Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, American Republics: Central and South America, Volume VII

57. Telegram From the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

Washington, July 31, 1957—4:05 p.m.

Tosec 13. Reurtel Secto 3.² We have been considering possible further exploitation communist ties of Castillo assassin and USIA already disseminating factually with attribution Guatemalan statements. Also USIA has been requested collect material from foreign sources which would be helpful should we decide further publicity warranted. Believe, however, we should proceed with caution in adopting official position because Guatemalan reports concerning assassin’s connections and motives not yet confirmed here and in fact viewed with some skepticism. Possibility cannot be overlooked that assassination was rightist plot.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 714.11/7–3157. Secret. Drafted by Hoyt.
2. Not printed.