Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Garrick Utley) Peace plan for Central American noted to go into effect Thursday despite criticism from President Reagan. Reagan administration's stance that communism can be rolled back in Nicaragua by the Contras noted. [Assistant Secretary of State Elliott ABRAMS - says it's a fight for freedom.] [Senator Christopher DODD - says aid to Contras is a failed policy.] Film of Contras training shown. [ABRAMS, DODD - differ on Contras.] Efforts to cut aid to Contras noted. Strength of Sandinista government in Nicaragua cited. Contra campaign described; details given, scenes shown. Central American peace plan calling for end to United States aid to Contras and USSR aid to Nicaragua outlined. [DODD - explains Reagan's critics' aims.] [ABRAMS - says Dodd's ideas infer that United States supports communist government in Nicaragua.] [DODD - says Reagan administration has always dealt with Marxist govts.] Reagan's plans to ask Congress for more Contra aid noted. Test noted to be test of "Reagan doctrine." [ABRAMS, DODD - discuss aid to Contras issue and possibility of United States intervention in Nicaragua.] Contras noted seen as symbol of Reagan campaign against communism in Central America.