I HlSfoRIC
AIR
cia historical review program release as_sanitized
CLASSIFICATION
no lk
Chief of Station, Guateraala^^
DATt:
.FEB
INFO: Chief of WHD
PESUCCESS
Psychological Barometer Report (Feriod
Reference:
2.
seems reasonably certainajority considers the government's "white paper" charges to bo pure fantasy and an expression of the roar and uncertainty prevailing in government circles. By revealing such fear and uncertainty it also appears that the government haa dissipated much of the hopelessness that has long enervated oppositionists. Although internalgroups and Individuals will probably not be inspired to Immediate and effective action by reason of this now-found hope (because of the government's retaliatoryt is believed that most members of the articulate upper and middle classes here are now convinced that the Arbenz regime probably will not survive. Again, it is believed, that external forces will bo decisive.' As stated in the last previous barometer report, it doos not. appear that the government has-inspired any substantialhrough the "whiterevelations, but the incident is being ^heavilyrder to .sustain the dovotlonresent partisans and possible.to arouse .pro-Guatemalan sentiment.among left'wing groups in otheruntries.
Except for continuod editorials in the official and independent press. Interest in and speculation concerning the'white paper" has quickly subsided. The Communist-sponsored pro-government manifestation hold onn protest against the alleged conspiracy wasuccess despite claims to the contrary. On-the-spot observers reportedmall group of pro-government militants in attendance. Tho "soveral thousands" reported in the local press are said to have been mostly curious by-standers.
Tho expulsion of an American priest and two Americanhas caused considerable speculation and angry charges thatls guilty of suppression of freedom of religion andof the press,aucity of reports from other thanprecludes an accurate appraisal of these Incidents exceptwith certainty that the government has fuihLher antagonizedhostile independent press and1
8 Februaryb. Trangc-*"
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