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

287. Telegram From the Embassy in Nicaragua to the Department of State and the Embassies in Costa Rica, Venezuela, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras¹

Managua, July 17, 1979, 2200Z

3250. Dept pass USSOUTHCOM Action Flash. Subject: (S) GON Backs Off from Agreement.

1. S-Entire text.

2. I just came back from a meeting with President Urcuyo and new Guard Commander General Mejia. I told them that I was disturbed by recent statements which indicated that they were parting from the agreement we had reached with Somoza.² I recounted the long negotiating sessions with Somoza and some of their departed colleagues which included the commitment on his part to resign; put in place an interim constitutional successor who then would turn over power to a GNR. (The specific steps in the process had been repeated by me to Urcuyo as late as two days ago. I stated then that after assuming power he should dissolve Congress and resign himself when the GNR came to Managua. He nodded and made no comment.) I said they were aware of our conversations with other countries and the Junta which provided a scenario and structure to bring about a cease-fire, no reprisals, sanctuaries and the conditions under which a representative democratic government could develop and prosper.

3. Urcuyo said that was not repeat not his understanding, that he was a constitutional President and would be prepared to enter into a dialogue with other groups but that he was not repeat not prepared to surrender power to the Junta. I asked if that were his firm position. He said it was. I said I would have to advise my government immediately. I told him further that the historical record of this period would show that he was violating an understanding reached with representatives of his government. I emphasized that the consequences of his attitude could be grave: it would prolong the conflict, further deteriorate the GN, and reduce the possibility of a peaceful negotiated solution.

5. He appeared unmoved.³ Mejia did not comment.

Pezzullo

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850036–1983. Secret; Flash; Nodis.
2. In telegram 3231 from Managua, July 17, Pezzullo reported that Urcuyo was “already showing signs of being a problem” during the transition phase. Urcuyo had “frustrated a meeting on the military side,” and Pezzullo described him as “a plodding unimaginative man, overwhelmed by his current position and seemingly confused by the role he should play.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850036–1988) Pezzullo noted in telegram 3232 from Managua, July 17, that Urcuyo had “thrown monkey wrench” in the military meeting among Mejia and the Sandinista representatives to discuss a ceasefire. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P900105–0882) Pezzullo sent a further update in telegram 3235 from Managua, July 17, that the proposed meeting among Urcuyo and Junta representatives Rivas and Jarquin had been cancelled by “the latter two because the military talks were aborted by the interim regime.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850036–1986)
3. In telegram 3252 from Managua, July 17, the Embassy reported that Novedades’ July 17 edition carried a “front page photograph of President Urcuyo” with a caption reading: “The new President Urcuyo will complete the constitutional period of ex-President Somoza Debayle until May 1981.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790323–1045)