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The Third Option 21 Harry Rositzke U.S. covert operations against Nicaragua raise moral and legal questions as we pursue undefined goals.

Time to Pare the Personnel Pear 26 Russell 0. Prickett Vernon Walters, -at-large, travels in Incentives for early retirement from the Service are the secret on delicate missions for the Reagan adminis¬ tration. Often the bearer of bad news, this hidden answer to the personnel bulge. diplomat is driven by a commitment to his country rather than a quest for fame or power. Beginning on page 28, George Gedda gives insight into both No, It Has Always Been There 27 Walters's character and the nature of his assign¬ Gerald P. Lamberty ments. The Service’s unique mission and personnel system re¬ quire a bulge in the upper ranks.

Larger Than Life 28 George Gedda Invisible diplomat Vernon Walters’s role of trouble¬ shooter receives little acclamation.

Journal: A Christmas Journey 32 Bette J. Cruit As Christmas day and the Indo-Pakistani war drew clos¬ er, the family was forced to flee.

Association Views 3 Clippings 18

Editor: STEPHEN R. DUJACK Letters 4 10-25-50 20 Associate Editor: FRANCES G. BUR WELL Books: Essay 9 People 36 Editorial Assistant: NANCY L. BARTELS Books: Reviews 13 Association News 40

Editorial Board

Chair: CAROLINE MEIRS OSTERLING Vice Chairman: W. HAVEN NORTH Members: GILBERT DONAHUE “The Independent Voice of the Foreign Service” STEPHEN E. EISENBRAUN

GEORGE GEDDA The FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL is the magazine for and at additional post office. POSTMASTER: Send ad¬ THERESA CHIN JONES professionals in foreign affairs, published monthly dress changes to FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL, 2101 E TAIRA ST. JOHN except August by the American Foreign Service As¬ Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.

LANGE SCHERMERHORN sociation, a private non-profit organization. Material Microfilm copies: University Microfilm Library appearing herein represents the opinions of the writ¬ Services, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 (October A. STEPHEN TELKINS ers and does not necessarily represent the official 1967 to present). views of the foreign affairs agencies, the U.S. govern¬ The JOURNAL welcomes manuscripts of 1500- Advertising Representatives ment, or AFSA. The Editorial Board is responsible 4000 words for consideration by the Editorial Board. for general content, but statements concerning the Author queries are strongly urged, stamped envelope JAMES C. SASMOR ASSOCIATES policy and administration of AFSA as employee rep¬ required for return. All authors are paid on publica- 521 Fifth Ave., Suite 1700 resentative under the Foreign Service Act of 1980 in New York, N.Y. 10017. the ASSOCIATION NEWS and the ASSOCIATION VIEWS, (212) 683-3421 and all communications relating to these, are the © American Foreign Service Association, 1984. responsibility of the AFSA Governing Board. 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037. JOSHUA B. POWERS, LTD. JOURNAL subscriptions: One year (11 issues), $15. Phone (202) 338-4045. 46 Keyes House, Dolphin Square, Overseas subscriptions (except Canada), add $3 per London SW1. 01-834-8023/9. year. December 1984. Volume 61, number 11. International Representatives Second-class postage paid at Washington, D.C., ISSN 0015-7279.

2 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 1 ASSOCIATION VIEWS cd 1 >< 1

AMERICAN FOREIGN Some Legal Questions SERVICE ASSOCIATION Governing Board

President: DENNIS K. HAYS Vice President: ANTHEA S. DE ROUVILLE .A.he Association often disagrees with management on spe¬ Second Vice President: CHARLOTTE CROMER T Secretary: IRVING A. WILLIAMSON cific proposals, but we proceed on the assumption that they, Treasurer: WARREN GARDNER like us, have the best interests of the Service at heart. Why, AID Representatives: ROY A. HARRELL JUANITA L. NOFFLET then, has management allowed its legal advisers—the Legal State Representatives: JAMES A. DERRICK THOMAS J. MILLER

Office in State and the General Counsel’s Office in AID—to JAMES SPAIN constantly impede progress toward agreements and stand in the JAMES WILLIAMSON USIA Representative: RICHARD ARNDT way of their rightful implementation? Retired Representatives: WILLIAM CALDERHEAD Whose interest is served: ROGER PROVENCHER JOHN THOMAS —When the Legal Office holds up danger pay for Beirut and San Salvador for a full year with an unjustifiably restrictive Staff Executive Director: LYNNE IGLITZIN interpretation of the statute—a year in which 18 of our col¬ General Counsel: SUSAN Z. HOLIK leagues lost their lives—then fights unsuccessfully for another Members' Interest & Grievance Counselor: SABINE SISK year to prevent retroactive payment? Members' Interest & —When the General Counsel’s Office sends four or five Grievance Representative: BARBARA WILSON Comptroller: ALICIA BREHM attorneys to fight grievances, contrary to the spirit of the griev¬ Membership Coordinator: LEE MIDTHUN ance process, which calls for disputes to be resolved with a Admin. Assistant: WANDA DYKHUIS Legal Assistant: GREGORY A. LEWIS minimum of legalities? Executive Secretary: DEMETRA PAPASTRAT Secretary: SUPAJEE LAPCHAROEN —When, against the wishes of management, the Legal Of¬ Congressional Liaison fice holds up the implementation of a signed agreement on ROBERT M. BEERS weight allowances by independently seeking a ruling from the Scholarship Programs

General Accounting Office? DAWN CUTHELL

There are countless other examples, many of which have been Face-to-Face Program recorded in cables and in the ASSOCIATION NEWS. To answer our RONALD A. DWIGHT The American Foreign Service Association, founded in own question, no one’s interests are served by such actions— 1924, is the professional association of the Foreign not management’s, not Congress’s, and certainly not the Ser¬ Service and the official employee representative of all Foreign Service employees in the Department of State vice’s. and the Agency for International Development under the terms of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. Active AFSA fully appreciates the need for strong legal advice on membership in AFSA is open to all current or retired professionals in foreign affairs overseas or in the United the many issues which confront the Foreign Service, but this States. Associate membership is open to persons hav¬ advice must take into account the unique nature of the Service ing an active interest in or close association with for¬ eign affairs who are not employees or retirees of the and flow from a firm commitment to the concept of a profes¬ foreign affairs agencies. Annual dues: Active Mem¬ bers—$52-117; Retired Active Members—$40 for sional Foreign Service. The Legal Office and the General Coun¬ members with incomes over $20,000, $25 for under; Associate Members—$35. All dues include $7.50 al¬ sel’s Office have forgotten for whom they work. Rather than location for JOURNAL and ASSOCIATION NEWS sub¬ contributing to the mission of their respective agencies, they scription under AFSA Bylaws. All AFSA members are members of the Foreign Service Club, owned and op¬ detract from it. The solution, not original but long overdue, is erated by AFSA. to staff at least half of these positions with Foreign Service AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 professionals. Only then can these offices fulfill the role re¬ Membership inquiries, comptroller, scholarship programs, insurance programs, quired of them. JOURNAL offices: (202) 338-4045 Governing Board, general counsel, DENNIS K. HAYS labor-management relations: (202) 632-8160 President members' interests, grievances: (202) 632-2548 Foreign Service Club: (202) 338-5730 him as a student/researcher, not as a news¬ man. That was a mistake, because the quo¬ tations, sourced and unsourced, in and out of context, give the report a spurious au¬ thority, as if Bird knew what we were talk¬ ing about or understood what he was hear¬ LETTERS ing and observing. JOURNAL readers who have worked in embassies will know this particular “inside” report is pretty thin gruel; those who haven’t can imagine how an “Inside the JOURNAL” report might Soviet Subversion read. More puzzling than Bird’s account is In his article “Subverting Immunity” [Ju¬ why the JOURNAL would print such materi¬ ly/August], James Pacy correctly describes al. Are you warning your readers to be the way the Soviet Union, during the Iran Bird-watchers? Are you competing with hostage crisis, “frequently ignored and those publications sold at supermarket misconstrued those principles of interna¬ checkout stands? Perhaps you should run tional behavior that also serve to protect its transcripts of tapes made at TGIF or own .” “wheels-up” parties. There’s serious soci¬ A SIGN THAT CAN Having had the opportunity to observe ology at such gatherings, as well as some POINT YOUR SON all this rather directly, I can recall how I humor, and better insights than Bird was TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE was vexed, if not surprised, at Soviet am¬ able to gather during his extended discus¬ bivalence throughout that period; occa¬ sions. sional rhetoric, yes, that appeared to criti¬ Not being a regular reader of your mag¬ cize Iranian government action in azine, I’m not sure what your editorial condoning the students’ seizure of diplo¬ policy is, but you may want to review the It sits high on a hill at the entrance of mats as hostages, but, more often, acting process. Maur Hill Preparatory School in to exploit the crisis for its own purposes in Atchison, Kansas. Iran. ALLAN B. CROGHAN Maur Hill has everything an In addition to the record cited by Pro¬ Information Officer outstanding college preparatory school fessor Pacy in his article, there were also Manila, Philippines must have — modern buildings and the blatantly anti-American broadcasts to residence halls, complete athletic Iran from clandestine Soviet transmitters Author Kai Bird replies: facilities, a highly qualified faculty, in Baku, broadcasts designed to exploit latest instructional methods and more If Allan Croghan thought I was a “stu¬ .... a whole lot more: popular Iranian sentiment critical of the dent” why did he sign a letter on my behalf United States and supportive of the hos¬ requesting the Philippine government to • curriculum geared to individual tage seizure. Nor were determined efforts accredit me as a visiting journalist? ability on the part of many in the diplomatic Croghan and all the other officers inter¬ • a wide range of interscholastic and intramural sports corps in Teheran in the early weeks of the viewed in the Manila embassy were told • emphasis not only on learning how crisis, seeking collectively to warn the the truth: I had been awarded a journalism to learn, but on how to live Iranian government of the corrosive effect fellowship to study the Foreign Service, successful, meaningful lives on international diplomatic norms of their and the articles I wrote would appear in • attention to growing mentally, spiritually, socially, and physically action and to plead for humanitarian ges¬ the Alicia Patterson Reporter and be offered • a special program for foreign tures (visits, mail, etc.) toward the hos¬ for publication elsewhere. students wishing to learn or tages, facilitated by the fact that the dean Now it is my turn to be puzzled. I improve in English of the corps in Teheran at that time hap¬ thought my reporting showed these par¬ pened to be the ambassador of Czechoslo¬ ticular Foreign Service officers, including vakia. Mr. Croghan, in a rather favorable light. One cannot tell from his letter, but I sus¬ L. BRUCE LAINGEN pect Mr. Croghan’s real complaint is the Maur Hill can give your son Former Charge d’Affairs, Teheran divulging of the fact that most of our dip¬ the preparation he needs to Washington, DC lomats in Manila are actually critical of the meet the challenges ahead Marcos regime. Maybe such facts make the of him. Bird Watching press officer’s job a little harder, but would Croghan really have the JOURNAL fill its Kai Bird [“Inside the Manila Embassy,” pages with press handouts? September] represented himself as having come to Manila with a grant to do research Heart Warming For further information, write: on how various elements of an embassy Academic Dean Maur Hill Prep interact with one another. During some of Congratulations to Charles S. Whitehouse 10th & Green Streets the discussions he had with a number of and the JOURNAL for giving us his firsthand Atchison, Kansas 66002 us, presumably including whoever in the report and commentary on the work of (913) 367-5482 department sent a facilitative telegram on Foreign Service officers who took part in his behalf to the mission, we talked with the reconstructive aspects of the struggle

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EDWARD A. JAMISON Chevy Chase, Maryland FREE SQUASH* Judgment Call The discussion over the endorsement of Senator Jesse Helms’s candidacy for re- MEMBERSHIPS FOR election by 22 non-career has ignored the fact that 37 other current non¬ AFSA MEMBERS career ambassadors did not sign the pro- Helms statement. These include both highly qualified non-career ambassadors as economist Arthur Burns (Federal Republic of Germany), political scientist Robert Strauss-Hupe, and industrialist Charles Price (United Kingdom), as well as a num¬ ber of obviously unqualified ambassadors such as car dealer Robert Nesen (Austra¬ lia), optician S.L. Abbott (Lesotho), and ex-GSA Administrator Gerald Carmen (European Office of the United Nations). AFSA members can now play squash at the Capitol Hill It seems that good judgment may not be Squash Club without paying any membership or initiation necessarily related to other ambassadorial fee. By simply showing your AFSA membership card, you will qualifications. pay only the court fees at Capitol Hill's most luxurious fitness Conversely, the lack of good judgment facility. Located only a block from the Capitol South Metro may not be related to other qualifications. stop, the Club also offers free use of changing rooms, showers, The most experienced and qualified of the 22 partisans of Senator Helms’s record is and saunas before and after playing squash. *There is a $20 probably David Abshire, who already annual processing fee; some restrictions apply. served in the department under Nixon. He now serves as ambassador to NATO, which Capitol Hill Squash & Nautilus Club has enjoyed bipartisan support since its in¬ 214 D Street, S.E. • (202) 547-2255 ception in 1949- At a time when segments of public opinion view NATO as the preserve

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Caribbean Crisis

By JOHN J. CROWLEY Ike, JFK

Caribbean Basin Security. By Thomas H. Moorer and George A. Fauriol. The Washing¬ ton Papers #104, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Georgetown University, & Nixon Praeger Publishers, 1984■ $6.95. The In¬ ternational Crisis in the Caribbean. By Anthony Payne. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1984. $18.50. The New Cuban have in Presence in the Caribbean. Edited by Barry Levine. Westview Press, 1983■ $26. Rift and Revolution: The Central Ameri¬ can Imbroglio. Edited by Howard J. Wiarda. American Enterprise Institute, 1984- $10.95. common? Violent Neighbors. By Tom Buckley, Times Books. 1984- $17.95. Weakness and Deceit. By Raymond Bonner. Times Books, 1984. $16.95. They were moved by

The late Eric Williams, long-time prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, disa¬ greed that neighboring Venezuela had any FIDELITY STORAGE right to proclaim itself a Caribbean coun¬ try. In a 1975 speech, he scoffed, “I expect From presidents to outside of the Beltway, with next to hear that Tierra del Fuego is!” Fric¬ , super-secure vault storage for tions with Venezuela undoubtedly colored Washingtonians choose Fidelity your silver and other valuables. his opinion, but Williams was also ex¬ pressing the traditional view of the Carib¬ Storage, the company with We are the only State bean as the archipelago running from Cuba more than 75 years of Department contractor with through the Antilles down to the Guyanas experience. Fidelity is one of both a quality control program on the coast of South America. Through¬ the area’s largest moving and and fulltime inspector to out most of the region, African ethnic ori¬ storage companies, with six ensure the highest standards. gins predominate, and many of the econo¬ locations throughout the metro mies are still evolving from an earlier area—from the District to We have moved Patton, period marked by slavery and sugar planta¬ Virginia to Maryland. MacArthur and Doolittle. tions. Students of contemporary geopoli¬ From generals to general tics are more apt to use the term “Caribbe¬ Fidelity’s warehouses are the an Basin” and to define it broadly as largest and most advanced service officers, join a moving including not only the archipelago, but containerized facilities inside or crowd. also Mexico, Central America and Pana¬ ma, Colombia and Venezuela—all the na¬ tions and dependent territories bordering on the Caribbean Sea (and one, El Salva¬ dor, washed only by the Pacific). The basin thus contains 41 political units with about 160 million inhabitants. By far the largest country is Mexico, with approximately 70 million people.

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DECEMBER 1984 9 Besides geographic proximity, these tries will continue to face great economic AUTHORIZED EXPORTER countries have few common bonds. In fact, difficulties. the feature they all share is diversity. Po¬ Payne argues for more generous assis¬ GENERAL ELECTRIC litical systems range from totalitarian to tance programs by the United States, and liberal democratic, economies from free for programs that do not insist on ideologi¬ -U.S.A.- enterprise to state controlled, human cal conformity on the part of the recipient. rights policies from official protection to His prescriptions for U.S. policy are, in official abuse. The region is also divided fact, very similar to those proposed by a among those who see “imperialism” as the number of American scholars, diplomats, GENERAL ELECTRONICS greatest external threat and others who as¬ politicians, and business leaders and their INC. cribe this role to communism. Inevitably foreign counterparts in the 1983 report en¬ the United States and the Soviet Union titled The Americas at a Crossroads, which (and its surrogate Cuba) are used to exem¬ he cites. Like Payne, they concluded that REFRIGERATORS • FREEZERS plify the two factions. In countries with the basic roots of insecurity in the Ameri¬ RANGES • MICROWAVE OVENS democratic elections, these tendencies may cas are primarily economic, social, and po¬ AIR CONDITIONERS • DRYERS change as conservatives replace radicals or litical, not military, and that the sources of WASHERS • SMALL APPLIANCES vice versa. In Cuba, of course, there are no insecurity are mainly internal to each na¬ AUDIO EQUIPMENT • TELEVISION such shifts in political philosophy, only in tion. DISHWASHERS 'TRANSFORMERS the tactics to be followed to attack “impe¬ Payne ends his book with a one-sided rialism” and promote the Cuban version of account of the U.S. intervention in Gren¬ Available for All Electric Marxist-Leninism both inside and outside ada. Besides rejecting President Reagan’s Currents/Cycles that country. Other divisions within the public justification, his partisan version of region may occasionally come to the fore, events ignores or belittles the concerns of Immediate Shipping/Mailing as in 1982, when Caribbean reactions to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean From our Local Warehouse the Falklands/Malvinas war created a seri¬ States and their support for the interven¬ ous rift between “Anglos” and “Latins,” tion. Payne is by no means the authority to We Can Also Furnish and for a time obscured the more funda¬ consult for a balanced presentation of the Replacement Parts for mental debate between right and left. Giv¬ Grenada question. Most Manufactures en these wide differences, the countries of In Editor Barry Levine’s the New Cuban the Caribbean Basin are not likely to ac¬ Presence, Cuban foreign policy is exam¬ SHOWROOM quire a common identity or widespread ined from just about every significant an¬ General Electronics, Inc. feeling of solidarity anytime in the near gle by 14 U.S. and foreign scholars. Al¬ 4513 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. future. most all of the essays are rewarding. For Washington, D.C. 20016 For the United States, this may be both example, Henry W. Gill examines Cuban- Tel. (202) 362-8300 good and bad. The diversity almost en¬ Mexican relations and provides a cogent TWX 710-822-9450 sures that the region as a whole will not analysis of why Mexico has often gone to GENELECINC WSH become communist, at least not of its own great lengths to maintain warm relations accord. On the other hand, the same diver¬ with Castro. Mexican presidents, especial¬ sity makes it difficult for Washington to ly in the 1970s, needed Castro’s blessing develop and implement policies to achieve to satisfy their ambitions to be accepted as the broad economic, social, political, and Third World leaders. To further this end, to 5 security goals it seeks for the area. The in 1975 Mexico proposed a review of OAS © o recently enacted Caribbean Basin Initia¬ diplomatic and commercial sanctions 3=-I > tive is designed to increase the access of against Cuba, which led to a resolution O © exports to the United States and encourage allowing OAS members to renew ties with © ** American investment in export-related Havana. That same year, Castro was wel¬ DC business in 27 Caribbean countries. In comed into the SELA (Latin American Eco¬ O most cases, however, bilateral channels nomic System), which was first proposed LI¬ c o still outweigh in importance regional ap¬ by Mexican President Echevarria the pre¬ proaches. vious year, with strong Venezuelan sup¬

10 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Venezuela, Africa, the Third World as a whole, the United States, and the Soviet Union. Three final essays consider the “ex¬ Finding .... portability” of the Cuban model and the the limits of Cuban influence and recommend a new U.S. position, which should, ac¬ RIGHT HOME cording to the author, show concern for at the the general welfare of the inhabitants of RIGHT PRICE the region, not just those with “friendly in the governments.” Another collection of scholarly articles RIGHT PLACE is Rift and Revolution, which deals with and obtaining the Central America and was assembled under RIGHT FINANCING EDWARD J. RANKIN the auspices of the American Enterprise FSO - RETIRED Institute. Its contributors are generally moderate to conservative in their opinions. In contrast to the increasing flow of works on Central America by instant experts, is what the real estate business is all about. this volume contains a detailed description and analysis of the problems of Central America and how they developed. In the words of the editor, it is short on prescrip¬ My associates and I will provide the personal, professional tion because it was felt necessary first to service you need in purchasing or selling your home in the provide a solid background and analysis Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. and only later to offer recommendations. Especially interesting are articles on Euro¬ pean socialism and its involvement in the Caribbean crisis and on U.S. and Soviet SHANNON & LUCHS perceptions and strategies. Jeane Kirkpa¬ THE FULL SERVICE REALTORS® trick’s well-known article “U.S. Security Shannon & Luchs has its own Mortage Company, Closing and and Latin America” is the only piece that was not expressly written for this volume, Escrow Division, and Property Management Offices. which is, on the whole, an excellent exam¬ ple of careful and insightful scholarship “Nice People To Do Business With" , that is also concise and readable. Authors Bonner and Buckley were re¬ IHANNON&LUCHS porters who worked as correspondents in REALTORS* • Established 1906 1 Central America for the New York Times. Although both are highly critical of U.S. policy in Central America, the difference between their two books is marked. In Violent Neighbors, Buckley generally iden¬ Please send information on purchasing a home in: tifies his sources, although he provides no footnotes. Bonner, in Weakness and Deceit, □ Virginia □ Maryland □ D.C. provides footnotes to each chapter, but his Please send information on: selling my home □ sources tend to be mainly those that are renting my home □ critical of U.S. policy. For example, he relies heavily on the Roman Catholic Church’s Legal Protection Office in San Name Salvador to document alleged atrocities by Address the Salvadorans’ security forces. The accu¬ City racy of its reporting has frequently been State Zip challenged by the U.S. embassy. In Au¬ Phone gust 1984, the office admitted that it had Present Post erred in estimating the number of civilian Arriving Washington victims in a 1983 army operation. Instead (approx, date) of 250 civilian deaths, only 16 could be documented. This mistake, according to an article by Robert McCartney of the SHANNON & LUCHS Washington Post, appeared likely to blem¬ 313 W. Maple Avenue ish the office’s reputation for reliability. , VA 22180 There are several specific errors in Bonner’s Attn: Ed Rankin book. He wrongly identifies William Clark as "deputy assistant secretary of Bus. (703) 938-6070 Res. (703) 845-0431 state” and says that William Bowdler was

