On October 9, 1964 we arrived in Managua, Nicaragua to conduct an audit of the U.S. Military Advisory Group. Anastasio Somoza was then the President of Nicaragua and ruled with an iron fist. Shortly, the Sandinistas (rebels) were to overthrow him leading to his eventual escape and assassination in Paraguay where he had fled to avoid reprisal.
Meanwhile, that was just a seed and not until 1984-5 would we know that President Reagan would get into trouble for secretly funneling arms to the Nicaraguan Contras to oust the Sandinistas. Congress had banned aid to the Contras in 1984 and Reagan instructed his aids to find ways around it. That resulted in Reagan authorizing a finding to get the CIA's participation in a covert arms sales agreement with Iran.
The scandal would begin as an attempt to free six Americans held by a terrorist organization affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. Israel was to ship weapons to Iran and, the U.S. would broker a deal resupplying Israel and getting the Israel payment. The result was an arms for hostages operation orchestrated by the White House. Colonel Oliver North, a White House aid succeeded in modifying the plan to divert $20 million in arms sales proceeds to the Contras. Although Reagan supported the Contras, there was insufficient evidence to tie him to breaking the law. He invoked the doctrine of Executive Privilege to avoid testifying.
The investigation concluded finding that he was not aware of the full extent of the happenings. Fourteen administrative officials were indicted and several convictions were vacated upon appeal. Others, including Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger were later pardoned by President George Bush.
