MALAGASY NATIONAL POLICE

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9. The meeting ended in a pleasant atmosphere at 10:30.
D. Modification of Terms of Reference
1. Following an interview on 18 October 1961 with the Director
General and the Attorney General, in which they both restated with em­
phasis the jurisdictional authority of the National Police as had been
explained by Ministefr Resampa the previous day, it was made quite clear
that the National Police enjoy the primary responsibility for the internal
security of the Malagasy Republic.
2. At this time clarification of the jurisdictional responsibilities
of the Gendarmerie was solicited, in view of the very apparent rivalry
canat existed between these two units. Attorney General Ramanitra ex­
plained as follows: The Gendarmerie report directly to and are under
the immediate direction of the President t s Executive Office. They have
no urban jurisdiction. In rural areas where unere are no police, they
conduct general patrols but no investigations. In the event a repre­
sentative of the. Gendarmerie has reason to suspect criminal or subversive
activities in a rural area, the National Police are notified and an in­
vestigator from the nearest police headquarters is assigned to the case.
3. On the basis of this information, a conference was held with
the Director of USOM during which it was decided that the Terms of
Reference would be.modified to exclude the Gendarmerie from direct
scrutiny or visits. This decision was cleared with the Ambassador.