NI–16. Telegram from the Ambassador in Nicaragua (Whelan) to the Department of State1
482. DEPARTMENT PASS DA FOR ACSI. Midnight conversations between General Somoza and MA subsequent EMBTEL 4022 indicated both Somozas convinced committee OAS indisposed provide effective assistance to prevent attacks on Nicaragua.
In view foregoing premise and faced with the massive threats from both north and south which GON is convinced are INTL in character, and furthermore believing that U.S. Government will do nothing to displease Nicaragua’s enemies, General seriously considered (1) air attacks of his own against hostile forces based in Costa Rica; (2) possibility bombing Havana and (3) arming Honduran revolutionary [Typeset Page 863] expedition led by Velasquez to strike at Honduras in order to remove threat of invasion from that country.
Philosophy behind General’s planning revolves around thought that Nicaragua would be unable resist undisturbed concerted onslaught assisted or engineered by enemy governments and that he and his brother in that event might as well at least go down fighting.
[illegible in the original] and MA both report overhearing General’s portion of telephone conversation with President from which it appeared latter does not subscribe to General’s views. It was also observed that apparently President’s counsel still prevails.
Embassy believes President’s moderation will continue over rule General’s impulsiveness as long as President feels there is some hope U.S. Government and OAS are not determined because of [Facsimile Page 2] supposed unpopularity his regime to disregard availability evidences of foreign plotting and actions against GON. Should his remaining doubts be dispelled that OAS and USA intend to give him no assistance it is very likely that President may authorize General to take some form of retaliatory action calculated to give GON at least temporary advantage of fighting outside Nicaragua.
In view Figueres, Marshall, Aguiluz insubordination to GOCR directed against GON and reasonable conclusion that Cuban, Honduran and Venezuelan elements closely associated with governments those countries are actively assisting and conspiring current anti-GON movements Embassy believes only forthright statements by OAS and USA can now avert INTL hostilities the result of which would be disastrous regardless of winning side. In Embassy’s view U.S. Government would now be fully justified in urging OAS investigating committee in the interest of area peace to make speedy declaration that the case of Nicaragua clearly comes within the provisions of Article 6 of Rio Treaty. Following closely on such a declaration U.S. could announce its intention fully to support collective assistance to the attacked state in the event of an armed attack.
Urgently recommend action along foregoing lines before it is too late.