194. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Holland) and President Castillo Armas, Guatemala City, February 14, 19551
SUBJECT
- Political Stability in the Area
I stated that the United States was vitally interested in preserving political stability throughout Central America. I recalled to him our strong opposition to the attempt of the Arbenz government to take the problem created by the Liberation Movement to the United Nations. We had opposed submitting the matter to the United Nations because this would have permitted the Soviet veto to come into play. I pointed out that a number of allied governments were dubious about this policy of the United States with the result that it became doubly important that the OAS demonstrate its ability to cope with political problems arising in the hemisphere. All this, I said, led us to urge that he cooperate with us in maintaining peace throughout Central America.
The President replied that he was unaware of these considerations; that he wished he could have had this talk some weeks ago; that President Somoza in asking for his collaboration in the recent movement in Costa Rica had assured him that the United States would take no active steps on account of the movement and interpose no obstacles. He assured me that he would collaborate with us fully in the future.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.14/2–1655. Top Secret. Drafted by Holland. Transmitted to the Department of State under cover of despatch 688 from Guatemala City, February 16. This despatch, drafted for the Ambassador by John C. Hill, Jr., Second Secretary of the Embassy, states that Holland was in Guatemala with Vice President Nixon.↩