Demeaning Demeanor

The State Department demeaned itself by dismissing Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s pardon of American mercenary Eugene Hasenfus as propaganda. Clearly the Sandinistas used Hasenfus to attack U.S. policy in Central America. But they did treat him decently, and releasing him on the eve of the Christmas holidays is a humane gesture.

A former cargo handler for the U.S. Marines in Vietnam, Hasenfus was captured by Sandinista forces in October when they shot down a cargo plane that was on a clandestine supply flight for the U.S.-backed contra rebels. There are still unanswered questions about that flight--questions that have multiplied with the subsequent revelation that Administration officials sold U.S. arms to Iran and used the profits to help fund the contras. Hasenfus has publicly admitted his role in the contra supply operation, saying that he acted as a private citizen but suggesting that some government officials were involved.

Perhaps the Reagan Administration’s curt response to Hasenfus’ release is a reflection of its frustration over the continuing Iran-contra scandal. If so, it would be well for White House and State Department spokesmen to remember that Hasenfus might never have fallen into Sandinista hands if U.S. officials had not privately encouraged adventurers to aid the contras over the opposition of Congress and the vast majority of the American people.

The Administration brought the mess on itself--and it’s not over yet. Hasenfus is certain to be called as a witness by the congressional committees looking into the Iran arms deal. He should also be interviewed by the independent counsel investigating whether Administration officials broke the law in the course of their clandestine foreign adventures.

In the meantime, the Sandinistas can increase the good will generated through the release of Hasenfus by turning over to the United States another U.S. citizen whom they have in custody, Sam Hall. He is by all accounts an emotionally troubled man who was trying to live out a fantasy by “spying” for his country. It would demean the government of Nicaragua to take Hall seriously and put him on trial like Hasenfus.