Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

NI–15. Telegram from the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Nicaragua¹

333.

Washington, June 15, 1959, 8:36 p.m.

FOR AMBASSADOR

Your consistent viewpoint that popular support/lacking for attempt overthrow present government borne out by failure revolutionary group rally adherents its cause. However it is DEPT’s considered opinion that dedicated oppositionists will not cease attempting overthrow regime or assassinate PRES Somoza as long as they receive friendly support, moral or otherwise, from U.S. and Latin American liberals, extremists in Cuba, as well as communists everywhere, latter whom anxious only create chaos in Nicaragua.

So-called anti-dictator forces in hemisphere appear to be girding for showdown with Trujillo and because of long dictatorial record of Luis Somoza’s father are prone associate present Nicaraguan regime with that of GDR. DEPT believes Luis Somoza has brought Nicaragua long way toward democracy and he deserves more favorable consideration.

Your valued assessment of present climate for a deal between PRES Somoza and the responsible opposition (EMBTEL 371)² is hereby requested. If AMB Drefer has any free time in Managua he will undoubtedly wish to discuss the matter with you. He has participated in numerous ARA examinations Nicaraguan situation and has good idea DEPT views.

Judging from inquiries made of DEPT, next move of PRES Somoza, leading as it were from strength, being watched most closely everywhere.³

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 717.00/6–659. Confidential. Drafted by Stewart; and initialled by Rubottom.
2. Telegram 371 from Managua, June 6, not printed, transmitted the Ambassador’s impressions of the attempted overthrow of Somoza’s government and a brief report on the current situation. (717.00/6–659)
3. In telegram 7 to Managua, July 7, the Department noted, among other things, the following:
   With invasion danger to Nicaragua about eliminated and continued control country assured, Department is of opinion that GON still faces a serious problem.
   For reason set forth Deptel 333 Luis Somoza Government prone be viewed by various elements as continuation dictatorial regime despite democratic trend in Nicaragua. If non-communist opposition forces continue attempts to overthrow Somoza Government with cry it dictatorship much of Luis Somoza’s good work will go unrecognized in atmosphere created by emotional dictator vs. democracy storm building up in OAS.
   Department believes it is in best interest of GON to make every feasible effort reach agreement with responsible opposition leaders and thus bring about unity in efforts to solve internal problems. This solution would also have practical effect of making it easier for GON thwart efforts of outside-supported groups with doubtful ideologies to make overthrow attempts.
   Seems to Department that our suggested course of action would be looked upon favorably by those elements now critical of Somoza Government and should do much to discredit any accusation that present Government is dictatorship. Your views on Nicaraguan situation, sought in Deptel 333, would be especially welcomed at this time. (713.00/7–359)