EL SALVADOR SITUATION REPORT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00875R001100130009-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 18, 2008
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: March 26, 1972
• Content Type: IM

 Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875R001100130009-3
SECRET COBS
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No. 0778/72
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Directorate of Intelligence
26 March 1972
INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM
El Salvador Situation Report
As 01 1100 EST)
1. The coup attempted by Colonel Mejia against
the Sanchez government has collapsed, and government
forces are in control. Radio and TV stations have
returned to the air and electrical and other services
have been restored in the capital city.
2. The coup was instigated by only a small
portion of the army, involving only the lst Brigade
and the artillery brigade. The rebels' control of
the communications center and brief control of the
principal radio stations gave the appearance of wider
support than they had actually achieved. President
Sanchez was held prisoner for 10 to 12 hours, but
was feed unharmed when the El Zapote garrison felt.
to government forces about 1700 hours yesterday..
The San Carlos garrison, the only other rebel strong-
hold, fell shortly thereafter.
3. The rebellion was initiated by Mejia and
his followers, mostly lieutenants and captains,
without the knowledge of the leaders of the leftist
coalition that lost the recent elections. The temp-
tation to take advantage of the move, however, was
apparently too great for the defeated coalition, and
Jose Napoleon Duarte, its presidential candidate, went
on the radio shortly after noon yesterday urging the
people to support the junta. Sanchez, in a TV address
in the early morning hours of 26 March, termed Duarte's
action irresponsible but said that Duarte, who was
captured when the El Zapote garrison fell, and two
other civilians involved, could go free if they left
the country immediately. No decision has yet been
Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875R001100130009-3
 Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875RO01100130009-3
SECRET
made as to the fate of the military personnel in-
volved, but a number of persons are seeking asylum
in local embassies. President Sanchez estimated
that there had been about 100 killed and 200 wounded
on each side.
4. This weekend's bloodletting may have ex-
hausted the strength of those discontented with the
outcome of this year's elections, and the limited
support within the military for an overthrow of the
present government will probably convince the opposi-
tion that further resistance is futile. Sanchez
and President-elect Molina, who will be inaugurated
on 1 July, now have the difficult task of restoring
order and public confidence.
Approved For Release 2008/11/18: CIA-RDP85T00875RO01100130009-3