Honduras Plans to Block Contras From Its Territory

The armed forces chief said Friday that Honduras has made plans to block the possible return of Nicaraguan Contras to Honduran territory when U.S. aid to the rebels runs out.

Between late 1981, when the Contras began their battle against the leftist Sandinista government, and last year, most Nicaraguan rebels operated from base camps in Honduras.

“There are great fears that Contras who fight in Nicaragua would seek refuge in Honduras,” Gen. Humberto Regalado Hernandez said. “The possible return of Contras is a matter of serious concern to the armed forces. Jointly with immigration officials, we are taking appropriate measures to stop their return, because Honduras cannot accommodate more refugees.”

200,000 Refugees

Honduran officials estimate that more than 200,000 Nicaraguans, Salvadorans and Guatemalans have taken refuge in Honduras over the last nine years. About 60% are said to be Nicaraguans.

Regalado denied news reports that he had urged several U.S. congressmen to approve new economic and military aid for the Contras but admitted writing a letter calling on lawmakers to “think of Central America’s security.” The House defeated President Reagan’s proposal for more Contra aid Wednesday night.

Regalado also accused Nicaragua of sending Soviet-trained commandos to Honduras with orders to assassinate local officials and sow chaos.

“Nicaragua is trying to subvert Honduras, but we will prevent that,” Regalado said, adding that the Sandinistas intend to subvert the Honduran government with a campaign of sabotage and assassinations beginning April 15.

He said that according to military intelligence, the plan is being carried out through the Popular Liberation Movement, which since 1979 has claimed responsibility for at least 15 bank robberies, hijackings, kidnapings and attacks on U.S. businesses.

Authorities say the Marxist group is the armed wing of the Communist Party, which has been outlawed since 1950.