PROBABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN GUATEMALA

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1
Release Decision: 
RIFPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
17
Document Creation Date: 
December 23, 2016
Document Release Date: 
July 1, 2013
Sequence Number: 
11
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
July 26, 1955
Content Type: 
NIE
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1.pdf1.39 MB
Body: 
Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 NIE 82-55 26 July 1955 NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE NUMBER 82-55 (Supersedes NIE-84) PROBABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN GUATEMALA Submitted by the DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE The following intelligence organizations participated in the preparation of this estimate: The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and The Joint Staff. Concurred in by the INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE on 26 July 1955. Concurring were the Special Assistant, In- telligence, Department of State; the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, Department of the Army; the Director of Naval Intelli- gence; the Director of Intelligence, USAF; and the Deputy Director for Intelligence, The Joint Staff. The Atomic En- ergy Commission Representative to the IAC, and the Assist- ant to the Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, ab- stained, the subject being outside of their jurisdiction. ' 3 maw- Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 *CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DISSFMTNATION NOTICE 1. This estimate was disseminated by the Central Intelligence Agency. This copy is for the information and use of the recipient indicated on the front cover and of per- sons under his jurisdiction on a need to know basis. Additional essential dissemination may be authorized by the following officials within their respective departments: a. Special Assistant to the Secretary for Intelligence, for the Department of State b. Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, for the Department of the Army c. Director of Naval Intelligence, for the Department of the Navy d. Director of Intelligence, USAF, for the Department of the Air Force e. Deputy Director for Intelligence, Joint Staff, for the Joint Staff f. Director of Intelligence, AEC, for the Atomic Energy Commission g. Assistant to the Director, FBI, for the Federal Bureau of Investigation h. Assistant Director for Collection and Dissemination, CIA, for any other De- partment or Agency 2. This copy may be retained, or destroyed by burning in accordance with appli- cable security regulations, or returned to the Central Intelligence Agency by arrange- ment with the Office of Collection and Dissemination, CIA. 3. When an estimate is disseminated overseas, the overseas recipients may retain it for a period not in excess of one year. At the end of this period, the estimate should either be destroyed, returned to the forwarding agency, or permission should be re- quested of the forwarding agency to retain it in accordance with IAC-D-69/2, 22 June 1953. WARNING This material contains information affecting the National Defense of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the trans- mission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. DISTRIBUTION: White House National Security Council Department of State Department of Defense Operations Coordinating Board Atomic Energy Commission Federal Bureau of Investigation Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 PROBABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN GUATEMALA THE PROBLEM To estimate: the strengths and weaknesses of Guatemala; probable Guatemalan policies and courses of action; and prospects for Guatemalan stability, with particu- lar reference to the stability of the Castillo regime. CONCLUSIONS 1. Many Guatemalans are passionately attached to the democratic-nationalist ideals of the 1944 revolution which over- threw the Ubico dictatorship. However, few understand the processes and respon- sibilities of democracy. A keen sense of nationalism, largely directed at foreign investors, colors Guatemalan politics. Responsible democratic government is therefore difficult to achieve. (Paras. 12-13) 2. President Carlos CASTILLO Armas still rules by decree pending the promul- gation of a new constitution and the election of a Congress. He has a sub- stantial residue of personal popularity throughout the country despite his in- experience and frequent spells of inde- cision. He has attempted to follow mod- erate policies and has placed national in- terests first. (Paras. 19, 23-25) 3. The most immediate of Castillo's prob- lems stem from depressed coffee prices and from the effect of drought conditions 1 This estimate supersedes NIE-84, "Probable De- velopments in Guatemala," published 19 May 1953. on corn, the staple diet of Guatemala. Castillo's difficulties have been further complicated by poor management, and by the impatience of the articulate sector of the electorate for a return to constitu- tional government. The Church-State issue has been revived during the draft- ing of a constitution, and is likely to prove a source of political dissension in the coming months. (Paras. 