DECEMBER 1984 11 Viron P. Vaky’s “deputy.” Moreover, his After 367 pages of what reads like a haunted by the specter of Vietnam and frequent use of leaked classified documents prosecutor’s brief against the policies of think that victory by the government of El displays his disregard for the negative ef¬ the Carter and Reagan administrations, Salvador against the guerrilla forces is un¬ fect the leaks could have on the frankness Bonner concludes with a two-page discus¬ likely. Buckley acknowledges that “the of reporting officers, on the willingness of sion of what U.S. policy should be. His history of communist movements the sensitive sources to provide information, basic premise is that Washington should world over, including that in Vietnam, and on U.S. foreign relations in general. try to strengthen the “democrats” among suggests that the Salvadoran guerrilla His argument that the documents were the rebels. If successful, this effort would leaders would deal in the same way with classified only to keep U.S. “weakness and presumably ensure that a leftist govern¬ their noncommunist auxiliaries.” Still, deceit” from becoming public knowledge ment in El Salvador would not necessarily Buckley, like Bonner, is willing to take is self-serving. He also fails to respect the be anti-American or pro-Soviet. Skeptical the chance that the victorious communists traditional ground rules for press briefings readers may detect here one more example would not necessarily follow Soviet or Chi¬ by quoting Thomas Pickering, U.S. am¬ of hope triumphing over experience. nese blueprints. bassador to El Salvador, in “an off-the-re¬ Buckley too advocates a negotiated set¬ However, it is not necessary to share cord comment.” tlement in El Salvador. Both writers are Buckley’s views to profit from his book, which is much more even-handed than Bonner’s and does not raise ethical ques¬ tions about the author's sources. Inciden¬ tally, Buckley is mistaken about one im¬ portant fact when he says flatly that former dictator Rafael Trujillo of the Dominican Republic was “assassinated by the CIA.” A Turn Your Home select committee of the U.S. Senate con¬ Into Cash cluded after lengthy deliberations in 1975

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12 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL agree, but only time will provide the an¬ “antipolitics” and ‘‘antipoliticians.” The events in Eastern Europe since World War swer. latter are at one point defined as those who II. want “to put the state on a strict diet” and Konrad is remarkably forthright in his Reviews don’t mind “being called antistate because criticism of Soviet behavior, including the of it.” Although sometimes rather dis¬ suppression of the 1956 Hungarian revo¬ Security in East Asia. Edited by Robert jointed, the essays are always thought-pro¬ lution. He balances this with equally rig¬ O'Neill. International Institute for Strategic voking and will be of particular interest to orous criticism of the United States. Hav¬ Studies, St. Martin’s Press, 1984. those concerned about the fate and future ing thus called down a plague on both of the brave peoples of Eastern Europe. Soviet and U.S. houses, he urges Europe¬ Robert O’Neill, director of the Interna¬ Konrad, who lives in Budapest and de¬ ans to "detach ourselves from them mili¬ tional Institute for Strategic Studies in scribes himself as “neither a communist tarily by mutual agreement, and then go London, has compiled a collection of arti¬ nor an anticommunist, neither a capitalist on to draw the two parts of a divided Eu¬ cles on the broad and increasingly complex nor an anticapitalist,” writes from the van¬ rope together again.” subject of security in East Asia. In his in¬ tage point of a Hungarian sociologist and An American observer can certainly troduction, O’Neill identifies four levels novelist who has witnessed many dramatic sympathize with these goals, but can also on which the subject can be examined: the superpower level, the level of the major regional powers (China and Japan), the level of other regional states, and the inter¬ nal political level, which is concerned with stability in individual countries. The book, unfortunately, does not cover all these areas, and several notable gaps exist. There is no analysis of U.S. military capabilities and the U.S.-Soviet military balance in the Pacific to correspond with Paul Dibb’s piece on Soviet military capa¬ bilities and strategies. The absence of a chapter on the Korean problem is a glaring omission. Problems of internal security re¬ ceive minimal treatment, which is espe¬ cially surprising in the case of the Philip¬ pines. That emerging crisis gets no more than a couple of paragraphs. This book should not be read in the hope of gaining a comprehensive picture of security issues in East Asia. Rather, a read¬ er should focus on those individual articles that suit specific informational needs— and there are several good ones. Robert Scalapino provides an interesting analysis of the conflicting views within the United States on U.S. policy. Yukio Satoh gives a good overview of Japanese defense policy. Michael Leifer’s article on southeast Asia and William Tow’s piece on ANZUS are use¬ ful overviews. Nevertheless, most of the articles are somewhat dated. Satoh, for example, does not discuss the policies of Prime Minister Nakasone. This may reflect the time lag in publication, but it also may stem from the fact that some of the articles were appar¬ ently published individually earlier. —LARRY A. NIKSCH

Antipolitics: An Essay. By George Konrad, translated by Richard E. Allen. Harcourt Clements Sc Company BraceJovanovich, 1984. $12.95. Washington, D.C. This is actually a series of essays on such subjects as East-West relations since December, 1984 1945, the culture and history of Hungary (especially since 1944), and definitions of

DECEMBER 1984 13 question the validity of some of the argu¬ quo in Eastern Europe and open the door viduals and societies are to advance in to¬ ments underlying Konrad’s formula for a to a reunited and nuclear-armed Germany. day’s world, a large degree of collective peaceful and happier Europe. His portrait This reviewer is not blind to the situa¬ behavior must be adopted. This collectiv¬ of Yalta—“It was there that a helpless Eu¬ tion in Eastern Europe that Konrad would ity, however, goes against an ingrained rope was divided.. .[as] the allies who were like to change. Indeed, his book contains a American individualism and so causes psy¬ defending mankind from fascist inhuman¬ perception I am inclined to share. Put in chological and societal tensions. The ten¬ ity hastened...to strike an imperialist bar¬ the form of a question to the next genera¬ sion between what reality makes us and gain, a pact between Anglo-Saxon and So¬ tion of Soviet leaders, this is simply: what we would like to be is too great to be viet imperialism’’—is simply inaccurate. Wouldn’t your country really be better off repressed. Yet, containing these urges One wonders whether Konrad has read any in the long run if the Eastern European within our national boundaries would of the voluminous western documentation members of the Warsaw Pact enjoyed the threaten the domestic harmony that has on Yalta, including the memoirs of present position of , Finland, or been achieved. Therefore, those tensions Charles E. Bohlen, who was President Yugoslavia? Perhaps a new generation of must overflow into the United States’ in¬ Roosevelt’s interpreter at Yalta, and of Soviet leaders might be disposed to explore ternational behavior. George F. Kennan, then the minister- such a question seriously. We can all join Dallek writes in a tradition too often counselor of the U.S. embassy in Moscow. Konrad in hoping they will do so. ignored by those who focus on foreign Nor does Konrad deal sufficiently with —CHARLES G. STEFAN policy. While the foreign policy analyst some of the specific and far-reaching im¬ ignores “reality” at the nation’s peril, plications of his basic proposal for a neu¬ should not one delve more deeply into tralized Europe, especially its impact on The American Style of Foreign Policy: events to understand more about interna¬ the division of Germany and the likelihood Cultural Politics and Foreign Affairs. By tional behavior? Are there not states whose that without the U.S. umbrella, the Ger¬ Robert Dallek. Alfred A. Knopf, 1983. actions can sometimes be better under¬ mans would sooner or later seek to acquire $16.95 stood after reading Freud or Harold Lass- nuclear weapons. One wonders too if Kon¬ well than the latest issue of Foreign Affairs? rad appreciates sufficiently the important This book is an attempt to explore the Drawing from psychology can only aid the advantages of NATO for both its European hidden societal impulses that ultimately analysis of international events and behav¬ and American members. All this, of shape U.S. actions toward the outside ior. course, is rather academic, as it is clear world. These drives arise out of a conflict The American Style of Foreign Policy is an that the current collective leadership in the between the demands of reality and the attempt to meld psychology and political Kremlin is not prepared even to consider a shape of the American character, forged in science. Any work attempting such a task proposal that might destabilize the status a pioneer past. Dallek argues that if indi¬ would have problems, which Dallek mod-

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14 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL estly acknowledges at the outset. One viet Union, which if successful would have consistently ignores the effect of political glaring analytical problem, for example, is halted deployment. However, even exigency on military strategy. Most dis¬ that Dallek’s theory seems to have no pre¬ though the Geneva talks on intermediate turbing, however, is the author’s effort to dictive value, since seemingly contradic¬ nuclear forces to date have failed, public grapple with the theoretical foundation of tory events are “explained” by invoking support for the deployment has eroded in deterrence policy. His discussion of “pure the same psychic cause. Also, the author the five NATO member countries where the deterrence" vs. “deterrence through de¬ often stretches historical interpretation to missiles are to be based—West Germany, fense” confuses theoretical arguments with make the past fall in line with his theory. Britain, Italy, Belgium, and the Nether¬ practical applications, although he cor¬ These criticisms, though, are not meant to lands—to the point where governments rectly concludes that recent attempts by discourage anyone from reading the book. may be unable to complete the deploy¬ U.S. planners to refine nuclear targeting Its value lies in reminding us that some ment. doctrine have raised fears in Europe of “a overlooked avenues offoreign policy expla¬ The INF debate has stimulated much protracted nuclear war limited to Europe." nation deserve more attention. writing on nuclear weapons and European While my sympathies lie with the au¬ —LEONARD A. KUSNITZ security. In The Bomb and European Security, thor’s concern over the dangerous erosion Vigeveno has endeavored to explore the of the western nuclear deterrent, he pro¬ concept of nuclear deterrence as applied to vides neither a sound analysis supporting The Bomb and European Security. By the defense of Europe but, unfortunately, that view, nor does he suggest how NATO Guido Vigeveno. Indiana University Press, has only assembled a simplistic handbook, could rebuild the vanishing European po¬ 1983. $12.95(cloth); $6.95(paper). lacking serious analysis. The pages are re¬ litical consensus for a revitalized western plete with lengthy quotes from official deterrent. —JED C. SNYDER NATO’S decision in December 1979 to de¬ documents and marginally useful tables ploy Pershing II and cruise missiles in Eu¬ and charts comparing East-West nuclear rope led to renewed debate over the future and conventional forces, all of which can The : International Af¬ of the western nuclear deterrent. Although be found in more authoritative sources. fairs in the Modern Age. By Abba Eban. Ran¬ these missiles were deployed in response to The key issues of western defense—the dom House, 1983. $19.95. European requests, alliance peoples now erosion of public consensus and political reject both the political and military ra¬ cohesion within the alliance—are totally Shortly after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, tionales upon which that deployment is ignored. The book is little more than a call Secretary Rusk and this reviewer sat in his based. This criticism has not been as¬ to arms, and a disappointing one at that. office watching the U.N. Security Council suaged by NATO’S parallel decision to pur¬ The chapters on western and Soviet debate on the issues raised by the Arab- sue arms control negotiations with the So¬ strategy present a threadbare history that Israeli conflict. It was agreed most vigor-

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DECEMBER 1984 15 ously that Abba Eban, representing Israel, intermittently in the Philippine archipela¬ CUBA was one of the greatest advocates in the go since the mid-1960s. Vanzi, for one, AS A MODEL world. He was effective, articulate, persua¬ was United Press International’s southeast AND A sive, and pled the Israeli position brilliant¬ Asia editor before and after the 1972 coup CHALLENGE ly. In his new book he takes on the entire that made Ferdinand Marcos a dictator. by Kenneth N. Skoug, Jr. world, playing the part of a balanced histo¬ But if the authors bring considerable rian and experienced diplomat. He deals experience to their account of the Philip¬ with all recent history, including such pines under Marcos, they also bring a hefty subjects as the superpowers and the world, dose of passion and outrage. In short, this international organizations, war and peace is a coherent, but unreserved, attack upon in the nuclear age, and diplomacy old and both the Marcos regime and the policies new. With all of these complex matters he Washington has used to accommodate is effective and balanced. In particular, he that dictatorship. The Cub** Americas National Foundation does a good job of comparing the foreign The book begins with a firsthand ac¬ policies of Presidents Reagan and Carter. count of the assassination of opposition An analysis of Cuban-American In his chapter on the unending conflict leader Benigno S. Aquino Jr. upon his re¬ Relations by Kenneth N. in the Mideast, he once again becomes an turn to the Philippines. Vanzi was on the Skoug, Jr., Director, Office of advocate. He makes an effort at assuming a plane with Aquino and was the last jour¬ Cuban Affairs, U.S. Depart¬ ment of State. balanced posture with respect to the Arabs nalist to speak privately with the former “Mr. Skoug makes a valuable and Israelis, but it is beyond his capacity, senator. The authors say that even before contribution to the ongoing tradition, and training. For example, he Aquino’s fateful return, they had spent discussion of Cuban-American relations ... a U.S. appraisal sees the Camp David accords as being “days and nights talking with him” alone of its ties with Cuba ought to much more favorable to the Palestinians in his Massachusetts retreat. They, like be based on a thorough under¬ standing of Castro’s motiva¬ and Arabs than would most other in¬ Aquino, became obsessed with Marcos. tions. ..." formed observers. And he blames the And in their indictment of the president, Arabs alone for the failure to get on with they marshall the ultimate tool of good Dante B. Fascell, Chairman Committee on Foreign Affairs negotiations, downplaying the impact of investigative reporting—the leaked docu¬ U.S. House of Representatives Israel’s settlements policy on the West ment. Copies available from: Bank. He gives Israel credit for putting Secret Senate reports and Defense Intel¬ CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION the United States in what he views as a ligence Agency documents are used to 1000 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W. Suite 601 Washington, DC 20007 splendid position after the 1967 war, say¬ show that Washington acquiesced to Mar¬ ing that “the United States had done little cos’s spies operating in this country and to deserve any good fortune arising from harassing opponents of the regime, many the war, but it was nonetheless a major of whom held U.S. passports. CIA memos beneficiary of Israel’s victory.” This is a report that, “Mrs. Marcos is ruthless and The school gross oversimplification of where the ambitious...a presidential understudy... that comes to United States found itself following that she has a thirst for wealth, power, and conflict. In fact, U.S. influence suffered public acclaim, and her boundless ego your child. serious losses in the Mideast as a result of makes her easy prey for flatterers.” (Poole the war. Overall, however, Eban’s position and Vanzi estimate the Marcos family’s Complete home-study course for on the Mideast is not balanced, but neither worth today at some $3 billion.) elementary-level students. Kin¬ is it outrageous. But perhaps their best research went dergarten through 8th grade. An The book is highly readable, scholarly, into the chapters on the crude repression and beautifully summarial in covering re¬ needed to keep Marcos in power. Many American education anywhere in cent history. The prose is magnificent, al¬ will be shocked by the similarities to Cen¬ the world. Ideal for enrichment. though here and there it gets a little out of tral America—the "salvaging” of inno¬ Home is the classroom, you are hand—the meaning of the term “lavish cents by government death squads, the the teacher with Calvert’s ap¬ sovereignty” as distinct from normal sov¬ water tortures, and the pervasive corrup¬ proved instruction guide. Start ereignty is unclear, for example. There are tion. State violence has in turn spurred the anytime, transfer to other schools. other similarly colorful but rather too ele¬ growth of a revolutionary militia, the New gant phrases. Nevertheless, I would rather Peoples Army. The authors make an im¬ Used by over 300,000 students. have too much than none at all, and Abba pressive case that the NPA has much more Non-profit. Write for catalog. Eban as a writer and scholar sets a pattern support and potential than anyone might and posture that diplomats (particularly have expected only two years ago. The those who must serve an adversarial coun¬ guerrillas, who are spread throughout the CALVERT A SCHOOL try or policy) can emulate to great advan¬ islands, depend on indigenous supplies Established 1897 301-243-6030 tage. —Lucius D. BATTLE and arms and to date have not alienated the Box F11-4, Tuscany Rd., Baltimore, MD 21210 villagers on whom they depend for support Parent's Name and protection. During a recent visit to Revolution in the Philippines: The Unit¬ Manila, I heard more than one business¬ Address ed States in a Hall of Cracked Mirrors. By man refer to the NPA as “nice boys” who City State Zip Fred Poole and Max Vanzi. McGraw-Hill. are only doing what they must. Thus, in Child's Age Grade 1984. $18.95. the city of Davao, 10 percent of the police Admits students ot any race, color, national or ethnic origin. force of 400 have been killed in the last Both authors of this timely book have lived year by the NPA’s assassination units.

16 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Poole and Vanzi do not, however, write very well about the making of U.S. policy. It is easy to ridicule Vice President George People Moving Abroad Ask Bush publicly telling Marcos, “We love your adherence to democratic principles DISTRICT MOVING & STORAGE and to the democratic processes.” But one cannot assume, as the authors do, that ev¬ How Can I Make Moving Easier? eryone handling Philippine affairs in the State Department is equally cold-blooded and cynical. Indeed, they might find some Dear District Moving & Storage: before the packers arrive; pretty good sources inside the Foreign Ser¬ We’re changing posts, again, suggests what to do during the vice willing to substantiate much of their and I’d like to be as organized as packing phase; provides tips on criticism of the Marcos regime. possible, this time. As many airfreight inclusion and what to bring in the accompanied —KAI BIRD times as we’ve moved, I still find myself forgetting some of the baggage. I suggest you send In Brief details. Last time, for instance, I away for the free “Checklist” forgot to stop our utility service today by calling us at (301) International Studies and Academic until we were at our new 420-3300 or sending in the Enterprise: A Chapter in the Enclosure of location. We didn’t need that! coupon below. American Learning. By Robert A. I’ve heard you have a checklist Roland Kates McCaughey. Columbia University Press, that makes moving easier. Can Vice President 1984. $28. you fill me in? Waiting with Baited Breath McCaughey has compiled a rather dull his¬ tory of international studies in the United States. The price of the book is worth pay¬ Dear WWBB: ing if one is interested in knowing how The checklist you refer to is Russian studies began at Harvard in 1900, the District Moving & Storage’s or what areas of international studies were “New Assignment Abroad popular in 195 1 and in 1966. As to the Checklist”. With it you can MOVING &= STORAGE , INC. perennial question of whether internation¬ organize your move and make it 3850 Penn Belt Place al studies constitutes a separate discipline, smoother—and many times Forestville, Maryland 20747 the author, as a historian, clearly takes the easier. The “Checklist”, with 301 • 420 • 3300 traditional view that international studies more than 60 valuable tips, is merely one aspect of the several social organizes what needs to be done science disciplines. —CHARLES R. FOSTER

