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

241. Telegram From the CIA Station in Guatemala to Operation PBSUCCESS Headquarters in Florida¹

Guatemala City, June 27, 1954, 0314Z.

977. Re: GUAT 973 (IN 22611) para 1E.²

1. As situation stands, STANDEL seems dominate army friends and opportunists and paralyze anti-red officers. Doubtful ref petition, if materializes, will stir army leaders or impress STANDEL.

2. Army capacity to act vs STANDEL much diminished by move to field.

3. STANDEL apparently planning hold out at least till army defeated, possibly longer. But indications are good part of army would quit fighting if no longer bound by STANDEL authority.

4. If foregoing true, would appear leave us two alternatives:

A. Destroy army in field and march on capital.

B. [1 line of source text not declassified] possibly follow up with airborne invasion of capital while army away.

5. Do not know front situation or Calligeris capabilities, [2 lines of source text not declassified].

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–01025A, Box 11, Folder 5. Secret; Operational Immediate; RYBAT; PBSUCCESS. Repeated to the Director of Central Intelligence.
2. Not printed. (Ibid., Box 10, Folder 2)