Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980 Volume XXIV, South America; Latin America Region

362. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia¹

Washington, July 14, 1979, 1827Z

183068. Subject: Nicaragua: Andean Initiative.

1. (S–Entire Text)

2. For Caracas only: Please pass following confidential message from Secretary Vance for Foreign Minister Zambrano. You should also convey the sense of this message to President Herrera if at all possible, especially the penultimate paragraph:

Begin text: Dear Mr. Minister: I was pleased to learn that you and your Andean Group colleagues will be meeting in Caracas Sunday July 15 to consider ways to help resolve the tragic Nicaraguan crisis.² This is a climactic moment in the history of our hemisphere, the Nicaragua situation is one whose consequences will be felt throughout the region for years to come. Your initiative, undertaken in the spirit of the OAS resolution of June 22,³ merits the support and hope of all the members of the OAS.

You have in your hands a unique opportunity to advance determination, observance of human rights, and true reconciliation in that war-torn country. The polarization and bitterness that have occurred in Nicaragua can overwhelm moderation and rational, peaceful processes. The dangers of further violence through reprisals and vengeance and of radicalization are all too real.

Finding solutions which will avoid these dangers is, I know you will agree, of the utmost importance. As you deliberate with your colleagues, I know you will bear in mind these difficult political, strategic and human factors, and the consequent need to help Nicaragua create conditions in which all elements can freely and without coercion participate in establishing the kind of broad-based, democratic, self-determined government and regime that the OAS resolution contemplated. The moderate democratic elements within Nicaragua will require the encouragement and support of the hemisphere if they are to survive and contribute to a reconstructed Nicaragua.

Our conversations with the junta continue actively⁴ and we believe that the junta is disposed to consider and agree to additional clarifications regarding a ceasefire in place and other conditions that would benefit a peaceful, moderate transition. I wanted you to know of these prospects. I recognize the value of working with the provisional government. I hope that all of us can continue encouraging it to demonstrate its commitment to a democratic and free play by all opposition forces in the transition period. To fail to express international opinion in this sense risks to some degree allowing powerful and extreme elements to overwhelm other sectors.

Please accept my best wishes for your endeavor and be assured that the United States stands ready to cooperate in any way that you believe may be appropriate in connection with your initiatives. Sincerely, Cyrus Vance. End text.⁵

3. For Quito, Lima, Bogota and La Paz: If your Foreign Minister is still available please convey the sense of the foregoing as the Secretary’s views (rather than as specific message).⁶

Christopher

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850004-1743. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information to Managua, Panama City, San Jose and the White House. Drafted by Vaky, cleared in S/S-O and approved by Christopher.
2. For the details of Zambrano’s plan for the joint action of the Andean Pact foreign ministers to travel to Costa Rica and Nicaragua to support the Nicaraguan provisional government junta, see telegram 6353 from Caracas, July 13. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840163-2150)
3. See Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XV, Central America, Document 223.
4. See Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XV, Central America, Document 273.
5. In telegram 6384 from Caracas, July 15, Luers reported that he had read Zambrano the message and that Zambrano “was very pleased.” Luers also “briefed him in general terms on Bill Bowdler’s discussions today with the junta.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850004-1789)
6. No responses were found from the Embassies in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, or Bolivia.