Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The American Republics, Volume IV

363/6–1354: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Diplomatic Offices in the American Republics ¹

secret
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Washington, June 13, 1954—10:50 p.m.

482. In conference today with representatives nine Latin American states Department accepted following changes which it feels will achieve greater support for text resolution quoted Depcirtel 459:²

(1) For three paragraph section beginning “That a large, clandestine” and ending “international communist movement” substitute the following:

• “1. That a large clandestine shipment of arms and munitions of war reached Guatemalan territory on board the M/S Alfhem on May 15, 1954; and
• 2. That said arms and munitions of war were despatched from European territory dominated by the international communist movement and have created a state of tension in Central America; and
• 3. That evidence has been presented from various authoritative sources regarding the penetration of the political institutions of the Republic of Guatemala by the international communist movement; and
• 4. That the above circumstances warrant the deduction that said arms and implements of war will be used to extend the influence of the international communist movement in the American continent.”

(2) In paragraph beginning “That so long as” eliminate words “and the preponderance of Guatemalan military force in the area persists”.

Amendments³ adopted to obviate useless debate on extent of Guatemalan military superiority and to prevent precedent for any future inquiry into relative military strength of American States in other areas. Communicate changes to Government and use your discretion re disclosing reasons for adoption.⁴

Dulles

For AmEmbassy Rio de Janeiro only

Deliver urgently to Walter Donnelly stating Muniz recommends the amendments.

1. Drafted and signed by Assistant Secretary Holland.
2. Dated June 5, 1954, p. 1157.
3. Department of State files indicate that further changes were made in the draft resolution; pertinent documents are in file 363.
4. Department telegram 1278, to Guatemala City, dated June 15, 1954, stated that a draft resolution containing stronger measures than those proposed was almost certain not to obtain the necessary two-thirds vote for approval in the OAS, and that the Department therefore considered that it was advisable at this time to press for a limited objective, “believing if we obtain approval present resolution and situation in Guatemala continues to deteriorate, we in better position obtain stronger measures at subsequent stage.” (363/6–1154)