisuli dead.” Raisuli was a Moroccan bandit who was holding Ion H. Perdicaris for ransom. They were brave words from the former Rough Rider, but not onlv was the deal to free the captive already brokered when Roosevelt brought the convention to its feet, but it AFSA members can now play squash at the Capitol Hill would have been enforced by Britain and France—wot the United States—if it had Squash Club without paying any membership or initiation been breached. Recent scholarship also sug¬ fee. By simply showing your AFSA membership card, you will gests that Perdicaris was probably not even pay only the court fees at Capitol Hill's most luxurious fitness an American citizen, which would have facility. Located only a block from the Capitol South Metro made anv political repercussions to die pres¬ ident minimal. stop, the Club also offers free use of changing rooms, showers, At times the United States has adhered and saunas before and after playing squash. *There is a $20 to the hard-line approach. In 1972, Amer¬ annual .processing fee; some restrictions apply. ican diplomats Cleo Noel Jr. and Curtis Moore ended up being executed when Pres¬ ident Nixon refused to release Robert Ken¬ Capitol Hill Squash & Nautilus Club nedy’s assassin and other prisoners to Arab 214 D Street, S.E. • (202) 547-2255 terrorists in Sudan. Then, three years later, Secretary’ Kissinger removed Ambassador
18 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL to Tanzania W. Beverly Carter because he had negotiated the release of several Amer¬ icans held by a terrorist group. AMERICAN BOARDING SCHOOL IN SALZBURG The United States has, however, often
bent to the exigencies of the moment. When . I HI M| Croatian partisans hijacked a U.S. jetliner in 1976, the Ford administration secured SALZBURG INTERNATIONAL PREPARATORY SCHOOL the release of their hostages bv publishing Salzburg International Preparatory School is a co-educational American boarding school located in the terrorists’ manifesto. When President Europe’s most beautiful city. The school program includes grades 7 to 12; A PG program for high school graduates and summer language courses are also available. Carter won the freedom of the hostages held The school has years of experience in dealing with Department of State dependents. The highest in Tehran in 1981, he returned several bil¬ academic standards are maintained in preparing students for entry to top American universities. The lion dollars in frozen assets to the revolu¬ school program includes numerous Advanced Placement courses, ESL courses, extensive cultural tionary government. And when President excursions throughout Europe as well as competitive sports such as American football, alpine skiing and many others. Reagan sought the release of the Americans Write for catalog: held by Arab gunmen on a TWA 747 jetli¬ Salzburg International Preparatory School, Moosstrasse 106 - 7, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria, ner in 1985, he sought help from the leader Tel. (662) 844485,846511, Telex 632476 saint a of a nation frequently identified as a spon¬ sor of terrorism, Svria’s President Asad. Thus, the current administration’s outright ransom of three Americans held by Shi’ite fundamentalists in Lebanon—not to men¬ WASHINGTON, D.C. BOUND? tion lower-level consideration of releasing the prisoners convicted in the 1983 bomb¬ ing of the French and U.S. embassies in Kuwait for American hostages—although DRIVE A BARGAIN a blatant violation of the long-standing no¬ RENT-A-NEW CAR bargaining policy had recent precedents. from $19.95* per day Other countries act similarly when thev perceive their interests are at stake. France Ideal When Shipping POV or on Home Leave ‘Economy car, subject to availability. Monthly rates lower. has paid cash ransoms and made other con¬ cessions to terrorists holding its nationals FREE PICK UP AT NATIONAL AIRPORT & METROS prisoner. (Not only states make concessions widt terrorists. For many multinational cor¬ 683-6400 porations active in Latin America and the 2850 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202 Middle East, ransom payments are a cost of doing business.) It was a significant vic¬ tory for anti-terrorists, in fact, when a French judge recently ignored his govern¬ ment’s plea for leniency and gave a life sen¬ tence to the man who had assassinated Amer¬ ican military' attache Charles Ray in Paris AFSA NEEDS YOUR HELP in 1982. West Germany delayed for months the extradition of a suspect in the TWA FOR THE BETTERMENT OF hijacking because his comrades in arms held two Germans as hostages; Bonn finally de¬ cided to try him in Germany. THE SERVICE With the whole world watching, most leaders have found it difficult to refuse to deal when the lives of innocent people are If you would like to become involved in making your at risk. But as Anthony Quainton, former profession better, AFSA would like you to join its new director of the State Department's Office of Counterterrorism, wrote: “The funda¬ Keyperson Network. mental dilemma is how to strike a balance between deterrence and saving lives. The As a Keyperson, you would become the point of contact government must be as concerned for the between the Association and the membership in your bureau protection of life as any private group. But it has to think beyond the life of individual or office. We need you to bring to our attention what AFSA hostages to the safety and well-being of thou¬ needs to do for you and your colleagues. And we need you sands of odter official Americans whose lives to help distribute special publications from time to time to would be threatened if die government were your coworkers. The new Keyperson Network will work to give in to terrorist demands.” closely with the AFSA Governing Board and its Standing Despite its public pronouncements, his¬ tory shows that the United States has often Committees for AID and State, fostering better communica¬ talked softly while offering a carrot rather tions and making sure that they flow in both directions. than a big stick. As it and the other coun¬ tries whose nationals have been kidnaped have learned, terrorism has nonetheless con¬ GET INVOLVED! tinued.
Stephen R. Dujack is editor of the JOURNAL. The opinions expressed arc his own. Call Evangeline Monroe at 647-8160
DECEMBER 1987 19 Jv^thersNork We keep your EXECUTIVE MATERNITY FASHIONS 10 • 25 • 50 Catalog with swatches and fit prescriptions guide $3, refundable with order. Visit our stores in: Atlanta, Ar¬ lington Hts., IL, Baltimore, Boston, coming. Charlotte, NC, Chicago, Cleveland Costa Mesa, CA, Dallas, Denver, Oaks Mall, VA, Harrisburg, PA, Worldwide. W. Hartford, CT, Houston, With our worldwide prescription King of Prussia, PA, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New service, it's easy to have your prescrip¬ Orleans, New York, Phila¬ Foreign Service Journal, December 1977: tions sent where you need them. Just delphia, Pittsburgh, San bring or mail a prescription from your Diego, San Francisco, Stam¬ [The House and Senate foreign affairs com¬ ford, CT, Washington, D.C., doctor to this store. We'll do the rest and or inquire about opening a mittees] “reported favorably on Reorganiza¬ mail them anywhere overseas or store. Phone 215-625-0151. tion Plan No. 2—the consolidation of USIA 1309 Noble St., 5th Fir., Dept. stateside. FE7L, Phila., PA. 19123. and State’s Bureau of Educational and Cul¬ ■ Orders filled and mailed promptly. tural Affairs... .The name of the new agency ■ Pay Peoples low prices plus was changed to the International Commu¬ postage and packing after receipt. nication Agency from Agency for Interna¬ ■ Your doctor stateside can order a r/ Call for any tional Communication. Members of Con¬ refill by phone. gress had criticized die previous title as ‘CIA ■ Complete lines of National Brand book backwards.’. . .The new agency director re¬ and Peoples Brand health and beauty • Immediate shipment worldwide. mains ‘under the direction’ of the secretary' aids, sundries, and cosmetics are ~ • Credit cards or check.* Ask about also available. our overnight gift delivery nation- of state, but ‘direction’ is not further de¬ 8% wide. • Free monthly New Title fined.” —Association News Over 80 years of reliable service forecast. • Mail orders welcome. to the diplomatic community. » Open 24 hours every day. • Write or Foreign Service Journal: December 1962: phone for free holiday catalog. “It is unfortunate that in our calling we have so few opportunities to explore .Amer¬ ica. For many of us the practical limits are 1-800-255*266$ Washington and Rehoboth, with perhaps In CT or Worldwide (203) 966-5470 an occasional visit to New York. Even on 2125 E Street. N.W. 59 Elm Street. New Canaan. CJ 06840 home leave there may be no grass-roots visit, Washington, D.C. 20007 whether because there are no ties, or be¬ (202) 338-6337 cause of logistical complications. A visit to Alabama, North Dakota, Arizona, or Iowa after Kabul, Copenhagen, or Cape Town— with time for talking, mixing, and reflect¬ ing—might make both us and the com¬ VOLVO munity the richer.” —Editorial BUY Foreign Service Journal, December 1937: Factory-Set Discounts “Tire vast majority of Foreign Service offi¬ cers are satisfied with the present scale of SELL To Diplomats salaries as such, but feel that they are en¬ Here and Abroad titled to allowances sufficient to cover the important expenditures which they are called upon to make due to the exigencies INVEST U.S., U.K., European, or of the Service. Expenditures for representa¬ tion, for home leaves of absence . . . for Overseas Specs damage to household effects in shipment or bv climatic conditions are all items which Ed Joyce Overseas and Domestic have no counterpart in other walks of life. Retired FSIO Deliveries ... It is well biown that Washington is LICENSED IN one of the most expensive cities in the VIRGINIA United States and consequently in the world. It would seem only just, particularly KELLY COGHILL if . . . all Foreign Service officers should DIPLOMA TIC SALES SPECIALIST in turn be ordered for at least temporary' tours of duty in Washington, to make a £MOUNT serious attempt to obtain from Congress dbDon Beyer Volvo an appropriation allowing a reasonable allorv- ^VERPiON ance for Foreign Service officers yvhich yvould permit them to serve in Washing¬ CREALTY A 1231 W. Broad Street ton yvithout serious personal financial pen¬ V-INC ^ Falls Church, VA 22046 alty.” —Scldcn Chapin 6257 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, Va. 22101 (703) 237-5020 10-25-50 records excerpts from previous issues Off: 821-8300 with an eye toward how much things have Res: 821-2109 changed—or how they have remained the same.
20 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL i H KlfipTBu BAR KAJEI 11 ■K i i mmm H5I t ■ -BoJt. 1p > 1C, 1If
EMBASSIES AMIDST TURMOIL Two Ambassadors Tell Their Stories
Ambassador Marshall Green arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, mendous change for this resource-rich South American nation in the summer of1965 during a period of momentous change (bottompicture). Salvador Allende had been voted into author¬ in the archipelago (top picture). His advent saw the closing ity, but his Marxist-led ride was punctuated by unrest and days of President Sukarno’s power and the venting of tremendous violent demonstrations. In 1973, a military coup brought Gen¬ anti-American feelings. Shortly thereafter, an abortive Com¬ eral Augusto Pinochet’s junta to power. Davis’s role was com¬ munist coup was foiled by the military, destroying in almost plicated by the contradictory policies emanatingfrom Washing¬ one blow the Indonesian Communist Party, and initiating ton, but he, too, pursued policies of restraint that resulted in the ascent of General Suharto and the beginnings of a more a lessening of anti-American feelings at that time. pluralisticgovernment. Because of Green’s quiet diplomacy and In an oral history interview beginning on page 22, Mar¬ policy of restraint, these changes allowed a more positive and shall Green recalls an embassy under attack that nonetheless balanced relationship between Indonesia and the United States maintained its cool. Nathaniel Davis’s memoir, beginning to develop. on page 28, brings the reader inside the embassy during the Six years later, on the other side of the world, Ambassador months before the coup, discussing policies toward Allende, Nathaniel Davis came to Santiago, Chile, at a time of tre¬ and the controversial role of covert action during that period.
DECEMBER 1987 21 A Conversation with Marshall Green
NUDGING THE TILLER: INDONESIA REVERSES COURSE
THIS PAST SPRING retired Foreign Serv¬ of President Sukarno, who in turn depended ice officer Robert Martens, political offi¬ very much on die support of die Communist cer in Jakarta from 1963-66, sat down Party of Indonesia, also known as die PKI, with Marshall Green to discuss the many which was die dominant parti' at that time. issues that confronted the ambassador to Indonesia Sukarno had totally neglected the economic during a pivotal period. Green arrived in Jakarta issues that were threatening his country; he in the summer of1965. In September; an aborted was virtually at war with Malaysia; he was Communist coup started the ascent of General Su¬ nioiing toward expropriating foreign com¬ harto. In March 1966, after three weeks of stu¬ panies including CalTex and Goodyear. The dent riots, President Sukarno transferred author¬ state of our relations at that time was obvi¬ ity to Suharto, and one year later the congress ously bad, and getting worse. We were reduc¬ appointed Suharto acting president. In March ing our presence and our aid programs. Nev¬ 1968, it conferred full presidential powers on him ertheless, we were trying to get along with and he was sworn in as president for a five-year Sukarno; he was the only effective force in In¬ term. His rule was continued in subsequent elec¬ donesia. But by 1964 our government was split tions, and Suharto has now been in power for more on how far we should go in playing up to Su¬ than 20 years. karno or opposing him. Our ambassador at Green spent most of his career in Asia, includ¬ that time was Howard Jones, rather a saint ing stints in Korea and Hong Kong during the of a man, who tended to see the best in all 1960s. Before going to Jakarta he was deputy as¬ people. He had a close friendship with die pres¬ sistant secretary ofstate fin' the Far East and during ident. Although he was quite aware of Su¬ Nixon’sfirst term, assistant secretaryfor East Asia karno’s shortcomings, and die dangers he posed and the Pacific. He was later ambassador to Au¬ to our country, he believed very firmly diat stralia. This interview, conducted under the aus¬ we should just ride things out, continuing our pices of the Foreign Service History Center at George aid programs and keeping in close touch with Washington University, is part of the center’s oral the president, until such time as the tidal cur¬ history project. rents changed. Green began by pointing out: “It’s the Foreign Sukarno hated to see Jones go; he saw me Service officers with whom I dealt, who were— as a voung, no-nonsense type and decided to and are—the core strength of American diplo¬ make my life uncomfortable. My arrival was macy. We talk about this period in Indonesia, attended by signs all over the streets saying, and I say, ‘I did this, I did that. ’ The fact of the “Green go home.” Under one of those signs matter is, we all acted together in a collegial way. someone had scrawled in lipstick, “. . . and I drew heavily on the advice and expertise of an take me with you.” So I always had faidi, espe¬ excellent staff. I don’t think there were any basic cially in the students, who were always friendly differences amongst us. . . . We always came out toward us and later played a major role in Su¬ to the same policy conclusions. They were a distil¬ karno’s fall. At one later demonstration at the lation of our collective wisdom. We also had great embassy, in fact, a student leader told me in support from our bureau in the State Department. ” confidence diat they had to demonstrate against us, otherwise they would not be allowed to attack the Chinese embassy. We all laughed, You arrived in Indonesia in July 1965. Can and I asked them to go easy on the Chinese. you tell me your impressions of Indonesia’s Shortly after arrival, I presented my letters political orientation at that time and the state at a big affair at the palace. Thousands of guests of our relations? were diere. I and my principal officers were In 1965, Indonesia was under the control attired in white business suits. We lined up
FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL The Indonesian chief of protocol who accom¬ panied us was very nervous. All die gates were locked, but the mobs began to swarm around Sukarno planned to the residence. I knew that on occasions like set up a Nasakom these fire best thing to do is to receive a dele¬ government. But gation of the protesters. So we admitted about the coup misfired a dozen of them, and they came in, radrer sheep¬ very badly. The ishly. We sat around on our porch, and they Communists were delivered themselves of tirades against the actually in control United States. I told them drat I would take of Jakarta for less their points into consideration and inform my than a day. government, and we said good-bye. Well, they left, but I was embarrassed the next day to read in all die government-controlled press drat Ambassador Green was cowering and trem¬ bling under die sofa while students read their declaration. This was typical of die kind of hu¬ miliations to which the embassy was daily sub¬ jected.
As deputy assistant secretary in the East Asia Bureau prior to your assignment as ambas¬ sador, what were your impressions of U.S. policy toward Sukarno? Marshall Green, new U.S. ambassador to In¬ donesia, presents his credentials to Sukarno at We had started to cut back on our military the palace in Jakarta. assistance in September 1963. The flow of Mili¬ tary Assistance Program materiel was cut out, facing Sukarno and some of his 105 cabinet and we confined our aid to items that would members in the Istana (“palace”). I then read not in any way enhance Indonesia’s military my carefully prepared remarks that had been capabilities. However, die Indonesian army had cleared in Washington, in which I said all the many members in it who were our friends. nice things I credibly could about Indonesia We regarded it as the force that might, in the and its president. I stepped back. Sukarno then long run, save the day, and we did not like stood toward and delivered a terrific blast to cut back our contacts. So we continued to against American foreign policy. On occasions give civic-action support to the military, and like that diplomats often leave the room, but we continued to receive Indonesian officers I decided that I had no choice but to stay. in our advanced schools. This turned out to When he finished, the president introduced be a very good investment. me to the leading guests, including the third- Back in Washington there was a growing ranking person in the Foreign Office, a very rift between those who thought we should do beautiftil woman who reputably was one of nothing to risk our relations with Jakarta and his many former mistresses. I said to her, very those who very much opposed the appease¬ loud into the microphone, so that everybody ment line. In 1965, we sent Ellsworth Bunker could hear, “Madam Supeni, it’s a great plea¬ to take a hard look at the situation. [See “The sure to meet you. You know with that beauti¬ Art of Diplomacy,” October] He had a very ful raven hair, and flashing eyes, and green successful trip. He said something which I had sari, I really couldn’t keep my mind on what long believed—that we had too large a pres¬ the president was saying. Could you tell me ence in Indonesia. He told Sukarno that it what he said?” Well, there was a ghastly si¬ would be in his interest if we reduced our pres¬ lence, and Sukarno, who was flattered by the ence, presenting a smaller target to the strong attention I gave to his mistress, slapped his nationalistic emotions of the Indonesians. He thigh and laughed, and everybody laughed. said he would be recommending that diere be When that occasion was over, my wife and a reduction in the size of our embassy. Com¬ I went back to the embassy residence. En route mensurate with the reduction in size, he added, we could see large mobs of student demon¬ we would have to cut back some of our aid strators forming in the streets. Thev looked programs. In other words, he diplomatically to me like Sukarno’s “goon squad”—betjak (“pe- advanced the whole idea of reducing our pres¬ dicab”) drivers and the like—a mass of them, ence, standing back a bit from events. That with banners screaming, “Green go home.” was the same policy approach I pursued when
DECEMBER 1987 23 I was named ambassador. I knew from Ambas¬ eight the following morning. There were some sador Jones’s letters that it was not going to strange military stadoned along the street. Even There was abso¬ be a bed of roses. our military attache could not identify them. lutely no embassy or Then rumors began to spread. Was it a real CIA involvement The “Gestapu” coup occurred on Septem¬ coup d’etat, Or what? We w'ere puzzled, just in the coup in any ber 30, 1965, not long after you arrived. as everybody else w'as. shape or form. Can you tell us what happened? The most important diing to bear in mind There have been many reports of the thou¬ is that Sukarno had been pressing for a “Nasa- sands or even hundreds of thousands of kom” government, which was a blending of people who died in the cataclysm that fol¬ nationalism, communism, and religion. Su¬ lowed. There are some who believe that the karno was strongly supported by die Com¬ numbers killed were probably much less than munist parti', and his principal opponents were reported, but nobody really knows. What in the army. That doesn’t mean the army was is your view? not obeying his commands; they were. But Probably the figure w'as far less than w'e re¬ most army officers were anti-communists. At ported. In November 1965 w'e were begin¬ this time Sukarno’s health was deteriorating. ning to receive reports of mass killings. The The PKI was clearly fearful that, if Sukarno reports were vague; there w’ere no photographs. should suddenly leaye the scene, the army Most of them were hearsay. No one in our would crush them. Hence die PKI, probably embassy saw' any bodies, nor did we meet any¬ with Sukarno’s connivance, raised charges diat body w'ho had seen the killings. When I w'as the army was plotting to move against them. called back to Washington in February 1966, This was clearly die setdng for the Communist- I knew' they w'ere going to ask me how' many attempted coup. They pulled the coup on the people w'ere killed. We didn’t have any idea, 30di of September—actually in the early hours so I asked everybody on our country team to of October. They succeeded in killing five top guess, and I averaged it out. When I was asked generals but diey missed Defense Minister Nasu- in Washington how many were killed I said, don and General Suharto. Circumstantial evi¬ ‘We don’t know', but if w'e had to make a w'ild dence indicates that as soon as the PKI coup guess based on rumors, it w'as probably around succeeded, Sukarno planned to set up a Nasa- 300,000.” Our guess leaked out, and the figure kom government. But die coup misfired very w'as die one that came to be generally accepted. badly. The Communists were actually in con¬ trol of Jakarta for less dian a day. How were conditions in the embassy during There have been charges that the embassy the week or so after the coup attempt? How or the CIA was involved, that the United did people react? How did you react? How States was behind General Suharto and the did the embassy begin to understand what army. What is your response to that? was taking place? There was absolutely no embassy or CIA We did come gradually to understand events, involvement in the coup in any shape or form. partly through our owrn officers who were fan¬ One of die first things I did when I learned ning out, partly from radio announcements, about the failed coup was to caution Washing¬ partly from communications with other offi¬ ton about claiming credit, or saying that we cials and our diplomatic colleagues. It soon anticipated diis thing. We didn’t. It was a dme became apparent that the coup w'as over. The for us to be quiet. But by keeping quiet, the military moved swiftly to rout the attackers event never received die notice in our media but refrained from arresting Sukarno. He con¬ diat it deserved. tinued to be president, albeit weakened and suspect. It w'as a very uncertain situation and I myself remember that it was very difficult potentially explosive. to understand what was going on at that The biggest problem I faced w'idi Washing¬ time. We thought at first that Sukarno might ton W'as over die order to evacuate Americans. have been assassinated. Flanked bv my principal officers, I discussed We were just as puzzled as everybody else. the situation through the telecommunications The night of the coup my New Zealand col¬ system diat had been set up. Washington asked league and I had been out watching wayang for our assessment, and they dien urged evac¬ (“shadow puppet”) show's. Coming back I uation of all dependents. We said that none heard and saw' nothing unusual in the streets. of the other diplomats w'ere leaving, and, as That was about one a.m. The actual attack took a matter of fact, that it w'as almost impossible place at two or diree. I came to the office at to move around or get to the airport. Since
24 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL the city was under curfew, it would be very difficult to carry out any kind of evacuation. The best thing, and the safest, was just to stay home and off the streets. The few' wre needed in the office w'ent there. But a very nervous Washington refused to accept our advice, and w'e were told to evacu¬ ate our dependents as soon as possible. Al¬ though we did not agree with that order, w'e had to carry it out. I remember calling all the Americans togedier saving this is ‘The Declara¬ tion of No-dependents.” My wife w'as very upset bv die order, and a lot of die senior offi¬ cers felt diat the wives w'ere plaving an im¬ portant role in the embassy and should stay. Nevertheless, w'e did evacuate all dependents over die next several w'eeks.
