Original returnedHith following notation by FOWi
la an adequate memo of the
conrereetioneven though lt does include some thingsid not say, and oeita other tnlngsid say. The importance of talcing notaa to supplement memory is called to yr attention."
iffty iBTOtmatiof
oVeBltty inTormanon
SUBJECT: Briefing of Anbaaoaflor John E. Peurlfoy re Guatersla.
John fi. Peurlfoy wee briefed regarding tooin Guatemala by Mr. Frank Vlaner Mr. J. Lanpton Berry, Colonel. King, r. tflanor pointed out that conditions in uuavamaiaoovaree. Interests In rlew of the close uorklngthe administration of President Jaoobo Arbens and the It wa noted that thla alliance, through formation of aaffiliated labor confederation, persecution of foreignenactment end lmplecamtatlononfiscatorylaw, courtwg aod ccnduct of an amgresivelypublicity campaign, haa achieved virtual dominancepolitioal and economic life. Further, lt vaa observed that
tba four Cuamaxolet controlled politioal partlaa which comprise the adnlnlfltratlon coalition holdfeats ln congress, while CormarUto dxmdaeta the national Electoral Board, the Agrarian Dspart-ment, the Institute of Social Security, the Labor Courts, the Ministry of Education, the Secretariat of Propaganda aad the offlolal press and radio. Wentlooad, aacng effects of tola alliance upon Cubtermlanrelations, were tba active aupport of leftist eleaente in other Central Aamzican countries through previa ion of bases, press andcash, transportation, agents and assassins.
Peurlfoy vaa advised tbat this Agency has now beentake strong action against the government of President Arbens inofhangeore dasiooratlcally orientedof tha past prelisdnnry planning and activity toward this endand the point clearly established that success must depend, to
a groat extent, upon aupport of oor activities by the Amrican Arsbaeaa-dor to Guatemala within the Midtationo of the "need to knew" policy. It was particularly noted that exceealve security measures on the part of an aameasadcx which result in hampering agent activity throu,phlimitations of cenasmtration and tbe Imposition of time consuming burdens od* cover activity ara plainly not appropriate. It was alao stressed that no aspect of this operation ia cleared for discussion with any save apecifically deal grated Individuals.
3* Nr. fWarifoy atatad that ba understood the altuatlon ln general tarns, appreciated tbe need for positive action and would bo prepared to aupport tbe prograa aa American Ambwsador to Guateaala. For planning purposes he gave3ossible date for hie arrival in that country. In discussing station perscnnel he expressed tbe hope that ancog tho qualifications of tbe Chief would be complete facility with the Spanish language.
Original document.
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