Office of the Historian

288. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Paraguay1

Washington, April 7, 1977, 2302Z

78303. Subject: IAHRC Report on Paraguay. Ref: State 73097;2 Graham-Landau Telcon.3

1. As you are aware from the ref messages, the GOP has in effect declined to receive an IAHRC mission in Paraguay. (The GOU also refused to invite the IAHRC.)

2. We assume GOP is aware of provisions of Sec. 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act which requires USG, in the formulation and conduct of security assistance programs, to avoid identification with countries which violate human rights. The law states that one of the criteria for evaluating an individual program is the extent of a given government’s cooperation with such organizations as the IAHRC. You should take early opportunity to remind the GOP of the provisions of 502B, express the hope that their decision is not final and express our view that an invitation, on balance, would be useful to GOP.

3. FYI. There is every indication that Paraguay will be next focus of congressional concern regarding US assistance programs for authoritarian governments in the region. Hearings may commence shortly. Congressman Fraser’s office is aware of fact no invitation to IAHRC was forthcoming from GOP.4

Vance
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770122-0447. Confidential. Drafted by Graham and Zimmermann; cleared by White, King, Lister, and Derian; approved by Bray.↩
  2. In telegram 73097 to Asuncion, April 2, the Department relayed an IAHRC request for assistance in obtaining the texts of Paraguayan legislation related to human rights, and also reported, “the Paraguayan charge recently informed the desk that the GOP declined to invite the IAHRC to visit that country.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770115-0669)↩
  3. Not found.↩
  4. In telegram 1527 from Asuncion, April 18, Landau reported that he had discussed a potential IAHRC visit with Nogues and Pappalardo and that he doubted “that president will focus on this matter until Videla departs on April 22,” but that he would “continue to urge that GOP invite IAHRC as quickly as possible.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770134-0320)↩