The struggle between the two sides con¬ tinued to go on for some six or seven months after the evacuation, and the embassy was severely attacked in March 1966. All the auto¬ mobiles were burned in front. Molotov cock¬ tails were thrown. Do you think the Amer¬ ican community was in severe danger at any point? It’s hard to say. At the time I worried a great deal, because I w'as receiving threatening telephone calls. I remember getting a call at two a.m., saving that within hours they w'ere eral Suharto, began taking charge. However, Riot police keep Indo¬ going to attack and burn Anerican homes. Suharto didn’t assume full control until nesian demonstrators, Here it w'as in the middle of the night—what March 1966, some seven months after the protesting U.S. policy in Vietnam and could I do about it? Very litde. We w'ere under September 30 affair. Why did it take so long? “racial oppression” a strict curfew from six p.m. to six a.m. Senior Was this an army coup to overthrow Su¬ from getting too close officers would stav overnight at the chancery karno? to the American em¬ on a rotating basis. In fact, I spent every night The very fact thaht iht took the army so long bassy days before the at die chancerv for over a month, sleeping under to get pow'er substantiates my view', that this September 20 coup attempt. the conference table, although there wasn’t anv w'as not an army coup. The army w'as caught real fighting going on. We w'ere there because by surprise, and getting rid of Sukarno took w'e w'anted to be in touch with Washington a long time. Suharto was probably number tw'O in case anything happened —and we did have in the pecking order. As defense minister and some occasional attacks on the embassy. die principal leader of the military, General A strong attack occurred shortly before the Nasution w'as number one. He w'as also well- March 11 order that transferred power to Su¬ knovvn internationally as a brilliant military think¬ harto. It w'as probably led bv some of Sukarno’s er and author. How'ever, he failed on a number old goon squads. They managed to get into of occasions to stand up against Sukarno. It die embassy premises, and broke a lot of win¬ w'as already clear bv January 1, 1966, that Su¬ dows. They forced people upstairs into the harto overshadow'ed Nasution as the leading second floor strong area, w'here w'e had iron military figure. I recall a palace meeting in De¬ A strong attack grills. We set about furiously burning all our cember 1965, in which Suharto wanted Nasu¬ occurred shortly records. That w'as the most serious attack. The tion to take certain steps, but Nasution backed before March 11. attack w'as ended by the student groups known aw'ay from confronting Sukarno. Suharto then They managed to as KAMMI and KAPPI. They had been de¬ stepped forw'ard and took responsibility, ef¬ get into the embassy monstrating at the Foreign Office when they fectively talcing pow'er away from the military premises, and forced heard of the attack on our embassy. They came leader. That w'as a turning point. Shortly after a lot of people up¬ over and lifted the siege. that encounter, Suharto managed to reverse stairs. We set Sukarno’s order to take over all foreign com¬ about furiously Shortly after the coup attempt, back in Sep¬ panies. As I heard the story there was a meet¬ burning all our tember 1965, the army, particularly Gen¬ ing of the economic ministers in Bogor. Su- records.
DECEMBER 1987 25 harto arrived in his helicopter and strode into terrible financial straits, was through an arrange¬ the conference room. He rapped the table with ment to give the country sizable amounts of I was impressed his marshal’s baton and said in die name of medicines, as permitted by law. We realized with Suharto from the armed forces that there was not going to that they were not going to need all those me¬ the beginning. He be anv taking over of foreign companies. With dicines, of course, and diat they might sell some was rational, percep¬ that he marched out. It was an event that has of them to earn critically needed foreign ex¬ tive, balanced, and received little notice, but I think it was a very change. objective. important one, in which Suharto realiv as¬ serted his audioritv over Sukarno, die old order, Could you tell us what your instructions and anybody who might have been vying for or guidance was during the long period of the leadership of the country. dual authority, from September 30 to March 11? How soon after the coup did we have con¬ It was a baffling situation to all of us. In tact with Suharto and the Indonesian mili¬ Washington they really didn’t know what to tary? do. We talk about getting instructions, but who I don’t believe I had any talk with Suharto originated die instructions? Well, we did. Thus, until May 29, 1966, which was about nine after October 1965, we pretty much received months later. I did see him at public functions, the instructions that we had recommended to and we’d nod at each other, but I’m talking Washington. about meeting with him privately. From the Back in August 1965, after an attack on the beginning we recognized the importance of Indian embassy, I sent a telegram to Secretary establishing contacts at top authoritative levels Dean Rusk, saying that I had just seen it in of the government, which meant Suharto and ruins. I warned diat the same fate would befall Adam Malik, who was in effect the foreign us unless we issued an ultimatum. I requested minister, and eventuallv became vice president. instructions to tell Sukarno or Foreign Min¬ But it was mainly through our army attache, ister Subrandio that if there was one more act who was a personal friend of Suharto’s aide, of depredation against any American citizen diat I was able to carry on a relationship with or American installation, we would require the the president. Meanwhile, I developed a rela¬ Indonesians to withdraw their embassy and tionship with Malik and saw him from time consular personnel from die United States. If to time, almost always in a clandestine setting this resulted in die breaking of relations, so in someone’s house. In these meetings I gained be it. a verv clear impression of what Suharto When I told diis to Subandrio—I can remem¬ thought, and what Malik thought, and what ber every minute of that conversation—I was they were proposing to do. It all made a great amazed that he seemed almost relieved. He deal of sense to me. In fact I was impressed smiled. He seemed to untense. He picked up with Suharto from the beginning. He was ra¬ the phone and called the chief of police and tional, perceptive, balanced, and objective. He said he should meet with me tomorrow and had no pretentions. He was a professional sol¬ be responsive to my securin' requests. The next dier and a man of the people. He was not what day I went to police headquarters, where I was you would call a sophisticated thinker, but he greeted with an honor guard and band. Our was ready to listen to the right people. flags were displayed. I sat down and presented Meanwhile we began having contacts with nine or ten requests of what we needed for other people in the government, particularly protection. The police made good on their prom¬ in the economic ministries. Many of these ises, and even removed the guards around our people had advanced training in the United embassy whom we knew to be pro-Communist. States, most of them at the University of Cali¬ This all occurred diree weeks before the Com¬ fornia’s Berkeley campus, so they were called munist coup. the “Berkeley Mafia.” Thus we began to dis¬ Maintaining a low' profile and my ultima¬ cuss issues with officials who had effective respon¬ tum on security v'ere nvo instructions initiated sibilities in this new government. from the embassy. Later on, it u'as also our To help develop a relationship with the new policy to keep in touch with Suharto and Malik government, one of the first things that I did and the new' economic ministers. We offered was to hand over all 14 of the walkie-talkies limited assistance, but wre w'ere not going to that we had in die embassy. This provided addi¬ get ourselves involved in any resumption of tional internal security' for him and his top of¬ aid programs until w'e had a green light from ficers, and showed that we recognized that their the Indonesian government. Our dominant safety was important to the United States. Ano¬ theme w'as to maintain a low' profile and let ther wav we assisted Indonesia, which was in things mature.
26 FOREIGN SERVICE IOURNAL we did resume aid, the Indonesians were likely to ask for a lot of things that we couldn’t pro¬ vide, which would get us off on the wrong Life was much more foot. So, I worked out with Malik and with complicated during Washington what kind of package we could the days when we provide. We didn’t have anv aid appropriation were coming back monev and therefore wouldn’t be able to pro¬ into a friendly rela¬ vide regular aid until the following vear, but tionship with Indo¬ we did have authority under PL 480, the agri¬ nesia. But it was cultural trade development and assistance act, quite clear we were to give certain emergency commodity supplies. dealing with a new And so we worked up a package of $26 mil¬ government that lion of food aid, which Washington permitted would be congenial me to divulge privately to Malik, on die grounds to our foreign policy that Malik would then ask for it. When the aims. \7ice president finally called me to his office, in late May 1966, to ask for aid, I offered him die pre-arranged package. He accepted it grate¬ fully in a public gathering, and we got off to a good start. Meanwhile, others in Washington and other capitals had been working to establish the in¬ tergovernmental donor group, in which the United States gave one third of Indonesia’s essential economic aid, Japan one third, and others the remaining third. Later deliveries of fairly generous aid packages by these donor groups still were not enough to satisfy' certain people around Suhtarto. He was always gra¬ cious enough, but there were people on his staff who made it very difficult for me to to see him. In a very dismaying experience, I was informed by certain generals that Suharto was displeased with our economic aid and that it was going to be very difficult for me to see him unless we were more generous. Well, we were doing all we could and I deeply resented such tactics. Meanwhile, certain Indonesians Young Indonesians carry anti-Communist pla¬ cards as they demonstrate in front of the Com¬ were doing all kinds of end runs, going to Wash¬ munist party headquarters shortly after the abor¬ ington and badmouthing the embassy, but the tive coup. These signs reflect the changing trend State Department and Vice President in the political scene, with youths now shout¬ Humphrey gave us solid backing, putting an ing, “Long live America.” end to these pressure tatics. You know, in many ways, life was much more complicated during the davs when we When did our assistance program resume? were coming back into a friendly relationship I clearly remember resisting pressures from with Indonesia than in the days when we were Washington and from some of my diplomatic being harassed. Our responsibilities were now colleagues in early 1966 to resume aid. I learned much greater, and the issues we had to con¬ from Suharto and Malik that thev did not want tend with were legion. But it was quite clear U.S. assistance prematurely, probably because we were dealing with a new' government that it might strengthen the Sukarnoists by giving w'ould be congenial to our foreign policy aims. them the kind of relief needed to pursue their It w'as a great moment in history in which In¬ efforts to return to power. Malik’s message to donesia, the world’s fifth most populous coun¬ me was, “Wait until the time is ripe. Then try', strategically located at the juncture of two we will let you know what we want in the continents and two oceans, reversed its course way of aid. And we are certainly going to need 180 degrees. Indonesia today is prospering and it.” playing a constructive role in the Association We in the embassy recognized that when of Southeast Asian Nations and die world Q
DECEMBER 1987 27 Chile’s new president, Salvador Allende, waves the nation’s flag as he rides in his inaugural pro¬ cession (above). Two years later, a woman stands before a Chilean flag as anti-Marxist demon¬ strators rally in protest against Allende (right). MIXED SIGNALS
Contradictory policies from Washington bedeviled the ambassador to Chile during a time of tumultuous change
NATHANIEL DAVIS
~w" -yrHEN I PRESENTED my credentials report to the Congress stated: “Our bilateral % /% / to Salvador Allende in October policy is to keep open the lines of communica¬ %/ %/ 1971, the leftist Chilean news- tion between the United States and Chile. . . f f paper Clarin fantasized in print In short, w'e are prepared to have the kind of that my chiefs in Washington had instructed relationship with the Chilean government that me as follows: “Smile whenever you can; be it is prepared to have w ith us.” On the second as ingratiating as possible; talk with the jour¬ level, National Securin' Defense Memorandum nalists. . . . The gringo followed instructions 93, promulgated secretly in 1970, mandated to the letter.” There had been no such instruc¬ cessation of new U.S. credits to Chile, sharp tions, of course, but Clarin put its finger on reductions in economic assistance, the denial a central characteristic of my mission to Chile of new' guarantees of private investment, the as I conceived it. I did consciously try to main¬ use of American influence to constrict interna¬ tain a modest presence and operate in a low' tional financial credits to Chile, and other re¬ key, relying more on private talks titan resound¬ ductions in economic ties. ing polemics. I sought to be a reasonably ami¬ A difficulty widi these inconsistent and some¬ able presence on the Santiago scene, rather dtan what contradictors' policies w'as that they w'ere a public rallying point for the opposition and hard to keep straight, hard to keep secret, and a lightning rod for the extremists of the left. hard to make fully understood, even within Clearly, the United States needed to cool it the inner counsels of the American govern¬ in Chile, and that is what I tried to do. ment. For example, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Chile was a unique place in 1971. Salvador chief of naval operations at die time, complained Allende had promised diat he would lead his in his memoirs that “no one in Defense knew' country to socialism along a peaceful, consti¬ precisely what administration policy toward tutional “Chilean Way.” His power had been Chile w'as [in late 1970 and early 1971] be¬ gained in free elections, held in September cause Henry' Kissinger had made an elaborate 1970, and the country’s transformation was point of not telling them.” Zumw'alt himself to be achieved institutionally, without a dicta¬ burned his fingers by encouraging Allende to torship of the proletariat, and with minimum invite die nuclear carrier U.S.S. Enterprise to human cost. Richard Nixon, however, saw' the visit Valparaiso in February' 1971. Evidently Allende experiment as a second bridgehead, such a visit W'as more of a public embrace than along with Castro’s Cuba, for the spread of the White House desired, and Nixon and Kis¬ communism throughout the hemisphere. Na¬ singer thereupon repudiated Zumwalt, and re¬ tional Security Adviser Henry Kissinger felt buffed Allende. the same way. Despite die difficulties which NSDM 93 pro¬ U.S. policy had tw'O levels: it maintained duced, Henrv Kissinger understood the danger a correct outer posture, but at the same time of the United States’ becoming an exposed for¬ it applied unacknowledged pressure against the eign adversary. The two-level policy allow'ed government. This second level called for sup¬ many programs and contacts to continue. Educa¬ port to opposition forces in order to limit Al- tional and cultural exchanges, leader visits, travel lende’s ability to carry out policies contrary of students and scholars, religious and mission¬ to perceived U.S. interests. On the first level, ary activities, new's reporting and visits by jour¬ President Nixon in his 1971 foreign policy nalists, and other such contacts w'ent forward essentially undisturbed throughout the Allende Nathaniel Dams, ambassador to Chile from 1971- time. American libraries, binational centers, and 73, is Alexander and Adelide Hixson professor the teaching of English to Chileans continued. of humanities at Harvey Mudd College. Contacts w'ith Chilean media w'ere easy and
DECEMBER 1987 AN AMBASSADOR’S ROLE IS NEITHER DIPLOMACY IS A PROFESSION of communica¬ is that an ambassador serves die president under law; the tion, empathy, and perception, wherever its oath of office of any public servant is to the Constitution practitioners may reside. It is rooted in con¬ and die legal order, and only in that context is the officer tacts and personal relationships. Eloquence, committed to serve his constituted superiors. depth of knowledge, and force of personality do matter, Short of committing unlawful acts, however, an ambas¬ both in representing one’s country' abroad and in inter¬ sador must faithfully advance the policy goals set by the preting realities to Washington. president. A Foreign Service officer is trained to do this Every' diplomat is bv definition and, if one believes in professional diplomacy, it becomes I an instrument of the president, necessary to accept this relationship and to be prepared * and an ambassador’s actions to carry out policies with which one may not agree. In I cannot be disentangled from offi- the process, die diplomat inevitably accepts a responsibil¬ n cial government policy for many ity for both personal actions and U.S. policies. If the For¬ i reasons. It is a continuing source eign Sendee officer’s disagreement with policy is profound I8 of surprise to me how often high- and all-pen'asive, then the appropriate recourse is to resign ranking diplomats perceive their one’s office. I did not resign as ambassador to Chile and, role as die articulation and pur¬ consequently I share responsibility for U.S. policy there suit of personal goals and views. during my incumbency. But no matter how altruistic the motive or deep the con¬ Having acknoyvledged die inseparability' of policy and viction, a diplomat should not use his office to undermine ambassadorial action, I suggest that a diplomat still should or corrupt the president’s policies. The only reservation be judged on the basis of his personal effectiveness in car-
extensive. Binational boards for selecting grant were laboring to keep avenues of modest cooper¬ recipients operated without hindrance. ation open. All these programs had my sup¬ The Peace Corps also continued operations port and consistent ady'ocacy. I also acted y'ig- throughout the Allende period, working in for¬ orouslv to ensure that programs and personnel esaw science, animal husbandry, oceanography, presented as feyv targets as possible for those and other technical fields. The tracking station actiy'ists in the Chilean government and left- of the National Aeronautics and Space Admin¬ extremist parties who were looking for oppor¬ istration continued to track nonmilitary satel¬ tunities to roll up American actiy'ities and the lites and other vehicles widiout interruption American presence in Chile. or harassment. The American Institute for Free Labor Development carried on its Chilean pro¬ gram at a moderate lerrel with no destructh'e THE STATE DEPARTMENT inspectors political blowups. who visited Santiago in early 1973 AID conducted a shrinking activity' but did commented that “this is a tightly or¬ not close down. The agencies most important ganized embassy in yx'hich die ambas¬ continuing program, sustained through Al- sador’s policy and operational control ov'er all lende’s time, was the supply of nonfat dried U.S. agencies is about as complete as it ey'er milk to Chilean school children. The “half¬ can get.” In light of subsequent controversy, liter” milk program was a major campaign plank and the accusations of coup plotting and other of Allende’s in 1970, and the United States improper embassy actiy'ities, it was perhaps just maintained this program without interruption as yvell that I asserted strong control oy'er all despite its oby'ious political utility' to the goy’- elements of the mission. I took y'igorous mea¬ ernment. sures to ensure diat there was no spirit of ad- Sah'ador Allende himself wanted to keep y'enturism emanating from the embassy and lines of communication and cooperation open, its staff. My objective was a circumspect mis¬ and harbored litde ill-will. Whatey'er his faults, sion. he was essentially generous-minded and broad- Widiin the embassy, there were substantial spirited. Many of his colleagues were friendly differences in outiook. Several officers beliey'ed and constructwe in their attitudes. President to the virtual end that the political and eco¬ Nixon and his national security adviser under¬ nomic slide in the country yy'ould not result stood the advantages of an outwardly correct in a generalized crisis. Others, including me, posture and a non-confrontational approach perceiy'ed a more fundamental deterioration, to programs like the Peace Corps and NASA, yy'hich would ultimately lead to a confronta¬ while State Department officers at all ley'els tion. I did not suppress these dissenting views,
FOREIGN SERVICE IOURNAL COAT-HOLDER NOR HOTELIER
lying out the president’s policies. Attitude also plays a cess at both ends, I continue to believe that an ambassa¬ big role in the effectiveness of an ambassador. I personally dor’s role is crucial, for better or for worse. After all, some¬ liked Salvador Allende and most of the key figures around body has to try to understand what is going on in the him—a great deal better, in fact, than Richard Nixon or country in question and make wise policy recommendations Henry Kissinger did. This was probably lucky. If one likes to the harassed officials back home. people or dislikes them, they generally know it. All too A never-ceasing dialogue over policy goes on between many diplomats, many of them professionals who should an embassy and Washington. Effective reporting and ana¬ know better, think that they can denigrate and even detest lysis shape Washington’s understanding of die reality with the host country, its leaders, and its people and still be which it is dealing. In fact, an ambassador and his em¬ effective. A president of die United States may be able bassy colleagues speak from a pivotal vantage point be¬ to work in spite of personal antipathy, but an ambassador cause they are on the spot, reporting and interpreting real¬ generally cannot. ity. The ambassador’s recommendations on a controversial There are also those who think diat an ambassador’s issue almost always strike a divided, not unified, Wash¬ background, personal qualities, skills, language compe¬ ington policy community, and the weight of his opinion tency, contacts, and judgment do not really matter any may tip the balance. Somebody must also act in the for¬ more, in Chile, or elsewhere. They seem to believe that eign capital between assistant secretaries’ visits. Look in the current era of rapid communications and instant around—for good or for ill, strong-minded U.S. ambas¬ visits, die chief of an American diplomatic mission has sadors are cutting wide swaths today in embassies on all sunk into the role of hotelier, plane-greeter, message- five continents. deliverer, and coat-holder. Having experienced the pro¬ —NATHANIEL DAVIS
but forwarded them to Washington with clear on the payment of interest and principal on identification of their personal nature and of most of its foreign debt, and the balance bet¬ embassy differences. ween U.S. malevolence and Chile’s bad credit Our perception of events mattered in Wash¬ rating is hard to measure as one looks for the ington. In a funny, backward way, the advo¬ cause of its difficulties. Moreover, Chile re¬ cates of more decisive interventionist steps ceived a steady stream of credit from other Latin tended to become quiescent, and certainly more American countries, Western Europe, Eastern cautious, whenever the signs multiplied that Europe, the U.S.S.R., and other sources. Chile’s a crisis and showdown were coming, even with¬ indebtedness increased by almost $2 billion out drastic action on our part. I did not tailor during the three years Allende’s government reporting to hush the madcaps on the Poto¬ was in power, and it received more economic mac, but I did make sure that the dynamic help and promises of help than any previous of Chilean events was clearly presented. government in Santiago in an equivalent period. And Salvador Allende, referring to an “invis¬ By September 1973, Chile had close to the ible blockade” in his celebrated speech to the highest per capita debt of anv country in the U.N. General Assembly in December 1972, world. made sure the Chilean side of events was pre¬ Chilean nationalization policy was another sented. The president’s eloquence and his per¬ source of bitter dispute. The Allende govern¬ ception of the secret U.S. strategy contained ment assumed ownership of die holdings in in NSDM 93 was such that one might almost Chile of the great American copper companies, think he had read the document. It was not Kennecott and Anaconda, determining that it reallv an economic blockade, however, but would pay no more compensation for these more accurately a largely unsuccessful credit mines. Chile also intervened in the case of the squeeze that the U.S. was promoting. Except Chilean Telephone Company, a subsidiary of for the Kennecott Copper Corporation’s less- ITT, and seized operational and financial con¬ than-effective copper boycott, there were no trol of this enterprise and a number of smaller embargoes. By and large, Chile could buv every¬ American firms. U.S. policy main¬ thing it could pay for. But there was no ques¬ By the time I arrived in Chile, more than tained a correct tion that the Nixon administration did not wish a year after die election, there was not the slight¬ outer posture, but to extend new loans, nor acquiesce in interna¬ est chance of a resolution of these disputes. at the same time it tional lending institutions’ doing so. U.S. pri¬ The objective ofU.S. action had to be damage- applied unacknow¬ vate banks reduced and finally virtually dis¬ limitation, if it was not to be revenge or stale¬ ledged pressure continued the extension of new loans to Chile. mate. In a number of Latin American coun¬ against the However, Chile had declared a moratorium tries, cooperative relationships had become government.
