150. Editorial Note
In telegram 297641 to Managua, November 24, 1978, the Department of State instructed Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research William Bowdler that “this would appear to be a good time for you to indicate privately to the FAO–PC leadership that if the FAO would agree to the plebiscite proposal we would endorse that acceptance and would press Somoza to accept the proposal.” The Department continued: “You could add that if the FAO accepts and Somoza does not, the USG would have to make clear to him that our relationship with Nicaragua will be very strongly affected.” National Security Council Staff member Rick Inderfurth underlined this sentence and wrote a note to National Security Council Staff member Robert Pastor on a copy of telegram: “Bob—This cable contains the message you wanted sent. Rick.” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 34, Nicaragua: 11/23–30/78) Bowdler responded in telegram 6100 from Managua, November 25, noting that he had used the authorized language in meetings with Broad Opposition Front leaders Alfonso Robelo, Adolpho Calero, and Rafael Cordova Rivas. Bowdler wrote: “I did not use it with Rodolfo Robelo because I do not have the same degree of confidence in him. The statement was helpful with Calero and Cordova Rivas but not with Robelo.” Bowdler also noted that he was “happy to have the language” provided in telegram 297641 to Managua, “which was not included in original statement of option one,” and that “I will [Page 400] put this to good advantage at appropriate time since it covers an aspect on which FAO leaders have been pressing me.” (Ibid.)