Office of the Historian

254. Telegram From Operation PBSUCCESS Headquarters in Florida to the Central Intelligence Agency1

[place not declassified], June 28, 1954, 1823Z.

4482. 1. At meeting AFOL exec committee 5 Feb. Meany2 letter to Arbenz released. It decried Commie subversion in Guat of democratic institutions and indicated willingness “democratic labor movement in U.S. to aid in furthering democratic social reforms in Guat.

2. Believe most appropriate and useful for Meany now to renew via press labor desire to do all possible to help as soon as Guat rids itself of Commies and establishes regime genuinely anti Commie. Statement could tee off on Meany being shocked by evidence continued Commie brutality and hope that removal Arbenz indicates possibility of further necessary step of elimination all Commie influence. This would lead right into 5 Feb letter.

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3. This could then be basis for later follow up by Meany to new govt. if and when formed. In meantime statement could have value in minimizing claims of exclusive management UFCO interest in anti-regime forces.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–01025A, Box 6, Folder 6. Secret; Priority; RYBAT; PBSUCCESS.↩
  2. George Meany, American Federation of Labor President.↩