Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Guatemala

228. Telegram From the CIA Station in Guatemala to the Central Intelligence Agency¹

Guatemala City, June 23, 1954, 2324Z.

941. For Whiting from JMBLUG.

Would you please discuss with Holland and advise through your channels or instruct through Department, depending on decision reached, the following problem:

1. I cannot conscientiously order the evacuation of Americans from this post at the present time since, while I feel the situation is dangerous, it has not reached the point of chaos or disorder in the city.

2. However, it is generally agreed here that if Americans were evacuated it would be the greatest blow which the government could receive in the psychological field. At my last two meetings with Toreillo, he has become greatly upset each time I have mentioned evacuation.²

3. Not so important but a factor to be considered is that I am being criticized by civilians for not doing anything about their welfare. It might be that Department will wish to instruct me to evacuate those Americans who wish to go and those in official family who are not essential. I would appreciate guidance.

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–01025A, Box 11, Folder 5. Secret; Operational Immediate; RYBAT; PBSUCCESS. Repeated to PBSUCCESS Headquarters in Florida.
2. In telegram 1088 from Guatemala City, June 23, Peurifoy reported on a meeting with Toriello: “Toriello looked startled and, as previously, urged me not to take such a step which, he said, ‘would do us great harm.’” See Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. IV, pp. 1180–1182 (Document 74).