124. Telegram 459 from Guatemala City, April 201
Met with leading members American Community Noon today to exchange impressions and get their views gravity present situation and outcome current events. Majority view these men is that Ydigoras, by his deftness and stratagem of being firm enough but not too firm, will overcome present threat law and order posed by Castroists and extreme leftist continuing hold unauthorized manifestations. Minority view, while not doubting Ydigoras personally dedicated anti-Castroism/anti-Communism, fears Ydigoras allowing Communists too free hand and may allow situation get beyond control. This might have further effect, some thought, alarming military and causing important elements of them push Ydigoras aside and take matter in own hands. Some felt indeed some army elements, in conjunction political outs, might try overthrow Ydigoras on pretext he not acting forcefully enough, whether he were or not.
Last night’s confrontation pro and anti-Castro groups somewhat unique. Presence armed anti-Castro groups, and their engaging pro-Castristas undoubtedly inspired by Ydigoras as Machiavellian way breaking up unauthorized pro-Castro meeting without use official armed forces. Deaths resulted but these were not martyrs shot down by Ydigoras’s soldiers and police but people unfortunately shot by fellow citizens in melee which would not have taken place but for unauthorized public demonstration on part pro-Castro forces.
While air uncertainly and apprehension prevails, Embassy inclined subscribe majority view businessmen noted above that Ydigoras will be as firm as situation requires but not unduly so, and [Facsimile Page 2] that he will overcome current crisis.
- Report on exchange of views of current situation at a meeting with leading members of the American Community. Confidential. 2 pp. DOS, CF, 714.00/4–2061.↩