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

12467. Subject: Somoza’s Assassination. Ref: Asuncion 0075.2

1. Secret—Entire text.

2. Evaluating intelligence that became available in the weeks following the Somoza assassination, the Department determined in early October that it had no conclusive evidence as to the planners or perpetrators of the attack, although as you know, [less than 1 line not declassified] reports suggested FSLN and Montonero involvement.

3. You may tell Foreign Minister Nogues that the USG did not undertake an investigation of the assassination and has no conclusive evidence as to the planners or perpetrators. However, we remain concerned about such a terrorist act. Therefore, you may tell the Minister that, in our mutual interest in combatting international terrorism, we would be willing to try to trace the weapons seized after the assassination, as we earlier made known to Paraguayan authorities through confidential Embassy channels. We would do so in total confidentiality and would expect the Paraguayans to respect that confidentiality.

Muskie
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D810024-0729. Secret; Exdis. Drafted in ARA, cleared in ARA, S/S and by Quainton, approved by Bowdler.
  2. In Asuncion 75, January 7, 1981, Lane requested guidance on how to respond to a request from Nogues for “any conclusions or findings by USG with respect to the probable identity of the groups or individuals who assassinated Somoza.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D810008-1229)