491. Telegram 354 From the Embassy in Nicaragua to the Department of State1 2
Subj:
- Reaction to Bryan-Chamorro Treaty Renegotiation Announcement
1. Mar 4 announcement of US-Nicaraguan agreement to reexamine Bryan-Chamorro Treaty has received widespread local approval with extensive front-page coverage given by all Nicaraguan newspapers Mar 5 to exchange of notes, President Somoza’s nationwide radio and tv statement on subject, and local commentary.
2. Govt-controlled Novedades headline is “National Jubilation Over Re-negotiation of Bryan-Chamorro Treaty.” Article says GON has received “uncountable” congratulatory messages, and that to President Somoza and his liberal govt has come the “historic honor” of finally rectifying what for years has constituted “insult for Nicaragua.” Other Novedades articles are variously headlined “A Legitimate and Valuable Triumph of President,” “Opening a Window of Hope for Nicaragua,” and “Nationalist Fulfillment.” Comment by Supreme Court Chief Justice Diego Manuel. Chamorro is also front-paged to effect that renegotiation procedure being followed is technically correct since U.S. has decided not to construct canal through Nicaragua and is same result he personally worked for when [Page 2] he was in Congress. Editorial page article titled “President Somoza Debayle Breaks Onerous Ties” congratulates President for his action in name of all Nicaraguans.
3. Opposition La Prensa’s lead headline is “US/Nicaragua will re-examine Chamorro-Bryan Treaty.” Signed article by La Prensa owner Pedro Joaquin Chamorro cautiously examines texts of both notes and concludes it premature to speculate on how negotiations will go—final results, he says, could either be favorable to Nicaragua or signify little change in situation. Among number of other articles carrying text of notes and press release La Prensa also front-paged opinion of opposition Social Christian Senator Eduardo Rivas Gasteazoro that “national dignity” requires not only Treaty’s immediate abrogation but also “just indemnification” from U.S. for damages he alleges Treaty has caused Nicaragua for more than half a century.
4. Weekly opposition newspaper Extra also contains brief comments by legislators who, article claims, are unanimous in belief that GON ought to solicit Treaty’s complete abrogation. Article then contradicts self by quoting Liberal Senator Cornelio Hueck who reportedly said that Treaty should be renegotiated in order to get economic benefits such as North American investment. Conservative Deputy Roberto Arguello Hurtado was quoted as saying Treaty abrogation and return to status quo ante ought to be asked. Liberal Deputy Ramiro Granera Padilla reportedly said abrogation should be requested, and possibility should be explored re U.S. assistance in dredging San Juan River, although U.S. really should offer dredging as compensation for damages Treaty has allegedly caused to Nicaragua.
5. Conservative Party-sponsored daily El Mundo heralded announcement, crediting its accomplishment to steady pressure by Conservative Party over the years, particularly party leader Senator Fernando Aguero’s call for Treaty abrogation in 1960 presidential campaign. Article also called for partisan consultation between Liberal and Conservative Parties before GON enters into negotiations.
Other reactions to announcement have been uniformly favorable.
[Page 3]Amb has received several phone calls and cables from prominent Nicaraguans congratulating U.S. for this move. Also noteworthy that Salvadoran Amb sent Amb formal message commenting favorably on this U.S. decision, and German Amb orally conveyed message in same vein.