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  3. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, American Republics; Cuba 1961–1962; Cuban Missile Crisis and Aftermath, Volumes X/XI/XII, Microfiche Supplement
  4. Document 113

113. Memorandum from Mann to Rusk, February 91

February 9, 1961
[Facsimile Page 1]

SUBJECT

  • Recognition of New Government of El Salvador

Discussion

On January 25, 1961, a military coup d’etat overthrew the Junta of government of El Salvador which had assumed power by a similar coup on October 26, 1960, and replaced it with a new “Civilian-Military Directorate”. The Junta had been showing signs of favoring or being susceptible to the growth of Cuban and communist strength in El Salvador. The new government is avowedly anti-communist and favorably oriented toward the U.S. The Directorate government now appears in effective control of the country, has indicated its desire to cooperate closely with the U.S., to carry out necessary social and agrarian reforms in the spirit of the Act of Bogota, and to hold early elections with a view to returning El Salvador to constitutional government.

While it is in our interest to recognize the new government, I believe we should defer our action until some additional Latin American countries have recognized to blunt the probable allegation that the new government is the result of United States’ intervention. To encourage such action by these countries, as well as by others having resident diplomatic representatives in El Salvador, I believe we should inform these governments of our intentions along the lines suggested in the attached telegram (Tab A). This would afford them the opportunity to proceed with recognition in advance should they desire to do so.

Our Ambassador to El Salvador has recommended that we recognize the new government about February 15 and has reported that Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Austria, Germany, Argentina, Spain, and Nationalist China have already recognized.

Recommendation

That you sign the attached suggested circular telegram informing certain other governments of our intent to recognize the new government of El Salvador on or about February 15.

Attachment:

Suggested circular telegram (Tab A).

  1. Recommendation to recognize new Government in El Salvador on February 15. Confidential. 1 p. DOS, CF, 716.02/2–961.↩