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

462. Telegram 3224 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State¹ ²

Mexico City, June 11, 1971, 0105Z

Subj:

• Student Demonstration Erupts in Violence

1. Approximately 7000 students gathered this afternoon at Casco de Santo Tomas campus of National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), in accordance plans announced June 2 for demonstration and march in support of students and faculty at autonomous University of Nuevo Leon.

2. Information still coming in and reports conflicting but it appears police (one source says plain-clothed “halcones”) moved to break up meeting which had over-flowed campus, shortly after 5:00 p.m. shooting started (police claim by students) with resulting estimated two killed and 30 wounded, of which, one a newsman. Sporadic shooting continues as of this report, although students are now reported breaking up into small groups and moving off campus.

3. Our present information is that Army was on alert but did not become involved in action at IPN. UNAM and other campuses apparently quiet.

Kubisch

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23–8 MEX. Confidential; Priority. In telegram 3304 from Mexico City, June 16, the Embassy reported that official Mexican statements on the June 10 incident omitted any reference to the “Halcones,” and noted that the “possibility of whitewash now seems even more likely.” (Ibid.)
2. The Embassy reported that on June 10 violence erupted during a student demonstration in Mexico City, during which the Mexican Government sent in “Halcones” to break up the demonstration.