The World - News from June 29, 1986

Saying he had the right to “defend my honor,” former Mexican President Jose Lopez Portillo has threatened to sue former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico John Gavin. In an open letter to Gavin reprinted in several Mexico City newspapers, Lopez Portillo charged that Gavin implied in testimony at a U.S. Senate hearing last week that corruption made Lopez Portillo rich. Referring to local press reports on Gavin’s testimony, Lopez Portillo wrote, “You are a liar who defames and slanders, by which I will be forced to pursue you before the competent courts.”