814.01/10–2644: Telegram

The Chargé in Guatemala (Affeld) to the Secretary of State

744. I have made it a point during the past two days to talk to several members of the Diplomatic Corps and to discuss the present situation fully with the staff in a meeting this morning regarding the possibility of future recognition and consultation in connection therewith.

In considering the change of government, it seems to me there are three main points to be considered:

(a)
Was the change legally accomplished;
(b)
Is the succeeding government actually exercising control;
(c)
Has it the support of the people.

The answer to (a) is rather obviously in the negative whereas the answers to points (b) and (c) are according to vastly predominant opinion [apparent omission]. Information received by the Embassy tends to clarify the question left unanswered in my 727, October 24, 7 p.m. as to the measure of control effected in the provinces. The broadcast referred to in my 738, October 2631 setting elections for November 3 to 5 would at least indicate that the Junta is confident of its support throughout the country.

The consensus among the staff, in which I concur, and among the members of the diplomatic corps with whom I have talked is that it would be unfortunate to consider as a single problem recognition of the new government in Guatemala and El Salvador. I have talked with several travelers from Salvador, among them Gardner Ainsworth32 en route to Washington, who feel that the two revolutions are poles apart ideologically with the Guatemalan Junta and its Cabinet as now composed representing the establishment of democratic ideals and procedure. There will obviously be German elements and others seeking to identify themselves with the movement [Page 1146] as it progresses in an effort to save their confiscated property but they do not represent any important influence on the Junta at this time.

As to the future, any failure by the Junta to carry out the promise of free elections might lead to trouble and it might be desirable to await the results of this acid test before establishing a recognition policy.

Affeld
  1. Not printed.
  2. Horatio Gardner Ainsworth, Third Secretary and Vice Consul at San Salvador.