224. Editorial Note
In telegram 163603 to San José, June 24, the Department instructed Weissman to contact Calero and “as many of FAO leaders as possible” to “explain new opportunities” provided by the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of American States (MFM) resolution “for renewed effort to persuade Somoza to step down and clear the way for new dialogue on establishment of Government of National Reconciliation.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840133–1562) Calero’s response, as given in telegram 2685 from San José, June 25, indicated “no clear strategy” to “take advantage of opportunity created by MFM resolution;” and his belief that conditions were “sufficient for direct negotiation between Somoza and USG.” (Carter Library, Donated Material, Papers of Walter F. Mondale, Box 63, Foreign Countries—Nicaragua, 1977–1980)
In telegram 163604 to Managua, June 24, the Department instructed Tucker to contact Cordova Rivas, Jaime Chamorro, and other Broad Opposition Front (FAO) leaders with the same message given to Calero. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850036–1777) FAO leaders met at the Embassy in Managua to discuss their response to the MFM resolution and their independence from the Sandinista National Liberation Front. (Telegram 2787 from Managua, June 24, National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850036–1781) Telegram 2793 from Managua, June 24, included an informal translation of the FAO declaration in response to the MFM resolution, which endorsed Somoza’s departure and sought to ensure sufficient political breadth in the “Junta of the Government of National Reconstruction” to achieve the “democratic and pluralist objectives which the country needs.” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 35, Nicaragua: 6/21–24/79)