STRATEGY DISCUSSION WITH ISRAEL AMBASSADOR ON TIMERMAN RELEASE - 1979/06/01

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Argentina Declassification Project - The "Dirty War" (1976-83)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06626839
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: April 3, 2019
• Document Release Date: April 12, 2019
• Publication Date: June 1, 1979

Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06626839
012046Z JUN 79
Vi] iNDIC A TEE
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FROM CL &SEIM CATION
ASSY Riming AIRES CONFIDENTIAL
TAGS:
SJECT: STRATEGY DISCUSSION WITH ISRAEL AMBASSADOR ON TrMERMAN REI
ACTION: SECSTATE WASH DC
CONFIDENTIAL BUENOS AIRES 29 lc)
L. (C) All text
DCM
POL 2. Yesterday noon (tv 31) I lunched width srael Ambassa
CHRON
Ram Nirgad at Embassy residence to discuss strategy on how be
to obtain relcase of Jacobo Timerman.
3. Ambassador Nirgad told me General Viola had been quite fr
in telling him Timerman's release was not imminent. Supposed
Viola explained he favored Timerman's release but key army
leaders opposed release for fear Timerman would write an exp
and stir problems for Argentina. Nirgad indicated his readin
as AF Commander Graffigna and Navy Commander Lambruschini
were inclined not to fight T imerman's release.
7/
4. I then suggested to my colleague of advantage of alerting
P0
Timerman to assume a re humble role when talking to visito
DS-1 Hum/1/09 (CASTRO, Ra(x1 H.) OR-M
I reminded Israel
assador of my impression of my last int
view with Timerman o ril 12. At that time Timerman came
AMDBY
ass ador Castro:mmp
E AR AN C ES
DRAFTING DA TE TEL EXT CONTENTS AND CLASSIFICATION APPROVE
6/1/79 200 Ambassador Castro
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[quite strong and proceeded to indicate to me the mental-1
inferiority of most Argentines. He also told me of how
he had offers from New York Times and various American
universities to expose his experiences during his arrest.
He indicated his resulting benefit would be a very favorable
compensation. He also described to me how he was tortured
and how some of his fellow cell-mates were likewise
tortured. I indicated to Nirgad that unquestionably Timerman'
room walhubugged" and thus Argentine Federal police were
privy to Timerman's conversations. I explained GOA's reluct-
ance to release Timerman could be attributed to perhaps
statements overheard by Police reference his writing for
New York Times' etc.
5. Ambassador Nirgad concurred as he had the same experience.
We have both explained this situation to Rabbi Marshall Meye
an American and his spiritual counselor. Rabbi Meyer has
agreed to caution Timerman on his statements during detentic
Nirgad further explained Timerman was assuming a martyr role
and how he looked upon himself as an international celebrity,
6. Nirgad stated current strategy is to have Timerman write
letter to all three members of the Junta recommending that b
be expelled from Argentina and he be allowed to go to Israel
Heretofore, GOA, had suggested Timerman apply for right of
option. It was then explained to GOA Timerman was not under
the PEN, therefore, ineligible for right of option. GOA came
CONFIDENTIAL
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rback and stated this was a mere technicality as Timerm;n1
could be 'placed under PEN at a moment's notice. On asking
GOA what grounds would be used to place Timerman under PEN,
the reply was why worry about grounds as it can be done.
Nirgad states Timerman is opposed to this suggestion and
is insisting he be expelled from his home-land.
7. Timerman is working on the letter to the Junta giving
reasons why he should be kicked out of Argentina. Timerman
has promised to "send a copy of the draft to the Israel
Ambassador, who in turn has promised to keep me informed.
Nirgad stated he will take the draft to an attorney,
specializing in criminal law, to be sure there are no pit-
falls in the fetter.
8. Nirgad said Timerman is quite legalistic and not an easy
client. Ambassador Nirgad stated he has tried to impress
Timerman first objective should be to achieve freedom. He
has told Timerman that what he does after liberty is gained
is his business. Nirgad stated he will try to convince
Timerman no one wants to silence him about Argentina's
human rights violations. First things cone first, thus all
efforts are being geared to have Timerman released.
CASTRO
CONFIDENTIAL
Classification
Approved for Release: 2018/10/01 C06626839
BA-17
4-1248