CRISIS IN OSORIO GOVERNMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R002300080006-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 15, 2000
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: January 19, 1949
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2000/05/16 : CIA-RDP82-0045718x3'08
CLASSIFICATION s x.T
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION 1 REPORT _ CD NO.
COUNTRY El Salvador
SUBJECT Crisis in Osorio Government
25X1A6a
NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
opposition to L'aior Oscar Osorio head of the Salvadoran Rover to
1
.
has become so serious that 0he must risk his
popu'arity by declaring martial lawn Otherwise, it is felt, civil war
is a definite possibility,
2. Principal lbadere of the opposition to Oeorio are Felix Olivella, Carlos
Llerena, Agustin Alfaro Moran, and Rafael Urquia, the Foreign Vinister.
These persons are known collectively as the "Sector Popular".
3. Salvadoran interests are divided into two-groups. So-called "reactionary
capital; represented by Roberto and Miguel Duenas, is supporting Osorio
and favors his eliminating the Junta and assuming complete control of the
country.
4. The so-called "progressive capital" faction, opposed to Osorio, advocates
a civilian president, probably Agustin Alfaro Moran, with Col. Humberto PQ
Villalta in control of the armed forces. This faction is headed by Olivells
and Andres Molina.
5. &a of 18 January, Osorio was in control of the army through the regimental
commanders., although he lacked its complete support. With the possible
exception of Defense ) inister Col. Fidel Quintanilla, the cabinet was
opposed to his. The civilian members of the Junta were likewise oppoa3d
to Osorio. The cabinet met on 17 January and decided to form a bloc against
Osorio to threaten blanket resignation If azQc cabinet member were ou ted,
6o Nine array officers, including Humberto Villalta ( were relieved
of their positions and placed under house arrest on 17 January. This action
followed the exposure of a plot against Oeorio to place Villalta in power.
The result of this was the consolidation of Osorio'e control of the army.
The extent of the opposition among lesser army officials is not known,
7. The government of Guatemala is expressing its dissatisfaction with Osorio's
regime by transmitting financial aid to oppositionieta among the civilian
elements of the government and the Olivella faction. Guatemalan army officers
in civilian dress were reported to be in El Salvador fomenting opposition
among Salvadoran army lieutenants and captains
8. The student sector of the Partido de Orientacion Democratica (POD) is allegedly
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swing arena _from_Q_ temala,p./
-x NsRB T IMI
x FBI ARN N !
Approved For Release 2000/05/16 AWA-DP> 080006-6