Óscar Romero Asked Jimmy Carter Not to Supply El Salvador’s Junta. Carter Didn’t Listen.
On this day in 1980, El Salvadoran archbishop Óscar Romero was murdered by US-backed assassins. Only weeks before, he had written to US President Jimmy Carter to withhold support from El Salvador’s military dictatorship. We reprint the letter here in full.
Óscar Romero in 1979. (Chip HIRES / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
San Salvador
February 17, 1980
His Excellency
The President of the United States
Mr. Jimmy Carter
Dear Mr. President:
In the last few days, news has appeared in the national press that worries me greatly. According to the reports, your government is studying the possibility of economic and military support and assistance to the present government junta.
This article is for subscribers only. Please login or subscribe to access our full archives and beautiful print and digital magazine starting at just $3 a month.