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Insecurity hooked up to a battery, failed to go off because of a loose copper plate.” “After a three-year pattern of random at¬ Washington Times, October 31 tacks, [Paris] embassy personnel are edgy. The elegant embassy building on the Place “A Senate Foreign Relations Committee de la Concorde has become a fortress remi¬ minority staff report completed today niscent of U.S. embassies in Saigon or Bei¬ criticized State Department officials in rut.,.. Washington for ‘deficiencies that may “Diplomats interviewed confessed that have contributed’ to the bombing of the a feeling of anxiety has seriously diluted U.S. embassy in Lebanon in September. the heady pleasure they once felt over their “The report points out that the person assignment in the French capital Assas¬ immediately responsible for security at the sins may lurk under the chestnut trees.” new embassy building in East Beirut was a Jack Anderson, September 21 junior-level security officer whose previous work had been as an investigator and body¬ “The Islamic Jihad, which took credit for guard. The man ‘was sent to Beirut with¬ all three bombings of U.S. installations in out taking the department’s 10-week Lebanon including that against the U.S. training course’ for security officers.” embassy [on September 20], received Joel Brinkley in the New York Times, training and support from the Soviet Un¬ November 3 ion’s secret police, the KGB, intelligence experts believe. ‘A tragically simple mistake.’ After "The commandos have received training weeks of discussion about possible failures in terrorist camps in Uzbekistan in the of intelligence and other lapses leading up )ASIAN STAMPS WANTED' Central Asian region of the Soviet Union.” to the September bombing of the U.S. We are knowledgeable &. willing buyers of all NAsian stamps and old envelopes. We have the Free Press International News Service, embassy in Beirut, that was the conclusion •'specialized collector clientele to appreciate your October 1 of the Senate Foreign Relations Commit¬ )holdings. Ship for an immediate fair offer. Be certain to tee last week. Had a steel gate or some ^include your phone number. Material remains “What is clear is that when it came to other barrier been installed to protect the ./intact pending your acceptance; if we cannot pay'; security, we blundered miserably. Never approach to the building, the terrorist at¬ "What you consider fair, we will return it at our Nexpense. Respectfully, Michael Rogers( again should any American embassy be so tack would probably not have been suc¬ exposed and so vulnerable. Never again WE BUY IT ALL! cessful.” Fair prices paid for collections, not just the cream., should we ignore credible warnings that a Time magazine, November 5 terrorist attack is imminent Never MICHAEL HOGERSC 340 Park Ave. North/1 again should we send.. .diplomats to a war The Helms Endorsement gp 000 jjd Winter Park, FL 3278ffk zone and then fail them.” .^dS*****’ 13051 628-U20( Y^1' Member: China Stamp Society USA Today, October 22 “Most every career Foreign Service officer APS B1A AAMsC must have cringed with disgust upon dis¬ “Government agencies have been receiving covering that 21 ambassadors formally en¬ about 100 threats a week against American dorsed Senator Jesse Helms, darling of the embassies and other installations abroad Tightest wing of the Republican party, for since the bombing of the U.S. embassy in re-election The Hatch Act does not ap¬ Lebanon, administration officials said to¬ ply to political appointees, so there is day. nothing officially illegal about what the 21 ‘The volume is staggering,’ ” a State ambassadors did. Department official said.” “It still stinks to high heaven— Bernard Gwertzman in the New York Times, “The American Foreign Service Associ¬ October 24 ation has it right: ‘An active duty ambassa¬ dor who engages in partisan politics di¬ “Police dismantled a homemade double- minishes the office and undermines his or barreled grenade launcher in a vacant lot her ability to serve the United States near the U.S. embassy [in Lisbon] follow¬ abroad.’ ing the first terrorist threat against the “We suggest that the 21 ambassadors new $15 million facility [The] device, involved, who apparently see nothing armed with two bazooka grenades and wrong in their effort to help Jesse Helms

18 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Store your 'valuables in temperature-controlled Security, win in North Carolina, have by the very at government expense fact of their endorsement proven why they should not be representing the United States abroad.” while posted abroad. Federal Timer, November 12 Foreign Service Officers posted abroad can store furs, rugs and clothing with Security-by making arrange¬ Little Knowledge ments with your transportation officer, ur You'll have priceless peace of mind while the government covers “ would sometimes consult the cost. UP Plus, you can insure the goods you're mov¬ with Henry Kissinger On a number of ing with ourGovernment Service Policy-while in-transit these occasions, Kissinger noticed some¬ and at your overseas resi- # thing unsettling about the president: Rea¬ dence. JP Depend on Se- uw Since 1890#, gan seemed strangely uninterested in in¬ curity-the world's most expe¬ ternational relations as such. He displayed rienced moving and storage little knowledge or even curiosity about com pa ny. W MOVING & STORAGE 1 the interaction of states and forces in the world arena. Even more disturbing, he seemed remarkably blase about U.S. for¬ eign policy. It was as though long-term Call (202) 234-5600 strategy was something other people were I 701 Florida Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 paid to worry about.” Strobe Talbot in Deadly Gambits, 1984

Counting Stripes LAWSON, BRENNER, DARAGAN, & EICKHOFF Attorneys at Law — D.C. and Virginia Bar "What counts in the business of diplomacy is not the stripes on one’s pants (or skirt) General legal services meeting the special needs of foreign service personnel and their but the skill of one’s advocacy. Career dip¬ families. lomats are far more than bureaucrats with •Wills and Trusts •Family law (divorce, adoption, and passports. They have vital knowledge to •Power of attorney child support) contribute. They provide both continuity •Taxes •Personal Injury and a perspective not possessed by the •Real Estate •Performance Appraisals newcomer. Political appointees, on the Standard hourly rate is $60; fixed Ralph V. Eickhoff, Jr. or other hand, can legitimately claim both rates for certain services (simple John E. Lawson. Jr. wills — $60 for individuals, $100 Suite 518 ready access to the White House and a for couples; $30 for power of attor- 10560 Main St. proven commitment to carrying out the ney). Open daily, evenings, and Fairfax, Virginia 22030 philosophical themes of an administra¬ weekends. (703)352-5880 tion’s foreign policy “In an age when television conveys in¬ formation as fast as the diplomatic cable, AFSA Provides: American representatives abroad are trans¬ JoinAFSA... •The Foreign Service Journal formed in times of crisis. They become The Voice of the •Employee-Management Relations aides-de-camp as Washington’s sensitive Foreign Service •Membership in the Foreign Service ears prick up and reinforcements are Club rushed to our side. Specialists occupy cen¬ •Scholarships ter stage while ambassadors pace the lobby •Insurance Geared for Foreign or memorize a script written by others.” Service Needs includes War Risk Helene von Damm in the Wall Street Journal, Write or call: July 17 ai=sa Membership Coordinator, AFSA CLIPPINGS records without comment statements 2101 E St., N.W. and opinions in the media on the conduct of Washington, DC 20037 U.S. diplomacy. Readers may contribute items AFSA Represents You (202) 338-4045 of interest from their local newspapers.

DECEMBER 1984 19 Live a Little!

10-25-50

Foreign Service Journal, December 1974: “Given the acknowledged complex¬ ity of the communication process and the current availability of information through the world, an examination of the means by which USIS is to fulfull its mission is in order. The experience of USIA confirms the inadequacy of the cause-and-effect model of communication. The agency has rejected the Dale Carnegie approach to winning friends and the Madison Avenue approach to selling soap, but in the ab¬ sence of the explicit affirmation of an alter¬ native has been tempted and frequently seduced by the appeal of winning friends and influencing people To give mean¬ ing to the concept of dialogue, USIA will have to reject its role as a public relations agency.” Alan Carter and Barry Fulton

Foreign Service Journal, December Georgetown Park 1959: “There was a time during the First 3222 M Street. NW Washington, D C 20007 World War when I worked on the other (202)342-1506 side of the street. I was engaged in what would now be called, 1 suppose, policy SHOP IN AN AMERICAN planning. My boss was Colonel House, who filled a role which no one fills today. DRUG STORE BY MAIL! He was the president's chief adviser, and An ice cream soda is one of the he was the president’s principal diplomatic few items we cannot mail. Drugs, agent. Yet he was not the secretary of cosmetics, sundries state. As a matter of fact, he did not even mailed to every coun¬ live in Washington. Thus, it was not nec¬ try in the world. We essary for him to become involved in daily staff meetings and interdepartmental con¬ maintain permanent ferences. I suppose you can see the advan¬ family prescription tages of that records. SEND NO “At that time, you will have noted, the MONEY — pay only after satis¬ State Department had no active part in the factory receipt of order. big business of policy planning.” Walter Lippmann

Foreign Service Journal, December 1934: “The year which is drawing to a close has seen the restoration to the For¬ eign Service of a number of justly merited benefits. I like to think of the return of these benefits as the well deserved reward for unfailing loyalty and efficient perform¬ ance of duty during trying times.” Secretary of State Cordell Hull VtoftPlutMtiiajJiic.

10-25-50 records JOURNAL excerpts from pre¬ tla Morgan Pharmacy vious issues with an eye toward how much 3001 P Street, N.W. things have changed for the Foreign Service, or Washington, D.C. 20007 how they have remained the same.

20 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL THE THIRD OPTION

Covert operations against the Nicaraguan regime are not proving to be an effective alternative to either diplomacy or the Marines

HARRY ROSITZKE

IN CENTRAL AMERICA today, the United States is Cuba, these earlier actions raised moral, legal, and engaged in a campaign of subversion. The target pragmatic questions that have now come to a head in is the Sandinista government of Nicaragua, and Washington’s support of the contras in Nicaragua. the method is covert support for the contras, The operation against Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala who are fighting to overthrow that regime. The Unit¬ was a push-over. He had created strong internal oppo¬ ed States has used covert operations to achieve its sition to his government by instituting land reform goals in the region before. This time, however, that and by legalizing the Communist Party and giving instrument has been revealed for what it is: immoral, some of its members cabinet positions. He also alien¬ illegal, and most important, politically short-sighted ated the military by creating an armed worker-peas¬ and self-defeating. ant militia. U.S. actions against the Sandinistas—which are When Washington began to look for a way to covert in name only—have not only damaged the pressure Arbenz, a small but organized military force United States’ international standing, they have made under Colonel Castillo Armas was conveniently at it even more unlikely that we will achieve our objec¬ hand in neighboring Honduras. In preparation for his tive: a stable, non-communist Nicaragua. The ad¬ invasion, the CIA launched a concerted program of ministration now faces a dilemma of its own making, psychological warfare aimed at splitting the Guate¬ a dilemma that allows no solution compatible with malan armed forces from Arbenz. A drumbeat of radio our national interest. This experience must raise sig¬ broadcasts, rumors of an impending invasion, and a nificant questions about the wisdom of continuing to few airplane flights over Guatemala City demoralized pursue our present policy in that region, and, more the government and scared Arbenz into seeking po¬ generally, about the merits of using covert oper¬ litical asylum. The invasion was almost an anti¬ ations—at least of this scale—at all. climax. For thirty years, Washington’s anti-communist The Guatemalan success apparently encouraged crusade in Latin America has been based on assistance those planning the Cuban operation seven years later, to established regimes. The United States has used even though the situation on the ground was radically both open and covert means to bolster the ability of different. Castro was clearly in command of his re¬ these governments to overcome threats to their do¬ gime—including the military—and enjoyed a large mestic security. These efforts have been intended to degree of popular support (contrary to the assump¬ counter the influence of leftist political parties and tions of those Washington analysts who predicted a trade unions, as well as Soviet- and communist-con- popular uprising). No organized invasion force was trolled media. They have also been aimed at quelling available; instead the CIA had to recruit Cuban active insurgencies, mostly in rural areas. Standard emigres, mostly from Florida, transport them to U.S. aid has been supplemented by covert CIA pro¬ training camps in Central America, and then launch grams ranging from political and propaganda oper¬ them on a difficult amphibious operation that ended ations to training the local security forces. in the Bay of Pigs disaster. It proved impossible to When the regime in power was unsympathetic to keep the long and extensive preparations secret, either the U.S. crusade against communism, however, from Castro or the U.S. press. measures were sometimes taken to bring that govern¬ The anti-Sandinista covert action in Nicaragua has ment into line. In four cases, the United States has parallels with both the Guatemalan and Cuban oper¬ launched covert attempts to overthrow the recalci¬ ations. Like Castro, the Sandinistas are firmly en¬ trant regime: Guatemala (1954), Cuba (1961), Chile trenched. They are in command of a large and increas¬ (1970—73), and now Nicaragua. Whether a “suc¬ ingly well-trained and well-equipped army. The cess,” as in Guatemala and Chile, or a failure, as in regime has developed, with Soviet and Cuban assis¬ tance, an efficient security service capable of rooting Harry Rositzke is a former CIA operations officer who out organized dissent in the cities and towns. It con¬ retired in 1970 after 25 years of service in Washington, trols the media and the educational system. The re¬ Munich, and New Delhi. He has since written extensively, gime’s own history as an insurgent movement makes including three hooks: The CIA’s Secret Operations, The it able to anticipate and counter the contra tactics. KGB: The Eyes of Russia, and, most recently. Manag¬ Even without further Soviet or Cuban help, the San¬ ing Moscow: Guns or Goods? dinistas can handle a paramilitary threat.

DECEMBER 1984 21 Eden Pastora, leader of one of the contra groups, talks to reporters at a rebel camp inside Nicaragua. Moments later a bomb exploded, killing several people and wounding many others, including Pastora.

Nevertheless, the prospects for overthrowing the regime presents a clear security threat. Merely disa¬ regime are not as dim as they were in the Cuban greeing with a government’s policies or ideology is imbroglio. Anti-regime forces already exist on secure not sufficient reason for attempting its destruction. If, terrain just outside the Nicaraguan border and are however, a regime does represent a genuine security easily available to the CIA for recruitment, training, threat, the most suitable response is clearly not covert and supply. Cross-border operations into rural areas action, but a direct and open military operation. can be carried out with relative ease, even though the There is another moral query arising from U.S. establishment of fixed bases inside Nicaragua has so involvement in Nicaragua’s civil struggle: what is our far proved unsuccessful. responsibility for the actions of the rebels we sponsor? This is not a new question; it has been raised over the years by our support and training of “friendly” securi¬ A PART FROM SUCH PRACTICAL considerations, ty services, and particularly regarding U.S. support /\ the moral implications of covert operations for the Greek junta and for those involved in the were first seriously questioned in the after- killing of Che Guevara. The contras, like most insur¬ ■J*- JL. math of Salvador Allende's downfall in gency groups, seek to disrupt Sandinista control of Chile. In that country, three U.S. presidents autho¬ Nicaragua through economic sabotage, but this inevi¬ rized the use of covert means over a period of 15 years tably causes some distress for the civilian population. to prevent the election of a radical left government. If Washington accepts responsibility for the contras’ For a time, the objective of the CIA’s political action mining of harbors and bombing of communication program was essentially affirmative: to bring a demo¬ and oil installations, is it also then responsible for the cratic party of the moderate left to power. Once Al- acts of their most fanatical members? There have been lende assumed the presidency, Washington dedicated reports that some of the contras have engaged in the itself to making his regime fail. Open fiscal and eco¬ torture of civilians, murder of prisoners, and indis¬ nomic measures were employed to “make the econo¬ criminate round-ups of suspected communists. In¬ my scream,” as a White House official described it. deed, the recent exposure of a CIA training manual The CIA focused its operations on keeping the opposi¬ that provides instructions on insurgent warfare tech¬ tion alive and supporting a free press. The exact use of niques has raised this issue in a most concrete fashion. the agency’s funds during the tense months preceding Its advice on selective “neutralization” of regime offi¬ the September 1973 military coup is not entirely cials and the making of involuntary “martyrs” for clear, but there is no evidence that either the CIA, the propaganda purposes makes Washington directly re¬ U.S. embassy, or the U.S. military attache played any sponsible for the violation of both moral standards direct role in the coup that ousted Allende and led to and specific U.S. laws. If, as has been recently report¬ his death. ed, the manual was intended to restrain contra activi¬ Whatever the role of the United States, both our ties, the situation is much worse than previously open and covert intervention in Chile raised a moral thought. objection in its clearest form: is it moral to attempt The Reagan administration has recently attacked the overthrow of a democratically elected govern¬ “state-supported terrorism.” We may conveniently ment, however distasteful its politics or policies? A forget the officially sponsored raids and acts of sabo¬ variant of this question is now being asked again. tage against Cuba after the Bay of Pigs, and the at¬ Although the Sandinista government was not estab¬ tempts, now illegal, to assassinate Castro. We cannot lished by democratic means, it did enjoy widespread so easily disregard the terrorist acts of the contras. In popular support when it came to power. Under what the face of these facts, we can no longer maintain a conditions should the United States consider over¬ holier-than-thou attitude toward Moscow, Havana, throwing an established regime? Should such a policy or Teheran. Many years ago we decided to fight the option be permitted at all? A convincing case can be Soviets with their own weapons, and we still do so made that such an action is unacceptable unless a today. Yet the moral controversies and questions per-

FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL sist, and one cannot avoid concluding that there is— those waters, it soon announced that it had unilateral¬ International- and properly so—a double standard by which both ly decided not to accept the jurisdiction of the Inter¬ ly, covert ac¬ Americans and Europeans measure the actions of a national Court of Justice over Central America for the tions against communist dictatorship and a democratic regime. next two years. This simply reinforced the image of a That democracies are held to stricter standards can be great power rejecting any regard for commonly ac¬ an established seen by the administration’s failure to convince con¬ cepted principles of international law. It is also a regime are il¬ gressional and public opinion of the rightness of its dangerous precedent—given its own behavior, how legal. And, policy. could Washington object on principle if another they can pro¬ country were to follow its example and lay mines in vide the White the Suez Canal or the Strait of Hormuz? House with an OT EVERYONE, HOWEVER, will be con¬ Even more convincing than the legal arguments, N instrument for vinced by these moral arguments. If, as however, are the practical ones. Simply put, the San- the administration alleges, the Sandin- dinistas are well situated to resist any internal or evading the ista regime is a threat to the region and external opposition. It is unlikely that the contras will War Powers perhaps even the United States, then the moral impli¬ succeed in overthrowing the regime, even with U.S. Act cations of U.S. support for the contras might well support. Even if they should manage to gain control seem less relevant. More convincing to some is the over Nicaragua, there is nothing to guarantee that argument that U.S. policy toward Nicaragua is il¬ their victory would serve U.S. interests. Not only is legal, both in terms of international law and U.S. American support for the contras’ efforts to overthrow law. the Sandinista government immoral and illegal, but, Covert actions against an established regime are, when judged by the amoral standards of realpolitik, it almost by definition, illegal. The U-2 overflights of is also ill-designed and short-sighted. Soviet terrain, the support of Sumatran rebels against It is almost an unwritten rule of politics that, at the Indonesian regime, the invasions of Guatemala least in the short term, the threat or act of invasion and Cuba, the secret funding of political parties in strengthens the target regime. Just as the Bay of Pigs Chile, all violate the accepted canons of international consolidated Castro’s position, so the contras’ oper¬ behavior. These operations are, after all, carried out ations strengthen the Sandinistas. Public opinion is covertly so that the sponsor can maintain some degree easily mobilized against an outside threat, and a mili¬ of “plausible denial” and feel absolved of official re¬ tary build-up and tightening of security controls are sponsibility. The same illegality applies, of course, to plainly justified. When, as in both Cuba and Nicara¬ Soviet support of so-called “wars of national liber¬ gua, the threat is described as one of Yankee imperial¬ ation” in the Third World or to Moscow’s secret ism, patriotic fervor becomes even stronger. And, of funding of Communist parties throughout the world. course, the regime is forced to rely even more heavily In terms of international law, these “secret” actions on the diplomatic and materiel support of its friends, violate prohibitions included in the charters of both whether communist or socialist. The steady build-up the United Nations and the Organization of Ameri¬ of Nicaraguan armed forces would have been impos¬ can States against intervention in the affairs of other sible without substantial Soviet and Cuban materiel countries. “Intervention,” of course, is at best an assistance. Though the embattled regime has lost elastic concept. There are “benign” interventions, as much of its diplomatic and economic support from in Lebanon and the Dominican Republic, and “sub¬ Western European socialists, it still has the support of versive" interventions, as in Guatemala and Cuba. the Contadora group, which is struggling to come up The line between them, however, is usually drawn by with a diplomatic formula that will avoid military political rather than legal considerations. In Nicara¬ action and ensure the continuance of the Sandinista gua, the U.S. intervention is not only subversive, but regime in power. also violates specific U.S. laws, such as the 1982 Even in those cases where covert action is common¬ Boland amendment, which prohibits the use of funds ly believed to have succeeded—Guatemala and to furnish military equipment or advice to any irregu¬ Chile—our success has been very ambiguous. Just as lar army for the purpose of overthrowing the Nicara¬ in our failures, there has certainly been a long-term guan government; President Ford’s executive order political price exacted in our successes. By attempting prohibiting direct or indirect involvement in assassi¬ to topple “Marxist” governments, the United States nations abroad; and the neutrality statutes, which has contributed to these countries’ inability to resolve prohibit U.S. citizens from providing money or par¬ domestic conflicts through non-violent, political ticipating in military operations intended to attack a means. The history of Guatemala since the installa¬ government with which the United States is at peace. tion of a military regime in 1954 has been one of Perhaps more important, covert operations can also successive coups and military dictatorships, of repres¬ provide the White House with an instrument for sion and civilian murders, of the rooting out of “en¬ evading the application of the War Powers Act. emies” in the cities and “rebels” in the countryside. The mining of the Nicaraguan harbors was a more Only when concern for human rights became part of concrete violation of international law. Whatever the U.S. policy did Washington at last refrain from in¬ legality of contra actions on Nicaraguan soil, the har¬ creasing the Guatemalan government’s capacity to bor mining was flagrantly illegal under maritime law. repress its citizens. In Chile, the regime of General It succeeded in damaging a number of merchant Augusto Pinochet has now survived for 11 years and, ships, causing a number of our European allies to in the process, has destroyed the opposition parties, protest strongly. Although the State Department is¬ labor unions, and free media that were once the un¬ sued a shaky legal opinion on the U.S. right to mine derpinning of a thriving democracy. The recent im-

DECEMBER 1984 23 Daniel Ortega, leader of the Nicaraguan regime, speaks at a rally celebrating the anniversary of the Sandinistas’ coming to power after the fall of Somoza.