DECEMBER 1987 31 distorted and nationalization disputes all- second reservation was that President Nixon, absorbing. I was most anxious to prevent the Henrv Kissinger, and other key Washington Neither the Church nationalization dispute from propelling the U. S.- figures nurtured an ill-disguised hostility to Sal¬ Committee, with its Chilean relationship onto the rocks. At several vador Allende. They felt that this attitude might access to the most crucial points I think I had a considerable per¬ have left the plotters with a sense that die U.S. secret records, nor sonal influence in this regard and helped to government supported their cause. This may any investigators in minimize the likelihood of a break in relations. have been true, but animosity toward Allende the period since In April 1972, I had a role in defusing Al- is not in itself complicity' in the plot against 1975, has produced lende’s ill-timed announcement of plans to ex¬ him. If antipadiy can be equated with guilt, evidence ofU.S. com¬ propriate ITT’s holding. Six months later, I culpability in international politics could be plicity in the plot¬ convinced the Foreign Ministry to withdraw found almost everywhere. ting or execution of a note charging U.S. “economic aggression.” Third, die committee knew that the CIA the coup. Both countries were subsequently able to ini¬ had penetrated the plot well enough to be able tiate more constructive bilateral talks on the to report on its development with consider¬ nationalization issue. We never pushed the dis¬ able accuracy. Therefore, it felt that some “sig¬ pute beyond die point of no return. As events nals” must have been given to the plotters. ultimately unfolded, the post-coup Pinochet This line of reasoning was essentially specu¬ regime did compensate the U.S. copper com¬ lative, and not based on any evidence that the panies and ITT. intelligence-gathering actually transmitted sig¬ As far as military policy was concerned, I nals of support. It constitutes an assertion that supported die continuance of military cooper¬ there cannot be an effective distinction bet¬ ation between the countries while endeavor¬ ween intelligence collection and covert action. ing to ensure at the same time that our MlL- In anv case, neither the Church Committee, GROUP representatives stopped short of polit¬ with its access to the most secret and highly ical involvement of anv kind. They had to walk sensitiveU.S. government records, norany inves¬ a narrow path in maintaining collaborative pro¬ tigators in the period of more than a decade grams and avoiding coup plotting. Accusations since 1975, has produced a single piece of evi¬ that die embassy, under my direction, engaged dence of U.S. complicity in die plotting or in the plotting which led to the toppling of execution of the coup. the Allende regime, in my view, have been proven false. The verdict is straightforward, if less than universally believed. The Forty' Com¬ THE QUESTION OF COVERT action in mittee, a regularly constituted covert-action Chile has become central to any judg¬ oversight committee, never authorized CIA ment ofU.S. policy and action there involvement in coup plotting. I instructed all and to an evaluation of die ambas¬ members of the embassy staff to stay clear of sadorial role. In fact, CIA-conducted activities that form of activity and, to the best of my can be divided into three phases: programs in knowledge, they did. In 1974, die Church Com¬ 1970, before my arrival as ambassador; actions mittee examined the evidence, with access just prior to the September 1973 coup; and granted to top-secret CIA, State Department, activities in between. In September 1970, Pres¬ Pentagon, and White House documents. “Was ident Nixon instructed CIA Director Richard the United States directly involved, coverdv, Helms to mount a clandestine coup attempt in the 1973 coup in Chile? The committee has in Chile, which came to be known as ‘Track found no evidence that it was,” it concluded. II.” He directed Helms to keep diis effort secret The qualification “directly” is troublesome. from the secretaries of State and Defense, and The Church Committee report explains, how¬ from the ambassador to Chile, Edward Korry. ever, that die qualification refers to diree reserva¬ The CIA station in Santiago and the Army tions the committee and its staff had. The first attache there, working behind the ambassa¬ was a suspicion that Chilean military officers dor’s back, passed money and arms to Chilean who were aware of CIA contacts with coup military plotters, and attempted to engineer plotters in 1970 would assume diey had U.S. the abduction of the commander-in-chief of support in 1973. The CIA was quite success¬ the Chilean army, General Rene Schneider. ful in concealing its contacts with Chilean mil- Later, in an action related to die CIA-supported itarv plotters in 1970, however, and I know plan but not part of it, another Chilean group of no evidence that the plotters of 1973 were of plotters tried to kidnap the general and mor¬ aware of these actions. In point of fact, the tally wounded him in the ensuing shoot-out. leaders of die plot decided, in a considered Under presidential order, the CIA action and deliberate decision, not to consult U.S. was carried out behind the ambassador’s back. representatives. The Church Committee’s If the ambassador has an obligation to serve
32 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL die president faithfully, I think that a recipro¬ cal obligation exists. The president should repose sufficient confidence in the ambassa¬ dor to make his policies clear and to support the ambassador in carrying them out. In the case ofTrack II, Nixon and Kissinger left Korry blind, and his activities were short-circuited. When a president works behind die back of his own ambassador, it degrades the ambassa¬ dor’s duty and ability to be the intelligent instru¬ ment of the White House. An ambassador cannot be an effective agent for policies if he is not told about them, and it certainly under¬ mines his authority if members of the ambassa¬ dor’s mission are set to working against him. The ambassador should stand in the same rela¬ tionship to U.S. agency representatives abroad as the president himself stands with respect to his cabinet officers. When the revelations about CIA activities in Chile came to public knowledge in 1974, a bill was introduced in Congress designed to ensure that the ambassador’s right and respon¬ sibility to lead his mission was safeguarded in the future. It stated that he should have “full responsibility for the direction, coordination, and supervision of all U.S. government offices and employees in the country.” The CIA lead¬ this position have been political appointees, Salvador Ailende ership of 1974 was not pleased with this new and the need for experience, determination, addresses theU.N.Gen- development; neither was Henry Kissinger. In alertness, and follow-through in establishing eral Assembly in 1972. In his speech he ac¬ the negotiations between CIA representatives and maintaining control over CIA operations cused ITT of “attempt¬ and Congress, a key phrase was introduced at is an additional argument in favor of appoint¬ ing to bring about civil the beginning of the bill: “Under the direc¬ ing experienced professionals to sensitive ambas- war in my country.” tion of die president.” After passage, this phrase sadori al posts. However, my non-career predeces¬ was interpreted by the CIA, with Kissinger’s sor was acute enough to suspect what was going support, as meaning that the language of die on with Track II, and he ordered an investiga¬ new law would not become operative until the tion of the situation. But, fortified by a direct president issued implementing instructions. presidential order, the embassy officers con¬ This was not done for more than a year, thereby ducting the covert actions apparently stone¬ effectively blocking the applicability of the law. walled the efforts of the top embassy' leadership The CIA also took die position that die agency’s to get at the truth. statutory responsibility to protect intelligence In 1970, there were additional undercover sources and methods created a conflict of laws. programs that were—unlike Track II—subject In 1976, with Senate prodding, implement¬ to consultation with the ambassador and the ing instructions were finally issued. This legis¬ State and Defense departments. These propos¬ lation, strengthening the ambassador’s author¬ als had the objective of blocking Allende’s runoff ity and responsibility' for the CIA and other election in the Chilean Congress in October U.S. agencies abroad, was a direct legacy of 1970, seven weeks after the president had won what happened in Chile. a plurality, but not a majority, of the popular A number of ambassadors have told me over vote. The Forty Committee went so far as to the years that they had expressed the prefer¬ authorize bribing Chilean congressmen to vote ence to their CIA station chiefs not to be told against Ailende, but Korry says he vetoed that of dirty tricks and the nitty-gritty details of idea. Nontheless, a scare campaign does seem covert operations. This attitude has always to have been mounted at that time. The U.S. struck me as a dereliction of duty, quite aside government also considered various elaborate from the fact that the ambassador will be held strategies for circumventing the Chilean con¬ accountable for Agency activities, regardless stitutional provision that prevented outgoing- of attempts on his part to preserve “plausible president Eduardo Frei from succeeding him¬ deniability.” Most ambassadors who have taken self. All of these ideas came to naught, as did
DECEMBER 1987 33 I l l's efforts to work out a cooperative pro¬ newspaper, El Mercurio, w'as die principal recip¬ gram with the CIA to block Allende’s con¬ ient in die media. Several private sector organiza¬ The arguments firmation. tions received smaller amounts of money, about U.S. motiva¬ These efforts were a total failure. When they mostlv to support voter-turnout campaigns. tions, and the ultimately were leaked or were made public While these facts are clear enough, the argu¬ necessity and by die Church Committee, die result was damag¬ ments about U.S. motivations, and the neces¬ ethics of financing ing to die U.S. government, die Christian Dem¬ sity and ethics of financing Allende’s Allende’s opposition, ocrats, and other democratic forces in Chile. opposition, reverberate to this dav. First, the reverberate to this Widi die possible exception of Richard Nixon purpose of financial aid to the opposition w'as day. and Henry Kissinger, these clandestine efforts to keep the democratic, non-Marxist forces in have virtually no defenders. Chile afloat, not to destabilize and sink the Allende government part w'ay dirough its tenn. Official policy on this question w'as unvarying HE FOREGOING IS PROLOGUE to a dis¬ throughout my time in Santiago, even in the T most privileged and confidential policy doc¬ cussion of covert operations during my own tenure. By the time I came uments. This is not to deny that some of the to Chile in October 1971, CIA oper¬ principal actors on die Washington scene, includ¬ ations behind die ambassador’s back had faded ing both the president and his national secu¬ into a few' remnants. [ For more specifics, see rity adviser, contemplated more radical my book The Last Two Years of Salvador Al- measures to rid the hemisphere of Allende. What¬ lende, Cornell University Press, pages 307- ever inclinations there may have been in this 316. | The first information of any kind given regard, however, they w'ere never turned into to me about Agency operations was during policy. my consultations in the State Department in Then there is die question of the redundancy', August 1971, some weeks after my nomina¬ as some have claimed, of aiding the opposi¬ tion had been formally transmitted to the tion in order for it to survive. I believe it is Senate. By the time I was told about covert unlikely diat the opposition w'ould have stayed operations—even die less sensitive ones—it was afloat without our help. The Allende govern¬ a bit late for me to back out of die appoint¬ ment was systematically using the power of ment. I am not suggesting that I would have. die state to drive it, financially and econom¬ For a professional, going where ordered is part ically, into the ground. There were times w'hen of die job, accepting die down-side of an assign¬ die government came very close to succeed¬ ment part of being in die Foreign Service. But ing, not only with respect to the democratic what about distinguished private citizens re¬ parties of the opposition, but also in the case cruited for diplomatic service? After Chile, I of die media, and die suppliers to diem of news¬ served as director general of the Foreign Serv¬ print and other essential goods and services. ice and tendered offers of ambassadorships to At the same time, the government parties w'ere at least a hundred professionals and private cit¬ receiving subventions from the Soviet Union izens. In many cases I, myself, did not know and other Marxist regimes and w'ere skimming die full nature of covert operations in the coun¬ off money from foreign trade and odier govern¬ try in question, and I certainly did not make ment operations to finance their ow'n political sure the candidate fully understood his expo¬ activities. sure. But not one of these candidates — None of die foregoing, taken by itself, makes professional or otherwise—came back to me covoert support to the Chilean opposition edi- with a request to be fully briefed on covert ical. I greadv respect diose w'ho have concluded programs before making a decision on whe- that covert operations abroad are a mistake dier to accept die nomination. Perhaps it show's in anv and all situations. There are powerful that an ambassadorship still carries lustre, and arguments to be made in support of this posi¬ w'e fallible mortals do not ahvays reach out tion, and they may be right. However, I had to confront tomorrow's moral choices. no such choice when I became ambassador to Covert action in the period between 1970 Chile, as covert funding of Chilean political and 1973, w'hen I w'as ambassador, is explained parties had been going on for the better part in detail in the Church Committee report. In of a decade. It is also true that the abrupt ces¬ essence, the U.S. funded opposition parties and sation of such an activity can be political inter¬ the conservative media with about $2 million vention of an opposite nature, with profound a year, or a little more than $6 million in total. and possibly disastrous consequences. There The parties that benefitted w'ere the Christian are those who sav, in fact, that this is what Democrats, die National Party', and smaller Rad¬ happened when President Carter ended the ical splinters. Santiago’s dominant independent covert funding of the mullahs in Iran, thereby
34 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL consolidating Khomeini’s following and acce¬ bursement contingent on the agreement of the Marxist and anti- lerating the fall of the Shah. The dynamic force ambassador and the State Department. That Marxist youngsters of withdrawn support can be as real as an ini¬ agreement was not forthcoming....” So there clash in downtown San¬ tiago in late 1971. tial extension of support. you have it. I wish I could point to a great array of posi¬ tive accomplishments in Chile, but the real A STUDY OF HISTORY shows that argu¬ achievements seem more negative than other¬ ments against covert action are not wise. Bad things avoided rather than marv el¬ consistently applied. Recently, U.S. ous things achieved. The removal of an elected liberals who opposed covert action Marxist president fails to stir pride. I believe in Chile have applauded concealed interven¬ that the peaceful, constitutional, democratic tionist acts contributing to the ouster of Pres¬ road to socialism should be kept open, not ident Duvalier in Haiti and President Marcos blocked forever. Socialism may not be the best in the Philippines—grudgingly perhaps, and or even a good way to order a society’s affairs, with cries of “too late,” but not with consistent but the ability of free citizens to choose social¬ opposition, in principle, to the intromission ism, or capitalism, or some other economic of influence in the political affairs of another system, is beyond price. For these reasons I state. Ifwc regard all concealed or covert interven¬ believe that the ending of Allende’s “Chilean tions as truly unethical and inadmissible, we Way” was a tragedy, not a triumph. should be consistent about it. I take satisfaction that Chile did not become An additional aspect of covert action in Chile another Cuba, with U.S. economic sanctions relates to actions that were proposed, but not and military hostility driving the country into taken. There were a number of them, but the an ever-tighter Soviet embrace. I am happy two most important related to proposals to that nationalization disputes did not follow the lend covert support to tire strikes by Chilean Peruvian road of the mid- 1960s, the Mexican truckers, professional people, shopkeepers, and road, earlier, or the road followed in so many others which brought the country to the brink other Latin countries. I am also gratified that of collapse both in October 1972 and in the we were less than eager to recognize the Chil¬ pre-coup period in 1973. The CIA in Santiago ean junta after the coup. I did not act alone favored financial support to the striking truck¬ in these matters, but I was on what I believe ers, and I opposed it. In Senate testimony, one was the right side and kept open the lines of of the Church Committee’s senior staff inves¬ communication and influenced the outcome. tigators commented, “Nathaniel Davis had I was fortunate to have been an actor in one strenuously objected to any funding of the stri¬ of the great dramas of our time. □ kers. . . . There’s no question that the strikers were creating a climate in which a military coup Adapted with permission from Ambassadors and appeared to be inevitable.” At about the same Foreign Policy: The Influence of Individuals time, according to the Church Committee on U.S.-Latin America Policy. Edited by Neale report, die Forty Committee “authorized sup¬ Ronninp and Albert P. Vannucci. Praepjer Pub¬ port for private-sector groups, but with dis¬ lishers, New York, 1987.
DECEMBER 1987 35 THE JOURNAL An African Christmas
T WAS TO BE our first Christmas Far from home, ten, and he’s tall.” I agreed to call and in our first Foreign Service post. the Christmas story ask his mother. We set our only re¬ Just above the equator in west hearsal for the dav before the per¬ Africa, Ghana was hot and comes alive formance. They were to ask their pa¬ steamy. It felt far from Wisconsin’s rents to provide costumes. Mv husband, Sarge, set about record¬ snowy fields and small, white churches MARY THOMAS SARGENT with resolute steeples set against a cold, ing the carols in the proper order. dark skv. Then I reminded myself that Friends help make sit-upons with layers the verv first Christmas was in a land vity, my husband and I decided to have of newspapers stapled into cushions where palm trees stood over a little a pageant in our big back yard. We for the guests who would be seated stable and its creche. had no connection with the school, on the ground. We would cordon off Christmas should be in one’s heart, but we put out the word in the em¬ a grassv aisle with clothesline tied to I told myself, as I set to work making bassy bulletin: “Any child who would posts from die croquet set. When I our holiday cards. I folded the yellow like to be in a Christmas Nativity pag¬ reported to Sarge that President Nkru- construction paper into thirds. With a eant, come to our house on Saturday.” mah had three real camels in the field black crayon I drew three simple crowns Come thev did, 20 or 30 children. next to his office at Flagstaff House, on the top flap. I had chosen the color I perched on the edge of the porch his only comment was “Don’t you to go with the red, green, and gold of looking down into their excited faces dare.” Ghana’s new flag, and under the three as diev sat on the grass waiting to hear The pageant was beginning to take crowns I wrote, “One of the wisemen the plan. “This is going to be a vert' shape. We borrowed a wooden manger was black.” Now that we lived in Africa, east' pageant. No one will have to worry from the church and taped a great tinsel I was often the only white face in the about learning lines. We all know the star and candle behind the crib, which cathedral. Kind black faces helped me Christmas story very well. We’ll have would be filled with straw. find die place in die hymn book. Cer¬ die carols played on a tape recorder. The rehearsal went verv well. Mart' tainly Balthazar played an important We’ll wear costumes and let the carols had a white silk Japanese kimona with part in the Christmas story. tell the story. All the litde girls will be a pale blue sash. The angels by now Nothing seemed very much like angels, all the litde boys shepherds, were a real throng swelled to a heav- Christmas. People had parties in gar¬ and a few of the older children caro¬ enlv host—little four- and five-year- dens diat were lit with strings of col¬ lers. Then we will need Marv and olds brought their friends to join in ored lights all year long. There were Joseph, the wisemen, and some inn¬ because “Mrs. Sargent won’t mind.” no real pine trees to trim; I planned keepers to shake their heads to say, They would wear their own sheets and to use a big tree branch, dried and ‘No room.’“ halos of aluminum foil. painted white, and string it with tiny Eveiyone liked the idea. One boy Then came a phone call from friends white lights. But it didn’t feel like Christ¬ knew of someone who might lend us who offered to let their two-week-old mas. Somediing was missing. a real donkev. Wonderful! Even in Wis¬ baby appear in the pageant. (What a When we learned that no one had consin we never had a real donkev. wonderful way to make your first public planned a community Christian festi- There were not manv big boys in this appearance!) We decided not to tell group of grade school children. After the children about the baby, just in Marv Thomas Sargent, a member of the choosing Joseph, the innkeepers, and case. AAFSW Writers Group, is now working die carolers, we had only two wise- We made a row' of footlights with on her second book. nien. Someone suggested Benji. “He’s candles set into deep glasses; between
36 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Woodcut by Magda French
them we put short fat bouquets of red on the grass off to one side. We Three still that finally I had to go on the stage cannas in peanut butter jars. We had Kings of Orient Are—down the aisle and take them by die hand to lead them a big songbook made of cardboard and came our wisemen, magnificent in their out dow'n the aisle, just as the happy a lantern for the carolers to hold. We borrowed bathrobes, w'alking carefully shepherd children came running toward had borrowed the guitar, baked the under their cardboard crowms. One the stage with their gifts for the Christ sugar cookies, and prepared the red crow'n w'as painted red and gold with Child. punch for the reception. All was ready. sharp points like tongues of fire. An¬ I had said to them, “Just bring a gift Dusk falls quickly near the equator, other had a design of emerald green, for die Baby Jesus,” and diey had. Thev so by the time die guests were as¬ and the third was silver with bands had selected the gifts themselves. One sembled on the lawn, it was dark. The that arched up to the center over a carried a huge bouquet of w'hite phlox. red and white footlights twinkled in a puffy velvet cushion of dark blue. The He carried it tightly against his brow'n wide arc dividing die grassy stage from frankincense, in a tiny gold pitcher, terry robe, the colored streamers blow'- the audience, which was much larger the myrrh, in a small w'ooden casket, ing. The next boy held a red tin box than we had expected. Lots of our and the gold, trailing in beaded strings of candy, and the child w'ho foilow'ed, African neighbors had come, even the from a jew'elrv box lined w'idt shinv trotting carefully in his beach thongs bishop in what our servant called “his gold paper, w'ere carried with rever¬ laced to his knees, brought a bright long white dress.” ence as the king knelt by the crib. yellow' toy dump truck. Every boy had The crowd hushed as the music At my signal the little angels were his special present. The last little shep¬ began. Sarge lay on the flat roof-top to climb down from their places on herd, his head draped with a tied table¬ widi die tape recorder and the big flash¬ the trunks, being careful of their sheets cloth, carried a large w'ooden cage. It lights. God Rest Te Merry Gentlemen and tiny fairy lights, and then to w'alk looked as if he and his father had made filled the air. Down the aisle came our quietly over to adore the baby, and to it. In the cage w'as a real, softlv cooing, carolers, wearing leotards and tunics kneel to have a good look. They then w'hite dove. made from pillow' cases, smiling to greet w'ere to come off the stage and down No w'onder the audience w'as so our guests, and trooping onto the stage die aisle, far enough apart so as not to quiet. We w'ere all dealing with big to serenade the crowd. Then, led by trip on the sheet ahead of them. lumps in our throats; our heads w'ere our little drummer bov with my hat They did not forget. The first angel, full of nostalgic thoughts and memories; box taped to look like a drum, they trailing her sheet like “clouds of glory” our eyes w'ere touched widi tears. w'ent out through the w'hispering w alked slowdy to the manger. Standing Then across die African garden came banana trees at the back of the garden, behind the candle-stand, she looked the small steady voice of nine-year-old marching happily to I Played on my down as the real baby w'akened and Peter reading, “And on this Christmas Drum, Rum Ti Turn, Turn. moved its tiny starlike hands in the night, w'hen w'e are all so far from home, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem saw' candle’s glow'. The aw'e on the small bless us, dear Lord, and all who are dear Joseph leading the donkey as it carried angel’s face w'as real. She didn’t make to us but far aw'ay. Bind us all together Mar\' between the grim faced innkeep¬ a sound, but turned and motioned for in thy love. Amen.” ers w'ho shook their heads “No.” There the other angels. Her pantomime w'as Oh Come All Te Faithful—The be¬ w'as so much to see that few' noticed clear. “Come, look, see, and adore.” loved carol broke the spell as the cast as w'e put the real baby into the manger came down die aisle, Joseph leading die and lit the candle above his head. The donkey, and Mary earning the baby, star glittered and shone dow'n on the OWN THEY ALL trailed followed by the three kings. Benji had sleeping child. Mary knelt in a saintlv silently, clutching their agreed to be our diird king. One of the pose; Joseph looked careful and caring. sheets, their aluminum children said to me later at the partv, By now our angels w'ere banked on halos askew', their faces shin¬ “Wasn’t it good that w'e thought of our small bleachers made of foot lock¬ ing above dteir lamps. They fluttered Benji. The Bible story' says that one on ers, each holding a tiny kerosene fairy like gentle white butterflies around the the wisemen w'as black.” light under her chin. crib, marveling, pointing, and smiling Here, far from home, I realized our Angels We have Heard on High—the. w'ith joy at their discovery. Like a Gre¬ Christmas pageant had really been spotlights found the shepherds lying cian frieze, they stood so long and so perfect. □
