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

62. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Guatemala¹

Washington, November 8, 1957—12:34 p.m.

239. For Sparks from Rubottom. We increasingly concerned reports return certain Guatemalan exiles and their activity and potential in current political situation. Therefore feel strongly we should comply request Ministry Government that you assist identifying communists and undesirable political exiles who might be able influence political situation in a way favorable to communists.

Although you naturally will wish make reply through Ministry Government, you should not hesitate if deemed feasible and advisable also approach President, Foreign Minister and influential Army officials order assure dangerous exile activity eliminated. As I know you appreciate, there is too much at stake for Guatemala’s own future and its relations with US for us hesitate to give our assistance and friendly advice concerning these exiles who will one way or another promote communist interests.

In addition preventing entrance undesirable exiles, important GOG adopt firm attitude toward expulsion or firm control those who have already returned. Leniency respect these undesirables will only encourage others attempt get back into Guatemala and into present political picture. Government empowered under Transitory Article 6 prevent return these individuals which can only be prejudicial Guatemala’s own best interests. If PR² really interested in cleansing its ranks, its leaders conceivably would wish also prevent return these exiles. Should you encounter resistance or complacency from Guatemalan officials on taking effective action against these undesirables, Department wishes be promptly informed with indication as to sources such resistance or complacency.³

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 714.00/11–857. Secret.
2. Partido Revolucionario, a party of the moderate left.
3. According to the memorandum of discussion at the 346th meeting of the National Security Council, November 25, Allen Dulles presented the following report on the situation in Guatemala: “Mr. Dulles alluded next to the very confused situation in Guatemala. A new election has been ordered for mid-January and Communist supporters of former President Arbenz are now sneaking back into Guatemala. Both the Right and the Left were well organized and the Center group on which we pinned our hopes was somewhat disorganized. Thus we are facing a situation where if this election goes wrong, we might well have a repetition of our previous troubles in Guatemala. The problem needed most careful watching.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)