position of a state of siege has only served to demon¬ But replacing Daniel Ortega with the contras is un¬ strate the regime's instability. likely to serve U.S. interests. The contras are an unre¬ Today both regimes are inherently unstable. While liable instrument for whatever political purposes such countries as Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecua¬ Washington has in mind. dor have thrown out their military governments in Furthermore, it is unrealistic to suppose that we the past few years, the political evolution of Chile and can control them. Past U.S. experience with emigre Guatemala has been arrested, at high human cost, on groups fighting against the government of their a primitive and shaky plateau. In these and other homeland underlines two important lessons. First, cases, U.S. reliance on military regimes to create and divisions within an emigre community—whether maintain stability has proved an unfortunate and ill- Ukrainian, Albanian, Cuban, or Nicaraguan—can¬ fated choice. not be repaired by an outside power. Political differ¬ ences concerning, for example, the composition of a provisional government, or personal conflicts among IN THE CASE OF NICARAGUA, the political fall¬ the leadership, cannot be overcome simply by promis¬ out may be even greater. These earlier oper¬ ing material support. Eden Pastora cannot be per¬ ations had a tangible and specific goal: to oust suaded or forced to collaborate with his fellow- Arbenz, to oust Castro, to oust Allende. Yet no emigres if he wants to fight on his own. one in Washington seems to know what the goal of Second, and more important, emigre groups have the contra operation is. Officially, we are using them their own goals that need not coincide with the goal of to stop the flow of arms from Nicaragua to the rebels their sponsors. There can be little doubt that the in El Salvador, but it does not appear that the contras contras are devoted to seizing power from the Sandin¬ have had any success to date in this task. Other offi¬ ista regime or, at a minimum, sharing that power. To cials have described our support of the contras as a assume that they are fighting and dying merely to cut means of pressuring the Sandinista regime. But what off the flow of arms to El Salvador or to harass the is this pressure intended to achieve in the long run? regime for U.S. diplomatic purposes is simply ludi¬ Will this force them to become “democratic”? If the crous. What will happen if the contras actually experience of the recent elections is any answer, the achieve their goal? Will they be the next democratic harassment by the contras compels the Sandinistas to government of Nicaragua? If they take over in Mana¬ be less tolerant of any opposition. Perhaps the pres¬ gua, how will Washington handle the bloody repres¬ sure is intended to force them into negotiations and sion that will inevitably follow? If we help them encourage them to throw out their Soviet and Cuban achieve some power-sharing arrangement, how will advisers and stop importing arms. Yet they have ap¬ we respond to the political and economic turmoil that peared ready to talk for some months. Washington’s might ensue? negative reaction to Managua’s decision to sign the It is, however, probably more likely that the con¬ Contadora agreement indicates that the Reagan ad¬ tras will fail to achieve their goal. Their military effort ministration is not seriously interested in talking may simply bog down, or Congress may decide to cut with the Sandinistas. It may well be that we are using off their support once and for all. The implications of the Nicaraguan situation to send a message to Havana such a failure for the United States and its foreign and Moscow. If that is the case, the message sent by policy are not very pleasant. Even if the contras fail to our naval forces off both coasts and the military exer¬ gain power, they are unlikely to give up the fight. cises in Honduras appear loud enough. How is that They may well follow the example of the Cuban message strengthened by aiding a squabbling bunch emigres and continue their raids from neighboring of sometimes-brutal counter-revolutionaries? terrain with or without the permission of those gov¬ The only legitimate reason for supporting the con¬ ernments or help from third parties. If they do aban¬ tras is if the United States hopes they will ultimately don their efforts, to what degree is the United States be successful in subverting the Sandinista regime. responsible for their future well-being? Can Wash-

FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL ington force them to accept an amnesty? Do we assist to take actions for which it could disclaim any respon¬ There were their resettlement or perhaps even their emigration to sibility—and one that bypassed congressional review. subtle diplo¬ the United States? The dilemma is a nasty one and is Today “covert” has become a meaningless term, matic and legal of our own making. We faced similar problems with “plausible denial” a hollow phrase. Covert aid to the the Cuban emigres, but in this case we are dealing Angolan rebels in 1975 was debated in Congress. reasons that with more than 10,000 armed fighting men. Covert aid to the freedom fighters in Afghanistan is made covert Our dilemma will not be quite so wrenching if we openly endorsed by the White House and in congres¬ operations at¬ begin now to phase out gradually the contras’ para¬ sional resolutions. The support of the contras is as tractive in military actions within Nicaragua. Some still defend official and public as the invasion of Grenada. The so- 1961. But U.S. persistence in this armed subversion in tones called third option between diplomacy and the Ma¬ reminiscent of the Vietnam era: if we abandon our rines is no longer there. Washington no friends, we will lose our “credibility.” We must not Since, however, neither the Pentagon nor the longer has a “betray our allies.” “Retreat” will have a “poisonous American people will support a conventional military covert instru¬ impact” on the rest of Latin America. For some, the effort against Nicaragua, the only real alternative is ment at its dis¬ price of withdrawing our support from the contras diplomacy. Up until recently, Washington had ruled posal will be catastrophic: our alliances will crumble, and out serious negotiations with the Sandinista regime. both friend and foe will recast their image of U.S. Whether the present disposition of the administration power. This is nonsense. We withdrew our support is to talk rather than fight is uncertain. However, its from our friends in both Cuba and Vietnam, and unwillingness to support the Contadora initiative is neither action rendered us impotent. clear. The negotiating proposals made by Mexico, Yet, the argument continues, this is different, for Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela provide a tangible Central America is our “backyard. ” The United States level-headed approach to the Nicaraguan “problem” can, as a powerful country, take whatever action it that can rescue Washington from the impasse it has desires in an area under our unchallengeable military created for itself. With the U.S. election over, will dominance, just as the Soviets can in Eastern Europe. President Reagan stand back a step or two, tone down This argument, of course, puts us in the questionable both our military and paramilitary actions in the area, position of supporting U.S. spheres of influence while and accept a regional solution? Will he be willing, in decrying Soviet dominance of its satellites. Being un¬ effect, to accept the continuance of a Marxist regime able—or unwilling—to control every political and of whatever hue in Central America? social development in our own hemisphere will not U.S. policy toward Nicaragua is really part of a cause us to lose our credibility—itself a rubbery con¬ broader question involving the future stability of Lat¬ cept. Does the existence of any "Marxist” government in America. Will the United States be better offin the in Latin America testify to our impotence? Are Marx¬ long run if it accommodates the indigenous forces of ist regimes in Guyana and Suriname evidence of our social and economic change rather than fight them? lack of capacity to root them out? The natural political evolution of Central American societies cannot take place while their regimes are dominated by an outside power. In most cases, only IF CONTINUING OUR SUPPORT for the contras is those governments willing to upset the status quo counterproductive—morally, legally, and po¬ will be able to lay the foundation for long-term stabil¬ litically—then we should re-evaluate our inter¬ ity. Since there is no real political center in these est in the Nicaraguan situation and reshape our countries, even in El Salvador, and the right has policy accordingly. It may be that the administration fought change for generations, only a leftist regime is right, and our national security requirements dic¬ can play the reformist role—whether Marxist, social¬ tate that we be involved. Any means should be em¬ ist, or, as in El Salvador, Christian Democratic. Hon¬ ployed to protect the physical security of the United oring the practice of self-determination may involve States. However modest the present Nicaraguan accepting politically distasteful regimes and policies, threat, domino thinking can bring communist forces but, upsetting as this may be for some Americans, to the Rio Grande—though Mexico seems less per¬ U.S. interests will not be furthered nor U.S. aid be turbed than Washington. It is more likely, however, effective until that long-term stabilization is within that Nicaragua will become a base for offensive weap¬ reach. ons that pose a direct threat to U.S. terrain. In that Whatever the outcome of the Nicaraguan situa¬ case, our reaction is bound to be as public, immedi¬ tion, it promises the end of covert action against ate, and effective as our reaction to the placement of established regimes in Latin America. “Subversion" is Soviet missiles in Cuba. If the Sandinista regime does not a term that appeals to American sentiment; it has pose a real threat, we should not be playing around been applied so long to Soviet and communist actions with a chancy covert operation. We made the same that it has developed a distinctly un-American ring. mistake in our attempts to liberate Cuba: if Castro Nor should it appeal to our pragmatic instincts: if we was a genuine threat to U.S. security, we should have judge a policy by its achievements, covert action has used the Marines as we did in Grenada. been a miserable failure. Flexing our military muscle There are subtle diplomatic and legal reasons, of in Grenada or Central America may make some course, that made covert operations seem more attrac¬ Americans “stand tall.” For others the price paid—in tive in 1961, but they are now irrelevant. The fact is lives lost, mines laid, and mores violated—is too that Washington no longer has a covert instrument at high. It may be more American to stand straight and its disposal. Covert action was once a bureaucratically acknowledge the failings of our covert operations in convenient mechanism that allowed the White House Nicaragua and elsewhere.

DECEMBER 1984 25 Service. The first is to offer retirement after 20 years at TIME TO PARE half pay (instead of 20 percent). This fraction would not increase for the next five years. The second is to compute retirement pay on the basis of 50 percent of THE TOP OF THE the highest one year’s salary (instead of high three) for those who retire within one year after completing 20 PERSONNEL PEAR years’ service, or the average of the highest two years’ salary for those who retire within two years after 20. These would give each officer an incentive to leave the Service without crippling his or her own family’s financial prospects. Facing five years during which RUSSELL O. PRICKETT the terms of retirement are not going to improve, while the officer gets ever older for the start of a second career, would prompt a serious, realistic assessment of future promotion prospects. It would offer the right IT'S BEEN ALMOST 15 years since William Ma- incentives to the right people to stay in the Service or comber, then deputy under secretary for man¬ to get out, respectively. agement, likened the Foreign Service personnel I know this proposal goes against the grain. Years profile, with its bulge at the top, to an inverted ago Mary Olmsted, then director of personnel, told pear. Now the State Department, in a recent manage¬ me in a meeting that variants of “retirement after 20” ment-issues cable (State 244243), points to the same had been tried out on Office of Management and problem. With too many people in the upper ranks, Budget but had been rejected unless the officers them¬ says State, promotions into the Senior Foreign Service selves were willing to pay the higher costs of such a will have to be virtually stopped, and promotions in system through increased contributions to the retire¬ the lower ranks will be backed up all along the line. ment program. “And you wouldn’t want to pay for The notion of the career Foreign Service as an up-or- my retirement, would you?” she asked. “Sure I out, fast-flowing stream probably never was altogeth¬ would,” I replied, “if it would get you out of my er accurate, but now we are brutally confronted with way.” In all seriousness, I am convinced that the best the reality—stagnation—once again. officers would welcome the opportunity to pay for a The Foreign Service Act of 1980 did nothing to system that offers a better, quicker chance to get to change this basic flaw in our system, and present the top and better, fairer alternatives for those who policies to delay retirements are only making it worse. won’t go that far. The only resolution in sight is to wait until things get But the main idea is not to take care of FSOs better and the bulge at the top is gradually worked because we are such good people. It is to create a off. This could be years. In the meantime, what will personnel system that will attract, develop, and use happen is a repetition of the past. Too many of our the best people most effectively for the national inter¬ best officers at all levels will leave the Service, and est. There has to be an alternative to a system which outstanding young people seeking a career where they either selects out excellent officers just short of retire¬ can expect to move into positions of challenge and ment (sometimes with tragic results) on the one hand, responsibility relatively early in life will look else¬ or has senior officers walking the halls or counting where. buttons on the other. A stagnant, top-heavy person¬ The crux of the matter is that the interests of the nel system is not a good instrument for doing the Service as an institution and the interests of its indi¬ nation’s business. Paying someone half pay to retire vidual officers are at cross purposes. The former needs early is much less expensive than paying full salary to thin out in the upper ranks, retaining fewer and when the officer hasn’t got a job to do. fewer of its very best people to staff a lean, efficient, Finally, the Foreign Service need not be in perfect non-duplicative top management structure. The lat¬ symmetry with the Civil Service. Not only are we ter, on the other hand, needs to get the kids through smaller by a factor of hundreds, but we are different in college and pay off the mortgage. The individual offi¬ essential ways. It is harder by far to get into the cer will hang on hard at precisely that career level Foreign Service, for instance, and our rank-in-person where the Service needs to slim down. The way out of system makes it impossible for us to park at a career this dilemma is to give the average individual officer level where we are comfortable. Time-in-class re¬ an incentive to do what the Service needs to have quirements enforce the up-or-out principle (eventual¬ done, i.e., leave after 20 years instead of 30. The ly) and make delayed retirement meaningless. And let incentive will have to be a carrot, not a stick. Forcing anyone who would deny that worldwide service im¬ people out would make the promise of a rewarding poses special difficulties and hardships ponder the career a lie for all but a few; it would also tend to honor roll in the Diplomatic Lobby. attract (and often retain) the wrong people. The problem of a stagnant, top-heavy Service is a It is time to trot out Prickett’s personnel panacea. real one. I think it is the most serious problem we The core of the idea, retirement after 20 years regard¬ have, underlying many others. The department has less of age, has been around for a long time. I propose never really tried to make a case for a workable remedy a couple of refinements that would enhance its attrac¬ for this problem, either within the executive branch tiveness to officers and therefore its usefulness for the or with Congress. Yet the benefits would be great— for the country most of all, but also for the depart¬ Russell 0. Prickett is economic counselor in Belgrade. ment and the Service. Isn’t it worth a try?

26 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL WITH ALL THE HAND-WRINGING about the “bulge” at the top of the Foreign No, IT’S ALWAYS Service, one could easily conclude that senior officers now constitute an historically high proportion of the total corps. But BEEN THERE — according to data supplied by the Bureau of Person¬ nel, there are now fewer senior officers than there were AND SHOULD BE 20 years ago. In fact, the percentage of seniors as part of the total corps has been lower in only three years of the last 20. Moreover, during those years the seniors’ share of the Service has averaged almost 21 percent, as GERALD P. LAMBERTY opposed to the 19 percent we now constitute. This concern about the excess size of the senior corps has beset the Foreign Service for over fifteen years. It arises in part from inappropriate comparisons of our officer structure with those of the military and retirements encouraged, and by 1975 the seniors' the Civil Service. The Foreign Service is much more share of the Service had dropped to 18.8 percent. selective in choosing new entrants, makes them sur¬ Over the next five years, the seniors’ share fluctuat¬ vive a trial period before being fully accepted, and ed, reaching a low of 17.1 percent in 1980. It rose to then selects out substandard performers each year. 19.7 percent in 1981 as promotions were increased, The Foreign Service also differs in that it has no retirements fell off, and large numbers of Foreign need for large numbers of low-ranking officers to pro¬ Service Reserve and Reserve Unlimited officers were vide direction to an army of enlisted men or to staff incorporated into the senior ranks under the new For¬ large offices providing more or less routine services to eign Service Act. These factors increased the share to the public. The Service requires instead that a large 20.6 and 20.8 percent in 1982 and 1983 respectively, proportion of its officers possess sufficient rank, stat¬ but the impact of denying limited career extensions ure, knowledge, and ability to deal effectively with brought the figure down to 19 percent in 1984. Some the upper levels of foreign governments and U.S. observers believe that, even though the percentage agencies. Consequently, having one-fifth of the For¬ has been reduced, the number of unassigned senior eign Service composed of senior officers, as has usually officers "walking the halls” is evidence of a surplus. A been the case, does not seem excessive. comparison of senior officers and senior positions, Concern about the bulge at the top of the Service however, indicates that there is no such surplus, even has been fueled by consistent mismatching of the rank allowing for a large number of political appointees. of available officers and the classification of available That there is currently an effort underway to undercut positions. This is a relatively new concern for the this argument by further downgrading senior posi¬ Service, which for years avoided such problems by tions does nothing to reduce its present validity. maintaining a system of rank-in-officer. Under that Job classification is an arcane art, one unfamiliar to system, any officer could be assigned to any position, most FSOs, especially substantive officers. Moreover, regardless of its grade, as long as he or she was up to the principles involved in classification place more the job. Most officers didn't even know the grade level emphasis on objective criteria, such as the number of of the jobs they held. This changed, however, when people supervised and the share of the budget man¬ the Service began to place more emphasis on manage¬ aged, than on intangible factors such as the impor¬ ment in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was decid¬ tance of a function to the foreign policy objectives of ed then that if Central Personnel were to have more an embassy or departmental office. To compound the control over the process, the grade-level on the job disadvantage to substantive officers, many analytical had to match the grade-level on the officer. Unless the sections overseas were sharply reduced in size by the system required those numbers to match, Central BALPA and OPRED exercises of the '60s and '70s, Personnel would have to know the individual officer which sought to reduce the size and dollar cost of our and job as well as did the regional and functional embassies. Consequently, in many embassies the ad¬ bureaus; otherwise the bureaus would continue to ministrative counselor’s position is ranked higher control the assignments process. The attempt to wrest than those of the political and economic counselors. control over assignments away from the bureaus has In sum, there is no bulge at the top of the Service not succeeded very well, but the rank-in-officer sys¬ unless one wants to argue that the Service has been top tem was dealt a near-death blow. heavy for the past twenty years. The exaggerated con¬ Since the grade level of the officer had to correspond cern about the bulge is forcing a further "Civil Servi- to that of the job (except during stretch assignments), cization” of the Foreign Service; a transformation that any downgrading of positions could have a significant is making our personnel system much more rigid effect. During the rank-in-officer days, when it made without providing any operational advantages. Final¬ no difference how the jobs were classified, an inflation ly, concern about the bulge can only be justified if one of job classifications easily occurred, even given the accepts that the Foreign Service rank structure should 23-24 percent of the Service that seniors comprised be similar to those of domestic agencies or the mili¬ during the late 1960s and early ’70s. When jobs were tary, despite the differences in our personnel systems downgraded in the early 1970s, the number of senior and missions. CD positions was reduced to below the number of corre¬ sponding officers. Senior promotions were slowed and Gerald P. Lamberty is in the Economic bureau.

DECEMBER 1984 27 LARGER THAN LIFE

Peripatetic Ambassador-at-Large Vernon Walters

—The Country's Premier Portable Diplomat— Brings New Meaning to an Old Title

GEORGE GEDDA

A MBASSADORS-AT-LARGE have been around for logged more than 300,000 miles in the air. In one /\ some time, but Vernon Walters has added busy period, he ping-ponged from Washington to / ^ a new dimension to that title, traveling an South America to Africa to Europe to Los Angeles ■JC JL average of 10,000 miles a week as the Rea¬ back to Europe and eventually returned to Washing¬ gan administration’s chief diplomatic troubleshooter. ton, all in eight days. He spends three out of four days on the road, shut¬ He is often the bearer of bad news. “Sometimes I tling from close allies to unrelenting adversaries. His carry a message of reproof, or I carry a message of messages are often secret and his visits unannounced. request, or I carry a message of encouragement,” he Walters likes it that way. In an age when many public says. “But more often I tell them [foreign leaders] figures cannot resist the lure of the camera, Walters that they’ve lost X percent of their aid or that we don't believes his impact is directly proportional to his in¬ like what they are doing in one way or another.” On visibility. one unpleasant assignment in early 1983, a period of At a time when political ambassadors sometimes many budget cutbacks, he visited country after coun¬ bring minimal skills to their diplomatic duties, Wal¬ try with the message that they had lost a large portion ters is the model of what a non-career appointee can of their aid. “When I got through with that circuit,” be. He has extensive experience in intelligence, he recalls, “I got a call to go back to country B and tell speaks eight languages, has been in four wars, and them they had lost even more.” When the United knows personally more than a hundred heads of gov¬ States decided to support Britain in the Falklands ernment. While in the Army he rose to the rank of conflict in 1982, it was Walters who explained the three-star general. In a way, he is diplomacy’s answer reasons to the Argentine authorities. Given all the to E.F. Hutton: when he walks into the office of a territorial disputes in South America, he told the president or prime minister, people listen. Argentines, “we would have something pretty close After all, he has been associated with many of the to anarchy” if the United States were to be perceived most influential leaders of the past several genera¬ as sanctioning the use of military force to solve them. tions. DeGaulle, Eisenhower, Truman, Churchill, The Argentines were unimpressed. McArthur, Harriman, Kissinger, Nixon, Castro. He Obviously, there is not much glamour in his job. has translated for four presidents. He had a role in As Walters describes it, aside from the tedium of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, even the Greek civil being airborne much of the time and adjusting his 67- war. He played a key part in the secret diplomacy that year-old body to constantly changing time zones, ended American involvement in the Vietnam war, as many of his missions offer little hope for success. “I well as the negotiations that led to the opening to am not sent on meetings if success is likely. All the China. He was the number-two man at the CIA under local authorities take care of the easy problems. One of presidents Nixon and Ford. my chief tasks is administering extreme unction, just Walters has served administrations of both parties, before the patient dies.” That may be somewhat of an but his conservative views seem more in harmony exaggeration, but missions impossible do seem to be with Republican presidents. He sat out the Carter part of the routine. As an example, former Secretary of years at his home in Palm Beach, Florida, until he was State Alexander Haig sent him to Cuba in March recalled to duty by President Reagan early in 1981. 1982 to see if there was any hope for an accommoda¬ He has frequently been in the focus of power for four tion with Fidel Castro. There wasn’t. decades, but his current assignment seems as chal¬ Secretaries of state fly a lot too, but not nearly as lenging as any. much as Walters. And secretaries get royal treat¬ In a rare interview in his sixth-floor office in the ment—private chambers, on-board beds, meals made State Department, Walters gestured toward a thicket to order. Secretaries get to sign agreements on the offlags on display in a corner. With an all-in-a-day’s- nightly news. Walters gets to deliver “extreme unc¬ work tone, he noted that there was one flag for each tion” in private. So what reward is there in being the country he has visited since his appointment—95 in United States’, perhaps the world’s, premier portable all. During the first seven months of this year, he diplomat when hardly anybody notices? The answer is that Walters remains, as he always has been, a selfless George Gedda, a member of theJOURNAL Editorial Board, patriot for whom service to his nation is an emotional is a State Department correspondent for the Associated Press. imperative. Not for him an idle life in Palm Beach.

