166. Editorial Note
In telegram 6631 from Managua, December 17, 1978, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research William Bowdler reported that delegations from the Liberal Party of Nicaragua (PLN) and the Broad Opposition Front (FAO) met for “the first substantive direct negotiation” on December 16 at the Guatemalan residence. The discussions focused on “the question to be put to the voter in the plebiscite” and on whether the FAO would be obligated to participate in the government if Somoza prevailed in the “consulta popular.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780521–1019) Bowdler reported on “our second round of substantive negotiations on December 17 at the U.S. Embassy,” in telegram 6632 from Managua, December 18. He noted “a net loss of ground as the PLN retreated from the position taken on the question to be used in the plebiscite and the two sides deadlocked on the consequences of the plebiscite in the event Somoza should win.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780522–1102) In telegram 6649 from Managua, December 19, Bowdler reported that “after two 3½ hour sessions on December 18 the negotiations have reached an impasse which threatens failure of the effort.” Bowdler continued: “The deadlock continues to center around whether the FAO should participate in the government in the event Somoza wins the plebiscite” and he added that “the FAO/PC refuses to agree to language to this effect, arguing that it would be suicide to enter into such a deal given the pressures it is under within its own ranks, the FSLN and G–12, and the public at large.” Bowdler also noted that the “PLN, sensing it has an issue on which to pin responsibility on the FAO for failure of the talks, is insisting that the FAO publicly state its willingness to join in Somoza’s government if he wins the plebiscite.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780524–0417)