Editorial Note
On the night of June 30, 1954, Lieutenant Colonel Castillo Armas and Colonel Monzón initiated talks at San Salvador, aimed at establishing a permanent cease-fire and reaching a political settlement. President Osorio acted as intermediary. Ambassador McDermott did not participate directly in the talks; his role in arranging them is described in detail in despatch 3, from San Salvador, dated July 5, 1954, not printed (714.00/7–554). The notes of the Secretary’s staff meeting, which took place at the Department of State at 9:15 a.m. on July 1 (dated July 1 and designated SM N–243, not printed) record Assistant Secretary Holland as stating that a deadlock existed between the two Guatemalan leaders, because Castillo Armas wanted to move his troops immediately into Guatemala City and Monzón insisted on retaining control of the Guatemalan army, and that Ambassador Peurifoy might have to go to San Salvador to take part in the talks (Secretary’s Staff Meetings, lot 63 D 75).