21-22) 4. The remainder of 1955 and the first few months of 1956 will be especially dif- ficult for Castillo. The government's ability to survive will probably be deter- mined by the effectiveness of Castillo's leadership, by the amount of US as- sistance and support, and by the inter- national coffee market situation. Much will also depend upon Castillo's success in creating a political organization which will give his government adequate sup- port. Favorable developments in these areas would tend to assure the loyalty of the armed forces. On balance, we believe that if economic conditions do not fur- ther deteriorate, Castillo will probably be able to remain in power during this pe- riod. (Paras. 41-43) 1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 SOWNWM- 2 5. The armed forces continue to be es- sential to the survival of the regime. Many of the regular elements of the army probably remain somewhat dissatisfied, but there is little likelihood of their initi- ating an organized rising. In the un- likely event that any of the more popular exiled army leaders were to launch a re- bellion, the bulk of the army would prob- ably remain loyal to Castillo and would be able to cope with the situation unless Castillo's political position had seriously deteriorated and the rebellion were con- ducted on a substantial scale. If right- ist extremists among the Liberation ele- ments in the army were to attempt a coup, it would probably be put down by the integrated regular and Liberation forces. Nevertheless, we? believe that there will continue to be sporadic unsuc- cessful attempts against the government. (Paras. 27, 29-30) 6. Communist and Arbencista subversive activity ? both domestic and foreign ? has not been a serious threat to the Cas- tillo government. We believe that the Communist and Arbencista threat at least in the short term will remain of rel- atively little importance. The Commu- nists and other discontented elements will seek to harass the Castillo govern- ment, and may be able to place their men in a few minor government and labor union posts, and in educational institu- tions. However, under either Castillo or any likely successor government, we be- lieve that the Communists will not suc- ceed in securing positions prerequisite to a climb to power. (Paras. 31, 34) 7. We believe that if Castillo survives his immediate economic and political diffi- culties, with continued US support he will have a better than even chance of govern- ing for the next few years. He will prob- ably continue to adhere to a moderate course, and may be able to establish the basis for responsible constitutional gov- ernment. (Paras. 63-64) 8. If the Castillo government should be overthrown, Guatemala would probably experience a protracted period of politi- cal instability. Rightest elements are more likely to be able to achieve this over- throw than any other group. (Para. 65) DISCUSSION I. INTRODUCTION 9. The land and the people. Guatemala is a predominantly agricultural country about equal in area to the state of Tennessee, with a population currently estimated at roughly 3,200,000. Most of the population is con- centrated in the temperate highlands. The little-developed tropical land of the Pacific coast is sparsely peopled, and the northern half of the country ? the densely forested Peten ? is virtually uninhabited. About 70 percent of the Guatemalans are illiterate, the bulk of them Indians who constitute over half the population and who have relatively little contact with the money economy. Al- most 70 percent of the people reside in rural areas and over 75 percent of the labor force are agricultural workers. 10. The country displays most of the standard characteristics of underdevelopment: a low level of per capita production; inadequate transportation, power generation, and provi- sion for health and education; a shortage of skilled labor and of transferable savings; and an inefficient and cumbersome public admin- istration. Moreover, Guatemala's financial status depends to a great degree on revenue derived from the export of a single commodity ? coffee. Efforts to diversify the economy Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 have been hampered by the shortage of in- vestment funds for the requisite expansion of transportation and power facilities. In ad- dition, the domestic market is small, because of low per capita production and high con- centration of income. According to the coun- try's 1950 census of agriculture, three-tenths of one percent of the landholders held over 50 percent of the total agricultural area. These are primarily the great coffee plantation owners (finqueros), who frequently invest their profits abroad rather than in the develop- ment of the local economy. During the Arevalo and Arbenz regimes the gap between the very rich and the very poor was not nar- rowed. 11. There are probably not over 200,000 Guate- malans who are more than marginally po- litically conscious. Of this group, the large landholders have almost never taken a role in the administration of the country other than to exercise powerful pressures toward con- servatism. Only in recent years has the growing but still very small urban middle class begun to acquire a voice in the deter- mination of affairs. As a result, the profes- sional class retains a disproportionate influ- ence in the operation of the government. 