392. Telegram From the Embassy in El Salvador to the Department of State1
5937. Deliver to action office by start of business Wednesday October 17. For Assistant Secretary Vaky from Ambassador Devine. Subj: Contact With New Government of El Salvador. Ref State 270716.2
1. (S-entire text)
2. DCM Howard, DATT Walker, and I met for two hours tonight with Colonel Guiterrez and Colonel Mahano for full discussion of present situation and complete presentation of points contained reftel.
3. Both officers were reserved and even somewhat nervous at outset but relaxed visibly, became more friendly as conversation progressed, and were volunteering considerable comment by latter part of meeting.
4. With respect to formation of Junta, they expressed hope this would come about within next 48 hours. Confirmed that it would include two military officers, one nationally prestigious figure, one member of progressive private sector, and one person acceptable to members of popular forum. Thought matters were moving ahead but that this took time because of consultative process and civilian hesitancy to commit selves until sure military situation would hold together.
5. In accordance para 4 reftel we suggested circulation of diplomatic note concerning continuation of diplomatic relations and described content of such a note. They indicated this would be done after Junta formed and in being.
[Page 976]6. Officers said they were currently engaged in outreaching dialogue and found this productive process in terms of allaying suspicion and building support. Part of their objective is to isolate the extremes.
7. They anticipate serious opposition and even provocation from both extremes. Are determined to maintain law and order but will attempt to do so with all possible restraint. Present state of siege they see as preventative measure to be relaxed as circumstances permit. In quick rundown of three popular organizations, they confirmed that FAPU seems susceptible to dialogue, LP–28 less so, and BPR is intransigent.
8. When we pressed for prompt corrective action on human rights abuses, they said:
A. Political prisoners—amnesty has already been announced, Red Cross is being contacted, and need is recognized for complete open door policy;
B. Elections—heard out in seeming agreement, did not mention timetable, but spoke desirability of return of military to its proper role as soon as possible.
C. ORDEN—confirmed dissolution of this pro-GOES peasant organization and blamed its former status and abuses on oligarchic pressure on President Romero;
D. Labor disputes—prefer to keep military and security forces clear of labor disputes and approach problem instead by reform of labor laws to make legal strikes and resolutions of disputes more feasible.
9. We urged desirability of public declarations of support from church, political parties and professional and civic groups. Officers said they had met with Archbishop Romero who has already issued such a statement (septel).3
10. When we explained that internationally acceptable human rights image would enhance our ability to assist new GOES, they said and repeated that they would need our help.
- Source: Department of State, Bureau of Inter-American Affairs, Nicaragua/El Salvador Working Files, Lot 81D64, El Salvador Telegrams, 10/79. Secret; Niact Immediate; Exdis.↩
- See Document 390.↩
- In telegram 5930 from San Salvador, October 16, the Embassy reported on a radio broadcast of Archbishop Romero’s pastoral message on the coup which “admonished people to be patient, wise, and moderate in expectations and demands and called upon new government to adhere to promised reforms.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790474–0864)↩