Entretelones de la diplomacia mexicana hacia Centroamérica: Nicaragua y El Salvador, 1972-1981

Abstract

This article discusses the history of Mexico’s foreign policy towards Nicaragua and El Salvador over the course of a decade, by examining the participation of two prominent diplomats: Antonio de Icaza and Gustavo Iruegas. Due to their valuable testimonials, we can piece together the three different approaches through which they dealt with the increasing political conflicts in this region: the first was based on Mexico’s traditional foreign policy principles; the second relied on their diplomatic skills to achieve their objectives without directly confronting the governments of the othercountries; and finally, the third one went beyond their official functions and consisted in supporting revolutionary organizations. The latter was a conspirative diplomacy, conducted on the sidelines of an official foreign policy, but with the full support of both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Presidency. Keywords: Mexico; Nicaragua; El Salvador; Iruegas; Icaza; Diplomacy; Asylum