‘No Way to Go But Up’

It would be a wonderful world indeed if Nicaragua’s current government could be persuaded to change its goals and modify its behavior by the prescription put forward by The Times (editorial, “No Way to Go But Up,” Nov. 27). Unfortunately, experience has shown that it likely will not.

Central America’s problems cannot be wished away when one of the world’s two superpowers is intent on exacerbating them. Instead of calling for the U.S. to end support for democratically-elected governments in Central America, perhaps The Times ought to ask why the Soviet Union insists on arming a military force equal--if not superior--to the forces of the rest of the region combined. President Oscar Arias Sanchez’s own plea to the Soviets to cease military assistance to Nicaragua, because “the arms coming from the Soviet Union to Central America defy reason and betray our efforts for peace,” was ignored.

There does not appear to be any reason for the Soviets to continue military aid to the Sandinistas, since the U.S. terminated military assistance to the Nicaraguan Resistance in February, 1988. Instead, the Soviets continue to arm the Sandinistas to the tune of some $500 million in 1988, which is at the same level as in 1986 and 1987.

It is often forgotten that the U.S. was the largest donor to the new Sandinista regime until President Carter decided to terminate economic assistance in 1981 because of Sandinista military support for El Salvador’s communist insurgents.

The second element of The Times new strategy calls for continued support for the democratic opposition inside Nicaragua. Presumably this is to consist solely of moral support, since there is no indication of what the U.S. can do in light of newly passed laws making it a treasonable offense punishable by prison terms of up to 12 years for a Nicaraguan to accept U.S. government aid. Meantime, Sandinista compliance with the Arias plan is abysmal.

The evidence suggests that the Sandinistas are not misunderstood social reformers, but dedicated communists proud of their association with the Cubans and Soviets.

It also leads to the conclusion that only pressure causes them to modify their behavior. Pressure brought the Sandinistas to the negotiating table in August, 1987, and again in January, 1988. Ignoring this reality, as The Times recommends, is not a better strategy. It is a prescription for disaster.

CRESENCIO ARCOS

Deputy Assistant Secretary

for Inter-American Affairs

U.S. Department of State