Foreign Relations of the United States 1977–1980; Volume XV; Central America, 1977–1980

122. Telegram From the Embassy in Nicaragua to the Department of State¹

Managua, October 26, 1978, 1530Z

5347. For Deputy Secretary Christopher and Assistant Secretary Vaky from Bowdler. Subj: Nicaragua Mediation No. 63: G–12 Defection from the FAO.

1. The G–12’s defection from the FAO introduces a new sense of urgency into the negotiations.² I have hoped that with the FAO intact we could take the time to start direct FAO–PLN talks which would serve to soften up the PLN and GN and make our task of approaching Somoza easier. We may not be able to wait for this leavening effect now that the G–12 has bolted and we are confronted with a greater likelihood of the FSLN renewing operations in order to maintain its credibility.

2. We will concentrate on shoring up the FAO to avoid further defection and stiffen their resolve in the face of possible intimidation by the FSLN. Given what occurred today (October 25) I believe we should renew our efforts with Costa Rica and Venezuela to get them to restrain the Sandinistas. I would be interested in knowing Carlos Andres Perez’ views of the G–12–589, particularly in the face of the highly useful plan given us by the FAO this afternoon.³ With respect to Costa Rica, in my last conversation with Adolfo Robelo he asked if we were in touch with Costa Rican Vice Minister of Public Security Enrique Montealegre. Robelo said he is man charged by GOCR with keeping tabs on the Sandinistas in Costa Rica. He knows where all their bases are, force levels and movements. I wonder if we have been in touch with him, how cooperative he is, and whether we cannot persuade him to keep us fully informed of any significant activity.

3. I want to see what happens here today before making any recommendation about the approach to Somoza contained in Managua 5273.⁴ In the meantime would appreciate your thinking about content and timing.

Solaun

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780187–2491. Secret; Immediate; Cherokee; Nodis.
2. In telegram 5333 from Managua, October 25, Bowdler reported to Christopher and Vaky that “Aldolfo Calero has just called to say that Sergio Ramirez has resigned from the FAO–PC and that the Group of 12 has promised a letter withdrawing from the FAO.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780187–2493) In telegram 5370 from Managua, October 26, the Embassy analyzed the withdrawal of the Group of 12 from the FAO and “their subsequent asylum in the Mexican Embassy.” The Embassy predicted “renewed FSLN attacks” and that the “FAO will now likely be seeking a more rapid negotiated solution to forestall that possibility and living under increased fear of reprisal from both the GON and from the FSLN.” The Embassy continued: “Somoza is likely to take the FAO less seriously and be more inflexible on the issue of his departure, but, at the same time, more interested in a rapid negotiated agreement for political change.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780441–0965)
3. Telegram 5336 from Managua, October 26, included the Spanish-language text of the revised working document containing the FAO’s proposals for a provisional government. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780439–1002)
4. In telegram 5273 from Managua, October 24, Bowdler sent Vaky proposed talking points for use with Somoza to prompt Somoza’s resignation “should he refuse to step down voluntarily.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780187–2496)