13. Letter From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom) to the Ambassador in El Salvador (Mann)1
Dear Tom: Thank you for your letter of July 16, 1957 concerning Lemus’ attitude toward the Somozas2 and the problem of obtaining a decision on the Lemus visit.
The assassination of President Castillo Armas has added another element of uncertainty to the strained atmosphere in Central America. I believe that you should encourage President Lemus in the neutral stabilizing course he has been following. Similarly, in the other countries we should take every opportunity to promote harmonious relations between the five ODECA countries, including the personal relations between high officials.
We intend to keep pressing for a decision on an invitation to President Lemus for a state visit. The Under Secretary’s Office feels that it is premature to decide on next year’s visitors now and that the question should be raised in October. We shall keep trying to obtain a commitment for Lemus before then if possible. I realize how difficult this long period of indecision has been for you.
It was very pleasant to see you last week, even though so briefly. I hope you are feeling better now.
Sincerely,
- Source: Department of State, Rubottom Files: Lot 59 D 573, El Salvador. Secret; Official–Informal.↩
- The letter reads in part: “As you will deduce from the enclosed copy of my letter to Tom Whelan [supra], I surmise that there was a basis for suspicion before but that Lemus is trying to patch things up even at the cost of some popularity for the general Salvadoran public doesn’t like the Somozas. Furthermore, the general public here looks on Honduras as the future outlet for its surplus population and dreams of a union with Honduras. In spite of this, I am convinced, I hope not incorrectly, that Lemus is trying to heal the old wounds and to promote the ideal of ODECA.” (Ibid.)↩
- Printed from a copy which bears this typed signature.↩