56. Telegram 234 from Bogota, October 121

[Facsimile Page 1]

Department pass Army, Navy, Air, CINCARIB.

President last night declared state of seige throughout country. Action taken by decree signed by full Cabinet following consultation with and concurrency by Council of State. This result of series of developments over past several weeks involving increased political agitation by elements such as Rojistas and MRL extremists, subversive activities MOEC and Communists, increased guerilla operations such as Vichada incident (EMBTEL 229) and climaxed yesterday with subversive action Army Lieutenant and ex-Army officer Alberto Cendales who attempted lead group 135 soldiers into Llanos for subversive action under pretext taking them on maneuvers (see USARMA C–53 October 11). Cendales movement successfully eliminated within few hours but was straw that broke camel’s back.

Seige decree declares public order disrupted, noting (1) acts disruptive of public order have been occurring in various sections of country; (2) some of these acts, characterized by use of force and by manifestations of open rebellion against constitution which although controlled for time being can have consequences constituting risk of security of country and can render difficult normal development electoral process; (3) it is Government’s duty assure peace and quell acts internal disturbance.

In speech to nation last night President Lleras referred to Cendales affair and noted that this and Vichada incident may be part of “one or various” plans subversion which [Facsimile Page 2] will persist. Observed that various political movements inciting subversion under pretext legal political action, declaring themselves “revolutionary” and frankly calling for violent action. President noted that these elements seek exploit social conflicts, incite criminal elements, protect or engage in arms contraband traffic, and forment discontent and disorder. Stated that groups with apparently different political objectives seek the same ends of national disturbances “with or without coordination”. President then made significant statement that Government had been informed that economic, military and political support had been sought from the extreme right and the extreme left and, outside of the country, from international Communism and from retired or exiled dictators who want to establish a “black international” in the lands from which they were ousted. [Typeset Page 141] Lleras added that he believed prime objective all these elements was prevent elections and make constitutional transition power impossible but that Government would use all its resources protect constitutional process.

President said that state of seige would be used only facilitate necessary police measures prevent disorders and subversion. Would not be used issue decree-laws except for public order question and would not restrict legitimate civil and political rights. State seige would be lifted soon as possible and asked public remain calm.

Comment: Government’s action clearly result of mounting concern over various incidents political and social agitation such as MRL exploitation labor difficulties, Rojista activity, Communist and MOEC extremist agitation. President’s speech clearly reflects concern over Rojas and possibility he would mount strong subversive movement supported locally and abroad by extremists. Also reflects concern that various groups such as MRL, Communists, Rojistas might develop sufficient momentum and coordination create very serious problem. Hence State of Seige preventive effort curb agitation and incidents. [Facsimile Page 3] Whole situation typifies what is becoming serious tension in Colombian situation, namely, increasing feeling legal electoral process may not provide viable solution political problems with corresponding increase in affinity for extralegal action by those elements who feel cannot achieve objectives via elections.

Dearborn
  1. State of siege declared throughout Colombia by President Lleras. Confidential. 3 pp. DOS, CF, 721.00/10–1361.