'made a convincing case for their commitment to democracy. They also noted their critical need for relatively small amounts of security assistance, economic aid, and support for their struggling agricultural sector.

(C)

In recent weeks, there appears to have been an increase in
guerrilla attacks and subversion. It is entirely likely that we
will see more polarizing activity of this kind as the
elections approach. Unless the Army has adequate support,
certain elements
7may use the guerrilla action as a
reason to defer elections or to justify counter-productive.
repressive measures. Unfortunately, the Congress only provided
in PY-85 IMET funds from the Administration's

security assistance request. While the PY-86 request for
in security assistance provides hope for the future.
It would seen that we need to look for ways in which we can help
'between now and their elections. (S)

It is, therefore, requested that State take the lead in
developing imaginative alternatives

can be

provided with assistance to improve their security situation.
should consider

as well

as activitior by other 0.8. agencies which could have a positive effect on internal security conditions.

Our goal in all of this should be to provide all possible

assistance to

artial, Ceclassified/leased on 5 May 1982

ende: provirs of EJ. 12356

by 2 Pictal Secur., Council

Declassify:

OADR

Pobert Cxfarta
tove

Robert C. McFane

UNCLASSIFIED

SENSITIVE

Attached at Tab I is a memo from you to Secretaries Shults and
Weinberger, Director Casey, and Genera) Vessey asking for their
views on increased U.S. assistance]
Your Beno is

cast as suggestion which derives from trip to the region.

The real purpons of your name is to find a way by which we can compensate the are providing tỏ the Nicaráguda freedom fighteri the extraordinary assistance they end-user certificates which the At Tab II are purchase of nearly 180 worth of munitions to be delivered to the provided for the YON. These nine documents are a dirags copsequence of the informal liaison we have established. Beeting with he and identified in these documents will be delivered in several The ammunition and weapons shipments (2 aireraft and by sea) starting on or about March 10, 1988 All shipments will be delivered receipted for

deliv

Land your.

and turned over to

on

FON representatives at. arrival. Adolfo is convinced, and I agree, that have has removed or withhold any equipment/munitions from the FDN deliveries which have occurred to date.

Xin which the

During one of the meetings; process above was arranged, one of presented a "wish list" of items which they desperately need in order to prosecute their war against the Cuban-supported querrillas. A copy of the list is attached at tab III. the items identified are in priority within four principal Each of categories: Aircraft, Ground Forceš Equipment, Weapons and Munitions, and Non-Tactical Military Equipment.

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