NSDD 225 Central America: United States Policy on Search for a Negotiated Solution

SECRET SECRET/SENSITIVE - 2 - military apparatus. However, the treaty version supported by our Central American friends does not contain a reliable verification system or a specific timetable for ensuring Nicaraguan compliance with the treaty's internal political commitments. The verification system for security issues contained in that treaty is also flawed by its provision for decision by consensus. (S) Therefore, the Secretary of State should pursue a negotiations strategy designed to achieve our Nicaraguan objectives as pre- viously stated. To this end, he should undertake the following actions: (1) Continue efforts to encourage the governments of Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Guatemala to insist that a Contadora treaty must achieve the pol- itical and security objectives defined in the Contadora Document of Objectives, with emphasis on the need for a comprehensive package in which all commitments are simultaneously implemented, with concrete verification procedures to ensure compliance. Strongly urge those governments to ensure that verification mechanisms are not subject to veto by Nicaragua or its friends. (2) Convey to the presidents of the four Central American democratic countries our serious concern that their governments are now supporting a draft treaty which does not provide for clearly verifiable implementation by the Government of Nicaragua of national reconcilia- tion and democratization, which must include full political participation by the internal and external opposition. Strongly urge the four presidents to insist that a clear timetable for implementation of political commitments be inserted or annexed to the Contadora treaty. (3) The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence, should take steps to convey to the governments of the Central American democracies (including the military leadership) our military concerns regarding inadequate or unenforceable security provisions of a Contadora agreement. (4) With the prior concurrence of the governments of Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Guatemala, state to the governments of the Contadora and Support Group countries our strong support for the security provi- sions advocated by the Central American democracies. Where appropriate, state to the Contadora and Support governments our concern with the shortcomings in all existing treaty drafts concerning implementation of political commitments. SECRET/SENSITIVE COPY IG OF 6 COPIES SECRET