Reagan Policy in Nicaragua

When a President is only a good politician without a foreign policy, the frequency for absurdity will more likely surface. An astute leader oriented to history, and in that painful region in particular, would be more inclined to approach regional international differences with an emphasis on dialogue and a big stick in reserve.

The Contadora plan is based on dialogue without the millions of dollars. The Contadora peace plan is the most viable of plans that should have had this Administration’s diplomatic endorsement.

The Reagan Administration, paralyzed by paranoia, will not have anything to do with the Contadora Group. This Administration fears a Communist foothold in the region and it will be damned that it will historically be the first administration to permit a “Communist” takeover in the contiguous Americas. Its own fears, it seems, will ensure the phenomena to crystallize.

The Sandinistas, after all, were the original opposition to the Somoza government--a government by a callous dictator, recognized and substantiated by our government. After years of struggle to topple a stifling dictatorship, the Sandinistas, once in power, asked for assistance from any receptive government. Nicaragua was not important then. Now due to neglect by this government the Administration is hollering foul.

When a populace of any creed is suppressed, that populace will rise and fight, if need be, for some voice, and no amount of money or hardware can prevent any gain for its cause.

H. SILVA

Los Angeles