THE INAUGURAL ATMOSPHERE IN GUATEMALA

Created: 6/30/1966

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Directorate of Intelligence6

INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM'

The Inaugural Atmosphere in Guatemala

Preparations continue for the inauguration of the new preaidentuly, and many specialhave already arrived in Guatemala City. On the surface, the capital appears normal. three bombings and the kidnaping of alawyer onune, coupled with reported plana for more violence before the inauguration, leave some doubt that the change of government can beoff without further violence and terrorism.

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munist Party's action arm,tne tuerzas Armaaas Be-beldeslanned to assassinate several high-ranking police officials betweenndune and to continue its lucrative kidnapinga after the There have also been recent telephonic threats to members of Congress and some foreign Reports indicate that the FAR willsuspend terrorist activities so as not to interfere with the inaugural ceremonies themselves.

Some extremist members of the right-wingLiberation Movement (MLN) and several high military supporters have indicated that they will do everything to prevent the transfer of office. However, the MLN high command has repudiated these plans.

Neither the MLN extremists nor the PAR has the power or support to overthrow the government or to prevent Julio Cesar Mendez Montenegro from assuming the presidency. Terrorism instigated by either

'Prepared by the Office of Current Intelligent and coordinated with the Office of Nationaland the Deputy Directorate of Plans.

of these groups, however, could contribute to the heightening of tensions already existing in

Government police and security forces have been reinforced to protect the delegationsto arrive for the inauguration, and thishas strained the already harassed security forces. Some preventive arrests have been made but Guatemalan security officials are reportedly not confident about the efficacy of the measures they have taken.

Since arriving in Guatemala, Governor Connally and his partY have been escorted by security guards and there are no reports indicating that he or the members of hla party are in any danger.

Original document.

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