Arthur Schlesinger damaged Cheddi Jagan and Guyana

Dec 02, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Arthur Schlesinger, popular US historian and diplomat passed away at age 100. He was instrumental in shaping United States foreign policy towards Guyana especially during the Kennedy years. It was Schlesinger, in his capacity as advisor to President Kennedy during the early 1960’s who recommended that ‘an independent British Guiana under Forbes Burnham would cause fewer problems to the United States administration than an independent British Guiana under Cheddi Jagan.’

Jagan was seen at the time as someone with ‘communist’ leanings as opposed to Burnham who came across as more ideologically pliable. Schlesinger later apologized for the role he played in the removal of the Jagan administration and said that ‘an injustice was done to him.’ Burnham subsequently proved to be an embarrassment to the United States which at one time was forced to break off diplomatic relations with Guyana.

Yours truly,

Hydar Ally

Arthur Schlesinger, British Guiana, Forbes Burnham, Hydar Ally, United States

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