234. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Haig and Peruvian President Belaúnde1

(not on for first minutes)

H: Right. That is a shame but it is understandable.2

B: They think that all the terms and timetable are very tight so they told me they were going directly to the UN. I know they are going to see the same problems there.

H: Of course. There is no question about it and perhaps the only thing we can do is be as helpful as we can. Unfortunately the situation will continue.

B: I find there is a very emotional attitude in Argentina this time. I am afraid it will continue to be so for a number of days until it quiets down.

H: Yes.

B: I think they do not realize that this is such an urgent matter. I am very much afraid that time is being lost.

[Page 487]

H: I share that view and want you to know I spoke to the President3 after our discussion last night4 and he is extremely grateful to you for your statesmanship and your efforts here. We are always ready to do whatever we can and will continue to hold that position. I think now it is best to let the UN consider the matter and they will find in a few days what I learned in three weeks and that is that there are still fundamental differences in the substance between the two parties and despite the sacrifices that have occurred, neither side is willing to make the concessions that are necessary. I only hope a cooling will occur and I am not optimistic.

B: Yesterday afternoon was rather quiet. I hope that it remains. What do you know about this morning?

H: There was activity yesterday. It was anti-submarine activity so there was no truce yesterday.

B: I told General Galtieri what to expect. I told him eventually he was going to have to face different conditions and what they were. I said that they were very close to what we were talking about. There were little differences and pointed out what differences but he seemed hopeful about the UN. What he has done really is to say that he is ready for negotiations in the UN but when those negotiations come, he will find the same problems as he found with me.

H: Exactly. And even more rigidity in the terms of no ceasefire until immediate withdrawal.

B: I told him I was open in this channel and ready to do whatever I could and to feel free to call me. I am always available but not too optimistic.

H: No, not for the next 24 to 48 hours. Unfortunately, I hope that there are not more lives lost in the interim. You have been magnificent and I want you to know how much I admire what you have done and am grateful.

B: I know of your wonderful intelligence [intention?] to be helpful and I know naturally your great responsibilities.

H: We will keep a close watch and if anything develops, we will be in touch immediately.

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B: I will always be ready. Please give my regards to the President.5

H: I will.

END TELCON

  1. Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, Files of Alexander M. Haig, Jr., 1981–1982, Lot 82D370, No folder. Secret; Sensitive. Haig was speaking from Washington; Belaúnde was in Lima.
  2. Haig’s answer is presumably in response to Belaúnde’s report of his May 5 telephone conversation with Galtieri in which Galtieri stated that Argentina would be seeking mediation from the United Nations instead of accepting the seven-point proposal. See Document 232.
  3. No memorandum of conversation of this exchange between Reagan and Haig has been found. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the Reagans hosted a private dinner with Cabinet officials from 7:20 to 9:58 p.m., May 5, and records no other conversations between the President and Secretary of State that day. (Reagan Library, President’s Daily Diary)
  4. See footnote 3, Document 232.
  5. The Embassy transmitted an informal English translation of the text of a letter from Belaúnde to Reagan, delivered to the Embassy on May 7. In the letter, Belaúnde provided his own summary of Peru’s role in the peace initiative. (Telegram 2415 from Lima, May 8; Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Country File, Latin America/Central, Peru (05/03–1982–05/06/1982))