Speech #1000108759

I remain deeply concerned over the consolidation of power by the Sandinistas and the ever growing influence of the Soviet Union and Cuba in Nicaragua. The major threat we face in Nicaragua is the Soviets and Cubans will establish a firm beachhead in Central America. I am concerned over the prospect of the Soviets having submarine and bomber bases in Nicaragua. I am concerned over the flood of refugees that will pour out of Nicaragua fleeing Communist repression. I fear the type of economic malaise that will grip Nicaragua if the Sandinistas are permitted to shackle the economy with the failed socialist economic policies of Cuba and the Soviet Union. Without question. we are faced with a threata threat the United States must feel.