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

157. Telegram From the Embassy in Nicaragua to the Department of State¹

Managua, December 1, 1978, 0551Z

6280. For Deputy Secretary Christopher and Assistant Secretary Vaky from Bowdler. Caracas and Panama for Ambassador only. Subject: Nicaragua Mediation No. 196: Strategy for Handling NG Note.

1. (C-Entire text)

2. Managua 6279² contains the communication which the NG drafted today in response to the replies received from the FAO and PLN on our plebiscite proposal yesterday.

3. You will see that we have decided to use the agreement in principle on the plebiscite to press forward on it and step aside Somoza’s effort to frustrate the process with a constituent assembly. By fixing dates for start of direct negotiations on plebiscite/government of national unity accord and start of plebiscite period we hope to maintain pressure on both sides to accept. Since time table and consequences of plebiscite for establishment of government of national unity are so interconnected, we decided to push the parties for direct conversations covering both. In opening door for COSEP and church to observe direct negotiations we are asking them to stand up and be counted and thereby generate support for FAO. All of this is bold gamble to force the pace in expectation that FAO will probably accept and Somoza will have little choice but to come along or assume full weight of negative.

4. Our thought yesterday was to deliver the communication after our return from capitals. I changed my mind on this for fear of losing momentum. My colleagues agreed we should move quickly. Obiols has already signed the communication and will leave for home tomorrow morning. I am sending the text to Santo Domingo tonight with a message from Jimenez to President Guzman. Jimenez hopes to get green light to go ahead by noon tomorrow (Dec. 2). Jimenez leaves for DR on Sunday³ noon. Jimenez and Obiols plan to be back here by Wednesday⁴ evening. I will await your authorization to proceed with the document. Our hope is to deliver it to FAO and PLN, COSEP and the Archbishop tomorrow afternoon. It will also be given to the press to obtain widest possible public dissemination.

5. I will be available to go to Panama on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to meet with Ambassador Luers and Gen. McAuliffe. From standpoint of impact on Somoza it would be best to have trip take place on Tuesday at latest so that McAuliffe’s contact here will come before Somoza responds. Please advise when I should plan to be in Panama and whether I should go commercial or SouthCom Aircraft will pick me up.⁵

Solaun

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, N780010–0044. Confidential; Niact Immediate; Exdis Handle as Nodis. Sent for information Immediate to Caracas and Panama City.
2. Telegram 6279 from Managua, December 2, included the proposed Spanish-language text of the NG response to the FAO and Somoza concerning the plebiscite. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) For the English-language translation of the text, see Document 158.
3. December 3.
4. December 6.
5. In telegram 305334 to Managua, December 2, Vaky authorized Bowdler to proceed with the proposed Negotiating Group statement on the plebiscite. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780497–0719)