575. Telegram 2217 From the Embassy in Paraguay to the Department of State1 2
Subject:
- Ricord Case: Special Emissary Gross’s Discussions With Senior GOP Officials
1. Following Gross meeting August 8 with President Stroessner, he met with FonMin Sapena Pastor in 50-minute meeting at which Solicitor General Acevedo also present. Gross subsequently met alone with Acevedo, followed by briefer meeting with Acevedo and Morales, Chief Justice (President) Supreme Court.
2. In discussion with FonMin (and with Chief Justice, although more briefly), Gross made extremely candid presentation of perils facing US–GOP relations over narcotics cooperation. He summarized public opinion and political attitudes, repeatedly cited Thailand aid situation as warning precedent for Paraguay, and quietly but forcefully stressed his opinion that GOP faces not only US bilateral aid cutoff but also loss of IFI assistance as well. Stated his visit was not to threaten GOP but on contrary was to drive home White House concern for friendly relations with Paraguay and to elicit GOP cooperation on narcotics. Gave his personal opinion to FonMin that if USG receive GOP cooperation there will be strong disposition (subject congressional purse strings) to fill Paraguayan requests in future.
3. Gross was blunt, clear, and repetitive on Ricord case: it is the key symbol for the USG (and to US opinion) of [Page 2] international cooperation on an issue of grave domestic importance for the US and therefore an issue of great US political importance. GOP failure—whatever the reason—to make Ricord available to USG is bound to result in public-congressional reaction out of hands of executive branch, which will bring serious injury to historically warm relations. Other forms narcotics cooperation (e.g. memorandum of understanding) are very secondary.
4. To Gross suggestion of possibility of deportation-expulsion, in lieu of extradition, FonMin not at all constructive, although was careful to indicate his views only tentative and personal. His general reaction to overall Gross presentation was defensive and partially critical, e.g., rehashed legalistic arguments on separation of powers, brought up Jack Anderson charges against himself and others, and complained USG already cutting off aid without giving GOP fair chance to resolve Ricord case. Ended on familiar theme, however, that his personal sentiments have always been in favor extradition, and he still hoped such would be final outcome.
5. Gross bore down—in FonMin meeting—with opinion that given potential impact Ricord case on relations with US, executive branch of GOP—whatever separation of powers might be—should make certain that judiciary appreciates potential impact of Ricord case on gamut US–GOP-relations. Gross also urged FonMin to take leadership, given his seniority. etc., to put in lead in international narcotics cooperation.
6. (Major points foregoing presentation also given to Chief Justice, in context that Gross himself a lawyer and therefore well aware fine line between executive interest in a case and judicial independence. Gross expressed appreciation for opportunity to see Chief Justice at suggestion of President Stroessner; also expressed hope that Ricord case could be placed at top of appeal court’s calendar of business, stressing importance and urgency. Chief Justice said he would [Page 3] seek impress appeal court justice with urgency.)
7. With Acevedo, Gross explored some of legal and practical aspects of deportation and extradition. Acevedo was frank in saying his first preference still for extradition route but quite prepared explore deportation. He disagreed with FonMin’s negative views on feasibility and said had already mentioned to President Stroessner that constitution may provide grounds for resolution of Ricord case, other than extradition. Gross emphasized (a) need for very urgent action within GOP executive and/or judiciary if US actions on aid, etc., to be avoided, and (b) need for rapid contingency planning by GOP re other means of making Ricord available to US, if appeal rejected.
[Page 4]8. Acevedo came to the airport to say goodbye to Gross. He expressed his personal appreciation for the visit and, radiating optimism, said that Ricord’s early extradition is now assured. On the many occasions I have seen Acevedo in connection with the Ricord case, he has always expressed his opinion that the final result will be favorable. However, now he spoke with an assurance never before present. Acevedo excused himself before plane departure, in order return to city for what he described as strategy session with Chief Justice for purpose of achieving the desired end.
9. P.S. Interior Ministry Director General Bestard, invited EmbOff to his home last night where he told him in greatest confidence that Minister Interior had just returned from meeting where President announced that arrangements had been made for appeals court to announce Ricord extradition Friday, August 11.
10. P.P.S. Before sending this message I telephoned Acevedo to thank him for his courtesies to Mr. Gross yesterday, including coming to airport. He volunteered he could now tell me that favorable decision will be announced in matter of days, in fact, this week.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 792, Country Files, Latin America, Paraguay, Vol. 1. Secret; Exdis. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates that it was received in the White House Situation Room at 7:41 a.m. on August 10. President Nixon sent a letter to President Stroessner on October 3 thanking him for expediting Ricord’s extradition. (Ibid., Bureau of Inter-American Affairs, Office of East Coast Affairs (ARA/ECA): Lot 78 D 26, “NARCOTICS–A, PARAGUAY, August 1972”)↩
- Department of State’s Coordinator on International Narcotics Matters Gross informed Paraguayan officials that Paraguay faced a cutoff of U.S. and multilateral assistance unless they extradited Auguste Ricord to the United States. Stroessner decided on August 11 to extradite him.↩