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

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

Washington, September 5, 1979

SUBJECT

• El Salvador

Joe Blatchford called and told me that President Romero would like to meet with you on September 22nd in New Orleans or perhaps Miami to discuss his response to Bowdler’s demarche.² He said that Romero is prepared to follow through on his promises on electoral reform, etc., but he also wants to discuss the strong evidence he has of Cuban involvement in El Salvador. He doesn’t want to discuss this with our Ambassador or with Bowdler or Vaky. (S)

I told Joe that after our last conversation,³ a decision was made that the US response to Romero’s request for a meeting with the President was the sending of Bowdler to Salvador, and I had doubts whether a meeting with you would be possible. I asked whether Romero would meet with someone else, and he said that he didn’t know, but it was possible that Romero would agree to meet with the Vice President or Vance. (I said facetiously to Joe that I was pleased that both he and Romero obviously had a good understanding of the hierarchy around here, but suggested it would be good for all of us if he kept that view secret.) (S)

I then spoke to Vaky, and rather predictably, he was opposed to the idea of your meeting with Romero. He thought Bowdler was fine. I tried to point out to him that we were getting a distinct message from the Salvadoreans that the issues Bowdler was raising were of grave concern to them, and they had every right to expect a higher-level dialogue. Obviously, Romero will continue to engage in wishful thinking that Bowdler’s views do not represent the views of the Carter Administration unless he hears it from someone who has credibility with him. I said that I expected that you would not want to go to New Orleans to meet with Romero, but from the perspective of our overall interests, it would be desirable if you did. I asked him whether he would be prepared to recommend that Vance go as an alternative to New Orleans, and he said “No.” This floored me since he is pressing me on a daily basis to get the President to meet with the Sandinista junta. (S)

On reflection, Vaky suggested that I go back to Blatchford and suggest that he recommend that Romero go to the UNGA, where Vance could meet with him. Unless you disapprove, or believe it is worth raising this issue directly with the Secretary, I will proceed accordingly. (S)

RECOMMENDATION

That I should proceed with Vaky’s suggestion and call Blatchford and suggest that he recommend to Romero that the latter attend the UNGA, where Secretary Vance would meet with him.⁴ (S)

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 20, El Salvador: 1–9/79. Secret. Sent for action. Aaron wrote “Pastor: FYI” in the top right-hand corner of the first page of the memorandum.
2. See Document 381.
3. See Document 378.
4. Aaron indicated his approval.