126. Telegram 496 from Guatemala City, April 191
In one and one half hour meeting with Ydígoras today I took occasion to point out that danger of Communist takeover in Guatemala greatly increased over past several months by success in creating belief in public mind that government (A) engages in or permits graft, corruption and inefficiency in conduct public business, (B) while attacking Communism abroad permits and fosters it at home and (C) lacks active [Typeset Page 306] economic financial policy and program to reverse current deterioration and assure progress and that I felt imperative recognize these beliefs were political facts whether or not accurate and that equally important to mount vigorous counter offensive to dispel them. Suggested series of actions with respect to each which President might take, giving these as personal views not official US Government representations. President took this in good spirit and spoke with feeling (and I must say in moving fashion) of extreme difficulty encountered throughout term of office in finding honest, patriotic persons willing and able serve government effectively. Said he would give serious thought my views and thanked me for them. I remain convinced of accuracy in terms of US interests of local saying “con Ydígoras-malo; sin Ydígoras-peor”.
- Danger of a Communist takeover in Guatemala discussed with President Ydígoras. Secret. 1 p. DOS, CF, 714.00/4–1862.↩