Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Reagan administration's false claim last week that Nicaragua was receive USSR fighter planes recalled; administration officials said now voicing complaints about Nicaragua's arms build-up.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(DC) Admin.'s comparison of Nicaraguan arms build-up with USSR actions immediately preceding 1962 Cuban missile crisis discussed; historical films shown. [State Department spokesperson Alan ROMBERG - claims Nicaragua is exceeding defensive goals.] [Pentagon spokesperson Michael BURCH - accuses Nicaragua of arming itself in superior fashion over rest of region.] [Courtesy "Good Morning America", Nicaraguan foreign minister Miguel D'ESCOTO - responds (with obscenity) to allegations of preparations to invade neighbors.] Nicaragua noted claiming arms build-up is to defend itself against CIA-trained and supported guerrilla army; response of Reagan administration mentioned.
REPORTER: John McWethy

(Studio) Guerrilla leader Adolfo Calero reported warning of attacks on major installations in Nicaragua if government uses USSR -made helicopters against his troops; details given.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings