Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–10, Documents on American Republics, 1969–1972

350. Telegram 1083 From the Embassy in Guatemala to the Department of State¹ ²

Guatemala City, March 13, 1971, 0045Z

Subj:

• GOG Reaction to U.S. Warning on Counter-Terror

Ref:

• State 3555

1. During brief conversation at social function, Min of Govt Jorge Arenales (who is one of GOG’s strongest advocates of violent action against people he believes are far leftists) indicated to DCM, that he most upset over recent activities Congressman Rene de Leon Schlotter. He blamed De Leon for stimulating resolution against GOG passed by standing committee Venezuelan Congress and for demonstration against Guatemalan Embassy Caracas (Guatemala 908). Arenales said he “sure” De Leon had ties with extreme left and was dangerous to GOG and consequently he felt strongly that GOG should take action against him. However, Arenales complained that because of “you guys” (the U.S.), Arana would not permit any action against De Leon, and Arenales had had to relegate him to the “waiting list” rather than being able consider him a valid target. Additionally, Arenales indicated, although not quite as specifically as in the case of De Leon, that the President would not permit any action against Guatemala City mayor Manuel Colom Argueta or Council of State member Hector Zachrisson, both of whom Arenales considers to be dangerous leftists.

Davis

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 785, Country Files, Latin America, Guatemala, Vol. I. Secret; Exdis. A handwritten note at the top of the page reads, “HAK’d WH.”
2. Ambassador Davis reported that Minister of Government Jorge Arenales complained that because the Embassy had expressed concerns over Guatemalan counter-terror activities, President Arana would not allow action against several prominent political opponents.