AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH FONMIN PASTOR - 1979/06/08

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Argentina Declassification Project - The "Dirty War" (1976-83)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06626838
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: April 3, 2019
• Document Release Date: April 12, 2019
• Publication Date: June 8, 1979

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simmcr: Ambassador Meets with ForiMin Pastor
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AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
CLASSIFICATION
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AMB 1. (C - Entire Text)
ADM
POL 2. At my request, I met with FonMin Carlos Pastor yesterday
CHRON
noon (June 7) to discuss several facets in the human rights
field. FonMita, affectionately known as "Stone Face" by
DipCorps members, was in true form. Garbed in his under-
taker suit, he met me with a stern look, certainly not as
a manifestation of friendship. The minus two degrees
(Celsius) below zero in the tomb-looking office might
have added to the distorted appearance. Key points
discussed follow:
3. FonMin initiated the conversation by reminding me
my audience was coming at a most unfortunate time. He
stated he, Presidgnt Videla, and other key members of GOA
4
were bristling over the latest barrage of slanderous
Chis words) material appearing in American newspapers.
He stated all this had the aP pearance of a concerted
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effort to influence the visit of IAHRC. He didn't.quite
say so, but inferred many military members felt some of
this might lie USG input. ,He specifically was refering
to articles appearing in New York Times, plus an
editorial, and the latest in the Washington Post. His
voice went up one octave and said "can you imagine
comparing General Videla to Idi Amin" and calling him
blood-thirsty. Comnent: He referred to the Idi Amin
comparison several times, so it seemed this point was the
one that hurt the most. FonMin Pastor and President
Videla are related by marriage. They are both married
to sisters. END COMMENT
4. Pastor hesitated for a moment. This permitted me
to break the monologue and explain to the FonMin of
independence of US news media and most certainly USG had
no input into articles referred to by Pastor. FonMin
gave a sigh of relief and thanked me for explanation as
he was meeting President Videla later. He assured me
Videla would be happy and very much relieved to learn of
USG non-involvement. I further explained Embassy
satisfied series of" articles on Argentina were not result
of concerted effort on anybody's part to embarrass GOA.
This helped put Pastor at ease.
5. Timerman case: I then inquired about the status of
Llacobo Timerman case. FonMin replied matter at an
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impasse. He assured me he and Videla were two GOA
officials carrying burden in attempt to free Jacobo
Timerman. FonMin explained AF and Navy have been
convinced. He stated there were still several hard-
liners in Army with negative attitudes. Pastor told .
me if Timerman would sign an agreement, in good faith,
agreeing that on his release he would not write,
criticize, stir-up problems for GOA chances of Timerman
being released became real. Pastor said he felt he
could persuade hardliners to go along with release.
He explained he had discussed this natter with Ram
MRN
Nirgad, Israeli Ambassador, but had not received an
Nirgad
answer. Mixgaxi discussed this matter with me on
May 31 (see Buenos Aires 4429). Nirgad made it clear
GOA wanted a personal guarantee from him as Ambassador,
and also from Israeli Government, specifying Timerman
would not write, criticise or create problems for
Argentina once he left country. Israeli Ambassador
stated Timerman has far exceeded his age of majority
thus he (Nirgad) not in position to vouch for Timerman's
4
behavior after release. I promised FonMin I would
convey his suggestion to Timerman's Rabbi. I reminded
FonMin it was a personal decision only Jacdbo Timerman
could make.
L�. IAHRC Visit: On my inquiry about status of IAHRC
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at this moment, was taking a somewhat neutral role.-
He denied GOA was in Nicaragua's camp. His suggestion
was OAS should send a committee to Nicaragua comprised
of those countries not emotionally involved. He stated
Panama, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala,
Honduras, El Salvador were all either directly or 'indirect-
ly involved. Pastor stated he would discuss Nicaraguan
and othei'Central American problems with Videla. -
8. Disappearances: Inasmuch as FonMin summarily
dismissed "desaparecidos" problems by stating he had no
solution to problem, I again raised issue. I asked if
he knew what GOA's approach would be with IARRC. He
replied Videla and staff members are seriously studying
problem hoping to come up with an acceptable formula.
He did say up to now there were no brilliant revelations
on the topic. I stated talk of day was disappearances
of six students. His answer was it was a tremendous set-
back to progress that had been made. Pastor assured me
GOA is exerting every effort to find whereabouts of these
youngsters. At this point he made a plea for patience
as in his opinion progress was being made, even though
at a slower pace than suited them.
9. FonMin reminded me of our discussion on Jehovahs
Witnesses a few months ago. He told me a full study is
ping made on how to handle Jehovahs Witnesses who are _j
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visit, FonMin replied date had not been set. He said
it could be August. He emphasized GOA had absolutely
nothing to do with postponement of visit. He repeated
several times GOA was prepared to receive IAHRC at
end of May and is still ready to receive WIRC at any
time. He clarified he would be less than honest if
he didn't tell me the longer it takes IAHRC to visit
Argentina the more opportunity GOA has to improve its
conditions. Pastor stated plan was to clear prison of
PEN detainees by end of year. He explained prisoner
status in all categories are being reviewed by proper
authorities. Pastor said he didn't have any solutions
for "desaparecidos" nor had any concrete information been
given him on the matter.
7. Nicaragua: FonMin volunteered information on Central
American conditions. He made specific reference to
Nicaragua. Even though this Embassy was info to State
146191, I took opportunity to, in general terms, review
USG's posture reference Nicaraguan issue. I stayed
close to Ambassador's McGee's comnents as Pastor
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indicated he was familiar with Ambassador's remarks
given to OAS. He appeared to agree with USG's position
and also Andean formula. He stated Mexico had been
precipitious in their action and had only added fuel to
Ube fire. In a defensive manner he stated Argentina.
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conscientious objectors, children not saluting the.flag:1
and not signing national anthem. Pastor said they
want to fashion their "modus operandi" in the American
style. He asked me if I could furnish 'him with
legislation, literature or whatever is available in
the manner Jehovah problems are handled. I promised
him I would make the inquiry from Department. Therefore,
suggest Department send this Embassy whatever literature
may be available on subject.
10. COMMENT: DipCorps looks upon Pastor as a pleasant
but innoucuous person. He is categorized as cooperative
but not knowledgeable in foreign affairs. His claim .
to fame is his relationship to Videla by marriage. Up
to now there has never been any indication of hostility
towards USG. He always gives the appearance of being
tired and of being a potential member of the "geritol"
set. END COMMENT
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