289. Editorial Note

In 1977 and 1978, U.S. policy toward Paraguay focused on convincing Paraguayan President Alfredo Stroessner to schedule a visit by the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IAHRC) of the Organization of American States (OAS). Ambassadors George W. Landau and Robert E. White, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Terence A. Todman, and Deputy Secretary Warren Christopher used carrot-and-stick diplomacy to try to convince Stroessner to first agree to a visit in principle and then to set a firm date.

In May 1977, Paraguayan presidential advisor Conrado Pappalardo informed Landau that Paraguay would give permission for an IAHRC visit. (Telegram 1846 from Asuncion, May 6; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770160-0059) (C) At the OAS General Assembly in Grenada in June, Nogues told Secretary of State Cyrus Vance “that Paraguay would cooperate with the Inter-American Human Rights Commission” but “they are still considering the prospect of inviting the commission to Paraguay, and he reminded the Secretary that this is a prerogative of each country.” Vance “expressed the strong hope that Paraguay would invite the commission, noting that this would have a significant impact on the hemisphere and would provide Paraguay an opportunity to take a leadership role.” (Telegram 27 from the Secretary’s Delegation in Grenada, June 17; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770217-0201) (C) Stroessner told Todman in August that “he was not against the visit” (Telegram 3420 from Asuncion, August 22; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770302-0851) (C) and assured Carter in September that an IAHRC visit after Paraguayan elections in February 1978 “would be no problem.” (Document 290)

By late 1977 U.S. officials thought that Paraguay might indefinitely postpone a decision on dates for the IAHRC visit, and began to use both diplomatic and financial pressure to push Stroessner to set a date. As early as June 1977, the Department received reports that other Southern Cone governments were pressuring Stroessner not to accept an IAHRC visit. (Telegram 2280 from Asuncion, June 4; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770200-0128, telegram 135207 to Asuncion, June 10; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770208-0548, and telegram 168495 to Brasilia, July 19; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770268-1195) (all are Confidential) In June, Zimmermann suggested to Lopez Escobar “that Paraguay consider withdrawing two loan applications now pending in the IDB” “until such time as a favorable decision is reached on the visit by the IAHRC,” noting that if the loans were not withdrawn, “the U.S. would be obliged to oppose the loans.” (Telegram 153087 to [Page 829] Asuncion, June 30; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770234-0654) (C) Christopher’s Inter-Agency Group on Human Rights and Foreign Assistance approved some grants and loans to Paraguay in 1977, but deferred consideration of others because the visit had not yet been scheduled and in September allowed Paraguay’s access to FMS funding for FY 1977 to lapse. (Telegram 281155 to Asuncion, November 24; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770435-1029, and telegram 229738 to Asuncion, September 23; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770347-0394, Action Memorandum from ARA, HA, and PM through T to Christopher, September 29, 1977; National Archives, RG 59, Bureau of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, Lot 80D177, HA Subject and Country Files, 1976-77, Human Rights—Paraguay, 1977, June-December) (telegrams are both Confidential; action memo is LOU)

After the Paraguayan elections in February 1978, White was unable to get anything other than vague assurances from Stroessner and Pappalardo. (Telegram 693 from Asuncion, February 20; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780077-0567) (C) On February 22, Todman stressed to Paraguayan Ambassador to the United States Mario Lopez Escobar that “any further delay in setting a date for the visit would be viewed with utmost seriousness and could have a profound effect on our relations.” (Telegram 46660 to Asuncion, February 23; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780083-0229, and telegram 47666 to Asuncion, February 24; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780085-0354) (both Confidential)