611.14/5–550: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Guatemala
115. This takes place agam mentioned Deptel 112 May 4.1 Dept suggests that a principal cause our current difficulties with Guat is success relatively few pro-communists have had in capitalizing on nationalistic sentiment Guat people and posing as champions Guat polit and econ independence. This success together with their control organized labor, has made extremists polit important in present election campaign and has given them undue influence on Govt policy.
It wld appear our ult objective shld be reduced or destroy influence [Page 885] pro-communists by bringing about their polit separation and isolation from non-communist elements which they are now using and which supply principal source their strength. To accomplish this Dept believes we shld carefully avoid actions or statements which tend lump pro-communists and non-communists together and give them reason make common cause. We shld also avoid providing issue alleged fon pressure which moderates wld have to join in opposing or be left in untenable position of appearing unpatriotic.
Our immed aim shld be make moderate and reasonable elements Guat Govt aware through friendly and informal approaches of seriously harmful effect on relations between our two countries being caused by present trends Guat. Without mentioning names or cases clear impression cld be given in private conversations of US concern and regret that a few extremist individuals appear wish bring about deterioration Guat-US relations which manifestly is contrary interests peoples both countries and helpful those who wld divide democratic world. We shld continue impress on responsible Guats that US has no intention interfering or intervening internal affairs Guat and, far from wishing block social and econ progress Guat, has every desire coop in sound econ development country and assist furtherance liberal democracy based individual freedoms.
Through such approaches as that fol ur Mar 30 conversation with Arbenz, we wld hope guide moderates to draw their own conclusions that it emphatically in their best interests prevent further deterioration relations and avoid repercussions which may be expected fol bad reputation now being gained abroad by Guat as result activities these few extremists. They shld not lose sight fact Guat Govt initiated action which brought about present situation with consequent adverse reaction US press and public opinion. While this Govt sincerely hopes further deterioration can be avoided, much depends attitude responsible elements Guat Govt.
It might also be useful point out discreetly importance free press in forming US public opinion and official policies. Remarks Sen Wiley and reaction US press to recent developments give point to this approach.
Most appropriate times and means getting these ideas across are left your judgment. Dept doubts however that official protests (urtel 153 May 2) will contribute to solution since Guats might regard such course as dignifying acts and statements extremists, and giving stature their authors. Also Govt might feel it polit necessary support and further identify itself with extremist actions.
Admittedly this approach requires forbearance and patience on our part. It appears however offer best chance discrediting extremist influence Guat and bringing eventual return normal relations based on [Page 886] mutual understanding and respect. Dept intends fol line suggested above in informal conversations with Guat Emb here.
These suggestions, of course, apply only for present. Your views will be appreciated.
- Not printed. Telegram 115 was in reply to telegram 153 from Guatemala City, May 2, in which Chargé Wells had stated in part: “Unless otherwise instructed I will take first opportunity express to Foreign Minister surprise and regret that government radio facilities given Pinto Usaga for his systematic Communist-line attacks US interests.” (611.14/5–250)↩