‘Contadora Can Work, if--’

Your editorial, “Contadora Can Work, if--,” and Abraham F. Lowenthal’s article (Editorial Pages, Jan. 15), “Facing the Ugly Facts on Nicaragua,” both clearly and correctly stated that we cannot bring about the democratic ends we seek in Central America by the use of force.

We have completely lost the moral high ground because we are unwilling to use the means that are consonant with the values we espouse. Right now we are sending a signal that we do not really believe that those values will work for the Central American people because we won’t let the Contadora process, which not only espouses but also uses those values, have a real chance to succeed.

JOSEPH C. KRESSE JR.

Santa Monica