331. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Christopher to President Carter 1
[Omitted here is material unrelated to Uruguay]
7. Uruguay. In a defeat for the military regime, Uruguay’s voters have rejected the draft constitution by a large margin. Sunday’s2 vote probably reflects the unpopularity of the military as well as public concern over its plans under the proposed constitution to retain a decisive role in future governments. What the government will do now is unclear. While some hardliners may seek to delay political transition indefinitely, the vote may encourage those democratic moderates who would accelerate the transition process. (C)
[Omitted here is material unrelated to Uruguay]
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 24, Evening Reports (State), 12/80. Secret. In the top right corner of the memorandum, Carter wrote “Chris” and initialed the memorandum. Christopher was acting for Muskie, who was in Mexico City reviewing the work of the U.S.-Mexico Consultative Mechanism.↩
- November 30.↩