816.00/1283: Airgram
The Ambassador in Guatemala ( Long ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 1—1 p.m.]
A–210. The Embassy has received several versions of the circumstances surrounding the delivery of Colonel Tito Tomás Calvo to Salvadoran authorities which seem to be giving rise to serious criticism of our general policy toward Central American political affairs. While the true facts as reported in despatch no. 1448 of April 5th from El Salvador are not generally known, they are being distorted into a telling weapon against us. I fear that even many of our supporters among adherents to democratic principles, see in this an indication of a disposition on our part to perpetuate what is regarded as a totalitarian régime. While I have endeavored discreetly to make known the true facts, wherever opportunity presented, my efforts can only be of limited effect. I am therefore taking the liberty of suggesting to the Department that it consider the possibility of issuing a statement designed primarily for public circulation in Central America, clarifying its policy toward the granting of asylum to political refugees, while pointing out that we are not parties to the Habana Convention on Asylum and releasing any facts which would clarify Mr. Thurston’s procedure or suggest what would happen should similar situations recur.
I, of course, offer this suggestion without wishing in any way to comment on the incident or to express an opinion on the desirability of such a statement from the point of view of our Embassy in Salvador. I do believe, however, that it would be of definite value in Guatemala, particularly in view of the presence here of a number of Salvadoran political refugees.
A copy of this communication has been sent by courier to Mr. Thurston to enable him to communicate to the Department such observations and recommendations as he may care to make.