DECEMBER 1987 37 The selection process in the Foreign Sen- ice favors the “bright, capable” individual who responds “appropriately” to pressures. Strong intellectual capacities are admired more titan warm interpersonal skills. Detach¬ ment is valued over empathy. With work pressures reinforcing their natural tendency toward detachment, some employees become accustomed to denying their feel¬ ings. Given the frequency with which this mechanism is associated with Foreign Serv¬ The Denial Defense: is the potential loss of the spouse’s identity ice professionals, a provocative question and the distorted development of the son’s arises: Are these personnel on the job be¬ Coping with Stress or daughter’s sense of self. cause their defenses make them more suited By PATRICIA WEBBINK, Psychologist In the not-too-distant past. Foreign Serv¬ for it, or does the job itself develop denial? ice spouses—primarily wives—would ded¬ Although an employee can continue to The Foreign Sendee family posted abroad icate themselves to furthering their hus¬ work while denying or repressing difficul¬ has unique opportunities for cultural enrich¬ bands’ careers. Today', many have their own ties, he or she will remain in a state of inner ment, new experiences, and shared enjoy¬ careers but find that the laws of the host conflict and stress. In the long run, the re¬ ment. Many find the challenge of living in country prohibit them from working. This sults are debilitating. Feelings that are chroni¬ another country contributes to developing factor, combined with the short tours of cally ignored eventually either push to the strong, supportive internal ties and have duty, leaves the spouse with little or no little trouble in coping with this peripate¬ chance for career development. This “spouse tic life. However, some find their new life¬ problem” is so severe that it may change styles come at a great cost to themselves the face of the Foreign Service itself, as and to the cohesiveness of the family. increasingly more posts are filled by un¬ The pressures of a Foreign Sen ice career married professionals or personnel whose are well-known: long hours, frequent spouses have chosen to stay at home. This moves, strange cultures, the perception of solution splits families and presents prob¬ being judged not as an individual but as a lems of its own. representative of a foreign countn,’. And The career demands of Foreign Service more and more frequently, there is the pos¬ personnel can lead to insulated, numbed, sibility' of physical danger. For personnel and aborted personal interactions w ithin the who have families with them, concerns family. Although onlv a very small number about the quality of their children’s educa¬ return home for mental-health reasons, count¬ tion, friendships, and adjustment as they less others remain in their posts abroad with encounter constant changes add to normal one or more members suffering psychologi¬ family problems. cally. When these families return, they leave The most overwhelming challenge is the behind the cultural difficulties but bring necessity to assimilate a wholly new envi¬ their interpersonal problems home. ronment. Difficulties in adjustment can In treating Foreign Service members and result in emotional misery as well as poten¬ their families, I have noted that they tend tially embarrassing and sometimes serious to create defensive patterns of denial and violations of a country’s customs. A lack repression that allow them to function de¬ Dr. Patricia Webbink of imderstanding of the society' may keep spite feelings of rootlessness, alienation, inad¬ family members isolated in American com¬ equacy, and fear. When these defense me¬ surface in disruptive ways or lead to lives munities and cut off" from the culture around chanisms are operating, people do not face of self-alienation. Employees may become them. The advent of terrorism and wide¬ reality. They minimize a problem or simply irritable, compulsive overeaters, drug abu¬ spread anti-Americanism makes adjustment deny that it exists. Many of the pressures sers, insomniacs, workaholics, or develop more difficult, since security measures can of the Foreign Service environment con¬ psychosomatic complaints. Denial of one’s limit a family’s mobility' and freedom of tribute to the development of denial and own feelings also reduces the capacity to choice, separating them from the local cul¬ repression. Like physicians in an emergency understand those of others. Foreign Serv¬ ture and people. room, personnel become hardened to the ice employees who harden themselves to Then, as soon as families begin to feel unfortunate and sometimes catastrophic con¬ cope with the demands of their jobs may comfortable, they have to move on again. ditions of others. They are required to re¬ become hardened in all aspects of their lives. Coming back to the United States can be spond calmly to often disorienting, distress¬ Thev begin to consider die problems of as difficult as moving to a new country', with ing, and even terrorizing elements in their family and friends unimportant compared reverse culture shock often occurring. Re¬ lives. To survive, they must ignore or deny with career demands. Spouses and children turnees mav feel like strangers in their own the violence around them in order to func¬ may feel they are “not heard,” “don’t country. Adolescents are usually the primary tion. Some refer to this denial as “condi¬ matter,” or are “secondary.” In children, sufferers; the returning teen may be ex¬ tions to w'hich you are willing to adjust.” even serious psychological symptoms can cluded from peer groups that tend to ridi¬ They are aw'are of the danger, but refuse be largely unrecognized or dismissed simplv cule and ignore anyone different. to worn' about it or assume it could not as “growing pains.” Family members have additional prob¬ happen to them. Another part of the prob¬ Insensitive to the true needs of their lems in dealing with the ambiguity' of their lem is a self-image as a bright, capable indi¬ spouses, children, and friends, some For¬ undefined role as a spouse or child of a dip¬ vidual who deals decisively with issues of eign Service employees shut themselves off lomat. They may feel that they are treated state and the problems of others. The from anv real intimacy. The situation with as though their value depends not on who employee may refuse to admit that some¬ its shallow personal interaction and emo¬ they are, but on how well they present them¬ one who functions adequately at work may tional deprivation makes the employee ripe selves to others as the “wife of’ or “son/ be incapable of handling his or her prob¬ for burn-out. Eventually, they and their daughter of’ the diplomat. The danger here lems at home. family members become isolated from each
38 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL other. The unit loses its ability to nurture members, instead of allowing the round-the- AFSA Scholarship and provide loving support and intimacy. clock rhythms of crisis-oriented careers to One teenager who had been raped during dominate their lives. Employees in some Applications Available a tour abroad repressed the incident for cultures can benefit from the slower pace Eligible dependent children of career Amer¬ years because she felt her parents were cold of the country' and use the cycles in their ican Foreign Serv ice personnel may now and unsupportive. Without communication environment to reduce their own pace. write for applications for the nvo scholar¬ and intimacy, problems with drugs, includ¬ People must recognize and respond to psy¬ ship programs offered by AFSA. Merit ing alcohol, can easily go unrecognized and chological problems within themselves or Awards —based on outstanding academic unresolved. The deaths of eight American their families, and, when necessary', be will¬ excellence—are for students who will be grad¬ youngsters from heroin overdoses in Bang¬ ing to consult with a counselor or therapist. uating from high school in 1988. Financial kok, Thailand, in 1972 offered a dramatic Children can benefit from sessions with aid grants are for full-time undergraduate example of the potential danger. The more therapists who are experienced in dealing students studying in the United States and common occurrence is teenage addiction with the needs of Foreign Service families. are based soley on need. To receive these or habituation to drugs that are controlled Adolescence is an especially difficult time applications write to Dawn Cuthell, Scho¬ in the United States but sold openly over¬ to be uprooted, so it is important that teen¬ larships Administrator, AFSA, 2101 E seas. agers have access to help. Families should Street N.W, Washington, D.C. 20037. Ma¬ Problems of Foreign Service family life enter counseling as soon as problems deve¬ terial must be returned to AFSA by the Fe¬ can be so severe that they may result in di¬ lop in order to strengthen unity and pre¬ bruary 15, 1988, deadline. vorce, extended family separation, and seri¬ vent disintegration within the family. David T. Jones, a former member of the ous mental illness. The State Department Specific techniques have been developed to AFSA Committee on Education, wrote the has taken steps to respond to these con¬ reduce stress and teach people how to mobi¬ following letter explaining procedures for cerns—creating the Family Liaison Office lize their own strengths, gain a positive per¬ the Merit Awards. We reprint it each year and the Employee Consultation Service. spective on their lives, and appreciate what because it gives sound advice to both stu¬ FLO’s Spouse Employment Bank assists over¬ is really important. dents and parents regarding this academic seas job-hunters, yet careers will continue This kind of view is very' important in a competition. to suffer because of the lack of continuity. foreign environment, where one can easily The Employee Consultation Service is avail¬ feel alienated, lonely, and depressed. With DEAR PARENTS: able for problem assessment, brief counsel¬ strong internal ties and adequate outside At a point where y'ou are struggling with ing, crisis intervention, and referral services. support, the Foreign Service family can feel college applications and financial aid forms, A professional staff of three clinical social excited about all the new tilings to see and it is a bit daunting to bring another topic workers will help with any problems that learn, and fully appreciate the rich experi¬ before you. Nevertheless, if the high school affect an employee’s personal well-being and ence of life in a foreign culture. senior in your household has not applied job performance. The free, confidential serv¬ for die AFSA/AAFSW7 Merit Awards, it ice can provide support to persons experienc¬ Dr. Patricia Webbink is a licensed psychologist could be rewarding to encourage tiiat applica¬ ing re-entry concerns, job stress, depression, in private practice in Bcthesda. For the last tion. marital problems, parent-child problems, 20 years she has specialized in intercultural Briefly, the Merit Awards are $500 each, and school adjustment problems. It will adjustment. The author of numerous articles and about 22 are awarded annually. These assist in arranging educational, psychologi¬ and the book The Power of the Eyes, she has awards are determined by a total scoring cal, and psychiatric evaulations for children. conducted seminars and workshops here and of academic average, class standing, Col¬ Foreign Service families who will live ab'oad and has given talks in the State Depart¬ lege Board scores, extracurricular activities, abroad must be prepared for the pressures. ment on stress reduction. For information on letters of recommendation, and a short essay The Foreign Service Institute’s Overseas future workshops on stress, call Dr. Wcbbink’s on one three suggested topics. Briefing Center provides information about office at (301)229-8890. The first five categories will already' have posts and training for families preparing for been established at the time of application. an overseas assignment. The seminars cover The final determinant—the essay—has not. logistical planning, as well as intercultural AFSA/AAFSW Scholarship A good essay is in itself a defight. The best communication, career planning, com¬ Programs 1988—89 capture and communicate with special fresh¬ munity skills and re-entry programs. Unfor¬ ness an experience or view of life unique tunately, many families do not use this serv¬ Who? For dependent students of Foreign to die writer. It is a crucial element in die ice; families need to take advantage of such Sendee personnel who are sen'ing or have scoring and can make the difference bet¬ served for the foreign affairs agencies cov¬ resources to minimize problems. Awareness ered by the Foreign Service Act. ween a winner and just another applicant. of the pressures as well as the potential ben¬ We arrange tor publication of the best of efits of cultural transitions can help to streng¬ What? Merit Awards for graduating high these essays (perhaps you have already en¬ then the family unit, rather than weaken it. school students in 1988 only, based on joyed some of these selections) regardless People who know themselves and do not academic merit. Financial Aid Grants to of the final standing of die applicants. In fear their thoughts and feelings are more full-time undergraduate students in the recent years, however, we have noted a open-minded and able to communicate United States, based on need. rather casual approach taken toward the more clearly. They can see all sides of each essay diat frequendy affects final placement issue and be objective in a way that allows How? Apply immediately to AFSA Schol¬ of the candidates. Many submissions are for a broad view of the situation, while also arship Programs, 2101 E Street, NW, characterized by poor organization, elemen¬ Washington, D.C. 20037, phone retaining the capacity to relate to the needs tary' errors in spelling and punctuation, and (202)338-4046. Specify type of scholar¬ of others. Foreign Service employees need ship and Foreign Sendee affiliation. hackneyed phraseology or comment. This to be aware of how their job environment is not to suggest heavy “parental guidance.” is affecting other areas of their lives, and When? IMMEDIATELY. All applica¬ (Adult authorship is fairly easy to identify.) they need to pursue activities that help them tions must be completed and materials re¬ Discussion with your student beforehand, to relate to others in a positive and caring turned to AFSA by February' 15, 1988. however, could be rewarding for both of manner. you in recalling shared Foreign Service expe¬ People can learn to help themselves by Children of Foreign Sendee personnel in riences or gaining a fresh perspective of your taking care of their needs for “space” or die lower grades are especially encouraged child’s reaction to changing school experi¬ “quiet time” alone. They can learn to listen to apply. ences. Urge your student to review care¬ to their inner selves and the needs of family fully his or her submission for spelling and
DECEMBER 1987 39 grammar to present the best face to a judg¬ when he retired to Soto Grande, Spain. was posted to Beirut as a representative to ing panel. We hope the experience will be He is survived by his wife, the former the advisory commission of the United Na¬ as interesting for your family in its creation Jane McHarg, of Washington; his son, tions Relief and Works Agency' for Palesti¬ as it will be for us to review. Homer M. Bvington III, of New York City'; nian Refugees. Mr. Howard remained in A final thought: Not everyone can be a two sisters, jean Grant, of Virginia, and Beirut after retiring from the Sen. ice later winner. Your student may have the SAT Janice Hinkle, of New Canaan, Connecti¬ that y'ear and acted as special assistant to scores of a genius and the extracurricular cut; nvo brothers, Ward Byington, of Nor¬ die commissioner general of die UN agency. achievements of Michelangelo, but so do folk, and James Bvington, of Louisiana; and He returned to Washington to teach at lots of others. If disappointment comes, it two grandchilren. American University until 1972. Mr. can be a valuable experience in learning Howard wrote numerous articles and books good “loser-ship.” HARRY CONOVER, a former Foreign Serv¬ on European and Middle Eastern history' Good luck to all your students. ice officer and retired vice president of Ci¬ and diplomacy. He was a board member tibank, died October 2 in Darien, Connec¬ of the Middle Eastern Institute. DAVID T JONES ticut. He was 74. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, (Former) State Member Born in Newark, New Jersey, he was grad¬ Virginia Brubaker Howard, of Bethesda,; AFSA Committee on Education uated from New York University', and did two sons, Robert and Norman Howard, post-graduate work at the University' of Cal¬ both of Reston, Virginia; one brother, Wil¬ Deaths ifornia. Mr. Conover worked for six years liam Howard, of Houston; one sister, Flo¬ as an economic adviser at the Justice Depart¬ rence Parks, of Overland Park, Kansas; and HAMBLA BAUER, a former writer for the ment and then joined the Foreign Service four grandchildren. Voice of America and USIA’s press serv¬ in 1945. During his career in the Service, ice, died June 10 in Lajolla, California. She he acted as economics adviser at embassies AMOS GARY JONES, a retired diplomatic cou¬ was 77. in Bern, Oslo, Paris, Bangkok, and Buenos rier with the State Department, died Octo¬ Prior to joining USIA, Ms. Bauer was Aires. Mr. Conover also served as deputy' ber 24 in Arlington, Virginia, after a heart an earlv advocate of womens’ rights. At the director of regional inter-American econo¬ attack. He was 72. age of 23 she became the second woman mic affairs at the department, and as State’s Mr. Jones was born in Newville, Ala¬ ever to be licensed as a race horse trainer senior adviser at the Department of Trea¬ bama, and grew up in Orange, New Jersey. in the United States. Her acceptance into sury'. During World War II, he served in the this male-dominated field attracted national In 1964, Mr. Conover joined Citibank, Army in the South Pacific. After the war, media attention. Ms. Bauer went on to suc¬ New York, and was vice president in charge he joined the State Department. During his cessfully race her horses at some of the most of the Washington programs and regula¬ career with the Service, he had been chief prestigious tracks in the country. tions department. After his retirement in of diplomatic pouch operations in Paris and In the 1940s, she began writing news¬ 1978, he moved to Washington where he Manila. He also served in Germany and Thai¬ paper articles on horse racing, then switched was retained as a consultant to the bank. land. Before retiring in 1976, Mr. Jones to free-lancing for various magazines, most Mr. Conover was married to the former also served as president of the Diplomatic notably the Saturday Evening Post. Ms. Flora Hargrove, of Atlanta, and is survived Couriers Organization. Bauer then joined USIA and became a recog¬ by his daughter, Nancy' Conover Perry', of His marraige to Adele Jones ended in nized expert in Chinese affairs, a skill she Wilton, Connecticut; two sons, Henry' Har¬ divorce. There are no immediate surv ivors. honed while posted to Hong Kong in the rison Conover, of Westport, Connecticut, late 1950s. and William Edward Conover; and four DOROTHY G. MAYALL, wife of retired For¬ grandchildren. eign Service Officer Kenneth Mayall, died HOMER M. BYINGTON, a retired Foreign October 5 at her home in Carmel, Califor¬ Sendee officer and former ambassador to DOROTHY M. HESSMAN, retired Foreign nia. She was 63. Malava, died November 1 after suffering a Service secretary', died September 17 in Wash¬ Ms. Mayall was bom in Connecticut. She heart attack while aboard a cruise ship. He ington. She was 72. married her husband in Bangkok, Thailand, was 79. Ms. Hessman began working for the and accompanied him on assignments to Mr. Byington was born in Naples, where State Department in 1943. She served over¬ Indochina, Israel, Iran, and Morocco. his father was vice consul. He grew up in seas at tire embassy in Moscow in the mid- She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, Europe and the United States. He entered 1940s, and again in the mid-1950s. She a daughter, Pamela Ann of Alexandria, Vir¬ the Foreign Sendee after graduating from was also posted to Warsaw, and was execu¬ ginia, five sisters, and two brothers. Yale University in 1930. He returned to tive secretary to Ambassador George Naples for an early assignment at the con¬ Kennan in Yugoslavia, in tire early 1960s. MARY LUDEKENS STUTESMAN, wife of re¬ sulate there. She retired for reasons of health in 1969. tired Foreign Sendee Officer John Hale Stu¬ During World War II, Mr. Bvington was She is survived by her sister, Mildred Col- tesman, died of cancer September 1 at her a State Department press officer in Wash¬ berg, of Redwood Falls, Minnesota. home in San Francisco. ington and was part of the U.S. delegation A graduate of Finch College, Ms. Stu¬ to the San Francisco conference that estab¬ HARRY N. HOWARD, a retired State Depart¬ tesman was fashion editor of Town and Coun¬ lished the United Nations. After the war, ment official and former professor of Middle try, as well as a professional painter. She he was deputv political adviser at allied head¬ East studies at American University, died accompanied her husband on assignments quarters in the Mediterranean theater, and of Parkinson’s disease October 22 in Be- to Tehran, Paris, La Paz, and Vancouver. for this work he received the medal of free¬ thesda, Maryland. He was 85. She is sun'ived by' her husband; a son, dom. From 1948-50, he was DCM in Mr. Howard was born in Excelsior Spr¬ John, of Chicago; and a daughter, Drake Rome. For the next four years he headed ings, Missouri, and was graduated from Ellis, of London, England. the division of Western European affairs Wiliam Jewell College. He later earned a in the State Department. He was then as¬ doctorate in history at die University' of Cal¬ Announcement signed as second in command at the em¬ ifornia at Berkeley. Before joining the State bassy in Spain. Mr. Bvington became ambas¬ Department in 1942, he taught at the Uni¬ Damien Atkins, a high school student, and sador to Malaya in 1957, and remained at versity of Miami in Ohio. son of Foreign Service Officer EDMUND that post for four vears. His last Foreign While at the State Department, Mr. ATKINS, was chosen to speak at the bicen¬ Sendee assignment was as consul general Howard specialized in Middle East and East¬ tennial celebration of the Constitution in to Naples, where he worked until 1973, ern European affairs. From 1956-62, he Washington.
40 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL FOREIGN EXCHANGE
REAL ESTATE WRITING INSTRUMENTS TAX RETURNS
INTERESTED IN BUYING OR SELLING WORLDS FINEST BRAND NAMES in writ¬ TAX PREPARATION BY AN ATTORNEY in Northern Va.? Contact Jerrv Inman (FSO ing instruments. Quality' fountain pens, ball¬ w'ho is a retired Foreign Service officer and is retired). Ask about free market analysis; guar¬ points, rollerballs, and mechanical pencils from familiar with Foreign Service problems. M. anteed sales, and buyer/seller protection plan. Mont Blanc, Pelikan, Waterman, S.T. Dupont, Bruce Hirshorn, Esquire, Suite D, 307 Maple ERA/VAN METRE PROPERTIES, 12704 Lamy, and Cross. Repair service and accessories. Ave. West, Vienna, VA 22180. (703)938- Chapel Rd. PO Box 279, Clifton, VA 22024. Fast, dependable service all over die world. Send 3888. Telephone: office (703)830-5666, home $1 for catalog: Georgetown Tobacco, 3144 M (703)830-4102. St. NW, Wash. D.C. 20007, Box F. TAX PREPARATION AND FINANCIAL PLANNING, Single source for all vour money THINKING OF A VACATION HOME or concerns. Preparation and representation by En¬ other property in coastal South Carolina? Now rolled Agents, fee average $195 includes return is the time. Call or write ERA Dozier Realty, LONG TERM RENTALS and “TAX TRAX” unique mini-financial plan¬ 442 Main St. North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582. ning review with recommendations. Full plan¬ (803)249-4043. RETIRING TO FLORIDA? FSO wishes to ning by CFP available. Specialized overseas serv¬ rent modem, spacious house in Orlando to long¬ ice with taped communications. Complete fi¬ term tenant. Located in exceptionally desirable nancial network and personalized service. neighborhood, 5 min. from Regional Medical Milton E. Carb, E.A., FINANCIAL FORE¬ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Center, easy access to airport, 1-4, and area at¬ CASTS, 833 S. Washington St. #8, Alexandria, tractions. The 4BR house has a 42’ pool, large VA 22314, (703)684-1040. METRO LOCA¬ entertaining area, huge kitchen, and wonder¬ TION, 933 N. Kenmore St. #217, Arlington, EXPERTS IN THE D.C. MARKETPLACE. VA 22201, (703)841-1040. Michelle Rucker, Jackson Realty, 409 Buter- ful neighbors! Full lawn service, pool sendee and gardener provided. Enjoy carefree living nut St. NVV, Washington, b.C. 20012 AFSA TAX COUNSELING: Problems of Tax (202)723-8181 or (202)396-6644. in a house with privacy and beautiful surround- ings. Available now. Contact Sandv Megica, and Finance: Never a charge to AFSA mem¬ bers for telephone guidance. R.N. “Bob” Dus- PEAKE PROPERTIES LTD.: Broker with 1013 Montcalm St., Orlando, FL 32806. (305)851-1964. sell (ex-AID) enrolled since 1973 to Tax Prac¬ experience in overseas living will give careful tice. At tax work since 1937 and now still in attention to fire management of vour home. practice solely to assist Foreign Sendee employ¬ Specializing in McLean, Vienna, N. Arlington, ees and their families. Also lecture “Taxes” etc. 220B, 1350 Beverly Road, McLean, VA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY monthly at FSI in Rosslyn, VA. Office located 22101. Tel: 448-0212. ' across from Virginia Square Metro Station, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for foundation sup¬ 3601 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22201. WASHINGTON MANAGEMENT SER¬ (703)841-0158. VICES: Use our TELEX service to inquire porting nuclear disarmament, managing grant¬ about professional services for the FS com¬ making process, and representing foundation to contributors and public. Requires knowl¬ TAX PREPARATION AND ADVICE by munity serving overseas. Immediate response T.R. McCartney (ex-FS) E.A., and Toni to your property management needs. Res¬ edge of arms control issues and organizations, and management experience. Resume to Sally Cooper, E.A., and staff. Enrolled to practice idential property management is our only busi¬ before the IRS. Business Data Corp., P.O. Box ness. Call, write, or TELEX Man- Beth Otto, Lilienthal, President, Plowshares Fund, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123. 1040, Lanham, MD 20706-1040. (301)731- Washington Management Sendees, 2015 Q St. 4114. NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202)483- 3830. TELEX 350136. ATTORNEY EXECUTIVE HOUSING CONSULTANTS, INC. “We care for vour home as if it were our FIDELITY STORAGE LOSSES. If you had BOOKS own”...Join our “EXECUTIVE 100” Program! tilings missing from vour goods stored at Fidel¬ A select portfolio of houses and condominium ity Storage Co. and would like to help in a CURRENT PAPERBACKS airmailed within properties suitable for rental to corporate ex¬ private investigation trying to put all these indi¬ 5 days at reasonable prices. Send for monthly ecutives. NW D.C., Bethesda, Chew Chase, vidual losses together to show a systematic pat¬ list to Circle Enterprises, Box 1051, Severna Potomac. Our corporate customers pay top tern of loss and possible theft, please contact Park, MD 21146. rents for top properties. Call or write us about attorney Ronald Dwight, 470/ Conn. Ave. vour lovely home. 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Suite NW #502, Wash. D.C. 20008. Tel. (202)331- YOUR PERSONAL BOOKSTORE AWAY 627 West; Bethesda, MD 20814. (301)951- 1020. FROM HOME: You can order any U.S. book 4111. FS references. in print for your own reading pleasure or drat special book sent as a gift for family and friends. Store credit available. Salmagundi Books Ltd. WILLS MAIL ORDER 66 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516. Tired of inferior quality mail order cosmetics HAVE YOUR WILL REVIEWED and up¬ or drug store brands? We offer high quality dated by an attorney who is a retired FSO. hypo-allergenic cosmetics and skin care items M. Bruce Hirshorn, Esquire, Suite D, 307 at very reasonable prices. Compare with Clin¬ PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Maple Ave. West, Vienna, VA 22180. ique, Estee Lauder, or Lancome. Send for our (703)938-3888. free catalog. IMAGE OPTIONS, 10 SMILE! As you prepare for a new’ assignment, WILLOW BEND, POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK 12601. add three filings to you “to-do” checklist: Stand in front of a mirror and smile. Consider how' BIOGRAPHIES important your smile is to your w'ork and social VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT life. Call your dentist for an appoinment. Keep PRESIDENTIAL BIOGRAPHIES - Send vour smile as healthy and attractive as possi¬ $.22 stamp for monthly listings of available I WILL TAPE TV programs for you. VHS ble! SIDNEY S. MARKOWITZ, D.D.S tides. American Political Biography, 39 Boggs only. Free information. BRITTON, 8703 S.E. (202)833-8240. Located near the State Depart¬ Hill Rd. Newtown, CT 06470. Jardin, Hobe Sound, FL 33455. ment at Columbia Plaza.
