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

165. Memorandum From Robert Pastor of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) and the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Aaron)¹

Washington, December 12, 1978

SUBJECT

• Nicaragua Update (U)

The GON is apparently responding to demands to speed up the promulgation of the amnesty law.² Somoza announced on radio and TV the draft amnesty decree. PLN leaders estimate that it will be formally passed into law by Thursday, December 14. In the meantime some 77 political prisoners were released over the weekend when the state of siege was lifted. (C)

Contacts with the Archbishop and the leaders of the private sector indicate that both groups are wary of participating as observers in the FAO–PLN negotiations. They are canvassing their supporters to insure their participation has firm backing. (C)

A PLN national board member told Ambassador Solaun that there is “discomfort” inside his party over the NG proposal for a two-step transfer of executive power to a PLN interim president till 1981. They are apparently upset that the PLN is excluded from the presidency as a result. Because the PLN believes that Somoza will lose the plebiscite, the board member said there was some consideration being given to having Somoza resign and turning over the presidency to a congressionally-picked successor—thereby avoiding a plebiscite. He quickly admitted that no one had been willing to raise this possibility with Somoza. (C)

The Costa Rican Foreign Minister returned from his mission to Venezuela and Panama with news that those two governments will join his in issuing separate statements supporting the mediation effort in Nicaragua. (C)

The Costa Rican government launched a drive to clean up FSLN camps in its territory. It passed the word in advance, however, that any Sandinista giving up voluntarily will be provided safe passage to Panama. (C)

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 34, Nicaragua: 12/1–20/78. Confidential.
2. In telegram 6458 from Managua, December 9, Bowdler reported to Vaky that PLN and FAO delegations had met at the Dominican Republic residence on December 8 to commence direct negotiations. Bowdler noted that the FAO’s primary concern was “implementation of amnesty and revision of the radio-TV code.” PLN representative Quintana stated that “the GON cannot submit to pressure, but will act as rapidly as possible” regarding the amnesty. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780187–2315)