Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The United Nations; The Western Hemisphere, Volume II

814.00/7–2049: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Venezuela

confidential

Washington , July 21, 1949—6 p. m.

263. Latest reports in Guat indicate fighting between followers of Arana, who was Chief of Armed Forces,¹ on one hand and those of President and Minister of National Defense² on the other, ceased late Tues³ (urtel 457⁴). Good offices dipl corps instrumental preventing prolongation fighting. No casualties Amer citizens reported. General situation now calm.

Fighting by Arana followers apparently lacking in plan and coordination and probably resulted as spontaneous reaction assassination and arrest certain Arana supporters. Whole incident seems instigated by Army elements allied with PAR and other radical groups to prevent Arana from gaining full control Army fol successful election last week of additional Arana supporters to Supreme War Council. Overall result appears signify defeat of moderate elements govt and substantial strengthening leftists.

Acheson

1. Col. Francisco Arana, Chief of the Guatemalan Armed Forces, had been assassinated in Guatemala on July 18.
2. Lt. Col. Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán.
3. July 19, 1949.
4. Not printed; it requested information on the assassination and outbreak of fighting in Guatemala.