SYNTHESIS OF (DELETED)'S REMARKS RELEVANT TO PBSUCCESS MADE AT A MEETING 21 APR

Created: 4/22/1954

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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MiMCttAMXJM FOR TBE RECORD

SUBJECT: Synthesis ofRemarks Relevant to

PBSUCCESS Badeootingb

Present: Messrs

1-described the general, situation aa having

vorseneuvast described in his February report. As an example of this, he cited his belief that the Ouateaalan Government is leading up to suppreasion of tho independent press. He concluded that the usual diplomatic methods did not suffice to correct tbe situation and inferred that sore drastic and definitive steps to overthrow theaust be taken.

commented that despite the poorwere some events such aa tho ArchibishOp's letter that are He said this letter has reached the man in the street and

ia well received. He suggested that our propaganda not fall and to continue to exploit the letter and tie it into other opportunities.

government, he said, is absolutely under control ofCommunist group and tho governmenthole is aovlng inof Comounism. Such things as withdrawal of militaryother economic sanctiona nay irritate these people but willthem.

fa. It wasopinion that the country la now In a

receptive mood and that various groups, particularly the students,to be ready to act. As ao example of the atmosphere inhe said that aost people aro srmed when they go to socialthat all Latin American diplomats are armed wherever theyiittle to be gained from economic sanctions and from OAS

action ana agreed with the view expressed that the United States would face less Of an outcry if ituccessful coup than it wouldong trying period of sanctions which, in any case, will possibly not be effective. He did not think, moreover, that Latin American countries, with the possible exception of Hexlco and the Argentine, would go after the United Stateseasonably secure coup. In connection with the consideration of economic sanctions he pointed out that in Guatemala time is running against ua.

,'cf' Ko expressed the opinion that Pellecer .has not split with

Sihatwm 6et^crseas assignment since

fact running the* country, are too important

to ARBENG. As an example of PeUecer's current political thinking,we consult PeUecer's speech made recently atreply touestion as to DIAZ- present position,

stated that he had been advised that DIAZ is "out- ar8 rosult ol awith ARBENEZ over the choice of the president ofinclined to doubt this as he believes that if it

were true DIaa would have nade an attempt wl.ile he was still in command.

6. With regard to the arming of lcbor elements

said he did not doubt that some arms have reached the campesinos.

J. As to tbe attitude of thenoted that there

are all sorts of reports but that it is his view that the army is and would move against the government if they thoughtbe to their advantage. He said that the army isulnerablebecause ARBEHZ could gradually remove suspected officerspositions and replace then with others.concluded that

time is running against us particularly with regard to the army. The political situation is worsening he believes as the other parties of the national front, while they are not Communist are falling more andunder the influence of Communist leadership.

6. In speaking of the need for action in

said, -If we maintain the status quo, we shall in the end have to use 'those gallant marines.'-

stated the belief that hard hitting speeches againstby personages in the United States Government could boand would particularly alienate thoseare influenced by nationalist emotions.

expressed doubt as to the feasibility of the -cotton^iif,Ied thatalternative plan to blow up cotton gins ownedARBENZ coterie would be desirable. He stated occasional sabotage

of pipe lines, one or two bridges and installations in tho Puerto Barrios area would cause great co-motion in the country.

U. He specificallyeaflet air drop on Ouatemala City on Hay Day and suggested tho leaflet material should include reference to the Archibishop's letter.

reply to the question as tosalvageable,

J replied in tho negative and he suggested he be eliminated.

13. Ho pointed out that some of the project's buildup phases could in themselves precipitate the fall of government.

Ui. er he thought the

porject is exerting pressure on tne government.plied

in the affirmative and added that one hears about RUFUS ecming beck and the rumor has even set dates foroup such as Holy Week and now Hay Day. He concluded, that there is in this connection considerable nervousness on the part of the government.

Original document.

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