816.00/1305: Telegram
The Ambassador in El Salvador (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7—2:49 a.m.]
139. The situation in El Salvador appears to be approximately as follows:
- 1.
- The civil movement against General Martínez insofar as this city is concerned has attained the proportion of a general strike. It was initiated by the students of the National University and now embraces all schools; all business establishments and shops including pharmacies; all professional classes including doctors, lawyers, engineers, dentists, and nurses; all banks; the mayor’s office, and several other bureaus; the British owned Salvador railway (the American owned International Railways has not yet been involved); and the office workers of the light and power company.
- 2.
- There have been renewed reports of disaffection in the Armed Force; there is authoritative information regarding serious discontent within the Cabinet; and there is reliable but not proved information indicating that the Archbishop20 supports the movement.
- 3.
- The testimony of all observers including many Americans and other foreigners indicates that the movement enjoys widespread and determined support. It is a common assertion that the great majority of the inhabitants of the country are opposed to Martínez and support or approve the current effort to depose him. It is not known of course whether the movement can long withstand the financial burden involved or maintain the discipline essential to success.
- 4.
- President Martínez’ radio address last night following the recommendation of the majority of his Cabinet that he resign is construed to indicate that he has no intention of relinquishing power and will resist all efforts to dislodge him. There has been no violence and [Page 1096] no disorder thus far on the part of the opposition and no arrests or other repressive action on the part of the Government.
There is, however, danger of a spontaneous clash or of disorders deliberately fomented by the authorities which would enable them to initiate strong policies.
A committee of four members representing the various organizations engaged in the movement of passive resistance has been formed and called on me this afternoon to deliver a copy of a manifesto containing their program. This calls for continuation of passive resistance until Martínez abandons power and “the achievement and maintenance of the cooperation of the diplomatic representatives accredited to the country in order to solve our conflicts in harmony with Pan-American ideals and interests and with the principles proclaimed in the Atlantic Charter”. It also states that upon relinquishing the Presidency, Martínez together with his family and Partisans would be given guarantees with respect to their persons and properties and that they would be subjected to no reprisal or political persecution although it would recommend that Martínez absent himself from the country.
Despite insistent pressure I have not called a meeting of the Diplomatic Corps and of course I have taken no independent action. I fear, however, that events will soon make it impossible for me to escape action as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps or, more important, as the agent of American policy.
- Msgr. Luis Chávez y González.↩