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

370. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Venezuela¹

Washington, March 6, 1980, 2050Z

60860. Subject: U.S. Security Assistance for El Salvador

1. (S–Entire Text)

2. In line with SCC guidance² we are planning to provide security assistance to El Salvador following promulgation by the junta (JRG) of its reform program. The agrarian reform package, signed by all five members of the JRG, was promulgated at noon today in highly visible ceremonies designed to increase the visibility and impact of this far-reaching measure.³ Promulgation of the Banking Reform Law is expected to follow shortly.

3. Since we have been working so closely with the Venezuelans in support of the JRG, we want to inform President Herrera or Foreign Minister Zambrano (or if they are not available Presidential Secretary Garcia Bustillos) of our intention and obtain their reaction. Request you do this making the following points:

—We are gratified that the GOV as a result of the Calvani mission has several technicians assisting the GOES in police, agrarian reform and other fields (Para 3 of Caracas 1839⁴).

—Last week we signed a loan for $5.5 million with the GOES for credit to small industries and cooperatives.

—We have been waiting to provide security assistance until the JRG promulgated its reform program, especially agrarian reform.

—With the announcement of the Agrarian Reform Decree today, we plan to initiate our security assistance within a few days beginning with a small advance team to be followed shortly by three MTTs (12 men each) to begin training at the three brigade headquarters.

—Some equipment and supplies will subsequently follow, basically in the communications and transportation areas.

—We plan to expand our help, especially in support of the Agrarian Reform Law, in the upgrading of urban areas, and work-generating projects in rural areas. The JRG will continue to need additional assistance from the GOV, both in the security and economic areas. We encourage the GOV to move such assistance forward as rapidly as possible.

4. We are taking advantage of Calderon Berti’s presence to have Dr. Brzezinski mention matter to him and ask him to let President Herrera know of your interest in seeing him in order to convey the above point directly.⁵

5. The actual implementation or timing of our assistance could be affected by the GOV response. Please report their reactions by NIACT immediate.⁶

Vance

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870058-0189. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information immediate to Bogota, Havana, Lima, Lisbon, Madrid, Panama, and San Salvador. Drafted by A. Wilson and Bowdler; cleared by Hemenway, Pastor, and in S/S-O; approved by Christopher.
2. See Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XV, Central America, Document 419.
3. See Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XV, Central America, Document 424.
4. In telegram 1839 from Caracas, February 26, Luers reported on his meeting with Calvani. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870058-1073)
5. No record of the meeting was found.
6. In telegram 2239 from Caracas, March 7, Crowley reported on his meeting with Zambrano: “I stressed to Zambrano—and repeated—that in our judgment the time has come to move on assistance as quickly as possible. He said he agreed that now was the time to act and assured me he would advise President Herrera accordingly.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870058-0192)