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

GT–35. Telegram from the Ambassador in Guatemala (Muccio) to the Department of State¹

Guatemala City, November 14, 1960, 1 a.m.

225. Pass Army and Air Force. Embtel 223.² Still only conflicting reports as to nature movement.

Foreign Minister visited me in excited state at 8 p.m. at behest President saying hoped U.S. would prevent sea or airborne invasion from Cuba and assist in case invasion from neighboring country. Insisted uprising was Castro-inspired and that government has long been predicting would happen. Said he had just sent strong telegrams incriminating Cuba to OAS and UN.³ Also said PR and Mario Mendez Montenegro who left for U.S. two days ago heavily involved. Said Mendez planned return to assume leadership movement if successful.

Actual situation little changed. GAF has been strafing Barrios and Zacapa all day and late this afternoon airlifted 100 or so troops to Chiquimula to move against Zacapa tonight or tomorrow morning. Elements of Mariscal Zavala is regiment reportedly also on way to port area. Government pronouncements have variously blamed uprising on Communists (PGT) and Mendez Montenegro.

Muccio

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 714.00/11–1460. Confidential; Priority.
2. The referenced telegram, November 13, 1960, reported that Xacava (Zacapa) and Puerto Barrios military base including airport were in rebel hands and that Matías de Gálvez radio was calling for an antigovernment revolt. (714.00(W)/11–1360).
3. Telegram 334 to Guatemala City, November 15, reported that Unda Murillo had telephoned OAS Secretary General Mora, November 13, regarding the rebellion, alleging the Castro Government aided it and urging OAS action to avoid such disturbances to democratic governments. The Inter-American Peace Committee, which met in emergency session to consider the Guatemalan message, said it was willing to act if called upon. (714.00/11–1560). On November 17, the U.N. Secretariat circulated to Member States copies of a note of November 14 to the U.S. Secretary General from the Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations regarding the armed uprising. The Guatemalan note did not request a meeting or any action, except circulation of the note. A copy was enclosed with despatch 541 from the United States Mission at the United Nations, November 21, 1960. (714.00/11–2160)