28 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL He may not say so today, but Walters believes that Cuban diplomat who has read Walters’s memoirs, the skills and contacts he has acquired over the years Secret Missions, two separate times, avers that Walters enable him to make the kind of contribution no one is married to his homeland. He has the attributes of else can, particularly in those countries run by mili¬ the legendary straight-arrow', a possessor of the true tary strongmen. “The hard facts are that no one can diplomatic right >tuff. talk to a soldier like another soldier,” he wrote three He does, however, have two acknowledged weak¬ years before taking on his current assignment. “We nesses: candy and milk. After landing in Miami one must recognize this fact and use it where it can be of day in 1945 following a three-year absence from the At home in the service to our nation.” United States, he immediately headed for a local ea¬ Oval Office, Vernon tery and guzzled down two quarts of milk. The most Walters confers memorable aspect of that day for Walters was not his with President Rea¬ NE OF WALTERS'S ADMIRERS in the Africa bout with the milk bottle, however. It was the emo¬ gan and Secretary O Shultz before one of ^ bureau puts it another way. “He is stun- tions that were generated by his return to American ' ning for establishing a chemistry for re¬ soil. It was a day he would long remember and, just to his visits to more lating to another person, another leader, be sure, he took notes while still airborne. than 95 countries people as varied as the very sophisticated leadership of "In a short while, we will be in Miami and in the since 1981. Senegal, on the one hand, or the armed thugs who run United States I can hardly believe that I am going a place like Ethiopia. It he didn’t exist, you’d have to home Now, suddenly, the Florida coast lies ahead invent him. He has an aura of presence. When people like a dark shadow in the water. I can feel my heart talk to him, they know they are dealing with a major beat faster as I see it. The sight of Miami moves me as figure.” His ability to relate to people, rather than his I have not been moved in a long time. It is the dear military past, is his most valuable asset, says this land that for so long seemed so far Now the wheels admirer. “That’s what diplomacy is all about.” have touched.. .the door opens and the warm smell of For all his travels and his languages, Walters has the American summer fills the plane Oh, how remained an uncomplicated man. Other Americans good it feels. I lie back in the seat and breath it in.” who have traveled widely eventually lose some of their Recalling those pithy sentiments three decades lat¬ attachment to their homeland. But for Walters, who er, Walters wrote, “They are the thoughts of my has spent most of his life abroad, including his school youth.” There were other Americans, of course, who years, the experience seems to have reinforced his shared the same reverential feelings as Walters during belief in the goodness of America and its people and those days. But his exuberance seemed to have gone its system. He has little patience for those who deni¬ beyond the norm, perhaps reflecting just how well he grate the country. His America offers a welcome and himself had fared during those traumatic years. Not striking contrast to the two-thirds of the world where only had the country won the war against brutal ag¬ despotism and wrenching poverty are the rule. He has gressors, Walters himself had proved his worth. He seen how bad things can get for humankind. was, after all, a high school dropout who joined the Walters’s view of the world has also been shaped to Army in 1941 as a private and spent Christmas day an extraordinary degree by the key roles he has played that year scrubbing pots and pans. Within a year, he in the United States’ struggle to contain the Soviets, was a second lieutenant, within three, a major. By age in and in hot. To many Americans, commu¬ 33, less than a decade later, he was a lieutenant colo¬ nism is an abstraction, but not to him. He has seen nel. the bloodier aspects of the struggle during his service His service during World War II, although filled in wartime Korea and Vietnam and the more subtle with deprivation and hardship, was a satisfying expe¬ manifestations of it in his assignments as deputy CIA rience, a nourishment for his ego. His only regret was director and as military attache in France and Brazil. that he was not there from the beginning. As he was From these adventures has been distilled a mentality about to disembark in French West Africa, then un¬ that is transparent and unambiguous on the question der the control of Vichy France, in October 1942 after of which side wears the white hat. In Walters’s pan¬ a clandestine troop ship crossing of the Atlantic, Wal¬ theon of villains, none is more contemptible than the ters wrote: “Now I know that I am glad to go despite “pious dupes of the left” who slander America. bombs, torpedoes, or anything else. I have felt “These are manna from heaven,” he has written, “for ashamed not to have gone before The only way 1 those who wish to replace our way of life with a harsh can account for my lack of fear is that my year and a tyranny masquerading as a progressive ideal. There is half in the Army has made me a soldier. God, I am no corresponding denigration of the values of Marx¬ proud of it.” Walters was to remain in the Army for ism within the communist world. Only one side suf¬ 34 years. The most painful period clearly was the late fers: ours.” 1960s to mid- 1970s, the era of war protestors and flag For Walters, the seductive appeal of public service burners. Some Americans even seemed to welcome a had its origins during World War II. Ever after, it has U.S. defeat in Vietnam. Particularly upsetting were been a perfect match. He seems to need national the investigations into CIA activities by the Senate service for fulfillment and, fortuitously, the nation and House intelligence committees. As CIA deputy has needed him. His devotion to duty has been undi¬ director at the time, Walters was distressed at the luted by the usual distractions. He has never married, “circus-like atmosphere” of the investigations and by for instance. He does not smoke and almost never the way “certain politicians” sought to use them to drinks. He is a devout Catholic (one of his few public¬ advance their “political ambitions.” The chairmen of ly announced foreign visits was a meeting several the committees, Senator Frank Church and Represen¬ months ago with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican). A tative Otis Pike, were in Walters’s view left-wing

DECEMBER 1984 29 counterparts to Senator Joseph McCarthy. With the tic if Walters had instead tried to determine whether domestic left in retreat and disarray and a leader there was a basis for future discussions. Smith thinks whom he admires as president, Walters feels better the administration’s purpose was not to open a dia¬ about his country these days. It is no accident that one logue but to placate critics in Mexico and Western of Reagan's earliest acts was to call him out of retire¬ Europe who claimed that the United States was re¬ ment. sponsible for tensions in the Caribbean by refusing to talk with the Havana regime. Though he has no quar¬ rel with the concept of using special envoys on sensi¬ WALTERS'S REPUTATION as a hardliner tive missions, says Smith, it would have been more is both an asset and a liability. It appropriate to have chosen someone without CIA enhances his credibility with rightist links and with more understated anti-communist dictators, but some critics wonder views. whether his anti-communism obscures his ability to Most foreign leaders do seem, to take to Walters, see their shortcomings in other areas, particularly hu¬ and for a variety of reasons. Unlike some diplomats, man rights. For his part, Walters says he has “twisted he has a reputation for straight talk and not engaging more arms on the right than on the left” concerning in intellectual gamesmanship. He has a smiling coun¬ rights questions. During his first year as ambassador- tenance that rises benignly above his jutted jaw, a at-large, for instance, Walters made three trips to tell-it-like-it-is face. The following adjectives have Guatemala and complained to then President Romeo been used to describe Walters: infallible, precise, Lucas Garcia, a stalwart rightist, about rampant po¬ imaginative, discreet, indefatigable, masterful, and litical repression. “I would say I was not very effec¬ flamboyant. The giver of such high praise? None tive,” he admits, but he adds that one reason may other than Henry Kissinger, one of the most demand¬ have been that the United States had not had a mili¬ ing taskmasters ever to hold high office. tary-aid relationship with Guatemala since 1977 and Like Kissinger, Nixon was an ardent admirer of therefore had no leverage. Walters and tried to make use of his ability to keep His 1982 mission to Cuba also produced skimpy secrets and to reconstruct lengthy conversations from results. The visit was part of an attempt by Haig to memory. In 1970, for instance, he invited Walters to mollify Mexico, which, over the preceding month, attend all of the president’s meetings and become, in a had been pushing the administration to ease tensions sense, the historian of the administration. Walters with the Havana regime. In a show of American will¬ rejected the offer. Today, he believes that it was not ingness to open a dialogue, Haig secretly dispatched long afterward that the president installed a tape re¬ Walters. It was a period when the strains between corder in the Oval Office to ensure a historical record. Washington and Havana were unusually severe. The Though credited with an exceptional memory, Wal¬ United States had been accusing Cuba of fomenting ters does have some trouble with dates. During the revolution in Central America, and Cuba was worried interview he referred to the "four-year” presidency of about the possibility of U.S. military action against Gerald Ford and a 1961 visit to the United States by the island. Some thought Walters was a curious Castro that never happened. In his memoirs, he erro¬ choice for such a mission: he had spent four years at neously refers to a foreign trip by President Kennedy the CIA, the same agency Castro had said was respon¬ in I960, before he was elected, and calls Nixon's sible for 25 assassination attempts on his life, albeit 1974 trip to Paris the last of his presidency, though before Walters joined it. As it turned out, there was Nixon visited the Mideast two months later. Perhaps surprisingly little acrimony during the meeting. “It among the welter of events over four decades, such was very cordial. There was no sense of hostility,” lapses can be forgiven. Walters says. There were even some light moments. Another of Walters’s assets is his skill at languages, He quotes Castro as saying, “We have one thing in developed during his schooling in Europe, mostly in common. We are both students ofjesuits,” Walters, France. In addition to Spanish and of course English, among whose eight languages is Spanish, was quick he speaks French, Portuguese, German, Italian, to reply. “Si. pero yo me quede fidel,’’ Yes, but I re¬ Dutch, and Russian. Once, when Nixon delivered a mained faithful. Walters recalls that Castro smiled at 10-minute toast to the West German chancellor and the unstated observation that Walters was more fidel the interpreter became incapacitated, Walters came than Fidel himself. to the rescue with an impromptu translation that the When the six-hour conversation turned to the busi¬ Germans said was flawless. “I’ve had several unfair ness at hand, Walters says, Castro held firm to his advantages,” Walters says. “I was an interpreter for convictions. “He made it plain that he was an intel¬ very senior people, the greats of the world: DeGaulie, lectually convinced communist, that he had been one Eisenhower, de Gaspari, Churchill, and people like since he was 17 years of age.” Did the meeting pro¬ that. So, very young, I got a chance to see how they duce any progress in relations? Says Walters: “Not at dealt with one another, how they handled crises, how all.” they handled confrontations, and sometimes how they Wayne Smith, who headed the American diplo¬ made mistakes, which were a lesson to me. As you matic mission in Havana at the time and has since grow older, you know so many people from previous become a critic of U.S. policy to Cuba, calls the incarnations. Sometimes in dealing with those people Walters mission a “cynical ploy” by the administra¬ I wouldn’t be in on the ultimate lunch, I’d be in with tion. Walters’s instructions called for him to demand the aides. But today those aides are running their concessions that the administration knew would be countries. And I have personal access to them.” rejected, Smith says. It would have been more realis¬ Walters knew that when Reagan asked him to be-

30 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL come his ambassador-at-large some at State might Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Tanzania, Angola, view him as an empire builder, intent on encroaching Nigeria, Zaire, and Senegal. Eyebrows would be on others’ territory. He has dealt with that problem raised if some of his other destinations were disclosed, by keeping a staff too small to permit him to have an he says. According to one estimate, only one trip in independent policymaking role. He is at pains not to four is known outside the department. Keeping a low upstage the local ambassador during his travels. He profile is not new to him. Some of his most sensitive makes it clear that he is a mere “bird of passage” who assignments occurred during his service as defense is there simply to underscore the message that the attache in Paris in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At home on the ambassador himself has been delivering to the host Among other duties, he arranged secret negotiating road, Walters meets government. His strategy seems to have worked. He sessions there between Kissinger and North Vietnam¬ with Algerian Presi¬ has won over the department’s bureaucracy. Though ese diplomats. As Kissinger recalls in his memoirs, dent Bendjedid in suggestions for foreign travel at first came only from “If there was anything he [Walters] enjoyed more Algiers shortly after Haig’s office, today they are sometimes initiated by than imitating the men for whom he was interpret¬ the Reagan adminis¬ the regional bureaus. So accepted is he that the transi¬ ing, it was arranging clandestine meetings.” tration took office. tion to Secretary Shultz had no appreciable impact on One of Walters’s main duties was to smuggle the his role. secretary in and out of France. Once, when Kis¬ singer's plane was unable to land in France and was forced to fly on to a West German airport, Walters ONE ISSUE HE AVOIDS is the Mideast. “1 don’t was asked to devise a way to ensure that Kissinger left k see any solution to the Mideast and I the airport undetected. Walters showed both clout " don’t like frustration,” he says. “We’ve and resourcefulness by persuading French President got some very capable people handling” Georges Pompidou to lend him his presidential that region. Not that the department hasn’t tried to plane, along with the entire crew. Once safely—and get him involved. In response to one of several efforts anonymously—on the ground in Paris, a grateful sec¬ to bring his energies to bear on that trouble spot, he retary told the attache, “Nobody does for me the says, he cabled Washington: "Do you really think all things that you do.” the resources of the department should be applied to Walters also was the principal liaison at the U.S. the same area at the same time?” Today he says with embassy for contacts with Chinese diplomats in Paris triumph: “That got me out.” in the early 1970s. Over a two-year period in which Elsewhere, Walters sometimes plays the fireman. Washington and Peking pursued the possibility of a Last spring, for instance, the U.S. embassy in El diplomatic opening after two decades of hostility, Salvador received word of a rightist plot on the life of Walters met secretly with Chinese envoys on 46 occa¬ Ambassador Thomas Pickering. State believed that sions. Although the glare of publicity is uncharacter¬ rightist leader Roberto d’Aubuisson was in a position istic to him, he manages to be praised even in the to call off the purported plot, and it quickly dis¬ harsh light of critical review. The one time he was in patched Walters to San Salvador. It is not clear the public eye occurred during the Senate Watergate whether his intercession proved decisive, but there hearings when he was questioned about the alleged has been no known attempt on the ambassador’s life. CIA role in that episode. As he describes it, he resist¬ Interestingly, Walters now avoids Central America as ed appeals from White House Counsel John Dean to well—though he was a frequent visitor in the early involve the agency in the coverup and to use CIA days of the administration—because a special regional funds to bail out the burglars. He later received the has been assigned there. Distinguished Intelligence Medal for not succumbing One area where he is still quite active is northern to Oval Office pressures. He has been awarded that Africa. He has made frequent visits to the Sudan, a medal three times since. key ally plagued by factional strife and by threats from There have been many turning points in Walters's Libya. Another common stop is Morocco, which the life. He was exposed to the potential impotence of the United States for years has held up as a model of Arab world’s greatest power when he visited Venezuela moderation. When Rabat announced a treaty feder¬ with Nixon in May 1958. It was he who sat with the ation with Libya, Walters flew in to ask King Hassan vice president in the back seat during that confronta¬ II what was going on. He was in a good position to tion with the hostile, stone-throwing mob. “There find out: he has known the monarch since he was a 13- was a feeling of extraordinary helplessness,” he re¬ year-old crown prince. Walters’s ties with Morocco calls. “At least during the war, I was armed and could began when he landed there as a young soldier in do something. To just sit unarmed in his [Nixon’s] 1942 and have continued almost without interruption car and have people smashing all the windows to get ever since. After his CIA service, he became a ¬ at you was very disagreeable.” An even more impor¬ tant for a company interested in selling arms to Mo¬ tant turning point occurred earlier, when he joined rocco, Environmental Energy Systems, which has also the Army. As he was about to set out for the battle relied on his contacts for sales proposals to Spain, front in 1942, he felt “a sort of quiet comprehension South Korea, and Brazil. He gave up this highly that I had found the path I was seeking. I knew now lucrative work when he accepted Reagan’s call to ser¬ what I wanted to do with my life. Why and how I vice in 1981, pulling in $300,000 in termination fees came to this realization under these difficult circum¬ alone. stances I cannot explain. I only know that on the eve Most of Walters’s trips are unannounced. He is, of setting forth on a dangerous and long journey to an however, known to have visited a number of sub- uncertain fate at an unknown place, I realized I had Saharan countries besides Sudan, such as Ethiopia, found my place in life.”

DECEMBER 1984 31 A Christmas

Like Another Family days—maybe hours—and they’ll come to time, but one dares not venture there their senses.” Glancing at the clock, I after dark. Long Ago, We Were slipped on my robe and hurried to Even if you had never read Rudyard Cindy’s room to wake her for school, but Kipling’s or John Masters’s stories of the Looking for Refuge her rumpled bed was empty. I went Khyber Pass, you would still approach downstairs expecting to see her at break¬ this region with both respect and trepi¬ fast. But there was no Cindy, no sign of dation. When a village boy is old breakfast, and no Khalil, who was always enough to walk he is also old enough to BETTE J. CRUIT on duty in the kitchen long before that carry a rifle. The inhabitants’ remem¬ hour. I hurried out to the garden and be¬ brances of the British Raj guarantee that, gan to call their names—louder and although foreigners may travel through, CHRISTMASES ACCUMULATE in louder—hearing the fear in my voice, yet they dare not leave the road. “This land our memories like golden not at all sure why it was there. Mike is ours!” the people seem to say with charms on a bracelet. Some, had gone to his office early and I consid¬ watchful eyes and sweeping gestures. however, stand out more vivid¬ ered calling him—perhaps Cindy had “Take heed, infidels.” ly, their recollection cherished, because gone with him for some reason. But then of something special. Such was one I heard simultaneously an awesome roar Christmas, when I was living with my and my daughter’s voice calling, IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN an interesting husband, Mike, a Foreign Service officer, “Mom—Mom—we’re up on the roof. drive, and we tried to treat this trip and our daughter Cindy in Islamabad, They’re dropping bombs on Rawalpindi. as we had those in the past, when Pakistan. What a show!” It was indeed a show, Cindy and her older sister, now in In 1971, differences between that and since Rawalpindi was a mere 12 college, competed to be first to spot the country and its imposing neighbor, In¬ miles away, we were not surprised when cliffside plaques honoring the fallen Brit¬ dia, erupted into the second Indo-Paki- that afternoon we got the order to evacu¬ ish soldiers and their regiments; the hill¬ stani war within eight years. The battles ate immediately. side fort still bearing the proud name in began far to the south and for a while we It was bad enough to be uprooted—to large white letters, KHYBER RIFLES; and felt no danger. It was not easy to take leave home, school, jobs, friends, and the tiny train off in the distance seeming such a war seriously. Each side pro¬ Khalil, still very young and naive and in to straddle precariously the jagged cliffs claimed victory after every battle. Each many ways more a family member than a and deep ravines while puffing clouds of shot down more enemy planes than could servant—but to have to leave so close to smoke. “The Brookes had a hairy ride be counted in their combined air forces. Christmas was still worse. Mike would last time they drove through here,” Cin¬ The exaggerations of both created a kind not venture even a good guess as to when dy said. “When Megan’s father got out of war-games atmosphere among the for¬ or if we would return, and if there would of the car to take a picture of the train eign community in Islamabad. If neither be anything to return to. “If they have trestle, people came out of the hills and side could manage to admit the loss of a to have a war, couldn’t they have waited threw stones. Some even pointed rifles at single soldier or aircraft, well, why inter¬ until after Christmas? It’s only three days him. ” rupt the Christmas cocktail circuit and away,” moaned Cindy, who had a very “In fairness,” Mike said, “there’s a festive diplomatic dinners? Any family special date for the junior high holiday sign prohibiting picture taking at the that felt uncomfortable was permitted to dance. “After all, we are guests in their entrance to the pass. He took his chances leave for a safe haven and some did go, country.” But the war didn't wait for all right." but the rest of us considered them oppor¬ Christmas and neither did we. Despite the obvious hostility in the re¬ tunists and felt brave and condescending¬ Teheran was a popular safe haven at gion, Cindy seemed relaxed, remember¬ ly courageous as we waved farewell. the time, but Mike chose to drive over¬ ing many pleasant journeys of the past, One morning, a week before Christ¬ land to Afghanistan, which had been our as we crept slowly upward through the mas, I awoke with the words of our din¬ previous post. Early the next morning, mountains. Often we had to move dan¬ ner companion of the night before still we packed our Volkswagen with warm gerously close to the edge of the cliffs ringing in my ears: “The war can't con¬ clothing and blankets, snacks, Cindy’s when a large truck bulging with animals tinue much longer. It’s a matter of Carol King albums, and our two Siamese and humans—inside, topside, and out¬ cats. Khalil stubbornly insisted on re¬ side—would come barreling toward us at Bette J. Cruit is the author of a history and maining in the house to guard our pos¬ a reckless, brakeless, speed. “Allah takes geography of Afghanistan that was published sessions—with his life. We said goodbye care of the faithful,” Mike would say, by the Education Press, Kabul, in 1968. All with tears rolling down our faces and laughing. “At least, most of the time.” readers may submit articles on diplomatic his¬ headed for the Khyber Pass and the bor¬ When we reached more level ground tory or first-person stories relating to Foreign der. There was no time to lose, for the we were able to pass the thermos and the Service experiences to THE JOURNAL section. area is treacherous enough in the day¬ cheese and crackers.

