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

368. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Panama and Ecuador¹

Washington, February 10, 1980, 0027Z

36613. Subject: Message From President Carter. Ref: Caracas 1350.²

1. (C–Entire Text)

2. Ambassador should at earliest possible opportunity deliver following message from President Carter to your Chief of State.

Begin text.

Dear (insert name and title):

Recent events in Central America have become a matter of deep concern to me. An explosive situation has emerged in El Salvador that could deteriorate into civil war and threaten the peace and security of the entire area.

In El Salvador the Revolutionary Junta Government is attempting to carry out swift, peaceful reforms in order to improve the lives of its citizens and create a democratic and stable political environment. However, self-interested extremist forces oppose these efforts and threaten to push the country into a civil war from which a totalitarian government is likely to emerge. Despite the presence of some moderates in the so-called “popular forces,” the leadership core of these groups consists of radical Marxists who are committed opponents to a pluralistic or democratic process. It is an illusion to think that these groups can be genuinely moderated.

The United States is eager to assist the new Government in its reform program, but the Revolutionary Junta Government needs a broader demonstration of support from a number of friendly and democratic countries. Encourage you to work with the junta to identify areas in which your Government can best help them to implement their reform program.

The United States understands and appreciates the need for fundamental change in Central America and is using its economic and security assistance programs to support reform. Rapid, peaceful change is essential to avoid political violence. However, the pressures for legitimate social and economic reform, in some cases long overdue, have helped to create unstable political conditions not only in El Salvador but in several other Central American republics as well. As a consequence, these countries have become vulnerable to subversive elements, which have indigenous roots but are being trained, supported, and, to a certain extent, directed by Cuba. These Cuban activities are unquestionably interventionist.

The United States under my administration has repeatedly affirmed its intention to maintain a policy of non-intervention in the affairs of other states. But our adherence to this policy is not a license for others to intervene. Cuba should not be permitted, by sponsoring subversion, to threaten the peace and security of Central America.

I am sharing these concerns with you in hopes of establishing an ongoing dialogue about conditions in Central America and the actions we might consider taking to meet the challenges we face there. I can assure you that the United States is as determined to support the forces of reform and development as it is to oppose the forces of subversion and extremist violence. Sincerely, End text.

3. For Bogota and Lima: Add the following to the middle of the third paragraph of the above text. Quote: We have already approached your Government on lending security and political support to the beleaguered Salvadoran junta. We hope that you will find appropriate ways to support the revolutionary junta in El Salvador.³ End quote.

4. For Caracas: To the third paragraph of the letter’s text add: Quote: We have already discussed with you and your Government the possibility of lending security and political support to the beleaguered Salvadoran junta. I am encouraged by your Government’s commitment to send advisors to El Salvador. End quote.

5. For Panama: Ambassador should deliver message to both President Royo and to General Torrijos. Post should add the following to the letter. Quote: You have been a bridge between the parties in El Salvador, maintaining contact with them and counseling them toward moderation. To the extent that your efforts help the new Government gain the support it needs to implement its reforms, we believe you are contributing to the peace of the region. End quote.⁴

6. For all action addressees. You should view this letter as an additional opportunity to engage the President or Foreign Minister in this issue, and to underscore the urgency of the issue. Our objective is to support the junta so as to increase the probability that it will remain a working Government. You should therefore deliver message personally to Chief of State if possible. If unable to do so or if this would involve delay you may deliver personally to Foreign Minister for transmittal to Chief of State. In delivering message you may draw on the following points:

—The letter is an indication of the personal interest and concern of President Carter with recent developments in El Salvador, and the importance the President attaches to close consultation with your government on this important matter.

—The President would value your views on developments in El Salvador and whatever assistance your Government could provide.

7. Ambassador Asencio should use this message to try to persuade President Turbay to as soon as possible respond favorably to the Salvadoran request for security assistance without delaying until March.

8. For Kuwait and Doha: Venezuelan President Luis Herrera Campins accompanied by Foreign Minister Zambrano is scheduled to visit Kuwait on February 10 and Qatar on February 11. You should deliver this message personally to President Herrera or Foreign Minister Zambrano only, making points in para 6. If unable to deliver as requested please advise.⁵

9. For Caracas: In presenting message you can expand on talking points as necessary per para 6 reftel.⁶

Christopher

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870058-0107. Confidential; Niact Immediate; Nodis. See Foreign Relations, 1977–80, vol. XV, Central America, Document 408.
2. See Document 367.
3. In telegram 1493 from Bogota, February 12, Asencio reported delivery of Carter’s message to Turbay. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800075-1098) In telegram 1219 from Lima, February 11, Preeg reported that he delivered the message to Garcia Bedoya, who said he would discuss it with Morales Bermudez that day. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870095-1039)
4. In telegram 1451 from Panama City, February 14, the Embassy reported delivery of Carter’s message to Royo. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D80079-0768)
5. In telegram 211 from Doha, February 11, Killgore reported the delivery of Carter’s message to Herrera. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870148-2149)
6. In telegram 1351 from Caracas, February 11, Luers reported the delivery of the message to Montes de Oca and analyzed the “favorable but complex environment in Caracas for working with the U.S. in Central America.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870058-0112)