714.00/6–2854:Telegram
The Ambassador in Guatemala (Peurifoy) to the Department of State
priority
[Received June 29—11:15 p.m.]
1131. Between 4 and 6 a.m. today, I met with Colonel Diaz, Colonel Sanchez, Colonel Parrinello, and Colonel Monzon.1 Diaz announced yesterday he had arrested Fortuny, Gutierrez and Pellecer. He said he had replaced Colonel Cruz Wer, head of Guardia Civil, with Colonel Jose Luis Morales Melgar, and Major Jaime Rosenberg, head of Guardia Judicial, with Lt. Colonel J. Antonio G. Saravia.
I told Colonel Diaz that I was amazed and astounded at fact that he had permitted Arbenz in delivering his valedictory to charge that US was responsible for supplying aviators to forces attacking Guatemala, and for his general line to say we had used “pretext of Communism” to unleash aggression on this country. I told him that, this being his first act, I did not see how we could work together toward bringing about a peace. I suggested that perhaps he might wish to designate Colonel Monzon, well-known for his anti-Communist feelings, as President. He said that he agreed with me in principle and would give me his answer today at noon when I am to meet with him again.2