FUTURE PP ACTIVITIES IN GUATEMALA (W/ATTACHMENT)

Created: 4/8/1953

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

CIA HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM ^

ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET

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MFMRASJXW KB THS RECCED

SUBJECT: Future PP Activities in Guatemala

1- In view of tha various reports that some kind of anay tote place in GuatanslA in the near future, It is important? plan of action be considered far the period foil raring such an event,ropose to set forth in this paper eoae suggestions therefor.

2. ssume that any goveruaeut formed ln Guatemalaesultiolent overturn of the present epsansssttt will be an antl-ConaunlBt government. econd assumption for theof tlas paper is that among persons high In the government will be sane with wham representatives of this Agency have al-roadj established relations that would sake these officials receptive to advicer^le leading back to this Agency.

3ituation based an the shove assumptions would offer an opportunity for the United States Qcvernment to Influence the Guatemalan Covernaent in developing Its policiee, both external snd internal, to an extent that is eeldon possible in thebetween the United States and Latin American countries. Tn finance could be brought to beerop level through uoof-fidal chanaelfl so that it could in case of necessity beby official representatives of the united States Government.

k. The ideal vehicle for giving effect to thewould be an agent such as is described in tbe report recently submitted by Colonel Lansdale. The Agency ahould endeavor to find on Amoriean who would go to live in Guatemala and be introduced to the new government heeds by agents with whoa they have bsd contact in the past. The new pp agent shouldaneeling and understanding of Guatemala and its people, who, however. Is not identified with any of the larger and well-known Americanin that country. His cover might be same organization that would be interested in promoting tourism In the country. ood one would be tbe organ! rati on that finances the building of hotels in Latin Aiosrlca. OttSSjasMQa has need, of then, end a

5- Tbe right person for the Job would be one with considerable political sagacity, and he should beoqparstlvely free hand. Bo would, receive directives through secure channels frca Headquarters, but there would be occasions when he would hove to use hie own Judgnsnt. If ho should succeed in establishing the right hind of relations, he would often be obliged to provide advice on internal cntters and be would probably find it necessary to give advice for which the United States Guveiungl, could never* be responsible. There would be certain risks incurred in carrying out- the plan, but tbe advantages welch night be mined are well worth tbe risks.

6. Although tbe ideal person would be one such as Isabove. It my take time to find bin, and need for action wy arise before he is found. Inituation lesser persons mst be used, and it io possible thatime presently existing agents wouldhannel of ecssunicatlon to the new Cuatenslan authorities. In this event there would have to be personsthe OuateoaUn scene who aro well-equipped to give directives aad with authority to dc so. Preferably', there should be one persaa authorized to sake decisions without having to consult too isany higher authorities before he acts.

7- The plan wouldew and bold departure in American foreign policy. Whatever Machinery is set up, the plan would have to be approved by the highest levels of our OoverraKnt, and do tlae should be lost inirective as advantage should be taken of the opportunity as soon as It arises.

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