DECEMBER 1987 41 FOREIGN EXCHANGE
TOBACCOS & ACCESSORIES SHORT TERM RENTALS COMPUTERS
COMRADES: State-run tobacco collective WASHINGTON D.C. APARTMENTS. COMPUTERS, COMPUTERS! At Un-Dip- now allowing vou to trade through the post. Short or long term. Decorator furnished, fully lomatic Prices! Full service, training if needed Offering generic tobaccos, cooperative-made equipped: microwave, cable, phone, pool, spa. while you are in Washington on leave. Any cigars, and wood pipes. Write Unit TC Odessa, Two mocks FSI and Metro, 5 min. State, Geor¬ make or model configured. True portables. To¬ USSR, or better yet try Georgetown Tobacco getown. Photos. (703)522-2588 or write shiba, Zenith, HP. Programs for education, fi¬ and Pipe stores, keeping the tradition of friendly Adrian B.B. Templar, 1021 Arlington Blvd., nancial planning, real estate, word processing. and personalized service, offering an outstand¬ PH 1214, Arlington, VA 22209. Member Leading Edge from S1295 complete. AT8cT, ing line of pipe tobaccos, pipes, fine cigars, AFSA. Kavpro PC, Compaq, and IBM. Graphics for books, lighters, smoking accessories, and re¬ artists, programs tor composers. Lowest prices, lated items. Serving the Foreign Service com¬ BACK FOR TRAINING? HOME LEAST? highest quality. Dozens of satisfied Foreign Serv¬ munity since 1964. We provide fast, depend¬ D.C. TOUR? We are THE Washington Metro ice clients. Export licensing if necessary. able service all over rite world. 30-page catalog Area Short-Term Rental Specialists. Excellent SOFTGRAF USA 10 minutes from tire depart¬ SI. 3144 M St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 locations. Wide price range. In Virginia - walk ment. 291 S. Van Dorn, Alexandria, VA Box F. to FSI. In D.C. and Maryland - walk to metro. 22304. (703)370-5000 for an appointment. Large selection of furnished and equipped ef¬ Telex 904 059 WASH. ficiencies, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms and some INVESTMENTS furnished houses. Manv welcome pets. EXECUTIVE HOUSING'CONSULTANTS, SHOPPING SERVICE INC., Short Term Rental Dept, 7315 Wiscon¬ INVESTMENTS, FINANCIAL PLANNING, sin Ave., Suite 627 West, Bethesda, MD 20814. Long Distance Management when necessary. Serving U.S. government employees assigned (301)951-4111. Reserve earlv! Avoid disap¬ overseas. Whatever vou want, let us find it for Margaret M. Winkler, CFP, Assoc. V.P., Legg pointment! Mason Wood Walker, Inc., 1747 Pennsylvania you. Automotive parts and supplies, household Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006. (202)452- goods, hardware, cosmetics, toys, small appli¬ FARA APARTMENT RENTALS: Fully fur¬ 4000, in U.S., (800)792-4411. ances parts and repairs, etc. Buy at retail plus nished efficiency, one and two bedroom apart¬ shipping and handling. Fast and reliable serv¬ ments. One blk. from State Department. Com¬ ice. Just one place to contact. Write to us for RETIREMENT FUNDING ANALYSIS, Inve¬ petitive rates. Call (202)462-3910. Write prices: U.S. Xlilitarv Buying Service, PO Box stment Management: E.F. HUTTON & CO., FARA Housing, Rm. 2928, Dept, of State, 7205, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-7205, Dave INC. G. Claude Villarreal, Financial Manage¬ Wash. D.C. 20520. Wallace, Manager; Retired U.S. Park Police ment Advisor, 1825 Eve Street NW, Suite officer. 1000, Washington, DC 20006. (202)331- 2528. Telex: 422230 NYC.
EXCHANGE RATES
Classified advertising in the FOREIGN EXCHANGE is open to any person who wishes to reach the professional diplomatic community. The rate is 75 cents per word per insertion. Telephone numbers and zip codes count as one word each. To place a classified ad or to receive our rate card for regular display advertising, write or call the Foreign Service Journal, 2101 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, (202)338-4045. Checks should accompany all classified insertion orders. The deadline for FOREIGN EXCHANGE ads is approximately 5 weeks before the publication date.
AN EXCELLENT MEDIUM OF EXCHANGE
You can reach 20,00 Foreign Sendee readers each month with a classified ad in the JOURNAL. For just 75 cents a word you can sell your product or sendees to a select and influential audience. Just write vour message in the space below or on a sepa¬ rate sheet (please specify' the category heading you prefer), note the months you want the ad to run, and enclose a check for die first insertion. See die EXCHANGE RATES above for details.
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42 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL INDEX—VOLUME 63—1987
An African Christmas, by Man- Thomas Sargent. December Living with Risk, by Caroline Meirs Osterling. July/August AID. Assisting Africa, by James F. Entwistle. April Maechling, Charles Jr. Handcuffing Terroristn. January .AIDS. A Job Hazard (Symposium). June Managing Adversity, (An intemew with Ronald I. Spiers.) February Amazing Miss Able, by Theodore B. Dobbs. June McMullen, Christopher J. The An of Diplomacy. October Anderson, Jim. Standing at the Crossroads. October MESSERSMITH. Messersmith’s Big Fight, by jesse H. Stiller. September The Art of Diplomacy, by Christopher J. McMullen. October Messersmith’s Big Fight, by Jesse H. Stiller. September Arthur, Bill. The Helms State Department. September Mica, Daniel. Money and Management. April Assisting Africa, by James F. Entwistle. April Alixed Signals, by Nathaniel Davis. December Brands, H.W. Jr. Pre-war Moscow. May Aloney and Management. (An interview with Representative Daniel Mica.) April Buchanan, Thompson R. A Hardship Post June MOROCCO. Our Oldest Treaty, by Ben F. Dixon. July/August Bugs, Bugs, Bugs. June Aloroccan Bind, by Desmond Dinan. January BUNKER. The Art of Diplomacy, by Christopher J. McMullen. October Alosemv Today. (An interview with Arthur Hartman.) May Bunvell, Frances G. Dissent and Policy. April Motdng frrni Mokhovaya Street, bv R.T. Davies. October Callahan, David. Policy Planning at its Pinnacle. November A Moidng Target, by Philip F. Dur. March CHILE. Mixed Signals, by Marshall Green. December Nelson, Daniel N. The Perils of Perestroika. November Cizauskas, Arthur. The Dilemma. November Nudging the Tiller. (An intemew with Marshall Green.) December A Closed Hearing, by Howard R. Simpson. February On the Road Again, by David Mel Paul. March Cold War Moscow, by Walter L. Hixson. Osterling, Caroline Meirs. Living with Risk July/August COMPUTERIZATION. Information, Please, by Alan Kotok. March Our Oldest Treaty, by Ben F. Dixon. Julv/August CONGRESS. Money and Management (An interview with Daniel Mica.) Paul, David Mel. On the Road Again. March CONGRESS. The Helms State Department, by Bill Arthur. September People’s Power, by Margaret Sullivan. February Cruit, Bette J. The Last Plight Out. The Perils of Perestroika, bv Daniel N. Nelson. November Davies, R.T. Aloring from Mokhovaya Street. October PHILIPPINES. People's Power, by Margaret Sullivan. February Davis, Nathaniel. Mixed Signals. December POETRY. Prose and Cons. October The Dilemma, by .Arthur Cizauskas. November Policy Planning at its Pinnacle, by David Callahan. November Dinan, Desmond. Moroccan Bind January POLICY PLANNING STAFF. Policy Planning at its Pinnacle, by David Callahan. November Dinner and Opium, by Man- Pettis Sanford. July/August Pre-war AIoscow, by H.W. Brands Jr. Dissent and Policy (Questionnaire results), by Frances G. BunvelJ. April Prose and Cons. October Dixon, Ben F. Our Oldest Treaty. Julv/August Raum, Thomas. An Undiplomatic Diplomat. July/August Dobbs, Theodore B. Amazing Miss Able. June Sanford, Man- Pettis. Dinner and Opium. July/August Dur, Philip F. A Moving Target. March Sargent, Man- Thomas. An Afidcan Christmas. December Eden’s Folly, by D.F. Shaughnessv. January Saying It with Flowers, bv Marjorie Smith. September Entwistle, James F. Assisting Afi-ica. April Sliaughnessy, D.F. Eden’s Folly. January FOREIGN SERVICE. The Art of Diplomacy, by Christopher J. McMullen. October SHULTZ. Standing at the Crossroads, by Jim Anderson. October FOREIGN SERVICE. Foreign Service Funnies. February Simpson, Howard R. A Closed Hearing. February FOREIGN SERVICE. Life and Love in the Foreign Sendee. April Smith, Marjorie. Saying It with Flowers. September FOREIGN SERVICE. Living with Risk, by Caroline Meirs Osterling. July/August Spiers, Ronald 1. Alanaging Adversity. February FOREIGN SERVICE. Messersmith’s Big Fight, by Jesse H. Stiller. September Standing at the Crossroads, bv Jim Anderson. October FOREIGN SERVICE. Moscow Today (An interview with Arthur Hartman.) May Starting Over, by Maurice Tanner. January FOREIGN SERVICE. Starting Over, by Maurice Tanner. January Stefan, Charles G. The Ups and Downs of Summitry. November FOREIGN SERVICE FAMILIES. Choosing a University by Nancy Piet-Pellon. STATE DEPARTMENT. Dissent and Policy, Frances G. Bunvell. April FOREIGN SERVICE FAMILIES. Coping with Stress, by Patricia Webbink December STATE DEPARTMENT. The House that State Built, by Hans N. Tuch. July/August FOREIGN SERVICE, Soviet. A Hardship Post, by Thompson R. Buchanan. June STATE DEPARTMENT. Information, Please, by Alan Kotok. March Foreign Service Funnies. February STATE DEPARTMENT. Managing Adversity, (An interview with Ronald I. Spier?s.) February Green, Marshall. Nudging the Tiller. December STATE DEPARTMENT. Policy Planning at its Pinnacle, by David Callahan. November Godsev, Fred. With No Regrets. April STATE DEPARTMENT. Standing at the Crossroads, by Jim Anderson. October GORBACHEV. The Perils of Perestroika, by Daniel N. Nelson. November Stiller, Jesse H. Messersmith’s Big Fight. September Handcuffing Terrorism, by Charles Maechling Jr. January SUEZ. Eden’s Folly, by D.F. Shaughnessv. January A Hardship Post, by Thompson R. Buchanan. June Sullivan, Margaret. People's Power February Hartman, Arthur. Moscow Today. May SUMMITS. The Ups and Downs of Summitry, by Charles G. Stefan November HEALTH. AIDS. A Job Hazard (a Symposium.) June Tanner, Maurice. Starting Over. January The Helms State Department, by Bill Arthur. September TERRORISM. Handcuffing Terrorism, bv Charles Maechling Jr. January Hixson, Walter L. Cold War Moscow. TERRORISM. Firing with Risk, by Caroline Meirs Osterling. Julv/August The House that State Built, by Hans N. Tuch. Julv/August TERRORISM. The House that State Built, by Hans N. Tuch. July/August HUMOR. Bugs, Bugs, Bugs. Thompson, Larry. The U.S. Needs a World Bank Loan. September HUMOR. Foreign Sendee Funnies. February TRADE. An Undiplomatic Diplomat, Thomas Raum. Julv/August HUMOR. Life and Love in the Foreign Sendee. April TRADE. The U.S. Needs a World Bank Loan, by Larry Thompson. September HUMOR. Starting Over, by Maurice Tanner. January Tuch, Hans N. The House that State Built. July/August HUMOR. The U.S. Needs a World Bank Loan, bv Larnr Thompson. September An Undiplomatic Diplomat, bv Thomas Raum. July/August INDONESIA. Nudging the Tiller. (An interview with Marshall Green.) December The Ups and Downs of Summitry, by Charles G. Stefan. November Information, Please, by AJan Kotok. March USIA. On the Road Again, by David Mel Paul. March JOLJRNAL. An African Christmas, by Man' Thomas Sargent. December The U.S. Needs a World Bank Loan, by Larry Thompson. September JOURNAL. Amazing Miss Able, by Theodore B. Dobbs. Webbink, Patricia. Coping with Stress. December JOURNAL. A Closed Hearing, by Howard R. Simpson. February With No Regrets, bv Fred Godsev. April JOURNAL. The Dilemma, bv Arthur Cizauskas. November USSR. Cold War Moscow, by Walter L. Hixson. May JOURNAL. Dinner and Opium, by Man- Pettis Sanford. July/August USSR. A Hardship Post, by Thompson R. Buchanan. June JOURNAL. The Last Flight Out, by Bette J. Cruit. May USSR. Moscow Today. (An interview with Arthur Hartman.) May JOURNAL. Moroccan Bind, by Desmond Dinan. January USSR. The Perils of Perestroika, by Daniel N. Nelson. November JOLJRNAL. Moidng from Mokhovaya Street, by R.T. Davies. October USSR. PIT-war Moscow, by H.W. Brands Jr. May JOURNAL. A Moving Target, by Philip F. Dur. March JOURNAL. Saying It with Flowers, by Marjorie Smith. September JOURNAL. With No Regrets, by Fred Godsev. April Kotok, Alan, Information, Please. March The Last Flight Out, by Bette J. Cruit. Life and Love in the Foreign Sendee.
DECEMBER 1987 43 Callus with your real estate questions...
we have the answers.
Linda Wilson Hurley Linda specializes in Foreign Service relocation. A Foreign Service wife herself for 15 years, Linda’s ex¬ pertise in overseas moves comes from the personal DOMESTIC experience of having lived in The Philippines, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, and Uganda. She is a member of the Association of American Foreign Service Women.
EVERS & COMPANY REAL ESTATE INC.
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Specializing in the rental and care of fine residential property throughout the metro¬ politan area. Sandoz & Lamberton offers highly personalized service including:
• detailed semi-annual status reports • frequent correspondence • updated rent control information (if it pertains) • coordinated insurance protection.
For more details please contact Robert Mackall, Vice President and Manager, property management department.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SINCE 1921 1720 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20007 202-363-9800 telex: Easy Link 62984387
44 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Property Specialists, Inc. POSTINGS A professional and personal service tailored to meet your needs in: • Property Management • Sales and Rentals • Multiple Listings • Real Estate Investment Counseling Donna Courtney Fran Palmeri Broker Property Manager
4600-D Lee Highway Arlington, Virginia 22207 (703) 525-7010 (703) 247-3350 Serving Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Allied Owners Are Serving at 32 Overseas Posts • Highest rental value • Staff of trained agents • Qualified, responsible tenants • Monthly computerized statements • Skilled maintenance personnel for your home management needs
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DECEMBER 1987 45 New Homes — SALES — Brokerage Experienced Real Estate Agent Properly Management — Leasing With Well-Established Company CALL US FOR A FREE HOME EVALUATION • Buying • Selling • Investing W.C. & A.N. MILLER • Refinancing • Property Management REALTORS Please write or call Anita Murchie, Long & Foster, Established 1912 5845 Richmond Highway #150, Alexandria, Virginia 22303 (703) 960-8900
4910 MASSACHUSETTS AVE. FAX 4701 SANGAMORE RD. 25 years as a Foreign Service wife enable WASHINGTON, D.C. 20016 (301)229-4015 BETHESDA, MD 20816 me to understand your special needs. (202)362-1300 (301)229-4016
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A Full Service Real Estate Company PARDOE Providing PERSONAL and EXPERIENCED Service in Property Management Residential • Commercial — Property Management — (202) 333-6530 4115 Wisconsin Avenue NW Bill Conway (703) 356-1216 Washington, D.C. 20016 Office: (202)966-2002 2828 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Phyllis Herskovitz (202)363-3353 Washington, D.C. 20007 Nasser Zahedi (202)333-5144
46 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAT CBEGG Inc. Notes REALTORS® on Celebrating Our 36th Year SALES • RENTALS • INSURANCE • MANAGEMENT • INVESTMENT • COMMERCIAL • Real Estate Specializing in the management of: By Dorothy Clunan Private residences and apartments. Condominium complexes. Commercial sales and management.
