JOSE GUILLERMO GARCIA MERINO - EL SALVADOR

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06708837
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: March 8, 2023
• Document Release Date: August 8, 2019
• Case Number: F-2017-01057
• Publication Date: October 24, 1979

Approved for Release: 2019/07/29 C06708837
eq77-/e9/ -
Jose Guillermo GARCIA Merino
(Phonetic: garSEEah)
Minister of Defense and
Public Security (since
22 October 1979)
Addressed as:
Mr. Minister
Co].. Jose Garcia is
one of the most popular
and intelligent officers
in the Salvadoran Army
and has a reputation for
honesty and integrity.'
A moderate, he was con-
sidered by the military
as a possible successor
to President (1971-77) Arturo Molina in 1977;
the long run, however, they d,,cided on Carlos
Romero. who was the successful candidate
EL SALVADOR
rrir
in
he was serving as commander of the
Department of San Vicente, a positicq he had held
since July 1978.
Garcia is anti-Communist
the United States.
he is sympathetic toward the US human
rignts policy. Local politicians consider him one
of the few officers who are seriously concerned
about human rights in El Salvador; in the past he
has reportedly used his influence to release
illegally held prisoners.
and friendly toward
After enlisting in 1956, Garcia rose rapidly
through the ranks. He attended the War College in
Mexico during 1966-70 and took an orientation tour
of the Panama Canal Zone in 1963. During 1974-77
he was president of the Natiollal Telephone Company.
Garcia, 46, is married to the former Martha del
Carmen Rodriguez and has four daughters.
4743265 -/
CR M 79-16137
24 October 1979
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Approved for Release: 2019/07/29 C06708837