---
born: 1948-01-24
category: Iran-Contra
location: New York City, New York
summary: Elliott Abrams was the Assistant Secretary of State who oversaw Central American
  policy and pressured NHAO officials to hire Oliver North's associates for Contra
  supply operations.
tags:
- person
- u.s.-government
- contra-war
---

Elliott Abrams was the Assistant Secretary of State who oversaw Central American policy and pressured [NHAO](/organizations/nhao/) officials to hire [Oliver North](/people/oliver-north/)'s associates for Contra supply operations. Abrams served as the political point man for the Reagan administration's [Contra](/organizations/contras/) funding strategy.[^1]

### NHAO Pressure

When NHAO director Robert Duemling opposed hiring a $6,000-per-month "facilitator" for Contra supply operations, Abrams lobbied Duemling's superior. After one meeting, Abrams told Duemling: "Well, he works for me." The facilitator position was created to channel funds through North's network while maintaining the appearance of humanitarian aid. Abrams's intervention demonstrated how the State Department facilitated the covert supply chain that kept the Contra war alive after Congress cut off military aid.[^2]

[^1]: Webb, Gary. *Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion.* Seven Stories Press, 1998. Ch. 16.
[^2]: Webb, Gary. *Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion.* Seven Stories Press, 1998. Ch. 16.