EXCERPTS RE GUATEMALA 1954 COUP

Created: 6/8/1954

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

EXCERPTS FROM CURRENT INTELLIGENCE DIGEST

CIA HISTORICAL REVIEW program RELEASE IN FULL

LATIN AMERICA_

Copt'unists attewpt to riobj lize nags support

for governnent: Tne Ccftnunist-controlled labor and peasant confederations in Guatemala beganune to Mobilize their followers for possible armed defense of the Arbenz

Asbasssdor Peuriioy conenta that this =ove nay toprimarily to demonstrate nass support for the adalnlstra tion, but that another notive nay bo to provide the government with aa excuse lor arming civilians.

He notes that the Coeaaunist and other pro-Arbenzgaining tho initiative in "Guatemala's war ofthat the administration is "demonstrating it hasfor defense unci intends to use then." ur.e

8 June 54

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Gormen t: Conaunist efforts toilitant followin" sufficient to neutralize the arny have been noted since last Daccjfeer. As the best-orennized prosovernoent civilian croups thest-led confederations uould be the likelyries of cny decisiiu_to an civilians to defend the Government iii ft crisis. President Arbanz has favoredolicy in the past.

The Co-Tjnunists are bBlieved already in possession of soma weapons, but not sufficient to provide defense of theagainst an army revolt at this tine. Top military leaders are likely toroviding civilian groups with additional arms which lalght weaken the army's position. (SE&tfET)

June 54

Original document.

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