About three months ago he was approached in Managuauatemalanicaraguan passport who presented himselfepresentative of Somoza. This man oaked what help. was going to provide in the attempt on Guatemala and was apparentlyishing expedition. Welch knew of no such plan and could therefore not commit himself on anything. Later Somoza and hia norm in conversations with Welch and the Ambassador among othera indicated that they were expecting help from.
When Somoza came to. he brought the matter up with Miller who stalled and passed him on to Acheson, who suggested that Sorbose pass his story on to Truman. Truman professed to find the story very interesting, but he did not commit himself. ON the return trip to Managua. Col. Mora indicated to Somoza. was definitely interested. Soman and Mora, in Managua, talked rather openly of the attempt on Guatemala to be made with Nicaraguan. becking.
When Wheian came toe waa told by Miner to inform Somoza that the State Department waa not interested incovert* aggression on any American State, to call his attention to mutual obligations of the two countries under the OAS and UN, and lo state that any request. arms ahould be made thru normal diplomatic channels. However, Miller indicated to Wheian that he though some support for Somoza might be coming from the Army.
Somoza hits said that he has an alliance with the Dominican Republic, Panama and Venezuela, but Welch doubts it. The Dominican Ambansador is away at the moment. Somoza is irked with Ramon becauselight to Nicaragua with reference to the Panamanian inauguration, and Welch believes that Somoza is relying on Ramon's word as regards Venezuelan backing. However. Welch says that when the Nicaraguan press indicated last month thnt. was supporting Somoza, and at ihe same time
announcedevolution was about to take place in Guatemala, all the countries
mentioned plus Haiti, Colombia, and Cuba, appoured anxious to get into tbe act, or at
least it seemed so to one in Managua at the time.
Welch feels that Somoza would aid any attempt on Guatemala only to the extent
that be was benefiting more than be was aiding. Me mightraining area and obsolete arms in exchange for new arma Welch feds that Somoza is much more concerned with Jose Figures possible election to the Presidency in Costa Rica than he is with any developments in Guatemala, and says that there is b'ttk doubt tbat Somoza wttl move against Figures should it appear that the latter will win the election
Original document.
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