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

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

Managua, December 21, 1978, 0415Z

6712. Subject: Nicaragua Mediation No. 265: Delivers Acta-Compromiso to PLN and FAO.

1. (C-Entire text)

2. The NG spent the day December 20 honing the language of the Acta-Compromiso to be presented to the two sides this evening. During the morning we consulted with two highly respected constitutional lawyers on provisons in our proposal bearing on the presidency and the Congress which would require modification of the Constitution. Having received state 319871² I raised with my colleagues the issue of extending the plebiscite outside Nicaragua. They both argued strongly in favor of absentee voting as important in obtaining FAO approval. They pointed out that the way the paragraph was phrased it authorized rather than required the international authority to provide for voting in other countries. I decided not to make a major issue of this matter.

3. At 6 pm the NG met at the U.S. Embassy residence with the teams of the PLN and FAO, together with the three private sector observers. After presentation and approval of the minutes of the previous session (which PLN delegate Tablada for the second time refused to sign) FonMin Jimenez proceeded to present the Acta-Compromiso proposal.³ By way of introduction he explained that the document reflected the views accumulated over a two and a half month period and had been prepared with the desire of achieving effective reconciliation and providing a peaceful, democratic, and durable solution. Jimenez expressed the hope that the two sides would give their agreement in principle by sometime tomorrow. If this were done, explained, the details could be negotiated quickly. He recognized at the same time that the sides might wish to take longer to formulate their views. While the NG members would be returning to their capitals for the Xmas holidays, he said, they would be available to return to Managua.

4. Following this introduction Jimenez and Obiols alternated in reading the text of the Acta-Compromiso. The FAO delegation followed the reading intently as did FonMin Quintana of the PLN delegation. PLN delegates Tablada and Montenegro, on the other hand, displayed unusual comportment throughout the reading: laughing, sneering, gesticulating, making derogatory comments and repeatedly muttering “we will never sign this.” At one point Tablada held up a sign he had sketched on a yellow pad saying “intervention”. At the end of the reading Jimenez closed the meeting again indicating the NG would be available to the parties tomorrow. As the delegates rose, Tablada remarked loudly “not even the FAO will accept that document.” In leaving the residence, Montenegro turned to Dick Barnebey and said “there are different ways of coming to power: by votes, by arms, but not this way.”

5. Following the session the FAO delegates and private sector observers stayed behind for drinks. Robelo apologized to the NG for the shameful behavior of his compatriots. Commenting on the Acta-Compromiso Robelo expressed admiration for the quality and balance of the document. He expressed personal support for it and said that he would convene the FAO plenum in the morning with the hope that a favorable response could be given to the NG during the course of the day. The private sector observers were particularly outspoken in their praise of the proposal, indicating that they would work to see that it received strong backing.

6. The proposal was handed to the local and international press at 6:30 pm.

Solaun

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 34, Nicaragua: 12/21–22/78. Confidential; Niact Immediate; Exdis. Sent for information Immediate to Caracas, Panama City, and San José. Printed from a copy that was received in the White House Situation Room.
2. In telegram 319871 to Managua, December 20, the Department authorized Bowdler to include absentee balloting outside Nicaragua in the compromise plan. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780187–2288)
3. Telegram 6710 from Managua, December 20, included the revised Spanish-language text of the NG’s proposed agreement on the plebiscite. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780526–0700)