32 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL sundown, 1wondered, feelingtheten- only oneprayeratthemoment:toget Christmas seasonforallofus.” That makesthisamoremeaningful happen ifwewerestill inthepassafter that lightwouldwin out.Whatwould long goldenraysout, givingushope disappeared behindcliffsandthensent gions—Jews, Hindus,Moslems,Chris¬ DECEMBER 1984 light savingstime,Ithought,asthesun border beforedark.Ifonlyitwereday¬ through theKhyberPassandacross tians—are prayingforpeacerightnow. said, “butthespiritofChristmasis It won'tbethesamethisyearatall.” and probablydon’tcelebrateChristmas. the seams.” there. Thehotelsarealreadybulgingat swered. “Iftheyhaveroomwe’llstay peace, remember,andpeopleofallreli¬ way,” Cindysaid."Noroomforusat the inns.But,gee,BrantsareJewish Brants, thatwewerecoming,”Mikean¬

Kabul?” askedCindy. Magda Journey Mike wassilentlydriving.Hehad “Where willwegowhengetto “No, itwon’tbethesame,Cindy,”I “We're liketheHolyFamilyina “The embassywiredourfriends,the ment. dry catfood,theirdishes,litterpan,and friends withours,”Cindy said.“Hope helped usputourfears asideforthemo¬ would bebusy,searchingfortheboxof most forgottheywerewithus.Nowwe tranquilized forthejourney—thatweal¬ Safi, hadbeensleepingsosoundly— vultures. stained limbsandthenleftthemtothe the waterjug.Tendingtotheirneeds me backtoreality.Ourcats,Tikkaand tinct meowsbrokethesilenceandjolted them ofallthatcoveredtheirblood¬ the tribalwomencameandstripped their scatteredbodiesnotyetcold,when poem aboutthedeadBritishsoldiers, I rememberedthewordsofaKipi pen. Theywerepeople,notanimals. lieve thatsuchthingswouldreallyhap¬ rape, ormaybemurder?Icouldnotbe¬ border intime,wouldthesepeoplere¬ prehensions silent.Ifwedidn’treachthe closed tightly—perhapstokeephisap¬ sion buildinginMike,whowasleaning forward, hiseyesontheroad,mouth joice andconsiderusripeforrobbery,or The soundsoftwodifferentanddis¬ “I wonderiftheBrant’s catswillmake out again,thesmell of theleakinggaso¬ we betterfillitupwithoursparecan place tostop.Mikegotoutandlooked more thanamilebeforefindingsafe over andcheckitassoonwe’reon since thegaugeshowswe’reonreserve, a leakinthetank,perhapsslowone, fading daylight.Since wehadnomap, line makinguseven more awareofthe leak staysslow,”he added. Westarted now, whileit’sstilllight,andhopethe right. We’llgetitpatchedinKabul,but underneath thecar.“Yeah,it’saleakal¬ firmer ground.”Wecontinuedonfor but notempty,"Mikesaid.“I’llpull in back.Checkitplease,Cindy.” or manningthesteeringwheel,asthey had attemptedonotheroutings. them fromjumpingonMike’sshoulder fixed—poor things.”Cindyattached they won’tbedisappointedthatoursare leads totheirharnessessoshecouldkeep The canwasnotleaking.“Itmustbe to besure.“Maybetheextracanwe lowing severalminutestopassjust SMELL GASOLINE,”Isaid,afteral¬ brought isleaking.It’sonthefloor we could only guess how far it was to the promptly, offering us numerous cups of again in a deep, tranquil sleep. It was border. tea as we waited, which we eagerly ac¬ our day, and we felt it and made good "We’re getting close," Cindy said. "I cepted. U.S. Marines were on hand, sent time. Just six hours later, we reported to remember that spot over there. On our down from the embassy in Kabul, to es¬ the U.S. embassy in Kabul. Finding our last trip, there was a whole bunch of cort us to a special refugee tent equipped names on the list of evacuees, they con¬ goats standing on their hind legs and with cots and blankets, hot coffee, soup firmed our request for accommodations. munching leaves at the top of those and sandwiches, and best of all, news— We were to go immediately to the home trees. They looked like bearded old men news of the war and its progress and of of the Brant family. And there was a with no teeth, remember?” friends and colleagues who had preceded message from the Brants: “Be sure and “Oh yes,” I said, not at all sure that I us through the pass. bring your cats, we’ve had ours fixed.” did, but hoping she was right about be¬ The next day’s drive was no less dan¬ We burst out laughing. What good ing close to the border. My God, it’s gerous—with even more hairpin turns friends they were! dusk, I thought. We’ll never make it. and narrow passages through a gorge We were greeted by all five Brants Did we remember the big flashlight? that would cause even a seasoned moun¬ and their felines. Upon entering their We’ve finished the snacks, what will we tain climber to draw in his breath and home, we found, standing in a corner of do for food? At least the cats are fed— weigh his or her motivations. But, un¬ the living room, decked out in bright wonder what their food tastes like? How like the Khyber Pass, it was friendly— red holly berries and tiny golden lights, would we protect ourselves if we had to? too much so. We found that if we a magnificent 10-foot-high Christmas We don’t have a gun or any sort of stopped to picnic, or even to make a tree. A creche was arranged at its base, weapon. And Cindy, so young and pret¬ brief pit stop, our car would be sur¬ and Christmas music filled the room. ty. Dear God, dear God, I prayed, my rounded by faces—children’s mainly— Close by, on a windowsill, stood a heart beating faster. smiling and chattering, wanting to menorah, symbol of the Jewish festival of “There it is!” Mike said. “It's got to touch us, to taste our food, to have us Hanukkah. It seemed to reach out and be the border, see the lights ahead? See fill their little hands with baksheesh, their join the spirit of Christmas, and the them?” He smiled for the first time in word for money and small gifts. We prayers of Hindus and Moslems too, call¬ several hours. would oblige and often took their pic¬ ing for love, peace, and an end to war in “Hurray!” yelled Cindy. “You made tures with our Polaroid. every part of the world. We looked at it, Dad, you made it.” Mike had gotten the car’s gas line re¬ our friends, and at one another, through We were treated like soldiers return¬ paired early that morning before we left tears of joy and gratitude. “Imagine,” ing victoriously from the front. The Af¬ the frontier. The weather was crisp and said Cindy, “thinking we could possibly ghan officials processed our passports cold with a clear blue sky. The cats were be cheated out of Christmas.”

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Having rea, England, Iran, Ireland, and Spain, as first probably been an architectural inven¬ well as Italy. This cosmopolitan group (I tion, piazzas are really the focal point of didn’t realize it at age eight!) certainly the life of an Italian village, town, or even made an indelible imprint on my life. I quarter. As a result of the tremendous 1984 Merit Award think that being exposed to so many differ¬ amount of traveling my family did while Prize Essay ent people and their cultures while at living in Italy, I was exposed to a milieu of school and at home taught me a tolerance architectural forms from many historical As one of the many requirements in the and open-mindedness that has broadened periods. This has given me a unique appre¬ competition to receive AFSA/AAFSW my outlook on life. At home my father’s ciation of architecture and how ir reflects Merit Award Scholarships—the 1984 win¬ diplomatic colleagues and their children the thoughts and ideas of its respective ners of which were announced in the Sep¬ introduced me to their countries and cus¬ times. I have been able to carry this knowl¬ tember JOURNAL—candidates are required toms. But engulfing all of us was this edge with me wherever I go. to write a personal essay. Along with the country, this Italy, that eventually won There was Piazza San Pietro, where I can rest of their applications, the essays are half my heart. remember attending many papal ceremo¬ reviewed by volunteer panels composed of nies, since I accompanied my father, who representatives of all the foreign affairs was the American charge to the Vatican. agencies. In a process patterned on the For¬ Because of my father’s job, and again, our eign Service selection boards’, Merit various travels, I gained knowledge of the Award winners are chosen and the panel history of Christianity—the historic Great chairmen recommend a group of essays for Schism of Avignon, Martin Luther’s 95 dissemination. We take pride in present¬ theses, and much about the Catholic ing one of the best below. Church, even though I am not a Catholic. When 1 came back to the United States, I QUESTIONS: Reykjavik? What’s that? Are realized how much more opportunity of you an Eskimo? learning and of exposure at an early age I ANSWERS: Iceland’s capital. Where I was had had than many of my peers. born. No, Iceland has no Eskimos. From the piazza in front of our building What questions a Foreign Service child the fragrance of freshly baked bread rose to has to answer! But then, there are so many our apartment to Piazza Navona, where I others, perhaps just as sensitive, that the went every Christmas to see the festive same child has to ask when going abroad: stalls built around the famous Bernini Why must I leave home? How will I make MARY A. "ALEXIS” SARROS, author of fountain; sights and smells abounded. Sat¬ friends? How will I talk to anyone? the 1984 Merit Award Prize essay pre¬ urday mornings brought the open air mar¬ These questions probably ran through sented on this page, is the daughter of P. kets, such as the one in Piazza dei Fiori, my mind at age eight when we left the Peter and Mary P. Sarros, State. Alexis where fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as United States for a five-year stay in Italy, has lived in Italy and Iceland. She is the flowers, could be bought and sold. The but I just can’t remember. The questions winner of a National Merit Scholarship glamorous Via Veneto, feeding into Piazza no longer exist. The answers are gloriously and entered Princeton University this Barberini, was the center of Rome’s night¬ incorporated in my being. Living in Rome fall. life with its sights and throngs of people. ceased to be just an experience, for it is Piazza del Popolo was just that, the termi¬ now part of me. Italy is rather like a second nal for many bus lines, with people scatter¬ home, for I grew physically, matured emo¬ One of the advantages of being a For¬ ing everywhere. Often on the bus I passed tionally, and was nourished mentally from eign Service child is having the opportuni¬ Piazza Venezia, where Palazzo Venezia age 8—13, a very formative and impres¬ ty to live abroad. Yet, within this all- (the Venetian Palace, formerly the Embas¬ sionable period. encompassing experience are many smaller sy of Venice to the Papal States) is located, June 1975. My TWA flight touched events that are integral parts of the whole. with its famous balcony used by Mussolini down at Leonardo Da Vinci International The impact of each of these is great, for in to preach Fascism to the Italians. Airport, Rome. With no language train¬ the end, they determine the significance of In addition to gaining familiarity with ing, no American friends to play with, no the entire experience. As in a puzzle, if a the historic areas within Rome, my family siblings to fight with or be entertained by, piece is missing, the picture is not com¬ traveled extensively throughout Italy and I was almost totally and immediately im¬ plete. So it was with my days in Italy. Western Europe. While traveling, I mersed in the Italian culture. With great Even if one of these small events had not learned an extraordinary amount of the alacrity, I learned the language that sum¬ occurred, my sojourn would have been history of the different provinces, cities, mer. Being exposed to an entirely new cul¬ much different. Here are a few of the indi¬ and villages. I came to have an excellent ture, climate, people, language, food, and vidual experiences, which formed the larg¬ knowledge of the history of Italy and not a art all at once was challenging, exciting, er image of my entire stay in Rome: small amount of knowledge about the his¬ and a bit frightening. However, the fear The Via Appia along which one sees tory of the European countries we had vis¬ did not last long. Inhibition is not an Ital¬ remains of Roman aqueducts, inspired my ited. Historical figures both real and leg¬ ian trait, and I became Italian instantly. sixth grade science project on the art of endary were brought to life as I walked,

36 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL talked, thought, and listened where these Nevertheless, if the high school senior heavy-handed “parental guidance. ” (Adult people had lived and dreamed. History be¬ in your household has not applied for the authorship is fairly easy to identify.) Dis¬ came extremely personal and exciting to AFSA/AAFSW Merit Awards, it could be cussion with your student beforehand, me. rewarding to encourage that application. however, could be rewarding to both of As one can see, my cultural experience Briefly, the Merit Awards are $500 you in recalling shared Foreign Service ex¬ in Italy was a feast of the senses. The light, each, and about 22 are awarded annually. periences or gaining a fresh perspective of the sounds, and the colors of people and These awards are determined by a total your child’s reaction to changing school places are firmly imprinted in my mem¬ scoring of academic average, class stand¬ experiences. Urge your student to review ory. Whenever my mind conjures up im¬ ing, College Board scores, extracurricular carefully his or her submission for spelling ages of Italy, these swift but long-lasting activities, letters of recommendation, and and grammar to present its best face to a vignettes reappear and continue to shape a short essay on one of three suggested judging panel. We hope the experience my outlook. Italy, the peninsula, Italy, topics. will be as interesting for your family in its the home of the mighty, ancient Ro¬ creation as it will be for us to review. mans—Italy will never be just a country A final thought: Not everyone can be a named in the geography and history text¬ AFSA/AAFSW Scholarship winner. Your student may have the SAT books to me. Programs 1985—86 scores of a genius and the extracurricular The astounding opportunities 1 had achievements of a Michelangelo, but so do during my five years in Italy have shaped Who? For dependent students of For¬ a lot of others. If disappointment comes, it me so much and in so many diverse ways eign Service personnel who are can be a valuable experience in learning serving or have served abroad that it is difficult to fully articulate them. “good loser-ship.” for foreign affairs agencies cov¬ However, I have made an attempt to ex¬ ered by the Foreign Service Good luck to all your students. plain a little of this phenomenal influence Act. DAVID T. JONES in this essay. Foreign Service children State Member sometimes face an identity crisis. I think What? Merit Awards for graduating AFSA Committee on Education high school students in 1985 that I have probably undergone a few of only, based on academic merit. these crises—in terms of my place in the Financial Aid Grants to fulltime Appointment cosmos and how I fit in the eternal scheme undergraduate students in the of things, my relations with others, my United States, based on need. THOMAS D. BOYATT, former ambassador to role in the future world—at certain points Colombia and former president of AFSA, How? Apply immediately for applica¬ in my life and come through with a sense tions to AFSA Scholarship Pro¬ was elected in June to a four year-term as of purpose. grams, 2101 E Street NW, an alumni trustee of Princeton University. Roma aetema (eternal Rome) is also Roma Washington, DC 20037, The term commenced in October. materna (maternal Rome) for me. It nour¬ phone (202) 338-4045. Specify ished me. It encouraged my curiosity. It type of scholarship and Foreign Deaths smiled at my impatience. It dismissed my Service affiliation. grammatical errors. Even though at When? IMMEDIATELY. All applica¬ PAUL M. BERGMAN, a retired Foreign Ser¬ times—after I had mastered Italian, and tions must be completed and vice officer, died of cancer September 14 at in Pisa or Padua they would assume by my materials returned before Feb¬ his home in Washington. He was 62. accent that I was Romana—I felt Italian, I ruary 15, 1985. Mr. Bergman was graduated from the never forgot that first I was an American. Children of Foreign Service personnel in Georgetown University School of Foreign the lower grades are especially encour¬ Service. He served with Army intelligence AFSA Scholarship aged to apply. during World War II and then with occu¬ Applications Available pation forces in West Germany. After joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Complete information on the Merit The first five categories will already Bergman served as political and labor offi¬ Awards and Financial Aid Grants offered have been established at the time of appli¬ cer in Paris, Kinshasa, Addis Ababa, Vi¬ to dependent children of career Foreign cation. The final determinant—the es¬ enna, and Ottawa. He was an adviser to Service personnel (active, retired with pen¬ say—has not. A good essay is in itself a the U.S. General Assembly delegation at sion, or deceased) is now available for eligi¬ delight. The best capture and communi¬ the United Nations in the 1960s. He also ble students by writing to Dawn Cuthell, cate with special freshness an experience or studied at the National War College, AFSA Scholarship Programs, 2101 E view of life unique to the writer. It is a served as a labor adviser in the bureau of Street NW, Washington, DC 20037. crucial element in the scoring and can Near East and South Asian Affairs, and The following letter was published in make the difference between a winner and directed labor affairs in AID. He was a this section last December. Because it just another applicant. We arrange for 1981 recipient of State’s meritorious honor gives sound advice to students and parents publication of the best of these essays (per¬ award. regarding the Merit Awards, we are pub¬ haps you have already enjoyed some of the After his retirement, he acted as a con¬ lishing it again to assist applicants in selections) regardless of the final standing sultant to the Middle East Institute and 1985. of the applicants. In recent years, however, AFSA, taught German at area language we have noted a rather casual approach schools, and was an executive producer for DEAR PARENTS: taken toward the essay that frequently af¬ his wife, Arlene Stern, who is an actress. At a point where you are struggling fects final placement of candidates. Many In addition to his wife, survivors in¬ with college applications, financial aid submissions are characterized by poor clude two sons, Mark S., of New York forms, and holiday planning, it is a bit organization, elementary errors in spelling City, and Philip G., of Washington; a daunting to bring another topic before and punctuation, and hackneyed phraseo¬ daughter, Anne, of Washington; and a you. logy or comment. This is not to suggest brother, Walter, of Florida.

DECEMBER 1984 37 LEONARDJ. CROMIE, a former Foreign Ser¬ JULIAN F. HARRINGTON, a retired Foreign until 1940, when she joined the staff of The vice officer, died in May at Cuernavaca, Service officer and former AFSA executive News, the only English-language daily in Morelos, Mexico. director, died May 5. He was 83. Brazil. In 1941 she began work for the Mr. Cromie was graduated from Yale Mr. Harrington was graduated from Buenos Aires Herald. She worked from University and undertook two years of Columbia University and entered the For¬ 1943—45 for the Reuters news agency. graduate work in Paris and one year at the eign Service in 1921. He served as a con¬ Mrs. Greenup accompanied her hus¬ National War College in Washington. In sular officer in Malaga, Antwerp, Dublin, band on assignments to London, Guate¬ addition to the Foreign Service, he held Ottawa, and Mexico City. From 1940-42 mala City, and Greece. They were co-au¬ positions with the League of Nations, the he was chief of the visa division. He be¬ thors of the book, Before Breakfast: International Chamber of Commerce, and came first secretary and consular officer in Argentina 1941—1946. She was involved in in the travel industry. He lived in many Madrid and Lisbon, as well as counselor in many civic activities, including the Cap¬ areas of the world, including Europe, Can¬ Brussels. Other assignments included Ma¬ itol Hill Restoration Society. She was also ada, Africa, and the Mideast. nila as minister and Hong Kong as minis¬ a member of the Photographic Society of ter-counselor. He retired in 1961 as spe¬ America, the Artists Equity Association, RUTH R. GRABIEL, a retired Foreign Service cial assistant to the deputy under secretary and the Photographic Roundtable. officer, died June 9 at a nursing home in for administration. She is survived by her husband. San Antonio, Texas. He leaves no immediate survivors. Ms. Grabiel attended the Ohio State EDMUND JOHN DORSZ, a retired Foreign University and was graduated from the RUTH GREENUP, author, newspaper and Service officer, died June 26 at his vacation University of Arkansas. Upon graduation magazine photographer and writer, and home in Salisbury, Maryland, of a heart she worked as a grade school teacher in wife of Leonard Greenup, a USIA press ailment. He was 78. Hawaii, later joining the Foreign Service. officer, died June 9 in Capitol Hill Hospi¬ Mr. Dorsz joined the Foreign Service in She served at several posts abroad, includ¬ tal following a cardiac arrest. She was 71. 1929. He served at posts including Can¬ ing Madrid. She retired from the Service in Mrs. Greenup was graduated from the ada, Poland, Japan, Germany, Iraq, Ke¬ 1963. University of Oklahoma, where she ma¬ nya, and the Belgian Congo. After his re¬ Survivors include a niece, Mary Ellis, of jored in journalism. She worked for the tirement in 1962, Mr. Dorsz worked in San Antonio. Oklahoma News and the Ponca City News Germany as a representative for the Shera- FOREIGN INVESTMENTS PROPERTY CLAIMS GRIEVANCES

INVESTMENTS, FINANCIAL PLAN¬ MOVING LOSS & DAMAGE CLAIMS: Pro¬ GRIEVANCE COUNSELING: Retired Sen¬ NING, Long Distance Management when fessional preparation and processing of claims ior Foreign Service officer attorney who served necessary. Margaret M. Winkler, Legg Ma¬ for the recovery of money due from property on Grievance Board staff will assist grievance son Wood Walker, Inc., 1747 Pennsylvania loss and damage when moved by the U.S. presentation. Richard Greene, 161 Laurel Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006. government. NO UP-FRONT MONEY. Fee Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540. (609)921-1422. (202)452-4033. for this service is 10% of the amount recov¬ ered. We get all estimates. Write or call and ask for one of our agents. PERSONAL PROPERTY CLAIMS, INC. 2000 Virginia PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL/ESTATE PLANNING, AS¬ Ave., McLean, VA 22101. (703)241-8787. SET MANAGEMENT: E.F. HUTTON & PEAKE PROPERTIES LTD : Muriel Peake, CO., INC. G.Claude Villarreal, Account Ex¬ Broker, specializing in residential property ecutive, 1825 Eye Street NW, Suite 1000, management in McLean, Vienna, N. Arling¬ Washington, DC 20006. (202)331-2528 or APARTMENT RENTALS ton, etc. Caring, personal service. The (1-800)368-5811. Ashby, Suite 220B, 1350 Beverly Road, FARA APARTMENT RENTALS: Fully fur¬ McLean, VA 22101. (703)448-0212. nished efficiency, 1 and 2 bedroom apart¬ ments. One block from State Department. WASHINGTON MANAGEMENT SER¬ IRA PLANS, TAX-FREE INCOME, stock, Prices from $45-70 per day, plus tax. Call VICES: Use our TELEX service to inquire etc. Ruth G. Adler, Certified Financial Plan¬ (202)463-3910. Write FARA Housing, Rm. about professional services for the FS commu¬ ner, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Members 2928, Dept, of State, Washington, DC nity serving overseas. Immediate response to New York Stock Exchange. 4801 Massachu¬ 20520. your property management needs. Residen¬ setts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016. tial property management is our only busi¬ (202)364-1626. ness. Call, write, or TELEX Mary Beth Otto, Washington Mangement Services, 2015 Q BOOKS St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202)483- 3830, TELEX 350136. IF YOU ARE LOOKING for an out-of-print COLOR SLIDES book, perhaps I can find it. Dean Chamber¬ lin, FSIO-retired. Book Cellar, Freeport, ME COLOR SLIDES. Major Japanese publisher 04032. BRIDGE CLASSES seeks color slides, movies taken in Japan dur¬ ing American occupation, 1945—50, for com¬ CURRENT PAPERBACKS airmailed with¬ ALL LEVELS. Convenient locations, days and memorative publication. Contact: R.L. in 5 days at reasonable prices. Send for evenings, games too. Contact Steven Hog- Steele, 1505 44th St., NW, Washington, monthly list to Circle Enterprises, Box 105 1, lund, ABCL, 1414 17th Street, NW, Wash¬ DC 20007. Call collect (202)337-5836. Severna Park, MD 21146. ington, DC 20036. (202)387-8907.

