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

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

Washington, December 6, 1957—10 p.m.

298. For Ambassador from Secretary. Continued reports of return of communist, pro-communist and other undesirable exiles are now causing considerable apprehension in the United States, as evidenced by New York Times editorial December 4² and comments to Department of American businessmen and other persons interested in Latin America. In view these developments you should seek audience immediately with President Flores and emphasize to him my own concern over communist threat and potential which return of these undesirable elements presents for Guatemala.

You should reiterate points included Deptel 254.³ In addition you may state that we have reliable reports indicating that large sums of money are being furnished these exiles from communist sources in Mexico and possibly directly from Moscow. It is already evident that the freedom accorded these exiles by the provisional Government has allowed increase in communist activity and in political activity which cannot help but result in benefit for communists. Fact that elements such as Arbenz leader Guillermo Toriello, whose pro-communist activities and fight against anti-communist resolution at Caracas are so well known throughout hemisphere, should be allowed return to reside and operate openly in Guatemala City at this time, can only damage Guatemala’s prestige abroad and weaken faith in status as an anti-communist stronghold.

Emphasize to President that this increased threat of communist infiltration which appears be growing daily in Guatemala is being watched closely by Guatemala’s friends and by entire free world. There is no room for complacency. In addition if Guatemala hopes regain favorable climate for investment, it must, in its own interests, make sure that it provides ample evidence of its ability fully to control communists and prevent any taint of communism within its government.

I am informed the Embassy has cooperated with the Guatemalan Government by indicating some 500 undesirables on a list of exiles which Guatemalan Government has presented. Yet, reports indicate that a number of those on that list have already returned either clandestinely or openly and that Flores Government has not taken action against them.

I cannot fail to express my concern over this dangerous situation. I would appreciate receiving your comments as to reaction of President Flores.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 714.00/12–657. Secret. Approved by Secretary Dulles. Assistant Secretary Rubottom forwarded a draft of this telegram to the Secretary for his signature under cover of a memorandum dated December 5. Rubottom stated in part: “I feel that a personal message from you is warranted because of the seriousness of the situation and because of the fact that the Government has not seen fit to act on our previous approach. I believe a message from you to the President would have a salutary effect.” (Ibid., 714.00/12–557)
2. The editorial was entitled “Guatemalan Crisis”, New York Times, December 4, 1957, p. 38.
3. Not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 714.5–MSP/11–1457)