ES–34. Memorandum for the President by the Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- Recognition of Junta in El Salvador
As you know, we have delayed recognition of the Junta in El Salvador pending further analysis of its stability, composition and political orientation. It is now clear that the new Government is one of coalition without adequate leadership which, while seeking reform, has no clear idea of how to deal effectively with subversive elements. This presents a situation of danger and it may well be that we should recognize so as to be in the best position to use our influence to strengthen the efforts of non-Communists to orient government policy along democratic lines.
I recommend that you authorize me to extend recognition to the Junta Government at such time as we consider our interests will best be served by so doing. We are informed that Brazil has decided to recognize the Junta Government today. Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Ecuador, Paraguay, Israel, China, Austria and Spain have already recognized. I anticipate that other countries will soon follow suit.
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File. Secret. A notation by Brigadier General Goodpaster on the source text reads as follows: “President approved orally. I notified State Dept.”↩