THREAT OF A LEFTIST EXTREMIST TAKEOVER IN EL SALVADOR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81B00401R001400030006-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 28, 2005
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: January 24, 1980
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2006/02/21 : CIA-RDP81 800401 R001400030006-1
Approved For Release 2006/02/21 : CIA-RDP81 800401 R001400030006-1
 TOP SFCRFT I
Approved For Rel
Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, D. C.20505
24 January 1980
ALERT MEMORANDUM
25X1
25X1
MEMORANDUM FOR: The National Security Council
SUBJECT : Threat of a Leftist Extremist Takeover
in El Salvador
1. Leftist extremists in El Salvador continue to make impor-
tant gains in military and political strength. Meanwhile, the
governing junta is riven by divisions and its support among the
politically active population is dwindling. Under these circum-
stances, a leftist extremist thrust for power--through widespread
military action or nationwide strikes and disorders--could come at
any time, and with little warning. If there is an outbreak of civil
war, or simply a collapse of the government with attendant anarchy,
the odds would favor an extreme left victory, especially in the
short term. (S)
2. I believe the situation in El Salvador demands close
attention at this time, and I am making you aware of my concern.
(U)
STANSFILD TURNER
This memorandum is downgraded
to SECRET when separated from
attachment and caveat.
Review On 24 Jan ZUUU
Derived From Multiple
Approved For Release 2006/02/21: CIA-RDP81 800401 R001400030006-1
 Approved For Releo
24 January 1980
ALERT MEMORANDUM*
The extreme Left appears determined to seize power in
EZ Salvador during 1980. Bolstered by its own growing
military strength and popular support, and by the
declining support and weakness of the governing junta,
the extreme Left could make a thrust for power at almost
any time. Moreover, during the next couple of months,
debilitating general strikes, an attempted coup by
conservative military officers or some other serious
incident could touch off a revolutionary showdown. The
odds increasingly favor the extreme Left in a conflict,
because of political divisions in the junta and the poor
state of readiness of the military and security forces.
(S)
The extreme left is in an increasingly advantageous position
for an armed struggle. Its timetable and tactics may not yet be
fixed, and may be affected more by events--such as a rightwing
coup--than by planning. (S)
Leftist extremists have been expanding the numbers of their
armed guerrillas as well as their political activists and
organizers. They have also made significant strides in unifying
and coordinating both their military and political activities.
The Alert Memorandum is an interagency publication issued by the
Director of Central intelligence on behalf of the intelligence
Community. Its purpose is to ensure that senior policymakers are
aware of impending potential developments that may have serious
implications for US interests. It is not a prediction that these
developments will occur. This memorandum has been coordinated at
the working Level with CIA, DIA, NSA, and State/INR.
NI-IAM-80-10002
Derivative
Review On Jan 2000
Derived from Multiple
Approved For Release 2006/02/21 : CIA-RDP81 800401 R001400030006-'l
SECRET
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