U.S. Policy in Central America

Your editorial (July 20), “Che Lives,” contended that “The United States is proving a basic tenet of the revolutionary left--that the transformation of Latin American society can be defined only in terms of the United States as the Archenemy.”

You were critical of the present Administration and went back to President Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress to find an example of an attempt “to change historical U.S. attitudes.” You did not have to go back that far, a more recent attempt was made by the bipartisan Commission on Central America appointed by President Reagan.

This commission studied the problems of Central America and recommended economic assistance similar to the Alliance for Progress. The chairman of that commission, former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, also addressed the question of “profound social reform” that, according to your editorial, now has the endorsement of the Roman Catholic Church.

Kissinger wrote, “The diplomacy to deal with Central America must be part of a new approach to the Western Hemisphere as a whole. The United States must make a more wholehearted commitment to the aspirations for growth and democracy in the region if it is to live in a constructive relationship with the forces liberated by the new wave of democracy. And in doing so it will serve not only its own national interest but the cause of freedom.”

The Reagan Administration endorsed the report but must have found it easier to spend millions of dollars for military assistance than for economic aid. It should be noted, however, that the Reagan Administration supported the revolution in Nicaragua until it was usurped by communists.

According to your editorial, Reagan has reverted to the historical U.S. attitudes. Either you are correct or have not understood Reagan’s objectives. In any case it is evident that the Reagan Administration has not presented a clear picture of its objectives in Central America. Reagan’s talks have been inadequate, it is now time for action. Let me suggest the following:

1--Remove the implementation of U.S. policy in Central America from the responsibility of the CIA and give it to the Peace Corps.. We must emphasize that our policy is not contra -revolutionary but only to assist the people of Nicaragua in regaining control of their revolution. The CIA action supporting an undisciplined gang of thugs called contras in guerrilla warfare against the people of Nicaragua is clearly counterproductive. Our model should be the action of the people of the Philippines supported by the Roman Catholic Church and not the military action of the U.S.S.R. in Afghanistan.

2--Provide political, economic and, if necessary, military support for the Contadora countries attempting to achieve a diplomatic solution. Even if Nicaragua fails to agree, the unification of the other countries behind common objectives would constitute a major factor in stabilizing the area. We must, to use Kissinger’s terms, “Latinize” the process, demonstrating that our objective is to help not to impose our solutions--in your terms--to allow Latin America the freedom and dignity to which it is entitled.

E.C. PERRY

Palm Springs