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

408. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter¹

Washington, February 8, 1980

SUBJECT

• Message on El Salvador (U)

The situation in El Salvador is deteriorating very rapidly, and we are searching for ways to help the current junta which is composed of moderate military officers and Christian Democrats (PDC). The junta appreciates our help, but can only accept it within the context of multilateral support. Therefore, they have requested security and economic aid from the Andean Pact, Spain and Germany, and we have, in turn, encouraged these governments to help.² (S)

The SCC believes that a message from you directly to several heads of state in the region will make it clear to them that this is an issue which personally engages you.³ We do not know whether the junta will last, and we fear that any vacillation by these other governments will give momentum to the leftward shift of moderate groups in El Salvador. The pattern is very similar to the Nicaraguan situation last winter when the FAO disintegrated and shifted their support to the Sandinistas. Unless the junta holds together, we may face the awful prospect of a fully polarized Salvador—with all civilian groups supporting the revolutionary left against the military. (S)

This is therefore a critical moment, and we believe that a message from you will be very helpful in Caracas, Bogota, Lima and Quito. The Mexican position is unhelpful; Lopez Portillo apparently believes that the left will prevail, and he is therefore betting on it by condemning the current government. We do not believe that a message from you at this time would make a difference, although, we are looking into the possibility of sending someone, who understands the Salvadoran issue and whom Lopez Portillo knows and respects. We will recommend such a man when we have found one, and when we think the moment is right. In the meantime, State and I recommend that you approve the message attached at Tab A.⁴ The message has been cleared by the speechwriters.⁵ (S)

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 20, El Salvador: 2/80. Secret. Sent for action. Carter wrote “Zbig” and initialed at the top of the page.
2. Carter circled the final two sentences of the paragraph and wrote in the left-hand margin: “Insert this theme in msg.”
3. See Documents 406 and 407.
4. Attached but not printed is an undated draft Presidential message to the Presidents of Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Panama, and Ecuador.
5. Carter neither approved nor disapproved of this recommendation. The final version of Carter’s message to the five Latin American Presidents was sent in telegram 36613 to Kuwait City and Doha, February 10, and repeated the same day under the same telegram number to Caracas, Bogotá, Lima, Panama City, and Quito. In the message Carter asked that the five countries join with the United States in assisting the JRG to withstand the “explosive” situation in El Salvador. Carter also affirmed his policy of “non-intervention in the affairs of other states,” noted that “our adherence to this policy is not a license for others to intervene,” and stated “Cuba should not be permitted, by sponsoring subversion, to threaten the peace and security of Central America.” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Pastor Files, Subject Files, Box 65, Special Coordinating Committee Meeting on El Salvador (2/15/80), 2/80) Telegram 1030 from Quito, February 13, reported delivery of Carter’s message to Roldos. (Ibid.) Telegram 1493 from Bogotá, February 12, reported delivery of Carter’s message to Turbay. (Ibid.) Telegram 1219 from Lima, February 11, reported that the Embassy had given to Garcia the message from Carter to Morales Bermudez. (Ibid.) Telegram 1451 from Panama City, February 15, reported delivery of Carter’s message to Royo. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800079–0768) Telegram 211 from Doha, February 11, reported the delivery of Carter’s message to Herrera. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870148–2149)