Our sales staff of over 100 experienced agents includes the following presently or formerly associated with the Foreign Service. In today's mortgage market most loans are Mrs. Virginia Barlerin Mrs. Pamela Jova calculated on a 30-year or a 15-year payoff rate. Mrs. Betty Battle Mr. Ralph Lindstrom 7 Mrs. Efrem Calingaert Mrs. Jeanne Livingston The current 30-year rate is 10 /s%, and the current Mr. Robert Campbell Mrs. Margaret L. Miller 15-year rate 101/a% for a loan over $150,000. Of Mrs. Wendela Carwell Mrs. Ellen Ozga Mrs. Christine Gallehon Mr. Warren Putnam course, the 15-year loan is paid off much faster, Mrs. Anne Hawkins Mrs. Terry Walker Mrs. Ilse Heintzen Ms. Karin Woltman but the tax deductions are proportionally lower than Ms. Edrie Hough with a 30-year loan. How would the monthly Main Office payments affect your cash flow? Suppose you 2121 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 were buying a $250,000 house and putting $50,000 202-387-2480 down in cash: your loan amount would be For Caribbean and European properties: $200,000. At current rates, the monthly payment Begg International Inc. 202-338-9065 is $2,165 on a 15-year loan, $1,886 on a 30-year telex no: 440036 loan. However, the 15-year loan would be paid off Chevy Chase Office McLean Office Potomac Office in half the time and you could save almost 202-686-9556 703-893-2300 301-299-6800 $390,000 in interest over the life of the two loans. That sounds incredible but rememberthat what you can’t deduct in interest can cause a higher tax obligation to Uncle Sam. The difference of $279 in monthly payments is only one calculation to make. Sales, Rentals, Investments Fifteen year loans are useful for parents of young and children wanting to build up equity for future college Careful, Expert Property Management costs. They are also useful for those close to D.C., Maryland, and Virginia retirement who want to own their home free and clear more quickly. With reduced income after retirement, interest deductions are not as useful,
BARBARA ABEILLE making 15-year loans look very attractive. On the MECHTHILD BIRZNIEKS PATRICIA GARRISON BOORMAN other hand, the increased monthly payment can BETTY GELDARD WENDY GUILLOU be a significant consideration after retirement. In MARY HANSTAD LUCILLE HARRINGTON short, discuss it with an expert before you take this CAROLE B. HERSMAN JOSEPHINE HOLLIDAY* or any other mortgage plan! ISABELLE MACKIE LYNN MOFFLY MAGRUDER* In the future, we can discuss relative adjustale MARILYN J. MANGAN JOHN Y. MILLAR* rates and how to calculate the real cost of your MARGARET MOSELEY DIANE NOBLE loan. Meanwhile, if you are considering buying or SUZY H. NORTH SUSAN RAEHN selling, or need property management, just call or CAROLINE RAYFIELD DOUG SCHOCKE write us. ROBERT W. SKIFF* JOHN TURNER* VERA WILLIAMS MGMB, inc. Realtors 362-4480 Foxhail Square • 3301 New Mexico Avenue Washington D.C. 20016 4801 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016 ‘Foreign Service lei. 202-363-9100
Associated firms in England and France
DECEMBER 1987 47 AFSANEWS
Annual Meeting: 10 percent cutback means ‘decimation’ of Service
“We want to meet our country's posts as “a no-fault situation, with needs, and we want the resources the department's leadership and to do that,” said Perry Shankle at Congress blaming each other and the AFSA Annual Meeting on Oc¬ denying theirown responsibility.” tober 16 before a record 300 at¬ The State Department has tendees. “The Foreign Service become a pawn in budget battles has a proud history....But we don't between the Congress and the want to see it destroyed or made White Flouse. "In the meantime, irrelevant because of our govern¬ the Foreign Serivce is going down ment’s inability to deal with its the tubes,” he said. ‘The crisis we fiscal or political problems.” The are facing now means jobs. The event, which usually draws fewer department'sproposalstalkofposi- than 50 persons, was held in the tions, but it is the person in the posi¬ Dean Acheson Auditorium. The tion we are talking about. We are meeting concluded by unan¬ talking about 1269 jobs. That’s 10 imously passing a resolution intro¬ percent of the jobs. That’s 10 per¬ duced by former AFSA President cent of us. That’s decimation. Lars Hydle: “Resolved—That the “Look around you—which of Annual Meeting of the Washing¬ you will be gone next year? One ton Membership supports the re¬ of ten will. And equally important— programming of funds authorized maybe more so—who will do what and appropriated for diplomatic se¬ we do? Who will meet our nation's Shankle: 'State caught in Wash¬ Monroe: “Cutbacks contradict curity to any “salaries and expen¬ needs for an effective diplomatic ington budget battles.” 1980 act requirements.” ses" purposes, to the extent nec¬ service? The CIA? DIA? NSC? essary to avoid harsh reductions There’s a long list of people who mental assumption that what ing good people, thoroughly com¬ in personnel without unduly jeop¬ are waiting.” counts in the Foreign Service is mitted to the vocation of foreign ardizing diplomatic security.” Shankle was followed on the people—not only because we are affairs, is necessary to conduct The meeting came four weeks podium by State Vice President concerned for our jobs, which we and implement the foreign policy after Secretary Shultz announced Evangeline Monroe, who won are, but more important because our country needs” [see related the elimination of 1269 positions applause for her criticisms of how we believe attracting and retain- article]. in the department, the closing of management has handled the 15 posts, and numerous other budget shortfall. “Let those who cutbacks [AFSANEWS, November], inhabit the paneled, antique- ment, Washington Post, October The cutbacks were the subject of furnished halls come down to the Key papers 13 an emergency open meeting held real world the 90 percent have to call on State “Sharp budgetary restrictions, by AFSA, following which it devel¬ contend with," she said. She affecting an unprecedented oped a counter proposal and painted a comprehensive picture to stop cuts number of positions scheduled for moved quickly to find legislative of Service ills as reflected in its elimination, will severely damage solutions while appealing for State Department component, the Following are quotes from several the performance of the State publicsupport.AFSAwassuccess- most recent of which has been editorials decrying the State Department in a critical period of ful in getting language reprogram¬ shown by the announced Department cutbacks. For the full the nation’s history.” —“Foggy ming certain security funds into cutbacks. She endorsed the pas¬ text, see the CLIPPINGS section Thinking at Foggy Bottom," San the salaries and expenses ac¬ sage in the Foreign Service Act (page 16): Francisco Chronicle, October 13 count in the Senate version of the that states that a career Foreign “Assorted parts of the govern¬ “This is being inflicted by the department’s authorization bill, Sen/ice “characterized by excel¬ ment have taken their lumps in same lawmakers who piously though at this writing the confer¬ lence and professionalism...is recent years—years in which two bewail Washington’s declining ence committee was still working essential in the national interest." presidents depicted the federal global influence and risky depen¬ on the measure. Both major wires She declared that recent manage¬ bureaucracy as an enemy—but dence on cheaper-to-hire foreign carried AFSA’s protests of the ment policies, however, do not none more than the agency that nationals. These prospective cuts cuts, which also won a sympa¬ meet the act’s requirement to “pre¬ is supposed to conduct the coun¬ represent the mentality of a thetic ear in several editorials and serve, strengthen, and improve” try’s foreign relations. The result banana republic, not a great opinion pieces appearing in major the Service. The text of her re¬ is an institutional crisis and, worse, power. Diplomacy is the first line dailies. [See related story on this marks is reprinted in her column a degree of national self-crippling of defense and the front line of page.] on page 50. that is no less certain and men¬ peace.” — “The Front Line of De¬ Shankle characterized the an¬ The officers presented a coun¬ acing for being hard to measure." fense and Peace,'' New York nounced cutbacks in staffing and terproposal “based on the funda- — “Down at the State Depart- Times, October 3
48 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL vices. This represents a 15-per¬ Counter proposal stresses saving cent reduction, ratherthan the five- Institutional jobs, making cuts elsewhere percent in the department’s plan; grievance, and “If we must choose between ■ $2 million from repeal of the ■ $.8 million by obtaining reim¬ ULP filed things and people, then AFSA will Fly America Act; bursement for federal benefits pro¬ always choose people,” reads the ■ $8 million from disconti¬ grams. At a time of crucial importance to cover memo on the union's coun¬ nuance of no-fee passports to The State Department’s plan Foreign Service employees, the ter proposal to management’s an¬ other agencies; actually totals $59.1 million (includ¬ State Department has repeatedly nounced cutbacks. “We believe ■ $1.6 million from reducing ing some revenues), only three- denied AFSAaccess to itstelecom- attracting and retaining good costs of certain domestic security fourths of the shortfall. AFSA’s munications facilities. AFSA has people, thoroughly committed to requirements, including security plan totals $51.8 million and ac¬ objected strenuously to this treat¬ the vocation of foreign affairs, is searches of department employ¬ counts for the rest through the re¬ ment, but our protests have gone necessary to conduct and imple¬ ees and their personal effects; programming. In addition, AFSA unheeded and management has ment the foreign policy our coun¬ ■$7.8 million from reducing ex¬ also suggested examining a continued to arbitrarily deny us try needs.” penditures for consultants. This number of areas for possible sav- access to our membership. As a AFSA would prefer reprogram¬ figure represents elimination of all ingsorcostpostponements;charg- result, AFSA has been forced to ming monies from the security pro¬ monies allocated in this area, ing out expenses for services per¬ file an institutional grievance and gram, which is growing at the ex¬ whereas State’s plan only reduces formed for other agencies not so an unfair labor practice charge pense of the department’s core it by half; threatened by cutbacks; and effect¬ against State. functions, the counter proposal ■ $24 million by reducing ex¬ ing economies through programs The institutional grievance was states. After that, AFSA sug¬ penditures for contractual ser- designed to reduce energy use. filed as a result of the depart¬ gested, the department should in¬ ment’s refusal to transmit several stead make the following alter¬ cables dealing with the AFSA con- native cuts totaling $7.63 million: Officers meet with Pell on budget gressionaloutreachprogram. Man¬ ■ $1.2 million for the remodel¬ agement’s action was in violation ing of the secretary of state’s con¬ of the AFSA/State Collective Bar¬ ference room; gaining Agreement, which allows ■ $2.65 million for the expan¬ AFSA to use the department's sion of the Foreign Affairs Informa¬ telecommunications facilities for tion System to two more bureaus; any cables which deal with griev¬ ■ $3.15 million for new over¬ ances or labor-management rela- seas administrative support posi¬ tions. The AFSA cables were tions; clearly suitable for transmittal, as ■ $.33 million for procurement evidenced by the fact that man¬ officers and a new Office of Pro¬ agement had previously approved curement; numerouscablesonthesamesub- ■ $.3 million for salaries at a ject without question. The depart¬ new embassy in Western Samoa; ment has not yet responded to the In addition, AFSA supports the grievance. following proposals from the State AFSA State vice president Evangeline Monroe and President Perry The unfair labor practice Department plan, totaling $44.2 Shankle (right) meet with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair¬ charge resulted from a recent million: man Claiborne Pell on reprogramming funds to avoid job losses. State Department Airgram which purported, among other things, to levy assessments on employee ated a new under secretaryship would subject Foreign Service of¬ associations at posts abroad. Last-minute for security, construction and ficers resident in the District of Co¬ AFSA learned of the Airgram via amendments foreign missions, a new ambas¬ lumbia but domiciled elsewhere to post representatives overseas, sadorship-at-large for Afghani¬ district taxes, which currently are but when AFSA tried to cable a grab-bag stan, ordered reams of new report¬ waived for them and for military of¬ responses to the posts, the depart¬ ing requirements, and mandated ficers similarly situated. This ment refused to transmit them. In In what the Washington Post VOA broadcasts in Slovenian. amendment, in the view of the addition to protesting this action, called “an extraordinary outpour¬ In one minute the Senate AFSA Governing Board, is in¬ AFSA demanded that the depart¬ ing of foreign policymaking by closed the embassy in Antigua, an tended solely for the purpose of ment provide AFSA with a copy amendment [the Senate] sought amendment proposed by Senator inconveniencing the Service. of the Airgram and suspend its last week to remake the world to Jesse Helms (R-North Carolina), On the positive side, however, implementation until negotiations its liking” by passing 86 amend¬ reportedly at the behest of an amendment suggested by had been concluded. The depart¬ ments to the State Department Thomas H. Anderson, a Senate AFSA and supported by Senator ment refused to comply with authorization bill in a four-day staffer who was ambassador to Pell (D-Rhode Island) would AFSA’s demands, and a charge period, many with no committee Barbados from 1984-86 “and permit the department to transfer was filed with the Federal Labor consideration and less than a often clashed with staff of the Anti¬ funds from the security salaries- Relations Authority. minute or two of debate. Some of gua embassy,” the Post reported. and-expenses account to the Difficulties with getting cables these could have a profound In six minutes, it voided the U.S.- main State budget. In AFSA’s cleared by management have effect on foreign policy, others on Soviet embassy site agreements, counter proposal [see related been a problem for AFSA for the agencies that administrate it. which would force the Soviets to story], these and alternative some time. The Governing Board The bill, whose funding short¬ abandon their new building on cutbacks would be used to save hopes thatthese actions will clear fall has encouraged the depart¬ Washington’s Mount Alto. the jobs threatened by State’s pro¬ up this annoying situation once ment to eliminate 1269 jobs, cre- Another Helms amendment posal to meet the budget shortfall. and for all.
DECEMBER 1987 49 the secretary of state, and to plan State Standing Committee and conduct an effective foreign A Statement of Principles policy—and preferably a biparti¬ san one. In these circumstances, AFSA believes a new start is necessary. By Evangeline Monroe, State Vice President We need a new system of person¬ nel evaluation, promotion, and se¬ lection out; a reexamination of the cone system; an open assign¬ Today AFSA, your labor repre¬ ice—as required by the act—and The State Department has in¬ ment system that is not half old- sentative and your professional that the Service is consequently vested hundreds of millions in se¬ boy network and half a lottery ; and association, has been cast in an less able to “carry out its mission curity enhancement, and rightly meaningful and accurate job clas¬ adversarial role with the manage¬ effectively in response to the com¬ so, but it has neglected to invest sification. Our aim is to reform the ment team of the department. plex challenges of modern diplo¬ adequately in its most valuable department's approach so as to Shortly after we were elected, macy and international relations”; asset—people. Aproperlyfunction- undo as much as possible the Perry Shankle and I called on the ■ AFSA does not accept man¬ ing personnel system should pro¬ damage that has been done to the department's managers and of¬ agement's concept of the diplo¬ duce a steady flow of talent to institutional integrity of our Serv¬ fered our cooperation in what we matic profession as a 25-year meet the requirements of the Serv¬ ice and to prevent further harm. thought was a common goal — career for most of us, although we ice. Instead we have recurring AFSA is working to obtain sup¬ the preservation and strengthen¬ do understand why many are dis¬ gaps in the supply of people with port in Congress for a viable and ing of the Foreign Service. At our couraged and would welcome an the requisite skills while officers effective Foreign Service that will first courtesy call with Deputy early retirement incentive; whose skills are still needed are serve the country’s needs. We are Secretary Whitehead he asked us ■ AFSA will not acquiesce qui¬ prematurely selectedout. Manage¬ discussing our problems frankly not to go outside the department etly as management persists in ment's patchwork efforts to meet with the members and their staffs. with our criticism. We did not know the selection out of members the linguistic and functional short¬ We urge the secretary, the deputy what Secretary Whitehead must whose talents and experience are falls make a mockery of career secretary, and the Management have known, that Secretary Shultz needed if the Foreign Service is development. Junior officers are Council to meet with AFSA so that would announce on September to remain a viable institution. In par¬ told to expect a career of no more together we can reverse the de¬ 18 that the department would ticular AFSA cannot endorse eval¬ than 25 years, and mid-level offi¬ cline of the Service before it is too have to undergo a radical reorga¬ uation, promotion, and selection cers wonder when they will even¬ late. nization resulting in the largest out policies that cannot accurately tually be asked to leave even I believe an effective personnel cuts in thirty years. It is important and fairly identify employees for while the Service has need of their system must offer the following: that you understand what has promotion, retention, or selection expertise. The secretary’s recent ■ Career-span. The Foreign been happening to the Foreign out; and announcements concerning bud¬ Service should be managed in the Service and what the future might ■ AFSA cannot agree with man- getary shortfalls and the need to expectation that an incoming of¬ hold for us as members of the For¬ agement’seffortsto reduce the For¬ eliminate 1269 people from ficer who reaches beyond the eign Service and of AFSA. eign Service to a service organiza¬ State’s roster are fresh blows to threshold and performs well can The last year has seen a con¬ tion for other agencies. an already weakened structure. expect a full and rewarding 30-35- tinuation of the process that is turn¬ We believe we have the mem¬ ASFA believes that manage- year career, with 50-75- percent ing the Foreign Service of the bership's support in these areas: ment’smisdirectedactionsand pol¬ reaching the Senior Foreign Serv¬ United States into the equivalent a poll conducted by AFSA in the icies have accelerated a long¬ ice. Those who do not make the of the diplomatic arm of a third- fall of 1986 indicated that a major¬ term trend toward declining Serv¬ Senior Service but are still com¬ class power. Much of this weak¬ ity of the Service desired major ice cohesion. The pattern of re¬ petitive at grade and who possess ening can be traced to the imple¬ changes in the personnel system. duced promotion opportunities skills and experience needed by mentation of the Foreign Service The involuntary retirement this and the stark realities of the six- the Service should be retained. Act, and the unwillingness of the fall of some 100 of our best offi¬ year window and reduced time in Retirement at 50 should remain department’s managers to admit cers at the senior and 0-1 levels class for seniors have had a cor¬ an option for those who wish it; that mistakes have been made in is the most dramatic evidence of rosive and divisive effect—induc¬ ■ Cones. The career system that process. a destructive personnel process. ing a zero-sum mentality among should not deny any segment of In the face of this massive as¬ We believe that a personnel Service components. FS-1s see the Service access to career oppor¬ sault on the Foreign Service, it is system should support the pro¬ increased attrition of seniors as tunity. Officers should develop ex¬ important that we pause to con¬ fessional objectives of the insti¬ the only solution to their immedi¬ pertise in their cones but not be sider what kind of Service we tution it serves as well as provide ate problems while senior officers penalized for serving outside want, and what kind of Service our a predictable environment for indi¬ limit their assignment choices so them. country needs: vidual career development. Only as to maximize their chances for Officers should seek assign¬ ■ AFSA does endorse the pro¬ through such a personnel system limited career extensions. Mid¬ ments in at least three cones. The vision of the act that states “a can the Service continue to recruit career and junior officers chafe system should be fair, in terms of career Foreign Service, character¬ and retain the able membership under a perceived reduction in benefits, training, and costs, to ized by excellence and profession¬ it —and the nation —needs. opportunities and base their own each grouping—officers and staff, alism, is essential in the national Equally important, a majority of assignment preferences on short¬ juniors, mid-career, and seniors. interest to assist the president and the Foreign Service should have term career considerations. The Changes in policy should be grand¬ the secretary of state in conduct¬ confidence in the equity and result is a move toward encourag¬ fathered, and periods of transition ing the foreign affairs of the United effectiveness of the system so that ing officers to concentrate on per¬ should be permitted in which no States.” But we also believe that its members are free to concen¬ sonal career agendas, with a con¬ group would be penalized; existing management practices trate on furthering the Service’s sequent diminished recognition of ■ Evaluation. There should be and policies do not “preserve, mission rather than on individual the institutional mission—to pro¬ reasonable time-in-class provi¬ strengthen, and improve”the Serv¬ careers. vide advice to the president and sions to ensure that every
50 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL member has the chance to be re¬ ■ Training. Training should be further weaken it. sant search for the right job, work¬ viewed in a variety of jobs so that designed not only to meet the spe¬ It is important however that we ing for the right boss, in order to he or she may expect promotion cial needs of the Service but to de- recognize the current system for win the only security the Service for quality performance over time. velopasenseof commitment, serv¬ what it is—a very bad one. can offer these days, a powerful Attributes required for successful ice identity, and purpose. Never before have we seen a godfather. Current personnel po¬ performance should be realisti¬ ■ Service outside the depart¬ leadershipso isolated from the con¬ licies have destroyed the concept cally linked to the needs of the ment. Additional positions and cerns of the rest of the building. of “honorable retirement"; have Service and should be clearly career opportunities withinthe For¬ Never before has the manage¬ encouraged a divisiveness that understood by rated, rating, and eign Service should be created ment staff been so set apart by pits class against class; and have reviewing officers, specialists, and and expanded at all levels to take their own convictions and self as¬ forced officers to consider their staff. Among the attributes the into account that the Service is for surances that their personnel po¬ own personal and family positions Service should seek to develop the entire government and that we licies are the correct ones. first and the good of the Service are commitment to the Service. do not only serve the Department Let those who inhabit the pan¬ second. Rating and reviewing officers of State. In particular senior offi¬ eled, antique-furnished halls It is time for management to should have a special leadership cers should be placed in other come down to the real world the leave the ivory tower and find out responsibility and be evaluated on agencies as foreign affairs advis¬ 90 percent have to contend with; what the real world in the Foreign their ability to promote profession¬ ers and as liaison between the a building with trash in its corri¬ Service is like. And if management alism and dedication in subordi¬ department and other agencies; dors, and until this week daily continues to think that the Sev¬ nates. Inspectors should be re¬ and searches of our possessions enth Floor represents the real quired to evaluate officers, and ■ Women and minorities. Spe¬ before we could enter the build¬ world for all of us, if management their reports should be part of the cial efforts should be undertaken ing; discussions of plans for the has abandoned us, then it is up file considered by promotion to promote minorities and women future that include the date when to all of us to use our talents to panels; within the Service. Our goal you will be thrown out of the Serv¬ shape the Foreign Service we ■ Promotion and selection should remain to attract the most ice; and always, always, the inces- need. out. We should aim at a fairer and able candidates in the country. more predictable system rather Training opportunities should than one that destroys the ca¬ be available to ensure that all of¬ reers, lives, and hopes of many of ficers are able to achieve their full AID Standing our most able and dedicated mem¬ professional potential. EER Revisited bers. It is difficult to focus on improv¬ Consistent, sub-standard, and ing the personnel system when documented poor performance the Foreign Service is being would be subject to selection out gutted. Yet even as cuts are threat¬ By Hank Merrill, AID Vice Pres. under a fair review procedure. All ened management demands officers within the career system more “Service discipline” in the should be able to compete for pro¬ name of “the needs of the Serv¬ motion throughout their career ice.” These needs have been de¬ No year seems to be complete egories as you would at least be except for the standard one-year fined for the convenience of without a discussion of the For¬ unique. I’ll bet those review panels wait after the last promotion. The management to solve short-term eign Service evaluation system. really read those ratings!) Further¬ window for promotion into the problems that are largely the cre¬ After a protracted negotiation last more, I think that the boxes do a Senior Service should be ex¬ ation of management itself. Under year on a modified evaluation disservice to the employee, as a tended. Revisions should be the current system policies are not format, AFSA and AID manage¬ reviewer can check a high box made in the LCE and TIC provi¬ designed to strengthen the Serv¬ ment agreed upon a reasonable and then proceed with a mediocre sions for the Senior Service that ice or to improve its morale or effi¬ design. It still requires that the rating, thus defusing the argu¬ would permit a more normal and ciency. rating officer have literary talents ments of the rated employee. If we predictable career. Fewer LCEs The consequences are being slightly higher than a turnip; com¬ put the true emphasis of the eval¬ would be available but the length felt in the budget process and in pared with the alternative, how¬ uation on the narrative portion of of TIC or total senior service would our declining role in the foreign af¬ ever, we feel it is satisfactory. the review, we can focus future be extended; fairs function. Recent events have Despite having just agreed to improvements of the system ■ Compensation for slower underscored the country’s need the new EER form with the adjecti¬ toward improving the clarity of promotions. Under conditions of for a cohesive and vital Foreign val ratings, AID management is employee assessments as well as current retrenchment, we would Service dedicated to providing the now interested in eliminating the upgrading writing skills. expect under a fairer system that highest level of professionalism adjectival performance ratings While on the subject of EERs, promotion would be slower for all obtainable. We have a member¬ (known as the boxes to normal in the future, I think we should con¬ except the water walkers than in ship with the talent and experi¬ people). The argument for the re¬ sider reversing the review process some periods in the past. In return ence necessary to do the job. We moval of the boxes is that over 95 for Senior Foreign Service employ¬ there should be a revamping of in¬ need an enhanced recognition of percent are rated superior or ees serving in administrative and step salary increases that would our mission and the kind of lead¬ better, with over 50 percent rated supervisory capacities. Instead of enable more junior officers to ership that can restore our belief outstanding. In other words, the having reviews and awards based meet personal and family obliga¬ in the profession of diplomacy and ratings mean nothing. on questionably objective reviews tions. Members facing slower in the foreign affairs corps. While not all members of the completed by one’s peers, let’s promotions should be rewarded The next year will be difficult for AID Standing Committee share open up the review process to by increasingly responsible jobs. management and for the Foreign my view, I personally agree with those people who are subject to Such a system would reward Service. AFSA would like to build management’s position that these the supervision. If you want to excellence of performance by pro¬ a partnership with management in boxes are a complete waste of know about one's ability to super¬ viding career enhancing job oppor¬ order to solve the many problems time. (In fact I believe that one vise, then ask the persons who tunities and higher levels of chal¬ that face us both in ways that will might even be at an advantage are familiar with it on a day-to- lenge for its outstanding officers; strenghthen the Service and not being in one of the bottom two cat- day basis.
DECEMBER 1987 51 type, and we believe that it is an is far greater. Some insurers pro¬ AFSA’s insurance programs: excellent buy for AFSA members, vide replacement value coverage a benefit overlooked by many especially those with dependent only at an extra premium of, say, children. 25 percent of the regular pre¬ With more than 9,200 members policy. Most important, the cost for Personal Insurance Plan. For mium. The AFSA Plan has it at the now enrolled in AFSA, the asso¬ family coverage under the AFSA members serving abroad this plan same low cost as the regular cov¬ ciation’s Trustees for Insurance plan is lower than that charged by provides “all-risk” coverage on per¬ erage, only 75 cents per $100 of Programs are wondering why so competing plans that offer less sonal property and, as an option, value. However, in the event of a few are participating in our group comprehensive coverage. Our worldwide protection at agreed loss, you must insure such prop¬ insurance programs. AFSA spon¬ plan is available to all AFSA mem¬ values for scheduled items of jew¬ erty for its replacement value. sors three major plans, each with bers under age 70, with no limita¬ elry, furs, fine arts, cameras, sil¬ Claims are usually adjusted on special features designed to meet tions as to health, occupation, or verware, etc. Comprehensive per¬ the basis of a simple honor the needs of Foreign Service per¬ overseas assignment. For active- sonal liability and insurance of system with a minimum of red sonnel. These programs and the duty members it is a type of insur¬ householdproperty.includingauto- tape. A recent poll of AFSA post appropriate number of members ance that warrants careful consid¬ mobiles, while in transit overseas representatives elicited a number currently enrolled in each are as eration. are additional options. An impor¬ of favorable comments on this follows: In-Hospital Income Plan. This tant feature is that your household plan. The fact that the number of effects are insured for their full subscribers has increased Program Policies in Force replacement value. This is a sig¬ steadily over the years is a further Accidental Death & nificant point. Most property insur¬ indication that we have a good pro¬ Dismemberment 1,200 ance claims are settled on the duct here. In-Hospital Income Plan 450 basis of the actual cash value of If you want additional informa¬ Personal Insurance Plan 625 the property that has been dam¬ tion about any of these programs, aged or destroyed. In the case of speak to your AFSA representa¬ household effects this is likely to tive or write directly to the Program Among these programs the Per¬ plan is intended to supplement the be a fraction of the cost to replace Administrator, The Hirshorn Com¬ sonal Insurance Plan, with only benefits provided under the Fed¬ those items. Due to inflation the pany, 14 East Highland Avenue, 625 subscribers, appears to be a eral Employees Health Plan, whe¬ difference between actual cost Philadelphia, Pennsylvania poor second to the AD&D plan. ther the primary insurance is the and replacement value in case of 19118. But it is available only to members Foreign Service Health Plan, the the loss of your entire shipment of Note: In addition to members serving abroad, and since that Aetna plan, or whatever. With hos¬ household effects could be a stag¬ of the Foreign Service who belong group constitutes no more than 40 pital costs continuing to rise at a gering burden. A comparable risk to AFSA, others with an interest percent of the membership at any rapid rate, there is a need for low- exists if you bought furniture, appli¬ in foreign affairs —including one time, 625 participants repre¬ cost coverage that pays cash ben¬ ances, or other personal property employees of other organizations sents about the same proportion efits for each day of hospitaliza¬ for bargain prices in one country overseas—may become associ¬ (12.5 percent of eligible members) tion. Our plan offers $30, $50, or and later have a severe loss while ate members of AFSA and qual¬ as does 1200 in the case of the $100 per day for the named in¬ assigned to another where the ify for insurance coverage under AD&D program (13.3 percent). sured and spouse and either $30 cost of replacing the lost property the above plans. For those who might be inter¬ or $50 for dependent children up ested, a brief description of each to age 26. The latter is at a very program follows, with special reasonable flat rate regardless of emphasis on those features that the number of children in the Department attempts to deny set AFSA contracts apart from family. Coverage applies either special differential pay other available plans. from the first day of hospitalization Accidental Death & Dismem¬ or, at a reduced rate, from the AFSA recently was ready to file an the ULP charge, should we need berment. Thisplan provides world¬ fourth day. Benefit payments are unfair labor practice charge to file it. In the meantime, employ¬ wide coverage against accidental doubled for days spent in an in¬ against the State Department in ees should be wary of other pos¬ death and specified injuries in tensive care unit. response to a September 28 sible moves by State to cope with amounts up to $300,000 for the No medical examination is re¬ department memorandum to all ex¬ the current budget crisis. Please named insured and spouse and quired to qualify for this insurance, ecutive directors instructing them contact AFSA immediately if you $50,000 for each dependent child and the restrictions relating to pre¬ not to certify any positions for spe¬ become aware of similar changes up to age 26. It pays 50 percent existing illness are more favorable cial differential pay. Affected in your terms or conditions of of the selected benefit for claims than in most plans of this type. employees were informed that employment. arising from acts of war or terror¬ Such illnesses are covered after they would no longer receive the ism, a special feature applicable the insurance has been in force differential, and many of them con¬ to all insured family members. for three months during which no tacted AFSA to see if they had any Most insurance companies make treatment has been received for recourse. AFSA contacted the ex¬ Redtop updates a substantial extra charge for war- that condition. After two years the ecutive directors involved and in¬ risk coverage, and no other AD&D limitation is removed completely. formed them that AFSA would AFSA’s main vehicle for commu¬ plan, to our knowledge, offers this All members and spouses under take legal action to oppose the with¬ nicating with its bargaining unit as protection fordependents. Further¬ age 70 are eligible for this pro¬ drawal of the differential. The ULP a whole is the REDTOP. We have more, most competing plans re¬ gram, but for those over age 65 charge was in the process of recently learned that many are not quire that insurance on the benefits do not begin until the being filed when the department reaching their destinations. spouse be limited to half the eighth day of hospitalization and had reversed its position. If you had been receiving RED- amount purchased for the named are reduced by 50 percent until AFSA has since learned that TOPS but have changed your insured andthatbenefitsfordepen- the 90th day. the department may still go ahead address—or wish to be added to dent children not exceed 10 per¬ The rates are lower than those with the decertification process in the list—please phone or write our cent of the principal sum of the of other comparable plans of this the near future. AFSA is updating membership coordinator.
