FOREIGN DISSIDENT GROUPS

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06626218
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: January 23, 2020
• Case Number: F-2016-02132

Approved for Release: 2020/01/21 C06626218
Approved for Release: 2020/01/21 C06626218
Approved for Release: 2020/01/21 C06626218
GUATEMALA
Guatemalan Communist Party
(Partido Guatemalteco del Trabaio) (PGT)
AKA:
Goat.=Ian Labor Patty
Definition and Ideology:
Orthoden, Moscow-line party that opposes terrorist activ-
ities. In October 1978 expelled my-Cuban members of its
military commissioo who favored we of violence to topple
Guatemalan Government (see Proviskinal Directorate of
the Guatemalan Canummist Party).
Since 1978 Rik has been taring to restructure its organiza-
tion and to rebuild military commission to meet what it
views as increasing likelihood alarmed struggle in Guate-
mala. Membership concentrated in Guatemala City.
Quezaltenango and southern coastal area.
Goals and Activities:
To establish a socialist form of government in Guatemala.
Established:
1949
Membership:
In 1978 had 200-250 active members and about LOOD
sympathizers.
Sources of Support:
USSR and Cuba officially recognize and support PCT.
Publications:
Leader&
lAmo Aguilar Santiago
Oranges Trocoli, Carlos
Rosales Roman, Ricardo
Guatemalan Labor Party
See Guatemalan Communist Party
Guerrilla Army of the Poor
(Eiercito Guerrillero de los Pobres) (EGP)
AKA:
Definition and Ideology:
Most effective and active terrorist group in Guatemala. Is
a pro-Castro. Marxist-Leninist splinter group of Rebel
Armed Forces (FAR). Members include university stu-
dents, professional women, Indian peasants.
Has proclaimed "a war to the death on US imperialism.
and its local representatives" In 1977 operated in four
main areas southern and northern coastal areas, eastern
Guatemala, and Guatemala Coy.
Guerrilla Army of the Poor (Cont.)
Goals and Activities;
To destroy the Guatemalan Army and what it views as
other repressive bodies of the ruling classes and to seize
political, military and economic power.
Engages in armed anirontation with Army and in kid-
naping. assassination, bombing and raids in rural areas and
In Guatemala City. Publishes news bulletins, appealing for
support in fight against the Guatemalan Government. Has
announced a coalition with PGT Dissident Faction and
FAIL
Established:
Split from FAR in 1971: adopted present name in 1975.
Membership-
About 1.000
Sources of Support:
Some members trained in Cuba. and Cuba has sent advis-
ers to Guatemala. Has obtained weapons through theft and
clandestine purchase.
Publications:
Leaders:
Macias Mayorga, Julio Cesar (Montes. Cesar)
Rnntezde Leon, Ricardo
Organization of the People in Arms (ORPA)
(Organizacion del Pueblo en Armas)
AKA:
Definition and Ideology:
Politiconalitary, leftist revolutionary group. Considers
armed struggle a necessity.
Goals and Activities
To unite the people in fight against Guatemalan Govern-
ment; to manage revolutionary struggle in a conscientious,
progresave and responsible manner; and to free people
from povaty, repression and exploitation.
Established:
First openly identified September 1979. but probably was
organized earlier.
Membership:
400-500
Sources of Support:
Probably allied with Rebel Armed Forces, Guerrilla Army
of the Poor, and PGT Dissident Faction.
Publications:
Issues monthly bulletins.
Leaders:
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�"WMKW�
GUATEMALA (Cont.)
PCT Dissident Faction
See Provisional Directorate of the Guatemalan Communist
Party
Provisional Directorate of the Guatemalan
Communist Party
(Provisional Directorate of the PGT)
,AKA:
PGT Dissident Faction
Definition and Ideology: �
Pro-Cuban, Marxist-Leninist dissident PGT faction. Com-
posed Primarily of members of PGT and Rebel Armed
Forces (FAR) who constituted PG7 military commission
and were ravelled by orthodox PGT In October 1978 for
terrorist activities. More militant than orthodox PG1'; fa-
von use of violence to topple Guatemalan Government.
Operates in Guatemala City and in southern and south-
western areas of country.
Goals and Activities:
To take control of orthodox PGT and to overthrow Gov-
ernment of Guatemala.
Terrorist activities have included assassinations of wealthy
landowners; businessmen, Army and police personnel, and
members of National Liberation Movement, Guatemala's
most conservative political party. Has cooperated with
FAR and maintains contact with Guerrilla Army of the
Poor.
Established:
Expelled from PGT in 1978; organizational structure
established by March 1979.
Membership:
Sources of Support:
Has direct ties to Cubans in Cuba and in Mexico. Cuba is
its primary foreign contact, although Cuba and USSR still
officially recognize and support orthodox PCT.
Publications:
Lead Ts:
Carrion Aguilar, Jose Alberto
Charm, Eugenio
C.aetteras Pim. Manuel
Ramirez Condo, Francisco
rviiia7or, Max Armando
Rebel Armed Forces '
(Fuerzas Armadas Rebeldes) (FAR)
AKA:
Rebel Armed Forces (Clot.)
Definition and Ideology:
Cuban-oriented, faction-ridden guerrilla/terrorist orga-
nization, Splinter group of Guatemalan Communist Pasty.
Violently anti-United States with a history of terrorism
against US officials. Has regional commands in Guatemala
City and in northern and eastern Guatemala.
Goals and Activities:
To unite with Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP) and PGT
Dissident Faction to overthrow current regime and estab-
lish a leftist government Has kidnaped and assassinated
Guatemalan and foreign officials; assassinated US Ambas-
sador Gordon Mein ha 1968. Was inactive from mid-I975
through 1978.
Established:
Split from PGT January 1968.
Membership:
About 100 members and a few hundred
Publications:
Leaders:
Diaz, Ramiro
Solo Garcia. Jorge Ismael (Manzana)
Approved for Release: 2020/01/21 C06626218