816.00/10–2144: Telegram
The Chargé in El Salvador (Gade) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 21—5:33 p.m.]
334. Following a meeting of Romeristas31 rifle and revolver shooting took place from 10 to 11:30 last night between the military, national guard and police authorities on one side and civilians on the other. Official reports are that there are one dead and six wounded. Actually there are at least four dead and numerous wounded. Many prominent citizens arrested. Legislative Assembly met this morning at Zapote Fort and declared a state of siege. It is reliably reported that President Menéndez has resigned and that Colonel Osmín Aguirre, the Chief of Police, has become President.
Repeated to all Central American Missions.
- Those who supported Arturo Romero, the candidate of the Partido Unión Demócrata for the Presidency of El Salvador.↩