52 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL DECEMBER 1987 53 numerous functions reduced, eliminated, or farmed out to other agen¬ make recommendations on tenure, flow through, time in class, selec¬ cies. We are concerned at the reductions in language incentives, hard¬ tion out, and expected length of career. ship differentials, and Pearson positions. We are concerned that man¬ The Personnel Evaluations subcommittee will develop material to agement policies are forcing out some of our best officers as the only help members understand and control the content of their evaluation means it can come up with to achieve a healthy personnel flow through. files. And we are concerned that the public image of the Service has suf¬ Minority Issues. The State Standing Committee recommended to fered from recent problems with security. management that it develop a training seminar that would help women But we are most concerned as American citizens, for it appears that and minorities understand informal factors that affect their careers. our nation is in the process of a significant retreat from its role as a Negotiations. Three-yearcollectivebargainingagreement.Tb\sagree- world power. While we are devoting increasing billions to military de¬ ment brings together all of the individual agreements that AFSA had fense, we are closing diplomatic missions, closing our eyes and ears. negotiated earlier, provides protection against challenge from another The entire foreign affairs budget has already been reduced by one- union during the period of the pact, and confirms a second full-time fifth in the last two years—a time when we face major challenges in Foreign Service position to work on AFSA affairs. Initially viewed as the Middle East, in Central America, the Philippines, etc. That portion a major accomplishment, the agreement has been disappointing be¬ devoted to State operations is so small that it is exceeded by what we cause of management's unreasonably strict interpretation of how it spent on building obsolete B1 bombers last year. The revenue short¬ should be implemented. fall that is producing this unprecedented reduction of more than 10 per¬ Open assignments. AFSA negotiated some minor modifications to cent in our diplomatic corps is exceeded by what the Defense Depart¬ the open assignments agreement that included extending the hard-to- ment spends on xeroxing and printing. fill exercise to certain domestic positions. Our task as an association, as a labor union, as a group of concerned Obstetrical travel. We have held discussions with management con¬ professionals has never been clearer: we must bring to the attention cerning medical evacuation travel of pregnant employees and depen¬ of all citizens the fact that a well-funded first line of defense is in the dents. The department has proposed permitting expectant mothers national interest. It provides the bulk of information concerning over¬ overseas to return to the United States to deliver their babies. AFSA seas developments needed by our decisionmakers, it helps our busi¬ plans to propose that expectant mothers be permitted the choice of nesses expand abroad, it helps spare the lives of our men and women returning, or having their babies in neighboring countries if there are in uniform. It is an investment in peace, prosperity, and stability that U.S. military facilities available or in the native country of the expec¬ returns countless dividends. We already know that. It’s time to make tant mother. sure everyone else does, too. AIDS. We held several discussions with management on the issue —Perry Shankle, President of testing for AIDS. As a result of our discussions, management eased a number of our concerns and agreed that routine testing would be extended to all dependents over the age of 11. State Standing Committee Grievance procedures. Management proposed several changes to The State Standing Committee faced two major challenges from man¬ grievance procedures that would limit an employee’s right to grieve, agement in the past year: the selection out of FS-1s for time in class limit a grievant’s access to his or her file, and generally restrict the right and the six-year window, and the announcement of a radical reorga¬ to grieve as a result of lack of information about investigations being nization of the State Department leading to a substantial loss of jobs. carried out by the department. AFSA presented counterproposals that Despite intense efforts by AFSA, both of these issues have remained would expand employee rights. Negotiations are still underway. unresolved. Diplomatic Immunity. The State Standing Committee responded Management refused to sit down with us to discuss changes in po¬ with its own proposals to an amendment proposed by Senator Jesse licies on the six-year window, limited career extensions, and time in Helms (R.-North Carolina) that would have the effect of eliminating dip¬ class. The department claimed that we were not united on the issue lomatic immunity for families and staff members if other countries apply of the FS-1 s and refused to consider our recommendations. Recently, reciprocity. AFSA’s alternative language, which was adopted in part however, management has said it will listen to our proposals. As a result, by the Foreign Relations Committee, contains registration/departure the State Standing Committee is working to develop a comprehensive procedures for individuals with diplomatic immunity; provides for the proposal on personnel issues that will receive the support of all sec¬ request by the secretary of state for a mission to waive immunity or tors of the bargaining unit. for the declaration by the secretary of persona non grata status when The plan announced by the secretary on September 18 to reorga¬ a diplomat is charged with a serious crime; provides authority to insti- nize the department and reduce personnel by 1267 positions is arbi¬ htute and maintain criminal prosecutions provided it is not in deroga¬ trary and capricious, and suggests management may be using the tion of individual’s immune status; and requires liability insurance to budget crisis as an excuse to further reduce the pool of experienced be carried by diplomatic missions. officers in the Foreign Service. The State Standing Committee is in Diplomatic Security. The Standing Committee met with Robert the process of developing an alternate proposal that would recognize Lamb, assistant secretary for diplomatic security, to discuss its con¬ the budget crisis but not involve loss of jobs. cern at the possibility of the department’s losing control over diplomatic Subcommittees. Beginning August 3, the State Standing Commit¬ security operations to another agency. tee formed the following sub-committees: Promotion and Selection Out, Plan to Reorganize and Reduce Positions. Since the secretary’s Personnel Evaluations, Cone System, Assignments, Public Relations, announcement on September 18 that budget shortfalls are forcing a Tandems, and Staff Issues. The purpose of the subcommittees is to major reorganization of the department and reduction in positions in develop a broad understanding of personnel issues that would enable Washington, the standing committee has met several times in emer¬ AFSA to make counterproposals to management and develop con¬ gency session to plan a constructive response that would preserve gressional and public support for its proposals. Subjects covered by positions while still meeting the challenge of a budget shortfall. Four the subcommittees overlap, which will make possible a comprehen¬ members of the committee met with Deputy Secretary John C. White- sive approach to avoid factional rivalry by grade or cone. head and other management officials involved in the reorganization The Promotions and Selection Out Committee is responsible for devel¬ on October 1. The deputy secretary claimed that the cuts in personnel oping a statement of general principles identifying personnel goals that were the only way to meet the budget shortfall. He agreed to consider are consistent with the Foreign Service Act. Consensus on general suggestions from AFSA. An emergency open membership meeting principles is a necessary step to avoid a repetition of management’s was held October 2 to provide further details to members about the claim that AFSA is divided on personnel issues. The committee will proposed reorganization and to elicit suggestions and active partici-
54 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL pation from members. Some 400 employees attended. We need your feedback and support if we are to be successful in rep¬ The standing committee will develop a public and congressional out¬ resenting and negotiating with management on behalf of AID Foreign reach program to generate opposition to personnel cuts. The proposed Service employeees. We look forward to hearing from members on reorganization and personnel cuts are the most serious threat to the a regular basis and getting your support. Foreign Service since the McCarthy period. It is more important than —Hank Merrill, AID Vice President ever that members actively work together to meet the challenge posed by the plan. USIA Standing Committee The members of the State Standing Committee are: Evangeline Monroe (chairman), Perry Shankle, Ward Barmon, Jim Bean, Harry The Standing Committee staged two successful events in its continu¬ Blaney, Matt Daly, Robert Downey, Jonathan Farrar, Barbara Hughes, ing Dialogues on Public Diplomacy lecture series this year. The first Shelley Johnson, Jim Leader, Chuck Schmitz, Dave Smith, Ted Wil¬ discussed the preparation of Officer Evaluation Reports and featured kinson, and Harry Fornoff. The committee meets every Monday at 12:30. three agency officers with experience on selection boards. The second, All members in State are encouraged to participate. attended by an overflow crowd, brought a senior Senate Foreign Rela¬ —Evangeline Monroe, State Vice President tions Committee staffer to speak on the future of USIA. Of particular benefit to agency officers on assignment to Washington, the sessions AID Standing Committee also enhance AFSA's image as an organization concerned with pro¬ fessional Foreign Service issues in USIA. The AID Standing Committee has had a busy year, monitoring and Standing Committee members hosted three separate classes of incom¬ negotiating several issues of concern to our membership: ing USIA Foreign Service officers to lunch at the Foreign Service Club. Open Assignments Agreement. With valuable feedback from our The goals, functions, and activities of AFSA were discussed informally members, we were able to work with AID management to reach an with them, and as a result new members were signed up. agreement on the open assignments system. We will continue, how¬ Through a membership-wide mailing, the committee clarified for its ever, to work on improving the system. USIA constituency the legal aspects of a challenge election to AFGE, IDI Program Handbook Chapter: We pushed for and got reactiva¬ currently the exclusive bargaining agent, or union, for USIA officers. tion of the International Development Interns program and were able Questionnaire responses from our members on this question and other to maintain its character as an entry-level training program. issues are being received from the field. When tallied, they will help New Evaluation Form: We were instrumental in getting AID man¬ the committee determine when AFSA will issue a challenge. agement to back away from an initial proposal to radically change the As a result of the 1987 Governing Board election, Steve Telkins was AID Personnel Evaluation Report form and, instead, to work with us re-elected the USIA vice president and John Quintus the USIA repre¬ in improving the existing one. An important factor in our success here sentative, both to serve on the board for two years. With John's depar¬ was that we were able to state that we had strong support from the ture on a new overseas assignment (public affairs officer in Mauritius), AID membership to preserve the current form. however, the standing committee nominated John Walsh from among Delinquent EERs: During the last year we have examined this long¬ its members as the new representative. John also serves on AFSA’s standing problem in detail and found that much of the problem with Finance Committee. Steve Telkins completed a three-year term on the late EERs was in Washington. We expressed our concerns and peri¬ JOURNAL Editorial Board, the last two as its chairman. Guy Burton has odically consulted with management on how to change the situation. replaced Steve on the Editorial Board, and serves there with USIA’s We are, therefore, pleased to see that management has now put teeth other member, Linda Jewell. Bill Weinhold was recently named the in the system: those responsible for late EERs will receive letters of USIA representative on AFSA’s Committee on Education, which runs reprimand or will not receive any cash bonuses or step increases. AFSA’s scholarship programs. Sheldon Avenius worked many hours Travel: We negotiated with management regarding implementation representing USIA on the AFSA Elections Committee this spring, which of city-pair fares and the inclusion of a business class provision. established procedures, organized candidate debates, and tallied votes. Standardization of Grievance Procedures: We have proposed —Stephen Telkins, USIA Vice President to management that the language used in its responses to grievants be standardized to the maximum extent possible. The objective here Finance Committee is to not leave the wording on such sensitive matters to the total dis¬ cretion of the personnel official given the task of drafting a reply to a Fiscal Year 1987 was a very significant year for the Finance Commit¬ grievance. tee and the treasurership of AFSA. As the treasurer on my second term, Obey Amendment: We have recently received information that man¬ I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve again and I will continue agement may be moving away from the spirit if not the letter of the to provide AFSA with the best financial management and controls avail¬ Obey Amendment. This is of great concern to us, and we have written able within our means. letters to management on this and also raised it verbally in meetings. I am happy to report the following major achievements since July We are continuing efforts to retain AID positions in Washington for For¬ 1986, when I became treasurer: eign Service members. ■We hired a full-time controller, Ellen Tenn, with no additional salary Separation Travel: We successfully resisted management attempts cost. Ellen is a certified public accountant and has had many years to impose new repayment burdens on employees in connection with of accounting experience with major national companies before join¬ separation travel. ing AFSA. No-Smoking Policy: We negotiated a fair no-smoking policy with ■Wesuccessfullyinstalledanin-housecomputersystemforouraccount- management. ing, budget, and financial reporting functions. The total cost of the system Full-Time AID-Funded AFSA Position: We have raised with man¬ (hardware and software) was paid back in less than a year through agement the possibility of a full-time AID-funded position to handle AFSA the avoidance of outside service bureau charges. affairs concerning the agency. (At this time, the standing committee ■The AFSA investment policy for the scholarship fund is reviewed consists only of volunteers.) This will parallel similar arrangements in by the Committee on Education, the Finance Committee, and the Gov¬ State and USIA (where the official works with AFGE). It will allow us erning Board on an annual basis. This year, some revisions were made to give better and more timely support to the bargaining unit. Manage¬ to establish additional benchmarks for the investment custodian, Shear- ment has not categorically said no, so we plan to continue to pursue son Lehman, to help improve performance. the issue. ■WerealignedourbankingrelationshipandchosetheRiggsNational Much was accomplished this past year, but much remains to be done. Bank as our lead bank. Riggs Bank, being one of the largest and oldest
DECEMBER 1987 55 in the nation’s capital, has provided several state-of-the-art cash- accountants, should be completed in a few weeks. We expect to get management tools to AFSA (i.e., lockbox for direct cash deposit, faster a clean bill of health this year. As usual, the complete audited state¬ avaliability of cash and eliminating the opportunity for cash theft, etc.) ments and the auditors report will be published in the AFSA NEWS as with no overall additional costs. soon as available. ■We stopped the losses incurred by the Foreign Service Club. Up Looking ahead in the next few months, there are several major cap¬ to September 1986, the Foreign Service Club was losing about $10,000 ital expenditures that may require a substantial reduction of the AFSA a month. The funds made available to sustain the club’s operations operating fund balance. They are: were not available to pursue other more important AFSA objectives. ■The central air conditioning units for the 21st & E Street building With the installation of better financial controls and a new manage¬ are almost 15 years old. This summer, two floors went without air condi¬ ment, the loss was stopped. Since July 1, the Club is returning several tioning for a month. Replacement of these units will cost about $30,000. thousand dollars a month to the AFSA coffers. We were able to effect ■The roof of the same building has been leaking during this particu¬ a renovation of the first floor dining room area and installed a new and larly rainy summer in Washington. We may have to do major repair modern bar at no cost to AFSA. All these were made possible through work on the roof, which is over two decades old. a new contract relationship, new club management, and daily close ■The general maintenance of the same building needs some “seri¬ supervision by the AFSA treasurer and controller. ous” catch up to prolong the life of the fixtures and equipment. We ■The new contract arrangement with the club also resulted in a sig¬ do not know the cost at this point. nificant reduction of overall administrative expenses for AFSA in the These items will be addressed on an as-needed basis. Timely and areas of insurance premiums, utilities, general staff costs, member¬ accurate information on our cash flow position is critical to ensure a ship service costs, workers compensation, payroll, FICA taxes, etc. proper deployment of our resources. With our controller on board and This is in addition to the positive cash flow we are experiencing with our new financial system, we are in a position to ensure that you get the club. the most benefit from your dues. ■The Finance Committee played a key role in assisting the JOURNAL In closing, I want to welcome the following AFSA governors who in its selection and acquisition of Superpage, a desktop publishing com¬ joined the Finance Committee recently: Perry Shankle, Evangeline puter software that helped the JOURNAL to become more productive Monroe (State vice president), Hank Merrill (AID vice president), John and efficient. Walsh (USIA), John Thomas (retired). And a welcome back to Jim ■Through better accounting, financial control, budgeting and cash Derrick (State) and Claude Ross (Committee on Education). forecasting, we were able to fund the complete renovation of the office As the chairman of the Finance Committee, I look forward to a very of AFSA Labor Relations Department and put a fresh coat of paint on productive two years serving with my committee. the walls of the AFSA administrative offices on 21 st & E streets. —Sam Mok, Treasurer ■ The Finance Committee was instrumental in assisting the mem¬ bership coordinator in acquiring the first AFSA on-line membership serv¬ Legal Affairs ice processing system. AFSA is now in a position to manage its own membership data base and provide better support services to other The AFSA Legal Department has been active on a number of fronts AFSA departments and activities. this year. Among the areas of involvement are the following: I am very proud of these achievements during the past year. How¬ Employee Allowances. AFSA won its long-standing dispute with ever, it is very important to point out that these goals would not have AID over implementation of the consumables allowances for employ¬ been accomplished but for the full support of the Finance Committee ees at hardship posts. The consumables agreement, negotiated at and the Governing Board. I am very appreciative of the faith they col¬ AFSA’s insistence in 1985, allows employees 2500 pounds of consu¬ lectively placed on me and the unyielding support they gave me unhe¬ mables per tour, an increase of 1500 pounds over the old regulations. sitatingly in moments of need. Most of these committee members and The agreement also authorizes an additional consumables allowance board directors have since stepped down and moved on with their own for employees who serve extensions or second tours at post. careers. I do want to acknowledge their contribution to these accom¬ AFSA maintained that the regulations should apply to any employ¬ plishments. Moving foreward, I am very pleased with the composition ees who arrived at post on or after the effective date of the agreement, of the new Governing Board and the Finance Committee. I look for¬ regardless of the date of issuance of their travel orders. AID argued ward to striving for greater accomplishments with these distinguished that the regulations were applicable only to those employees whose ladies and gentlemen. There is still much to be done. The following travel orders were issued subsequent to the agreement’s effective date. items are high on my priority list of things to do in the next two years: AFSA filed an institutional grievance with the Foreign Service Griev¬ ■The JOURNAL is one of the finest magazines in this country on the ance Board, which ruled in AFSA's favor. editorial side. Its business side has not realized its full potential for a Although State had officially supported AFSA’s position in the griev¬ combination of reasons. It is my intention to put a focus on the publish¬ ance, the department’s Office of the Comptroller refused to honor this ing side of the JOURNAL in the very near future. It is my objective to position until after the resolution of the grievance. As recently as Sep¬ stop its operating loss and turn the JOURNAL into a financially self- tember, AFSA learned that the department had failed to notify some sustaining unit. I have over 10 years of financial management experi¬ of its personnel technicians responsible for processing consumables ence with national publishing concerns and I look forward to this chal¬ claims of the Grievance Board's decision. AFSA has protested to man¬ lenge. agement, but affected employees should continue to monitor the depart¬ ■The AFSA personnel salary administration has not been a high pri¬ ment's actions. ority item with previous AFSA administrations. As a result, our hiring, Secretarial Pay. AFSA has filed a grievance on behalf of members promotion, and compensation processes have not kept up with time. of the February 1986 class of Foreign Service secretaries. The secre¬ AFSA as a union and a professional association for the “very best” taries had been informed by the State Department throughout their should be at the cutting edge in these areas. I plan to assist the cur¬ recruitement that the department would match their salaries upon entry rent AFSA administration in bringing these areas up to date. A better- into the Service. They made irreversible decisions to leave their previ¬ managed AFSA staff will result in a better AFSA for you. ous jobs based on these statements, and were never appropriately With the new accounting and budget system in place, I plan to ini¬ informed of a November 1985 decision to establish lower limits on sal¬ tiate a monthly financial operations report to the Governing Board. This aries for Foreign Service secretarial candidates. By the time they learned will allow the board to make better decisions with up to date analytical of the department’s decision not to honor its promises, they had no financial management information. choice but to accept the department’s reduced salary offer. The fiscal year 1987 audit by Coopers & Lybrand, certified public AFSA repeatedly protested the lack of appropriate notification to these
56 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL secretaries, but the department failed to remedy the situation. The depart¬ is only a temporary reprieve. As of this writing, embassy officials have ment has since issued a decision letter denying the remedy sought shown no signs of abandoning the surcharge proposal on a perma¬ in the grievance, which AFSA has appealed to the Foreign Service nent basis, and AFSA is continuing its efforts to prevent its implementa¬ Grievance Board. tion. Legal Rights. AFSA won a lawsuit in which a State Department Health Concerns. The department and AFSA have failed to reach employee’s position was reclassified without his knowledge, prevent¬ an understanding regarding the assignment of bargaining unit employ¬ ing him from receiving any promotions over a 10-year period. The ees to offices in State Annex 1 at Columbia Plaza. AFSA was informed employee originally filed a grievance in 1980, but the department denied of substandard environmental conditions in this building in memoranda the grievance. On appeal, the Foreign Service Grievance Board found from the Office of Medical Sen/ices in 1984 and 1985. Both documents that the employee had been misled and misinformed by the depart¬ state that no additional personnel should be moved to Columbia Plaza ment, despite his diligent efforts to discover the reason for his lack of until these environmental inadequacies have been corrected. promotion. However, the board concluded that the employee would This past spring, AFSA learned of plans to move employees from not have been promoted anyway and refused to grant him any retro¬ their current offices in Main State to Columbia Plaza. AFSA immedi¬ active promotions or back pay. AFSA then filed a complaint with the ately sent a letter of protest to State management. The department U.S. District Court. maintains that it has addressed the environmental issues at SA-1. AFSA The court’s decision overturned the Grievance Board’s determina¬ remains concerned and is continuing discussions with the department. tion that the employee was not entitled to any relief. The court found Unfair Labor Practices. AFSA recently prepared two Unfair Labor that the board had used an unacceptable method in determining that Practice charges against the State Department. The first was in re¬ the employee would not have received any promotions over the 10- sponse to a September 28 department memorandum to all executive year period. The court ordered the department to either reconstitute directors instructing them not to certify any positions for special differ¬ Selection Boards for the 10 years in question, or retroactively grant ential pay. Affected employees were informed that they would no longer the employee the average number of promotions received by mem¬ be compensated for the substantial amounts of work they were asked bers of his class with comparable records. to perform on a regular basis. AFSA contacted the directors involved The department initially misread the court’s order and attempted to and informed them that AFSA would take legal action to oppose the reconvene only three Selection Boards. AFSA was forced to return withdrawal of the differential. AFSA then prepared the charge, and as to court to seek enforcement of its order. The department has since it was being filed, word arrived that the department had reversed its agreed to grant the employee two retroactive promotions. The depart¬ position. ment will pay AFSA over $11,000 in attorney's fees for its representa¬ The second charge was occasioned by a recent State Department tion of the employee. Airgram which purported, among other things, to levy assessments Legislative Issues. As part of the fiscal year 1988 State Depart¬ on employee associations at posts abroad. AFSA learned of the Air- ment authorization bill, various members of Congress attempted to gram via post representatives, but when AFSA tried to cable respon¬ amend the Foreign Service Act to reduce employee benefits; deny en¬ ses to the posts, the department refused to transmit them. In addition titlement to AFSA representation; and fundamentally alter the extent to protesting this action, AFSA demanded that the department pro¬ to which diplomatic privilege is extended to foreign diplomats in the vide AFSA with a copy of the Airgram and suspend its implementation United States (see the State Standing Committee report). AFSA was until negotiations had been concluded. The department refused to largely responsible for a Senate amendment which allows the depart¬ comply with AFSA’s demands, and a charge was filed with the Fed¬ ment to reprogram funds to pay employee salaries and expenses and eral Labor Relations Authority. avoid drastic personnel actions such as reduction in force. Institutional Grievances. AFSA recently filed an institutional griev¬ Additionally, AFSA supported a bill to amend the Hatch Act, and ance resulting from the department’s refusal to transmit several cables restore government emplyees’ rights to participate in partisan political dealing with the AFSA Congressional Outreach Program. State’s action activity, while still protecting them from improper political solicitations. is a violation of the AFSA-State Collective Bargaining Agreement. AFSA At the same time, AFSA has supported legislation that would forbid is entitled to use the department’s telecommunications facilities for any political endorsements by chiefs of mission. cables which deal with grievances or labor-management relations, as Security Investigations. The legal staff has provided counsel for long as they are not “libelous, scurrilous, or scandalous.’’ Given these a growing number of employees under investigation by the Bureau of criteria, the AFSA cables were clearly suitable for transmittal, as evi¬ Diplomatic Security. The increase in security activity has been accom¬ denced by the fact that management had previously approved numer¬ panied by a number of procedural lapses and stalled investigations. ous cables on the same subject without question. The department has The lack of adherence to departmental guidelines has resulted in viola¬ not yet responded to the grievance. tions of employee rights, which AFSA has protested to Department Drug Testing. AFSA has attempted to limit the negative effects of officials. a 1986 Executive Order allowing agencies to impose mandatory drug AFSA is addressing some of the abuses of employee rights through tests on employees in “sensitive” positions. AFSA has argued that negotiations on the agencies’ grievance regulations which govern the mandatory drug testing without probable cause is a violation of employ¬ grievability of DSS determinations. In the meantime, the legal staff has ees’ Fourth Amendment protections from unreasonable search and attempted to ensure that employees are fully informed of their rights seizure. AFSA has also decried the notorious unreliability of drug¬ during every stage of an investigation. testing methods. These concerns provided the focus of both an amicus Utility Surcharges. AFSA has been battling the department in recent curiae brief filed with the FLFIA urging that implementation of any drug¬ months over the decision of the Panama embassy to unilaterally estab¬ testing procedures should be subject to negotiation, and comments lish a new utility policy. The proposal requires that employees in gov¬ filed with the National Institute of Drug Abuse. ernment-leased quarters personally pay all electricity costs exceed¬ Family Advocacy Program. AFSA filed a negotiability dispute over ing a specific ceiling. This would greatly reduce the net pay of Foreign aspects of the department’s proposal to establish a family advocacy Service employees stationed in the country. program. The program is intended to discover and treat child and spouse The new utility policy was originally intended to go into effect on July abuse at post. AFSA supports the program, but insists that there be 1. Employees were not informed of the change until June 16, how¬ safeguards against injury to career and reputation due to false accusa¬ ever, and no consultations were held with the AFSA chapter at post. tions of abuse. In late July, after the intervention of AFSA/Washington, the chief of AFSA maintains that an employee under investigation overseas mission announced that implementation of the new policy would be should have a right to repatriation, so that he or she may obtain union postponed until the new fiscal year, but it was emphasized that this representation or legal counsel, and the family may benefit from com-
