199. Memorandum From Robert Gates of the National Security Council Staff to Robert Pastor of the National Security Council Staff1
On Saturday the President was given a summary of recent cables from Nicaragua in which it was reported that the Somoza Government wishes to normalize relations with us and reinvolve the US in seeking a political solution.2 The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs told our Embassy officer that Managua had decided to proceed with the reform measures included in the defunct plebiscite and hoped Washington would at least remain neutral and not undermine these initiatives. Additionally, Somoza spokesman Pallais told our Ambassador of his government’s intention to seek a political solution which could overcome the political differences with the US and restore economic cooperation. He indicated Managua is interested in bilateral negotiations at the highest level and wishes the US to exercise its influence with the Nicaraguan opposition to permit negotiations for an internal political solution to proceed.
In the margin, the President noted, “See my previous notes—negotiate, firmly.”
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 35, Nicaragua: 3/79–5/79. Secret.↩
- February 24. Reference is to a night note that Brzezinski sent to Carter which referenced telegram 1003 from Managua, February 23. The Embassy reported in the telegram that the Nicaraguan Government “wishes to normalize relations with the U.S. and re-involve the USG in seeking a political solution.” (National Archives, RG 59, Office of the Secretariat Staff, Records of the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Warren Christopher, Lot 81D113, Box 22, Human Rights—Nicaragua X)↩