ELEMENTS OF RISK IN THE PROSPECTIVE VISIT OF DR. MILTON EISENHOWER TO CENTRAL AMERICA AND PANAMA*

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00904A000400020006-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 8, 2013
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: May 22, 1958
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/07/08 : CIA-RDP79R00904A000400020006-2
DOCUMENT NO.
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DO CHANG:7; IN CLASS. 0
7't DECLnSENED
I. SS. C11:,:EGED TO: IS S
karr RVC.W DI:
WIMP Ann:
2 1 APR 198
REVIEWER: 018645
22 May 1958
MENDRANDUMFCR TEE DIRECTOR CP CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
SUDJECT: Elements of Risk in the Prospective Visit of Dr. Milton
Eisenhower to Central America and Panama
1. Dr. Milton Eisenhower is planning to make a visit to the
five Central American countries and Panama between 15 June and
6 July. The psychological effect of the anti-US demonstrations
in Lima and Caracas during Vice President Nixon's tour is likely
to stimulate ultra.nationalists and Communists to stage similar
demonstrations against Dr. Eisenhower in Order to embarrass and
discredit both the US and the local governments. Even if Dr.
Eisenhower's public appearances were held to a minimum, there
would be opportunities for such demonstrations in all the countries
on his itinerary, and any demonstration might get out of band.
The probability of violence is greatest in Guatemala and Panama,
the first and last countries on his route. In both there is
already serious student unrest and there are readily exploitable
anti...US issues.
The substance of this memo was discussed with DI)? and CCI at
the working level.
motor
STAT
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2. All of the governments will probably do their best to
prevent or control disorders, with the possible exception of the
regine in Panama. In no country does the government have suffi-
cient intelligence capability to forewarn itself of plans for
demonstrations which might turn into serious disorders. The
security force in Panama is probably the most capable of putting
down popular manifestations. Those in Honduras and Guatemala are
the least efficient in the area.
3. Guatemalan President Ydigoras has personally admitted
his inability to take effective action to prevent a disturbance,
and has unofficially made clear his desire that the Eisenhower trip
be postponed. June, the month in which Dr. Eisenhower plans to visit,
is normally a period of student ferment. There is growing public
disillusionment with Ydigoras, failure to provide strong leader-
ship. Leftists including Communists are gaining strength daily.
These elements can readily exploit existing student and labor unrest
to organize demonstrations against alleged US intervention in 3.954,
support for dictatorships, and economic imperialism. They could also
play on resentment against the American-owned fruit, railroad, and
electric companies and US failure to back Guatemala's claims to British
Honduras.
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IOW
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/08: CIA-RDP79R00904A000400020006-2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/08: CIA-RDP79R00904A000400020006-2
he In Panama, powerful nationalistic politicians are already
carrying on an agitation against the government for its failure
to assert Panama's claims to sovereign rights in the Canal Zone
and to a share in the canal's gross income. There is already
considerable popular irritation over these issues, over US delay
in iMplementing fully the Remon-aisenhower Treaty of 1955, and
over a general deterioration of the economic situation. Moreover,
there have recently been serious disturbances among the normally
volatile students. Thus ultra.nationalist and Communist agitators
could readily exploit unrest among the students end the unemployed
to foment violent anti-U$ demonstrations on the occasion of Dr*
Eisenhower's visit.
FOR THE BOARD OF NATIONAL ESTIMATES:
MERMAN KENT
Assistant Director
National Estimates
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/08: CIA-RDP79R00904A000400020006-2