Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

GT–14. Telegram from the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Guatemala¹

Washington, February 5, 1959, 8:33 p.m.

285. Embtel 298.² In view present tension and severance diplomatic relations Guatemala and Mexico,³ and in accordance with U.S. policy of withholding shipments armament particularly aircraft, to LA areas where such tension exists, Dept plans to suspend temporarily further action on delivery of six B–26 bombers to Guatemala.⁴ This does not rpt not constitute cancellation of approval of sale given prior to December 31 attack on Mexican fishing boats by GAF planes. Normal processing of request merely suspended until tension subsides when Dept would expect that negotiations with GAF be resumed.

Suggest Emb in its discretion could explain foregoing frankly to GAF Chief Urrutia. If Emb believes such approach to Urrutia inadvisable, GOG should be informed that certain administrative delays in processing Guatemalan request have been encountered, and that GOG will be advised when B–26’s are available for inspection.⁵

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 714.5622/2–459. Official Use Only; Priority. Drafted by King, signed by Rubottom, and repeated for information to Panama City for CAIRC and Mexico City.
2. It proposed the flight of a Guatemalan mission to the United States to inspect and purchase B-26 bombers. (714.5622/2–459).
3. Mexican President Lopéz Mateos severed diplomatic relations with Guatemala on January 23 over an incident involving Guatemalan strafing of Mexican fishing boats off the Guatemalan Pacific coast on December 31. The two countries resumed diplomatic relations on September 15, following a settlement of the dispute. For documentation, see 2 Whiteman 87.
4. Ambassador Antillón had requested six B–26 planes in a message to Dulles, September 2, 1958. (714.5622/9–258)
5. At the Department of State’s request, the Department of Defense suspended action on delivery of B-26 bombers to the Guatemalan Air Force. (Telegram 336 to Guatemala, March 4, 1959; 714.5622/3–259). In accord with Mallory’s preference, the Department of State informed the Guatemalan Embassy of the reason for the delay. (Telegram 350 from Guatemala, March 5, 1959; 714.5622/3–559).