DECEMBER 1987 57 munity support. The department charged that the AFSA proposal was ple, is that claims for compensation must be filed within 30 days of non-negotiable, and AFSA appealed to the Foreign Service Labor Rela¬ the injury or—as recently happened—the employee may lose some tions Board. We await a decision. or all entitlements to compensation and leave reimbursement. Tax Issues. AFSA filed an amicus curiae brief in a suit filed by the Tandem Couples. With the increase in Foreign Service tandem cou¬ American Federation of Government Employees concerning retroac¬ ples, new problems of eligibility for allowances and compliance with tive provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Prior to the Reform Act, the open assignments policy have arisen. AFSA has urged that regu¬ employees could recover their contributions to the retirement system lations for two-employee couples be developed immediately to address in a lump sum, or in installations during the first three years of retire¬ these. For example, the department denied travel allowances to a ment. Regardless of the option chosen, no taxes were assessed on tandem employee after her return to active duty from leave without the money. The Tax Reform Act repealed these provisions for all employ¬ pay, which had been forced on her due to the lack of appropriate assign¬ ees retiring after July 1,1986. AFSA argued that these new provisions ment at the other spouse’s post. In another case, payment of an educa¬ effectively deny Foreign Service employees access to their property. tion allowance to a Foreign Service child continues to be delayed while The court ruled that the amendments were proper, notwithstanding the department decides which of the tandem employees, who are as¬ their retroactive effect. signed to different posts, should claim the child as a dependent. State Tax Inequities. During the past year, AFSA continued its ef¬ Pouch. Several hardship posts have recently reported delays of forts to remedy tax law inequities affecting certain Foreign Service re¬ pouches to and from Washington. AFSA’s investigation showed that tirees. There are currently four states (Alabama. Iowa, Kansas, and delays were due to transit problems, the low priority the department North Dakota) which tax Foreign Service annuities while exempting and airlines place on pouch service, and chronic flight delays. Another Civil Service annuities. AFSA has been in contact with officials in each concern is the lack of insurance on parcels despite frequent loss and of these states, lobbying for legislation that will redress this unreason¬ damage cases. The United States Postal Service refuses to insure pack¬ able inequity. ages bound for overseas posts, so AFSA is urging the department to For the second year in a row, corrective legislation was introduced establish its own registration system. in Alabama; although the bill failed to come up for a floor vote, AFSA Unhealthful Working Conditions. Several members overseas and will work to have it re-introduced during next year's session. A reme¬ in Washington have contacted AFSA concerning health and safety con¬ dial bill reached the voting stage in North Dakota, but was defeated. ditions. At one hardship post, only one bathroom has been provided The situation in Iowa has improved markedly thanks to the involve¬ for all American employees. A second bathroom exists exclusively for ment of interested Foreign Service employees; a member of the Iowa use by senior management. After consulting with the Occupational House, together with the state's Department of Revenue, is examin¬ Safety and Health Administration, we have demanded that additional ing the issue and considering possible remedies. facilities be made available immediately. —Susan Z. Holik, General Counsel Payroll Problems. AFSA recently resolved several cases where employees did not receive paychecks—in two cases for five pay peri¬ Member Services ods, involving 400 hours of work. Cost-of-living Adjustments. Single employees have complained The Member Services Department had another busy and challenging about discrimination in the cost-of-living allowance. The COLA is based year monitoring management compliance with negotiated agreements on a post’s retail price schedule, which monitors foreign living costs and regulations on benefits and allowances. That was no small task, for a “typical” family of four. The allowances branch agrees with AFSA either, m view of continuing budget cuts and increasingly difficult haz¬ that its method of calculating the adjustment may be unrealistic, espe¬ ards of overseas service. cially for single persons, and will take this into consideration in future Especially affected by the budget climate have been travel bene¬ COLA determinations. fits. Every year Foreign Service employees are subjected to new re¬ Retiree Privileges Overseas. AFSA continues to push for post priv¬ strictions. First, posts were instructed to schedule travel via “cheapest ileges for annuitants living abroad. Four major areas—identification mode.” Next, management discovered that more savings could be ob¬ cards, check-cashing privileges, commissary access, and pouch ser¬ tained by mandating excursion-fare travel, which was again topped vices—are still at issue. this year by the adoption of the infamous city-pair contracts. Post Differential. AFSA intervened on behalf of several posts whose Following is a list of examples in this and other areas that we have differentials were cut. In one instance the cut was due to the mission’s been active in over the past year: failure to submit an updated differential report for several years. City Pair. Despite AFSA’s vigorous opposition, the foreign affairs Language Training. As a result of budget cuts, language training agencies adopted mandatory travel under city-pair contracts. Posts at a number of posts was suspended last summer. AFSA intervened are only too familiar with the resultant confusion over routing, loss of and was able to obtain guarantees that cuts would be temporary and free upgrades, and potential threats to personal security, which fur¬ that training would resume when the new fiscal year began. ther eroded morale over continued cuts in travel benefits. While minor Federal Holidays. Many posts in Islamic regions are experiencing cost savings to the U.S. government may have resulted, the irritation difficulty reconciling American Monday holiday laws with customary factor and effect on staff morale cannot be translated into dollars. AFSA weekend observations at posts, since this is a matter of law, AFSA would like to see the establishment of a discount fare structure across has approached Congress about moving Monday holidays to the day the board. Airline response to a proposal along these lines so far has following the designated weekend in countries where the weekend falls been slow, and the contract has been extended for another three months. on a day other than Saturday or Sunday. Travel Advances. AFSA is monitoring the department’s experiment Household Effects/Fidelity Storage Claims. For years AFSA has with personal Diners Club cards issued in lieu of travel advances for urged the department to drop Fidelity Storage from its contracts. AFSA employees going on temporary duty. While this might be a very worth¬ intervened after hearing numerous horror stories of mishandled house¬ while program, AFSA is concerned that an employee’s credit rating hold effects either shipped or in storage. The department finally dropped may be effected if billing complications such as missing the payment the company from its list, but the problems will nevertheless be with deadline occur. us for many years, since effects in storage cannot be reviewed by many Workers Compensation. AFSA assisted several employees who employees until their return from overseas. AFSA negotiated that all incurred injuries on the job in processing their medical and compen¬ employee will have two years from the time they take physical pos¬ sation claims. In trying to find our way through the maze of laws and session of their goods to file claims. AFSA also assisted a few unfortu¬ regulations, AFSAdiscoveredthatveryfewindividuals, including responsi¬ nate employees whose effects were —unbeknownst to them — ble agency officials, are familiar with them. A crucial factor, for exam¬ auctioned due to the department’s failure to pay authorized storage
58 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL costs. an increase of 33 percent. Grievances. Our grievance counselors represented employees in The magazine installed an inhouse electronic publishing system over 200 complaints, grievances, and mediations at the agency and based on a program called Superpage. The sy stem was phaased in Grievance Board level. We were successful in settling a good number over five issues, concluding with October. It is projected to save AFSA of these cases informally, sparing employees the lengthy grievance more than $30,000 over its five-year system life, while lessening the process as well as grief and trouble. While not suitable in many cases, lead time of the magazine by two weeks. the informal process works well in time-sensitive situations, cutting the At the same time, the editors effected a minor redesign of the mag¬ average time for resolution from many months to a few days or weeks. azine to enhance its legibility and attractiveness. The staff also rede¬ We continue to be concerned about the large number of cases involv¬ signed the AFSA NEWS section to give it a higher profile and, in con¬ ing administrative error, for example where the department does not junction with the Communications Committee, which runs that section, maintain a performance file properly. As we have done in the past, added several new features to increase member awareness of AFSA we urge State employees to review their files periodically to ascertain activities in its dual roles as professional association and labor union. that they are complete and provide selection boards with accurate and As a result of the sharply increased revenues and the new tech¬ up-to-date information. AID'S record-keeping system seems to be work¬ nology, the magazine completed the year $18,000 under budget, and ing smoothly; we are unaware of any complaints involving improper the cost to provide each member with an annual subscription dropped maintenance of PER folders. from $15.10 to $13.70. This is a bargain, especially when compared Confidentiality prevents us from giving many details, but AFSA as¬ to other professional magazines in the field: Development International sisted a good number of members facing selection out because of time ($25), Defense & Diplomacy ($42), Armed Forces Journal ($19), For¬ in class. We negotiated settlement language enabling employees to eign Policy ($21), and Foreign Affairs ($28). Over the last three years, get immediate relief and allowing them to benefit from the group griev¬ the JOURNAL has returned more than $50,000 to the AFSA treasury ance that was recently filed by FS-1s whose window closed in 1986. for other projects by staying under budget through revenue develop¬ The majority of grievances concern performance evaluations, closely ment and cost controls. followed by alleged denial of authorized benefits and allowances. One Editorially, the magazine has been right on top of the news with spe¬ particularly egregious case involved a communicator who was denied cial issues or features on “Life in the USSR” (May), “AIDS” (June), standby-duty pay during his two-year tour at a hardship post despite “Shultz Speaks Out” (October), and last month’s issue on the upcom¬ strong embassy support that he receive the pay. As the only commu¬ ing summit. The principal topic of concern to the editors has been the nicator at post, in a mountaineous terrain which made radio contact effect on the Foreign Service of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings deficit- impossible, he was restricted to his residence. His only absence from reduction legislation. This was tracked from the start through our CON¬ his 24-hour, 7-days-a-week duty was a short R&R with his wife for the GRESS, CLIPPINGS, and DESPATCH columns as well as interviews with birth of their first child. After a long and bitter grievance action, the the under secretary for management (February), the director of man¬ employee was awarded retroactive standby pay. agement operations (November), and the chairman of the House for¬ New Tax Law. The Member Services department keeps abreast eign operations subcommittee (April). As a result, JOURNAL readers of tax changes and Internal Revenue Service rules affecting the For¬ were well-prepared —though obviously not pleased—when the cutbacks eign Service. The impact of the 1986 tax-reform law will soon be felt were announced in September. by members who incurred home leave and other unreimbursed busi¬ Press Relations. The JOURNAL continued to receive considerable ness expenses this year. Other areas affected by the new tax law: media attention. The New York Times called both our November ar¬ Official Residence Expenses. AFSA has been battling management ticle on Pakistan and our September feature on congressional rela¬ over its failure to implement a 1984 IRS rule mandating exclusion of tions “Required Reading” and the Washington Post honored the mag¬ salary deductions for official residence expenses from gross income, azine in its “For the Record” feature by excerpting an article on anti- the department recently responded that it is unable to implement the Americanism in Latin America that was also distributed to each sen¬ necessary payroll changes until 1988. This severely disadvantages ator by Lawton Chiles (D-Florida). The Baltimore Sun and San Fran¬ employees this year, who as the result of the new tax law will no longer cisco Chronicle reprinted entire articles, and the Boston Globe favor¬ be able to receive full credit for the mandatory deduction. AFSA has ably commented on an AFSA editorial on diplomatic immunity in an requested that the IRS issue a ruling authorizing eligible employees editorial of its own supporting our position. Our survey on career satis¬ to deduct their share of ORE expenses from gross income. faction made the New York Times and our special issue on ACDA’s Ownership of Residences Overseas. The IRS maintains that For¬ 25th anniversary was cited by the Post. eign Service employees who use their tax-free housing allowance to AFSA itself has remained consistently in the news due to its fights offset mortgage and real estate expenses for a personally owned resi¬ against State Department personnel policies. President Perry Shankle, dences may not claim a deduction for those expenses. Under the new for instance, appeared on Washington’s Channel 5 last month to pro¬ tax law, only military personnel and ministers may specifically continue test the recently announced personnel cuts. Our position against ran¬ to do so. The IRS has informed AFSA that deductions may again be soming hostages generated considerable media attention when the claimed as soon as the housing allowance at the post where the Iran arms sales were revealed, including network television and big- employee occupied and owned the residence is discontinued—upon city dailies. —Stephen R. Dujack, Director of Communications transfer and reassignment, for instance. —Sabine Sisk, Director of Member Services Retirement Interests Communications Department Several events dominated developments in the Foreign Service retire¬ ment area during the past year. JOURNAL. 1987 was a year of transition for the JOURNAL, on several Following the cancellation of the 1986 cost-of-living adjustment, fronts. AFSA, working in coalition with other federal employee and retiree The most significant change was the departure of Senior Editor organizations, helped secure the enactment of legislation exempting Frances G. Burwell, who left after six years to head the University of the annual COLAS for federal retirement annuities from automatic Maryland’s Women in International Security Project. She has been re¬ sequestration (translate “cancellation") under the Gramm-Rudman- placed by Nancy Johnson, an experienced editor who has worked for Hollings deficit-reduction act. Annual Foreign Service retirement COLAS both USIA and AID. She is a Foreign Service spouse. again parallel those applicable to Social Security, and budgetary pro¬ Assistant Editor William Wickert was appointed advertising director vision has been made for a Foreign Service retiree COLA for 1987, to following a year in which he led advertising sales to a record $124,000— be reflected in the January 1988 annuity checks. It is estimated that
DECEMBER 1987 59 the increase will be somewhere between 3.5-4 percent. The Honorable Claude G. Ross is the chairman of the AFSA Com¬ On January 1, the new Foreign Service Pension System began oper¬ mittee on Education. Members include William R. Ford, AID; Monica ation. Enacted in 1986, the new system automatically covers employ¬ N. Greeley, AAFSW; Mark E. Mohr, State; David W. Smith, State; and ees entering the Foreign Service after 1983. Those recruited earlier William J. Weinhold, USIA. remained enrolled under the Foreign Service Retirement and Disabil¬ —Dawn Cuthell, Scholarship Programs Administrator ity System. The law provides, however, that those enrolled under FSRDS, if they Insurance Programs elect to do so, can transfer their coverage to the new FSPS during a six-month period beginning ending December 31. Because of the numer¬ An interesting development during the past year was an approach by ous variables and assumptions involved, for individual employees to the Foreign Service Protective Association, indicating its interest in pur¬ estimate which system would produce the most favorable post¬ chasing AFSA’s group insurance program. The protective association retirement benefits for them involves a series of fairly complex ana¬ was considering marketing a new personal property insurance pro¬ lyses. Accordingly, AFSA devoted considerable time to explaining the gram. AFSA had been offering such coverage for overseas members new system and assisting members in determining which system would and AFSPA said it would prefer to cooperate in such a program rather be most advantageous for them. that compete. Collaterally, several legislative initiatives modifying the conditions AFSA rejected the proposal in October 1986 on the grounds that of retirement were introduced for consideration by Congress. While our programs constituted a commitment that we were not ready to aban¬ final action on these matters is still pending, AFSA continues its ef¬ don. The programs had been developed over a period of years as a forts to prevent any further erosion of the present provisions of the retire¬ service to our members and are specially designed to meet their needs. ment system. They serve to attract new members and to help retain old ones. They Finally, the administration’s fiscal year 1988 budget proposed a one- also bring AFSA a little extra money each year. AFSA said it would percent reduction in retirement COLAS whenever the increase exceeds welcome closer cooperation with AFSPA. two percent. Also proposed was a change in the method of computing Following AFSA’s elections in July of this year, the insurance board the government’s share in the payment of federal employee health- was authorized to resume discussions with AFSPA looking toward a benefit premiums. This would have resulted in additional costs to fed¬ merger of the two organizations, phased over a period of years. In es¬ eral workers. In the face of opposition from AFSA and other employee sence the plan calls for AFSPA’s board of directors to be designated organizations, neither of these proposals was formally considered by as a new board of trustees, adding AFSA’s insurance programs to their Congress. —Robert Beers, Congressional Liaison Officer own and operating under the AFSA name. This would require writing a new charter for the board of trustees acceptable to both parties. Once AFSA Scholarship Programs this is done, the present board would be superseded by the new one, and the Governing Board would appoint two new trustees to supple¬ A delightful new dimension was added to the AFSA Scholarship Pro¬ ment the existing group. The current administrative structure of AFSPA grams this past academic year. For the first time, the top winner in the would remain, but the AFSPA name would be dropped. After three years Merit Award Program was publically honored on Foreign Service Day, the AFSA governors would name a third trustee and after four they held on May 1 in the Department of State. Director General George would name all trustees as vacancies occur. Vest presented Lisa Jones with a check for $500 and a citation in recog¬ These and other terms were given to AFSPA at a meeting in Sep¬ nition of the other 21 winners who received similar awards for their aca¬ tember. They were described as tentative and subject to negotiation. demic excellence during high school. The audience of active and re¬ AFSPA rejected the proposal on the grounds that it would not be in tired Foreign Service personnel enjoyed the inclusion of the youngest the best interest of the protective association or its 12,500 members, members of the Foreign Sen/ice family in this annual awards ceremony but that AFSPA looked forward to continuing cooperation with AFSA when the Director General’s Cup and the DACOR Cup are presented. in recognition of “a number of shared similarities [that] motivate our The Financial Aid scholarships, first offered by AFSA in 1927, are organizations in servicing Foreign Service personnel, active and re¬ forfull-time undergraduate study in U.S. colleges and universities and tired.” are determined solely on need. In academic year 1986-87, approxi¬ Whether this puts an end to further discussions with AFSPA on a mately $95,000 was awarded to 71 dependent children of career For¬ possible deal to combine efforts remains to be seen. Your board of eign Service personnel. These grants range from $200-2000, depend¬ trustees would welcome comments and suggestions from members ing on need and allowability by the individual schools. More than 90 on this and other topics relating to our insurance programs. percent of the AFSA Scholarship Funds distributed for 1986-87 were —Hugh Wolff, Chairman, Board of Trustees for Insurance Programs used for these aid grants. The Merit Awards, created by AFSA and AAFSW in 1976, are lim¬ Membership ited to graduating high school seniors and are given for outstanding academic achievement. The $500 awards to 22 winners each year are AFSA membership rose by nearly six percent during fiscal year 1987, determined by volunteer review panelists from State, AAFSW, AID, ending the year at a record high of 9244. The increase came as a result USI A, and members of the retired Foreign Service community. In 1987, of direct-mail solicitations to the bargaining units in State and AID and the AFSA/AAFSW Merit Awards were named in honor of Ambassa¬ to both agencies’ retirees. dor W. Averell Harriman, a long-time supporter of the career Foreign Most of the increase came in the State Department constituency, Sen/ice. Of the 22 winners who received $11,000 in merit grants, 14 which increased by 378 to 4489 members. The AID and Retired con¬ students graduated from high schools in the United States, and the stituencies also showed increases. 8 winners overseas graduated from schools in sBarbadsos, Canada, In September, the entire membership roll was transferred to a new Ecuador, Germany, Ireland, Kenya, Spain, and Taiwan. computer service that provides AFSA with an inhouse telecommunica¬ Contributions to the AFSA Scholarship Programs are always vol¬ tions hookup with its data base. As a result, membership records can untary—they are never solicited. They come as memorial donations, now be updated instantly—they used to take as much as a month— contributions with dues, bequests, royalties, and honoraria, as well as and the Membership Department can sort the roll to provide a list of, from AAFSW Bookfair receipts. As education costs rise, our grants for instance, AID FS1s who live in Fairfax County. This capability will are keeping pace due to the generous support of the Foreign Sen/ice allow us to communicate directly with portions of our membership about community, continuing income from the AFSA Scholarship Fund, and issues that concern specifically them. the increasingly large annual donation from AAFSW. —Myriam Duncan, Membership Coordinator
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