NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE DAILY

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06001869
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 16, 2022
• Document Release Date: January 20, 2016
• Case Number: F-2015-01950
• Publication Date: March 29, 1980

Approved for Release: 2015/12/21 006001869
(-01".\ Director of
L*, 1. Central
1/4") Intelligence
National Intelligence Daily
Saturday
29 March 1980
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Approved for Release: 2015/12/21 006001869
Approved for Release: 2015/12/21 006001869
0 EL SALVADOR: Status Report
The repercussions of the assassination of Archbishop Romero--
including cabinet resignations and strong international criticism--
is eroding the junta's legitimacy.
Three cabinet officials--two of whom are prominent
Christian Democrats--resigned Thursday and left the
country because of the government's failure to curb
'rightwing violence. Their departure could prompt more
defections from the government.
Extremist violence continues, but increasingly
� aggressive search operations by security forces are tak-
ing a toll on the left. One leftist guerrilla group may
have decided to suspend activities, and the propaganda
,campaign of the largest radical front organization has
been seriously hampered.
The left also may be influenced by advice-from
which sees Romero's killing aS-a rIghtwing-PlOY'to
,the left into an armed showdown with the military. Havana
reportedly has counseled against street demonstrations
for the time being.
Nonetheless, some radical elements--which have
already accused the US of complicity in Romero's murder--
probably intend to turn the massive funeral procession
'planned for tomorrow into an antigovernment demonstra-
tion.
The assassination of Romero has hardened interna-
tional opinion against the junta. At its meeting in
Santo Domingo this week, the Socialist International
formally condemned both the Salvadoran Government and
US support for the junta. Nicaragua's withdrawal of its
Ambassador may presage a formal diplomatic break--if
major violence persists; Mexico apparently is contem-
plating a similar move. The possibility of pignificant
aid to the junta from Latin American and European
countries appears increasingly remote.
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Approved for Release: 2015/12/21 006001869