Office of the Historian

78. Telegram From the Embassy in Honduras to the Department of State1

Tegucigalpa, July 23, 1961, 5 p.m.

54. In informal meeting in advance of Joint Session2 this morning at which US observers presented GOUS views, CA and Panamanian Foreign Ministers expressed to US group their undivided and joint support for Colombian plan3 in face of Communist-Castro threat to hemisphere. Agreement will be kept confidential in order avoid counter-productive effects of untimely publicity but Foreign Ministers emphasized solidarity their six governments in support this initiative at appropriate moment. (Later, in plenary session, Foreign Ministers approved strongly-worded public resolution deploring Communist penetration and recommending reaffirmation of democratic principles and the adoption of measures to stop the spread of Communism but omitting all reference to Cuba or Castro.)

Foreign Ministers voiced their conviction and deep concern that Central American area was weakest flank, must expect receive brunt of Castro-Communist attack and subversion. Consequently this area should be extended most immediate and meaningful support, economic and otherwise. Deep appreciation was expressed for recognition shown by GOUS to importance of region by attendance high ranking mission at meeting of Ministers.

At least four of six in stressing danger of direct attack by Castro-Communist forces, perhaps on July 26, spoke of arms caches that had been found in their countries and of plans of subversive elements to overthrow governments. Goodwin replied to effect US recognizes treaty obligations and prepared extend aid if required and requested.

Embassy and visiting group assumes US forces in area have been properly alerted for July 26 potentialities.

Burrows
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 713.20/7-2361. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Bogota, Guatemala City, Managua, Panama City for Polad Cincarib, San Jose, San Salvador, and USUN.↩
  2. Reference is to an informal meeting of Foreign and Economic Ministers of Central America and Panama, held July 21-23 in Tegucigalpa.↩
  3. See Documents 111 and 114.↩