816.01/12–2848: Telegram
The Ambassador in El Salvador (Nufer) to the Secretary of State
254. While appreciating Department’s position, the danger that our prestige here may be permanently damaged and our relations impaired if recognition unduly delayed compels me urge reconsideration views expressed Deptel 135, December 24.
Question has been repeatedly raised among Salvadorans why US, regardless of Bogotá resolution, does not use recognition to imply its approval of present regime which obviously has support overwhelming majority and which many observers consider most popular in many years. It would moreover cause lasting resentment were impression to gain ground that we are putting Venezuelan Junta in same class with Salvadoran de facto government which as mentioned my despatch 513, December 22 represents liberal trend toward popular government away from government of Castaneda which was not freely elected and operated under permanent state of siege.