115. Editorial Note
In telegram 256879 to Managua, October 11, 1978, the Department informed Negotiating Group member and Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research William Bowdler of “recent incidents on the Nicaraguan border that have greatly incensed Carazo and caused him to state publicly that border violations by Nicaraguans must be censured in the OAS.” The Department added that this could have “potentially serious consequences” for the mediation effort in Nicaragua and instructed Bowdler to consult with the other Negotiating Group members. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780415–0216) Bowdler reported in telegram 4994 from Managua, October 11, that the negotiating team felt that Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo’s plan to seek an Organization of American States (OAS) censure of Nicaragua “could be very damaging to our efforts.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780416–0538) In telegram 261354 to Managua, October 14, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Viron Vaky informed Bowdler that U.S. support for the Costa Rican OAS initiative on Nicaragua might result in “Somoza’s breaking off, or threatening to break off, his participation in the mediation process.” If so, Vaky continued, “we would have to react to that strongly, making clear that the mediation and the OAS action are separable matters, that the latter cannot be used as an excuse to get out of the former.” Vaky concluded: “We may well, in short, be coming up to that point where we will have to take the firm stand that we are probably going to have to do anyway sooner or later.” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 38, Nicaragua Cables: 10/14–22/78) On October 16, the OAS Permanent Council adopted a resolution proposed by Costa Rica “to censure and deplore knowing penetration of air space of Costa Rica and acts committed by elements of Nicaraguan Air Force.” The United States joined 18 other countries in voting to pass the resolution. (Telegram 263283 to all American Republic diplomatic posts, October 17; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780472–0536)