38 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL ton Corporation, as executive secretary of in Iran, Germany, and Ghana. She was U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Man¬ the Japan-America Society, and in the bro¬ active in the Red Cross and was an accom¬ agement, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). 1A. Title of publication: Foreign Service kerage business. plished poet. Journal. IB. Publication No.: 00157279- 2. Date of Survivors include his wife, Corilla, of In addition to her husband, she is sur¬ filing: 10/1/84. 3. Frequency of issue: Monthly ex¬ Washington; two sons, Thomas Edmund, vived by two daughters, Betsey and cept August. 4. Address of publication: 2101 E St., NW, Washington, DC 20037. 5. Address of head¬ of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Air Shaula, and one grandson. quarters of general business offices of publisher: 2101 Force Captain John Edmund, of Fort E St., NW, Washington, DC 20037. 6A. Publisher: Bragg, North Carolina; a daughter, Air American Foreign Service Association, 2101 E St., Awards NW, Washington, DC 20037. 6B. Editor: Stephen Force Lieutenant Corilla Dorsz Collins, of R. Dujack, 2101 E St., NW, Washington, DC Loring Air Force Base, Maine; and four The Edward R. Murrow Award for Excel¬ 20037. 7. Owner: American Foreign Service Associ¬ grandchildren. lence in has been given ation, 2101 ESt., NW, Washington, DC 20037. 8. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security by the Fletcher School of Law and Diplo¬ holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total DOROTHY JEAN DAY, wife of retired For¬ macy at Tufts University to HANS N. amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: eign Service Officer Robert W. Day, died TUCH, a Foreign Service officer in USIA. None. 9- The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of cancer August 16 at the Tallahassee Me¬ The award was presented by Hewsom A. of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes (1) has not changed during pre¬ morial Regional Medical Center. Ryan, director of the Edward R. Murrow ceding 12 months. 10. Extent and nature of circula¬ Mrs. Day attended Hood College in Center for Public Diplomacy at the Fletch¬ tion. 10A. Total number copies: (average no. copies Fredrick, Maryland. She worked as a secre¬ er School. each issue during preceding 12 months) 9150; (actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing tary and in other administrative capacities Mr. Tuch has served as cultural attache date) 9200. 10B. Paid and/or requested circulation: for Pan American Airways, Boeing Air¬ in Moscow, counselor and charge d’affairs in I. sales through dealers, counter sales, etc.: (average) craft Company, Communications Satellite Sofia, and minister-counselor in Brasilia. 0; (actual) 0; 2. mail distribution: (average) 8118; (actual) 8170. 10C. Total paid and/or requested cir¬ He is currently minister-counselor for Corporation, and the Florida Senate. Dur¬ culation: (average) 8118; (actual) 8170. 10D. Free ing World War II, she was one of the first public affairs in Bonn. As a career USIA distribution: (average) 455; (actual) 488. 10E. Total women to fly with Boeing in the flight information officer of 35 years, he was distribution: (average) 8573; (actual) 8658. 10F. testing of their heavy aircraft. cited for exemplifying “integrity, dedica¬ Copies not distributed: 1. office use: (average) 577; (actual) 542; 2. return from news agents: (average) 0; After her marriage in 1957, Mrs. Day tion, and professionalism” in international (actual) 0. 10G. Total (average) 9150; (actual) 9200. accompanied her husband on assignments communication. II. Stephen R. Dujack, Editor. EXCHANGE REAL ESTATE VIDEO AMENDED TAX RETURNS. Amended re¬ turns for 1981-3 required to take advantage of revised IRS revenue ruling 84-86 permit¬ 26-ACRE FRUIT FARM. 70 miles north of I WILL TAPE TV programs and movies for ting those required to allot 5% of income for Washington. Spectacular view Gettysburg you. VHS only. Free information. BRIT¬ household expenses. One federal & state $75 area. 15 acres dwarf apple, peach, pear. 2 TON, 8703 S.E. Jardin, Hobe Sound, FL ea. yr. or $50 for one federal return for ea. yr. - bedroom house, barn, outbuildings. Perfect 33455. Milton E. Carb, Enrolled Agent, 833 S. for active, retired, or hobbiest. $95,000. Washington #8, Alexandria, VA 22314, (717)642-8156. TAX RETURNS (703)684-1040. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH. Thinking of a CPA TAX PREPARATION, Single source TAX COUNSELING & GUIDANCE, any vacation or retirement home, or other invest¬ problem. Never any charge to AFSA mem¬ ment in coastal South Carolina? If so, call or for all tax problems; home leave and travel deductions. J.R. Funkey, CPA, 1700 N. bers for telephone advice. R.N. “Bob” Dus- write Bill Dozier (FSO-retired), Dozier Asso¬ sell (ex-FS), enrolled to tax practice before ciates, P.O. Box 349, North Myrtle Beach, Moore, Suite 720, Arlington, VA 22209. (703)524-6004. U.S. Treasury Dept. At tax work since Febru¬ SC 29582. (803)249-4043. ary 1, 1938 and now staying at counsel main¬ TAX PROBLEMS, returns and representa¬ ly for aid to Foreign Service and their fam¬ LOWELL REAL ESTATE, Box 1101, Route ilies. Located across from Virginia Square 6A, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653. tion. T.R. McCartney (ex-FS) Enrolled Agent, and staff. Returns now completely metro, 3601 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA (617)255-0400. Land, retirement homes, 22201. (703)841-0158. summer cottages, condos, motels, invest¬ computerized. Business Data Corp., P.O. ments—we are 35 miles at sea, on Cape Cod. Box 57256, Washington, DC 20037-0256. (703)671-1040. INVESTMENT GUID¬ ANCE. CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA. The last “real” EXCHANGE RATES Florida left on the coast. Cedar Key is an island 3 miles off Florida’s West-central TAX PREPARATION AND FINANCIAL coast. Peaceful, rolling, wooded, with a small PLANNING, Single source for all your mon¬ Classified advertising in the FOREIGN EX¬ fishing and artist’s village. We offer two ey concerns. Preparation and representation CHANGE is open to any person who wishes ocean front executive retreats with protected by Enrolled Agents, fee average $ 140 in¬ to reach the professional diplomatic commu¬ moorage for your boat and just steps to hard cludes return and “TAX TRAX” unique nity. The rate is 50 cents per word per inser¬ surfaced, lighted airstrip. $189,000 and mini-financial planning review with recom¬ tion. Telephone numbers count as one word $196,000. Proctor & Associates, Cedar Key, mendations. Full planning by CFP available. and zip codes are free. To place a classified ad FL 32625. (904)543-5198. Specialized overseas service with taped com¬ or to receive our rate card for regular display munications. Complete financial network advertising, write or call the Foreign Service and personalized service. Milton E. Carb, Journal, 2101 E Street NW, Washington, ACCOMMODATIONS WANTED E.A., FINANCIAL FORECASTS, 833 S. DC 20037, (202)338-4045. Checks should Washington St. #8, Alexandria, VA 22314, accompany all classified insertion orders. The FOREIGN SERVICE SPOUSE desires to (703)684-1040. METRO LOCATION, 933 deadline for FOREIGN EXCHANGE ads is rent small place Washington area. Call 654- N. Kenmore St. #322, Arlington, VA approximately 5 weeks before the publication 7113. 22201, (703)841-1040. date.

DECEMBER 1984 39 ASSOCIATION HEWS

Annual meeting focuses on cult, primarily because of the its contacts with the media and five-agency, two-union format. on Capitol Hill. challenges facing Service AFSA is now gearing up for the In the executive director's re¬ anticipated revision of the act port, Iglitzin focused on the re¬ At the AFSA annual meeting on nities not just at the senior ranks, during the next congressional cord numbers of Association October 30, President Dennis K, but consequently at each and session. Hays pointed out that members and described sever¬ Hays called for increased sup¬ every rank. It now appears that AFSA is one of the most suc¬ al membership drives now un¬ port by the membership in meet¬ 97 FS-1 s will be forced out of the cessful federal unions in achiev¬ derway in an effort to push the ing the serious challenges fac¬ Service in 1986 because of limit¬ ing benefits and attributed this number even higher. She also ing the Foreign Service today. ed promotion opportunities, he to AFSA's ability to justify its re¬ reported on AFSA’s entrance "The mission of AFSA," he said, said. quests. This past year, Hays into the computer age, the in¬ "is to do for ourselves what oth¬ On the labor-management said, the Association has also creased number of awards giv¬ ers will not and cannot do. If we side, Hays noted that implemen¬ made a deliberate effort to cre¬ en by the AFSA/AAFSW scholar¬ forfeit our responsibilities, we tation of the 1980 Foreign Ser¬ ate more understanding of its ship fund, and efforts to improve will pay the price." The meeting, vice Act was still proving diffi- message and so has expanded communication with members held in the State Department's and with the press. East Auditorium, also featured Beers, in his report on retire¬ reports by Executive Director ment issues, cautioned that a Lynne Iglitzin on membership variety of plans were floating and other staff activities and by around the administration and in Robert Beers, congressional li¬ Congress, so it will be some time aison, on retirement issues. before the final one becomes In his talk, Hays discussed apparent. However, he predict¬ several recent events that pre¬ ed that early retirement would no sented significant challenges to longer be a realistic option and the professional integrity of the that current employees would Foreign Service. Among these be urged to join any new plan. were the endorsement of Sena¬ He also said that federal em¬ tor Jesse Helms (R.-N.C.) by 21 ployees can expect a renewed non-career ambassadors; the attack on their benefits during proposed inclusion of 1600 Sen¬ the coming congressional ses¬ ior Foreign Service and FS-1 po¬ Congressional Liaison Robert Beers speaks on retirement Issues. sion. sitions in the so-called "Plum Book” of jobs available for politi¬ cal appointments; and the re¬ AFSA’s AID Standing Committee in the retirement system; posi¬ cent announcement by the State tion classifications; orientation of Department of limited promotion reorganizes and expands International Development Insti¬ numbers. Hays claimed that an tute personnel; and household endorsement of anyone running storage and shipment allow¬ for public office weakens the po¬ Early in the fall, a group of inter¬ Bernard Salvo, and Tom Wilson. ances. sition of an ambassador. He ested AFSA members in AID The committee meets every The main item of interest said that AFSA intends to work met to re-establish the AID Thursday at noon in the AFSA which has come from manage¬ on Capitol Hill for a clarification Standing Committee after its labor-management relations of¬ ment during these sessions is of the Hatch Act so that all am¬ principal members were sud¬ fice in the State Department, that a RIF will not be necessary, bassadors and Foreign Service denly transferred to overseas Room 3644. All AFSA members since required reductions can personnel would be protected posts. Charlotte Cromer was in the agency are invited to at¬ be completed through attrition from political pressure. named committee chairperson tend these meetings and to as¬ and cutbacks in hiring. Also, the On the Plum Book, Hays not¬ and was nominated to succeed sist the committee. open-assignments system will ed that there is a five-percent Douglas Broome in that post The committee is being kept continue to be implemented, cap on the number of SFS jobs and as AFSA second vice presi¬ busy in its role as AFSA's bar¬ and assignment boards will con¬ that could be awarded to politi¬ dent. Roy Harrell was nominated gaining agent with AID man¬ vene beginning January 1985. cal appointees, but no such limit to succeed Richard Delaney as agement. Negotiating or infor¬ There will be a need for forced on FS-1 positions. Having so AID constituency representa¬ mation-sharing meetings have assignments to accommodate many positions filled with politi¬ tive. Both nominations were later been held almost weekly on both the ceiling imposed by the cal appointees would not only approved by the Governing these key issues: reduction of Office of Management and Bud¬ affect individuals, but the career Board. The other AID represen¬ the AID workforce and avoid¬ get and persons on complement Service itself and the depart¬ tative is Juanita L. Nofflet. ance of a RIF procedure; the and in “D" and "E" positions. ment's capabilities. Similarly, These three board members, open-assignments system; em¬ The committee is planning to is¬ the already high number of po¬ plus the following AFSA mem¬ ployee evaluation report formats sue a regular newsletter to pro¬ litical appointees—up to 73 from bers in AID, now constitute the and systems; changes in train¬ vide the membership more infor¬ a historic average of 41—has standing committee: Bill Acker¬ ing program and strategy; hand¬ mation on these issues and removed 32 promotion opportu¬ man, Ray Kirkland, Rufus Long, book revisions; possible changes other subjects.

40 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Letter from the President Why We Need a Dues Increase

Dennis K. Hays, AFSA President

Ballots will be mailed out to dues increase. Flowever. for the members in January requesting reasons stated below, the time approval of a new dues struc¬ to act is now, and it would be ture to replace the one that has imprudent to pass this responsi¬ been in effect since 1979 bility on to the next Governing (please see the official notice of Board. the referendum elsewhere in this As AFSA matures as a labor- section). If approved by the management organization and membership, the new dues continues to develop as a pro¬ would be moderately higher to fessional association, we have help fund the expanded ser¬ expanded the depth and vices inaugurated by AFSA over breadth of our services This the past five years and to com¬ growth has been carefully The Association's staff has been' sistant, and a lobbyist for retire¬ pensate for the cumulative ef¬ planned and budgeted for, and increased to meet these chal¬ ment concerns In the near fu¬ fects of inflation The revised it has taken place in response to lenges, for we must be active in ture. we forsee a need (or a structure would take approxi¬ increased demand for profes¬ several arenas—the agencies. second full-time attorney. mately the same percentage of sional-level services. Congress, the media —simulta¬ We have been able to post¬ members' salaries as the pre¬ The five years since the last neously pone the need for a dues in¬ vious one did at the time of its dues increase have been wit¬ Our major resource has been crease for several years through adoption This new structure, a ness to an ongoing attack on the our people, both members who a number of actions. We con¬ detailed explanation of which entire system of Foreign Service volunteer their services to the ducted an aggressive member¬ will go out with the ballots, is de¬ benefits and allowances, includ¬ many AFSA committees, and an ship campaign that has in¬ signed to be adequate into the ing retirement; increasing pres¬ expanding professional staff In creased our rolls by more than next decade sures for political appointments; the past five years, we have 30 percent since 1979. At the This request is not made light¬ and the continuing negotiation found it necessary to augment same time. Club revenues have ly. It had been my intention and of government-wide and agen¬ our staff with the addition of a more than doubled and Journal hope to complete my three cy-specific regulations. The For¬ second grievance counselor, a advertising is up by more than years as president of AFSA with¬ eign Service has been changed law clerk, a legal assistant, an 50 percent. Further, we have out asking the membership for a by these events, as has AFSA associate editor, an editorial as- worked to pare costs in all of our operations and have taken over several services in house to ef¬ fect savings. We have now Referendum and appropriate voting instruc¬ current members. A member reached the point, however, tions in late January 1985 to all may not sign more than one where these measures can no on dues persons who are AFSA mem¬ statement. The committee re¬ longer offset increased ex¬ bers as of December 31, 1984. serves the right to shorten state¬ penses. increase The committee will include with ments from the end if necessary At present, we face a renewed the voting instructions state¬ to meet space limitations. Bal¬ assault on our retirement, our In accordance with AFSA By¬ ments from proponents or oppo¬ lots must be returned to the allowances, our career pros¬ laws, the Elections Committee nents of the resolution that are Elections Committee by March pects. and even our personal wishes to give notice that it has submitted in accordance with 15, 1985, and ballots will be safety. A cost-conscious Con¬ received from the AFSA Govern¬ the instructions below and are counted on March 18. Upon ap¬ gress will be convening in Janu¬ ing Board a resolution propos¬ received by January 15. Such proval by a majority of the mem¬ ary, and every report has it that ing a dues increase. As pro¬ statements can be submitted by bers voting, the new dues close scrutiny will be paid to the vided for in Articles II.5. V and mail addressed to the commit¬ schedule will go into effect at the entire system of Foreign Service VII, the committee will submit tee at 2101 E Street NW, Wash¬ beginning of the first pay period benefits and allowances. We at this resolution, accompanied by ington, DC 20037, or by AFSA after April 1, 1985. AFSA are firmly convinced that statements, if any, from the pro¬ Channel cable. All statements Resolved: That the Governing the need remains for us to be ponents and opponents of the must be shorter than 500 words Board is authorized to change vital and vigorous. As the chart proposal, to the AFSA member¬ and be signed by at least five the dues schedule as follows: above shows, even with the pro¬ ship in a secret ballot referen¬ posed increase, we will still be dum A majority of valid votes re¬ the least expensive of all com¬ Active Duty: per year per pay period ceived will determine the parable federal-employee orga¬ Association's policy on this reso¬ FE-CA/CM/MC/OC $143 $5 50 nizations. Membership dues lution. FS-1/2/3 117 4.50 constitute over two-thirds of our The text of the resolution FS-4/5/6 91 3.50 revenues and are thus crucial to approved by the board on FS-7/8/9 65 2.50 our ability to continue to grow November 13, together with and expand our services on be¬ Retired: $30 for Foreign Service annuities under $20,000. $45 for Foreign half of the Foreign Service. a statement of explanation, Service annuities oyer $20,000. is given below The committee Life members: $1500 We ask for your favorable vote will circulate the resolution on the referendum.

DECEMBER 1984 41 Last call len." The prize is $2500. Marvin Kalb speaks on Soviets The Matilda Sinclaire Lan¬ for AFSA award guage Awards, given for excel¬ lence in the study of hard lan¬ nominations guages and associated cultures, will be presented for This is the final call for nomina¬ the first time this spring. These tions for the AFSA awards hon¬ awards will recognize Foreign oring Foreign Service employ¬ Service officers who have shown ees and family members. These evidence of outstanding suc¬ awards, among the most presti¬ cess in the study of a hard lan¬ gious in the Service, will be pre¬ guage (one normally requiring sented at a special ceremony in eight months or more of inten¬ May. The deadline for receipt of sive study), such work to have nominations is January 15. been completed by August 1, NBC chief diplomatic correspondent Marvin Kalb addresses USIA The Herter, Rivkin, and Harri- 1984. The stipends for the Sin¬ employees on his perspective of the last 30 years of U.S.-Soviet man Awards are presented to claire Awards have been set at relations In the second lecture In the series “Dialogs on Public Diplo¬ Foreign Service employees $1000 each, with an expected macy,” sponsored by AFSA’s USIA Standing Committee. A report on nominated by their colleagues four to five awards in 1985. Crite¬ the lecture, held November 5, will appear In a forthcoming issue. for outstanding intellectual origi¬ ria and nomination forms are nality, courage, forthrightness, available from the AFSA office or and creative dissent. The Herter the School of Language Study at Award is for senior officers; the the Foreign Service Institute. Rivkin Award is for officers in Nominations for any of the Board confirms Insurance Board of Trustees. grades FS 1 -2; and the Harriman above awards may be submit¬ Other actions taken by the Award is for officers in Grades 3- ted by anyone familiar with the committee board during the month includ¬ 6. The stipends for the awards individual's accomplishments ed approval of a raise in associ¬ range from $1000 to $2500 and should be postmarked by heads ate member dues from $25 to each. January 15. Address nomina¬ Heads of several AFSA commit¬ $35 annually and an increase in The Bohlen Award goes to a tions to: tees were confirmed by the Gov¬ the annual subscription rates for Foreign Service family member erning Board in October. The the JOURNAL to $15 for domestic "whose relations with the Ameri¬ AFSA Awards Committee board approved the appoint¬ subscribers and $18 for foreign can and foreign communities at 2101 E Street NW ment of David Simcox as chair¬ subscribers. (This action does Washington, D.C. 20037 a Foreign Service post have man of the Awards Committee, not affect members, who will

done the most to advance the Morris Weisz as chairman of the continue to receive the JOURNAL Please indicate clearly for interests of the United States in which award the nomination is AFSA Elections Committee, and automatically through their the tradition of the late Avis Boh¬ being submitted. Hugh Wolff as chairman of the dues.)

