112. Memorandum from Mann to Rusk, January 251

[Facsimile Page 1]

SUBJECT

  • Overthrow of Government in El Salvador

According to reports received from [less than 1 line not declassified], the Military Attaché and our Chargé in El Salvador, the Junta Government of El Salvador was overthrown last night by the Salvadoran Army. There is apparently a tight control on communications. The reports are scanty and indicate that San Salvador is quiet this morning and that there is no indication of danger to U.S. citizens. The fragmentary reports indicate that the coup is a rightist one directed against the communists and against ex-President Osorio who is a moderate.

If this proves to be a rightist coup and the Army succeeds in stabilizing the situation it means that the immediate problem which I mentioned in staff meeting this morning of coping with a rapid communist build-up in the country is temporarily in hand. This would mean, on the other hand, that we have a new problem of convincing the new government that it should carry out elections under appropriate safeguards and institute needed reform.

Finally, we have received reports that Castro might attempt to intervene in Salvador if this kind of a situation develops.

  1. Overthrow of the Junta Government in El Salvador by the Salvadoran Army. Confidential. 1 p. DOS, CF, 716.00/1–2561.