390. Telegram From the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs (Tyler) to the Ambassador to the United Kingdom (Bruce)1
For Ambassador Bruce from Tyler.
In our view, following considerations argue for desirability of expediting preparations for elections and setting election date as early in November as feasible with appropriate announcement earliest: (1) Possible complicity of Burnham in Georgetown violence and conceivably his indictment (which Governor considering), (2) likelihood of attempts by Jaganites and others to use such prospects to delay elections and seek alternative courses of action, (3) uncertainty of opposition groups over date of election, and (4) adverse effect of any late date on present momentum of opposition parties.
Appreciate Embassy conveying this thought to Coloff soonest since Governor Luyt in London this week and will be consulting Sandys.
FYI: Our primary aim with above is to avoid substantial interval when efforts might be made toy with Sandysʼ decision in some fashion, especially if Burnham under indictment for conspiracy commit murder. End FYI.
- Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, British Guiana Policy Papers, 1964. Secret.↩