AFSA position on endorsements abroad." The statement was re¬ tion abroad." leased on the day press ac¬ The Federal Times said that, wins favorable reviews, publicity counts revealed that several while there is nothing officially il¬ ambassadors, all political ap¬ legal about what the 21 ambas¬ AFSA's statement protesting the strates a regrettable failure to pointees, had endorsed the sadors did, “It still stinks to high action of 21 ambassadors in en¬ grasp that to be effective, an Senate candidacy of incumbent heaven. The American Foreign dorsing a political candidate re¬ ambassador must represent the Jesse Helms of North Carolina. Sen/ice Association has it right." ceived front-page coverage in entire nation, not just part of it,” The Senior Foreign Service AFSA is working with con¬ the Washington Post and other the Association said in a press Association also issued a state¬ cerned committee members on papers last October, as well as release. “An active-duty ambas¬ ment decrying the endorse¬ the Hill to draft legislation which air time on ABC's World News sador who engages in partisan ments, as did former Under Sec¬ will prevent further abuses of the Tonight and a report in Time politics diminishes the office and retary of State for Political Affairs Hatch Act. magazine's pre-election issue. undermines his or her own abili¬ Lawrence Eagleburger, 36 for¬ “Such an endorsement demon¬ ty to serve the United States mer ambassadors representing both parties and the career ser¬ vice, several newspaper colum¬ nists, and the State Department. Last chance for The New York Times, in an editorial on October 27, referred tax deductions to the incident as “inappropriate in the extreme, even for non-ca¬ This month is your final oppor¬ reer political appointees" and tunity to gain a deduction for the stated "when the nation's am¬ 1984 tax year. Why not con¬ bassadors take sides in election tribute to AFSA's Legislative Ac¬ campaigns, they send confus¬ tion Fund? Your money will help ing messages to the whole us fight the renewed attack on world.” Further, "ambassadors federal pensions. Contributions ABC-TV correspondent Dean Reynolds (right) Interviews AFSA Presi¬ dent Dennis K. Hays on the endorsement of Senator Jesse Helms by who ally themselves...hamper should be sent to the LAF in care 21 non-career ambassadors. their ability to represent the na¬ of AFSA.

42 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Apply now for state agency affiliation (State, AFSA opposes inclusion of Foreign AID. USIA, FCS, FAS). 1985-86 AFSA Merit Awards are for high Service positions in ‘Plum Book’ school seniors graduating in Scholarships May 1985 and are awarded on AFSA has been informed by slots in addition to those already the basis of academic excel¬ sources on Capitol Hill that there occupied by political appoin¬ Applications should be request¬ lence. have been proposals to include tees, such as chiefs of mission, ed immediately by students in¬ Financial Aid Grants are for in the next edition of the so- assistant secretaries, etc. terested in AFSA scholarships full-time undergraduate study in called "Plum Book," which lists Worse, there is no bar at all on for academic year 1985-86. Eli¬ the United States and are based government positions available FS-1 appointments. It is thus gible are dependent students of solely on need. Grants range for political appointments, all possible that any or all of the 700 Foreign Service personnel who from $200 to $2000 for individ¬ Foreign Service positions at the FS-1 level jobs could be given to have been or are currently serv¬ uals, with a $3000 limit for fam¬ FS-1 level and above, both do¬ political appointees. “Our ini¬ ing abroad. Inquiries should be ilies. mestic and overseas. tial review of applicable law and made directly to AFSA Scholar¬ Apply immediately. All materi¬ The Plum Book is put out after regulation does not reveal any ship Programs Administrator als must be returned to the AFSA each presidential election and in violation of the letter of the law in Dawn Cuthell, 2101 E Street NW, Scholarship Office by February the past has been limited to this matter, although the spirit Washington, D.C. 20037. Please 15. those positions that require would be punched full of holes,” presidential appointment and said AFSA President Dennis K. are not solely identified as ca¬ Hays. AFSA will be meeting with AFSA charges State with dilatory reer positions. This year the Of¬ other federal employee organi¬ fice of Personnel Management zations and congressional con¬ bargaining on consumables and certain Senate staffers hope tacts to explore legal and legis¬ to list all senior government jobs, lative options. In late October, AFSA filed an that time, we have formally including those normally re¬ AFSA action on the Plum Book unfair labor practice charge sought negotiations more than served for career federal em¬ resulted in a major story on this against the State Department, 15 times. On nearly every occa¬ ployees. As such, all Senior subject running in the Washing¬ alleging that State had engaged sion, the department promised Executive Service and GS-14 ton Post on October 31 in which in a pattern of dilatory bargain¬ to negotiate, but a counterprop- and 15 level jobs in the Civil the Association's position was ing concerning an Association sal has never been forthcoming. Service and all Senior Foreign quoted extensively. This public¬ proposal. The proposal pro¬ Said AFSA General Counsel Su¬ Service and FS-1 level jobs in ity forced Congress and the ad¬ vided for an additional consum¬ san Holik, “The department's the Foreign Service would be in¬ ministration to examine the rami¬ ables allowance for employees deliberate refusal to bargain on cluded. fications of the proposal. “We serving a second or extended this allowance is particularly fla¬ Under the Foreign Service Act have succeeded in stopping tour at designated hardship grant, given the urgent need by of 1980, up to five percent of progress on the Plum Book until posts. The allowance would be employees serving extended senior officer positions may be at least after the election, at furnished when conditions at duty in hardship posts." given to non-career individ¬ which point we hope to resolve post make it difficult to obtain lo¬ The charge was filed with the uals—a total of more than 40 this matter once and for all.” cally the consumables required Foreign Service Labor Relations by employees and their depen¬ Board, which will make a deci- dents. son whether to prosecute the Membership AFSA acts to AFSA made the proposal case. We will report the results in more than two years ago. Since a later issue. drive now enforce weight underway agreement

New grievance AFSA launched a direct-mail AFSA has filed an institutional counselor membership drive in November, grievance with the Foreign Ser¬ mailing more than 13,000 letters vice Grievance Board charging named to staff to Foreign Service employees the State Department with and retirees, as well as 700 let¬ breach of a negotiated agree¬ The Association has hired Bar¬ ters to a carefully selected list of ment. The agreement provided bara "Brandy" Wilson as griev¬ prospective associate mem¬ for increased weight allowances ance and members' interest re¬ bers. We will report on the drive for shipment and storage of presentative in the labor- in a future issue. household effects. management relations office. The membership drive is in¬ The issue in dispute concerns She joins Sabine Sisk, who has Health Program. She recently tended only for non-members. the new weight limits on effects been AFSA’s members' interest was graduated from the George Because names of employees placed in storage prior to May 1. and grievance counselor since Washington University Legal As¬ and retirees provided by the Since May, AFSA has received 1980. The grievance caseload sistant Program, having taken agencies may not always match numerous complaints from em¬ and requests for assistance in courses in law, civil procedure, exactly the version on our mem¬ ployees who continue to be tax matters and on “bread-and- evidence, and legal research bership roll, we occasionally billed for storage which had butter" issues has been increas¬ and writing. She holds a bache¬ may mail a letter to a member in been in excess of the old limits, ing rapidly in recent years. lor's degree from the University good standing. If you have acci¬ but which is below the limits now Wilson comes to AFSA from of South Carolina in Columbia, dentally received one of these, in effect. The agreement speci¬ the Communications Workers of where she was on the dean's list we hope you understand and fies that under such circum¬ America, where she worked in and made the president’s honor suggest you pass them along to stances employees are entitled its Occupational Safety and roll. a colleague. to the new limits as of May 1.

DECEMBER 1984 43 ready retired. Retirement outlook: Renewed AFSA, working in conjunction AID open attacks expected in January with other federal employee or¬ assignments ganizations, has so far been able to stave off implementation exceptions Further changes in the federal ute any amount he or she wish¬ of these measures. With the retirement system—following es, possibly matched by the presidential election in the past, AFSA has recently protested a those already in progress—ap¬ government up to a predeter¬ however, and in view of the pres¬ number of assignments made pear inevitable. The principal mined limit. After five years, sures arising out of the growing by AID outside the negotiated questions are: What form will each employee would have his budget deficit, we will see a de¬ open assignments system. In these changes take? and How or her own retirement account termined drive in the 99th Con¬ one instance, an employee was will they affect the different cate¬ which would be "portable," i.e., gress to reduce the cost to the even informed in writing that a gories of beneficiaries, from new if the employee leaves the gov¬ government of the present re¬ bureau had a "preferred candi¬ employees to those now on the ernment the entire amount tirement system. The reintroduc¬ date" for the position—in ad¬ retirement rolls? would remain available to him or tion of these proposals is more vance of receiving bids under The process of major change her. than likely. the negotiated procedures. really started with new employ¬ It also seems likely that in¬ AFSA is again gearing up for AFSA intends to take action to ees, those beginning duty after ducements will be offered for an all-out effort to try to preserve get away from AID'S "business January 1, 1984. They are ex¬ pre-1984 Foreign Service em¬ the essential elements of the as usual" approach to this prob¬ cluded from coverage under the ployees to transfer over to the present Foreign Service retire¬ lem. To that end, we would present Foreign Service Retire¬ new system, but the advisability ment system; needless to say, appreciate hearing from AID ment and Disability System and of doing so probably will de¬ the support of all Foreign Ser¬ employees concerning any pos¬ are enrolled under Social Secu¬ pend primarily on the employ¬ vice personnel is crucial to this sible violation of the open as¬ rity. Presently, they are looking ee's length of service and future undertaking. —Robert Beers signments regulations. forward to the establishment of career plans. Renewed efforts to an entirely new retirement pro¬ cut back on the level of benefits gram intended to supplement under the present Foreign Ser¬ their Social Security coverage. vice retirement program also Record set Steigman offered “special The target date is December 31, may be confidently anticipated. thanks" to the "unsung heroes" 1985. If past recommendations in this by Bookfair of the fair, “the set up and clean While important details remain regard can be taken as any indi¬ up crews with their backbreak¬ to be filled in, it seems probable cation, the president's budget ’84—again ing and unglamorous jobs." She that the new retirement package documents for fiscal years 1984 Once again, receipts from this stressed the year-round volun¬ will consist of three tiers: Social and 1985 proposed the follow¬ year's Bookfair, sponsored by teer activity behind the fair. Vol¬ Security; a defined contribution ing: raising the retirement age; the Association of American For¬ unteers are already needed to plan, under which the govern¬ increasing employees’ retire¬ eign Service Women, set a re¬ begin activities for Bookfair ment will contribute a stated per¬ ment contributions; revising cord of $70,000. Profits from the '85—the 25th anniversary of the centage of an employee's salary downward the formula used to annual event benefit the AFSA event. Persons interested in to his or her retirement account; compute retirement annuities; Scholarship Fund and commu¬ helping should call Book Room and a voluntary thrift plan, under and placing a cap on cost-of-liv- nity projects. Supervisor Joan McGinley at which an employee can contrib¬ ing adjustments for persons al¬ Bookfair '84 Chairman Meryl (202) 223-5796.

Life & Love in the Foreign Service Winners of the monthly LIFE AND Send entries to: LOVE contest receive a certificate LIFE AND LOVE #17 for a free lunch for two at the For¬ AFSA eign Service Club. Honorable 2101 E Street NW mentions receive a free carafe of Washington, D.C. 20037 wine. Contest deadline is January 15

Competition #17

“Yes, Mr. Ambassador, I asked the GSO three times to fix the heating” —William McKinney, Islamabad

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Plymouth Voyager Foreign Service Journal 1984 Index—Volume 61

A Month

Adams, William C. "Opinion and Foreign Policy." May

AFGHANISTAN. "Journal: On the Devil's Path." Betty J. Cruit February

AGENCY COOPERATION. "State's Tangled Web." Fitzhugh Green May

AGENCY COOPERATION. "State's Unwelcome Role." William A. Root May

Anspacher, John M. "Suggestion Box: Publicizing the Service." July/August

B

"Bargaining Chips." Jane M.O. Sharp March

"Battle Over Lebanon." Roy Gutman June

Bell, Kathleen, An Interview with. "U.N. Economic and Social

Operations" June

Bird, Kai "Inside the Manila Embassy" September

"A Blunt Instrument." Patricia Cohen April

BRAZIL. "Strategic Partners." John Hoyt Williams April

C

CANADA. "Other Foreign Services: Canada." Mary Ann Simpkins April

Carrion, Jean Zaruba. "Journal: A Matter of Time." May

"Caught in the Nutcracker." U. Alexis Johnson September

CHINA. "Other Foreign Services: China." Edward Marks February

"A Christmas Journey." Bette J. Cruit December

Cohen, Patricia. "A Blunt Instrument." April -2-

"Constant and Changing.* Barry Rubin November

■Constructive Engagement: No.* Paul E. Tsongas February

■Constructive Engagement: Yes." Chester Crocker February

"Suggestion Box: Consular Services." Robert E. Tynes May

CONSULAR WORK. 'Journal: A Case of Identity.* Fred Godsey September

CONSULAR WORK. "Suggestion Box: Consular Services.* May

Robert E. Tynes

CONSULAR WORK. "Journal: McDougal in Jail.* Fred Godsey June

■Containing Terrorism.* Charles Maechling Jr. July/August

"Coping with the Non-Aligned." Richard Jackson March

Crocker, Chester. 'Constructive Engagement: Yes.* February

Cruit, Bette J. *A Christmas Journey.* December

Cruit, Bette J. 'Journal: On the Devil's Path." February

D

"Journal: A Diplomat in Turkey.* Ilsa Higgins July/August

■Dynamo or Dinosaur.* Dante B. Fascell January

Eagleburger, Lawrence, An Interview with. "The Politics of Guts.' November

ELECTION '84. "The Election: Overview.* October

ELECTION '84. "Holding the Center.* Stephen P. Engelberg October

ELECTION '84. "The Platforms: Security, Peace, Freedom.* October

ELECTION '84. "Safety in the Center.* George Gedda October

"The Election: Overview.* October

Engelberg, Stephen P. "Holding the Center* October

F -3-

Fascell, Dante B. "Dynamo or Dinosaur." January

Finger, Seymour Maxwell. "Reform or Withdrawal." June

THE FOREIGN SERVICE. "Caught in the Nutcracker.

U. Alexis Johnson September

THE FOREIGN SERVICE. "Constant and Changing." Barry Rubin November

THE FOREIGN SERVICE. "How to Pare the Top of the Personnel Pear."

Russel 0. Prickett December

THE FOREIGN SERVICE. "No, It Has Always Been There and Should Be.'

Gerald P. Lamberty

THE FOREIGN SERVICE. "The Politics of Guts." An Interview with

Lawrence Eagleburger November

THE FOREIGN SERVICE. "A Sense of Institution." Jack Perry March

THE FOREIGN SERVICE. "The Service's Future." November

"A Foreign Service Filament." Smith Simpson November

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL. "A Foreign Service Filament."

Smith Simpson November

G

Gedda, George. "Larger than Life." December

Gedda, George. "Safety in the Center." October

Gedda, George. "Journal: Travels with the Vicar." January

Godsey, Fred. "Journal: A Case of Identity." September

Godsey, Fred. "Journal: McDougal in Jail." June

Green, Fitzhugh. "State's Tangled Web." May

Gutman, Roy. "Battle Over Lebanon." June

HAIG, ALEXANDER Journal: Travels with the Vicar George Gedda January -4-

Higgins, lisa. "Journal: A Diplomat in Turkey." July/August

"Holding the Center." Stephen P. Engelberg October

"How to Pare the Top of the Personnel Pear." Russel 0. Prickett December

I

■Information and Development." Brandon Robinson January

"Inside the Manila Embassy." Kai Bird September

J

Jackson, Richard. "Coping with the Non-Aligned." March

JOHNSON, LYNDON. "Journal: Pinch-hitting for LBJ."

William M. Owen. April

Johnson, U. Alexis. "Caught in the Nutcracker." September

K

KOREA. "Journal: The Prime Minister's Stetson." Marjorie Smith Mar ch

KOREA. "Untying the Korean Knot." Larry A. Niksch October

L

Lamberty, Gerald P. "No, It Has Always Been There and Should Be. December

"Larger than Life." George Gedda December

LEBANON. "Battle Over Lebanon." Roy Gutman June

M

Maechling, Charles Jr. "Containing Terrorism." July/August

Marks, Edward. "Other Foreign Services: China." February

"Journal: A Matter of Time." Jean Zaruba Carrion May

Journal: McDougal in Jail." Fred Godsey June -5-

N

NATO. 'The Widening Atlantic." Donald E. Neuchterlein September

Neuchterlein, Donald E. "The Widening Atlantic." September

NICARAGUA. "The Third Option." Harry Rositzke December

Niksch, Larry A. "Untying the Korean Knot." October

"No, It Has Always Been There and Should Be." Gerald P. Lamberty December

THE NON-ALIGNED. "Coping with the Non-Aligned." Richard Jackson March

0

■Journal: Of Hearts and Minds." Charles S. Whitehouse October

•Journal: On the Devil's Path." Betty J. Cruit February

"Opinion and Foreign Policy." William C. Adams May

"Other Foreign Services: Canada." Mary Ann Simpkins Apr il

"Other Foreign Services: China." Edward Marks February

Owen, William M. "Journal: Pinch-hitting for LBJ." April

P

Pacy, James S. "Subverting Immunity." July/August

PAKISTAN. "Journal: A Christmas Journey." Bette J. Cruit December

Perry, Jack. "A Sense of Institution." March

PHILIPPINES. "Inside the Manila Embassy." Kai Bird September

PHILIPPINES. "Journal: A Matter of Time." Jean Zaruba Carrion May

■Journal: Pinch-hitting for LBJ." William M. Owen April

"The Platforms: Security, Peace, Freedom." October

"The Politics of Guts." An Interview with Lawrence Eagleburger November

Prickett, Russel 0. "How to Pare to Top of the Personnel Pear." December

Journal: The Prime Minister's Stetson Marjorie Smith March -6-

"Process over Policy." Barry Rubin July/August

■Suggestion Box: Publicizing the Service." John M. Anspacher July/August

PUBLIC OPINION. "Opinion and Foreign Policy." William C. Adams May

PUBLIC OPINION. "Suggestion Box: Publicizing the Service."

John M. Anspacher July/August

"Puzzling Mr. Wick." Daniel Southerland January

R

"Reform or Withdrawal." Seymour Maxwell Finger June

RETIREMENT. "Suggestion Box: Retiring with Grace."

Michael Speers April

•Suggestion Box: Retiring with Grace." Michael Speers April

Robinson, Brandon. "Information and Development." January

Root, William A. "State's Unwelcome Role." May

Rositzke, Harry. "The Third Option." December

Rubin, Barry. "Constant and Changing." November

Rubin, Barry. "Process over Policy." July/August

"Safety in the Center." George Gedda October

SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE. "A Blunt Instrument."

Patricia Cohen Apr il

"A Sense of Institution." Jack Perry March

"The Service's Future." November

Sharp, Jane M.O. "Bargaining Chips." March

Simpkins, Mary Ann. "Other Foreign Services: Canada." April

Simpson, Smith. "A Foreign Service Filament." November

Smith, Marjorie . "Journal: The Prime Minister's Stetson." March -7-

Southerland, Daniel. "Puzzling Mr. Wick." January

SOUTHERN AFRICA. "Constructive Engagement: No." Paul E. Tsongas February

SOUTHERN AFRICA. "Constructive Engagement: Yes." Chester Crocker February

"Southern Africa: Overview." February

SOUTHERN AFRICA. "Southern Africa: Overview." February

Speers, Michael. "Suggestion Box: Retiring with Grace." April

"State's Tangled Web." Fitzhugh Green May

"State's Unwelcome Role." William A. Root May

"Strategic Partners." John Hoyt Williams April

"Subverting Immunity." James S. Pacy July/August

T

TERRORISM. "Containing Terrorism." Charles Maechling Jr. July/August

TERRORISM. "Subverting Immunity." James S. Pacy July/August

"The Third Option." Harry Rozitske December

•Journal: Travels with the Vicar." George Gedda January

Tsongas, Paul E. "Constructive Engagement: No." February

TURKEY. "Journal: A Diplomat in Turkey." Ilsa Higgins July/August

Tynes, Robert E. "Suggestion Box: Consular Services." May

U

"U.N. Economic and Social Operations." An Interview with

Kathleen Bell June

UNESCO. "Reform or Withdrawal." Seymour Maxwell Finger June

UNITED NATIONS. "U.N. Economic and Social Operations."

An Interview with Kathleen Bell June

•Untying the Korean Knot." Larry A. Niksch October

USIA Dynamo or Dinosaur ." Dante B. Fascell January -8-

USIA. "Information and Development." Brandon Robinson January

USIA. "Puzzling Mr. Wick." Daniel Southerland January

V

VIETNAM. "Journal: Of Hearts and Minds." Charles S. Whitehouse October

W

WALTERS, VERNON. "Larger than Life." George Gedda December

WEAPONS TALKS. "Bargaining Chips." Jane M.O. Sharp March

Whitehouse, Charles S. "Journal: Of Hearts and Minds." October

"The Widening Atlantic." Donald E. Neuchterlein September

Williams, John Hoyt. "Strategic Partners April