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

GT–6. Telegram from the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Guatemala¹

Washington, June 5, 1958, 6:22 p.m.

618. Guatemalan Ambassador² informed Dept today GOG had info from two good sources in Mexico and Belize that Guatemalan exiles from Mexico were planning invasion of Guatemala through British Honduras. Said exiles planned land at Punta Gorda, British Honduras, and from there would attempt enter Peten through Fallabon and possibly move also against Puerto Barrios.

Ambassador said that because of these reports GOG was considering moving troops to Puerto Barrios and Fallabon areas as precautionary measure, and that he hoped Dept would understand reasons for troop movements when made. He inferred landings of exiles would be made with connivance of British authorities. DEPT discounts possibility British connivance.

Dept has no info to confirm Guatemalan reports and considers this official démarche by Guatemalan Ambassador to be further indication Ydígoras intends continue policy of arousing nationalism of Guatemalan people and exacerbating relations with UK by deliberately creating situations conducive to incidents over Belize. Dept deeply concerned this policy of Ydígoras may lead to eventual clash with British, and believes Ydígoras being strongly influenced by Garcia Granados.³

Unless you perceive objection, you are instructed to seek immediate interview with President, inform him of Guatemalan Ambassador’s action here and state that

1) U.S. so far has no information to confirm that British are abetting reported passage of exiles through British Honduras and while matter not discussed with British believe they would cooperate prevent any such attempt by exiles,

2) movement of troops to British border might well be considered provocation by them,

3) U.S. is deeply concerned at possible threat to peace of area if presence of troops on border should provoke incident,

4) Even if in unlikely event exiles should be able invade Guatemala at any point, OAS and UN offer effective machinery for handling this kind problem,

U.S. takes such a serious view of this problem that you are being ordered to Washington for consultation concerning this among other problems.

Ambassador should submit his report soonest together with his comments and evaluation, including any info re troop movements. Mexico and Belize informed.⁴

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 714.00/6–558. Secret; Niact. Drafted by King and signed by Rubottom.
2. Col. Carlos S. Antilión Hernández.
3. Jorge García Granados, adviser to President Ydígoras.
4. By telegram 2967 to Mexico City, June 5, repeated to Belize and London. (714.00/6–559)