12. Many Guatemalans are passionately at- tached to the democratic-nationalist ideals of the 1944 revolution which overthrew the Ubico dictatorship. However, few understand the processes and responsibilities of democ- racy. Guatemalan politicians are disposed to indulge in intrigue against the government in power rather than to rely upon normal democratic processes to achieve their objec- tives. Hence there is an atmosphere of polit- ical unreality, characterized by individual manipulation and suspicion. At present many Guatemalans appear to be primarily concerned with preventing dictatorship of the right or of the left. A keen sense of nation- alism, at times verging upon the irrational, colors Guatemalan politics. There is a strong tendency to attribute Guatemala's backward- ness to foreign investors, especially those from the US. Even the most pro-US elements in the area are not immune to this type of ex- treme nationalism. 3 13. Responsible democratic government is therefore difficult to achieve. The country's most capable propertied citizens tradition- ally are unwilling to put themselves in jeop- ardy by participating in an administration which might fall overnight. Many of the Guatemalans formerly associated with the Arbenz regime and hence experienced in gov- ernment are no longer available. Thus, the present government must rely in large part on youths with little background or aptitude for administration, or on men who served under Ubico. Furthermore, the absence of agreed political party programs and even of agree- ment on objectives greatly hampers efficient government. 14. Carlos CASTILLO Armas must reckon with the heritage of the revolution of 1944 and with the social and economic programs initiated by the Arevalo and Arbenz regimes. Although these regimes failed to establish a tradition of sound government or to improve, notably, the material well-being of large seg- ments of the population, they nevertheless effectively popularized many of the tenets of the 1944 revolution. Castillo recognizes the political reality of the revolution and has accepted, in principle, most of the major re- forms advocated by his predecessors. He has committed himself to the restoration of dem- ocratic forms and practices, to land reform, to the development of a modern economy, and to the protection of a free labor movement and other social gains. He is also guided by nationalism, among the more dramatic sym- bols of which are the Atlantic Highway and a new Caribbean port, both of which were initiated to break the monopoly of foreign enterprise. 15. During the Arbenz regime, the social and economic needs of labor and the peasantry were articulated and exploited by the small Communist leadership. Having infiltrated key administrative positions the Communists were able to promote measures which ap- peared to meet some of the aspirations of these groups. The Communists made considerable progress in the organization of urban and rural unions and were a prime influence in inducing the government to expropriate large Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 tIVIMMOSN5 4 tracts of land for distribution among the land- less. Agrarian reform affected at least 35,000 peasant families. 16. Events of the past year. The Arbenz regime collapsed in June 1954. After ten days of indecisive fighting between government forces and Castillo's small irregular "Army of Liberation," top army leaders turned against the regime. Although army leaders generally supported Arbenz because of the many bene- fits received from him, they became in- creasingly concerned at his tolerance of Com- munists in the government. As a conse- quence, the army's loyalty to Arbenz was weakened. Lacking the will to fight and real- izing that Castillo would succeed, top army leaders forced Arbenz to resign. They formed a Junta, headed by Colonel Elfego MONZON Aguirre, which effected a cease-fire with the Liberation forces. 17. The present government evolved from an agreement reached on 2 July at San Salvador between Castillo and Colonel Monzon. This agreement was brought about after mediation by El Salvador and the US. The principal provisions of the agreement were to unite the national army and the armed forces of the Liberation, and to reorganize the Junta. Soon afterward the Junta was reduced to three men ? Castillo, Col. Monzon, and Major Enrique OLIVA Quintana, an adherent of Castillo's. Castillo was named its president. One of the first steps of the Junta was an at- tempt to rid the country of Arbenz supporters. It immediately decreed the abolition of polit- ical parties. It established a "Committee of National Defense against Communism" (CDNCC) late in July. In the meantime most of the key Communist leaders had fled. The Junta also initiated an extensive investi- gation and punitive shake-up of the Com- munist-controlled labor movement, and issued an "agrarian statute" pending formulation of a new Agrarian Reform Law. In the reor- ganization of the armed forces, officers be- lieved to be loyal to Castillo were given most of the high posts. 18. Shortly after these initial steps, dissen- sion between the regular army and the Libera- tion forces broke out on 2-3 August following an attack by the military academy cadets on Liberation forces in the capital. A large pro- portion of one regiment, led by disgruntled regular officers, supported the cadets. This action, which nearly resulted in a coup, was ended by the Junta's show of strength, in which the loyalty of Monzon and of the air force were decisive factors. After several weeks of declining public confidence in the regime, Monzon and Oliva voluntarily resigned to give sole power to Castillo as Provisional President of the Republic. 19. Elections were held in October, resulting in popular confirmation of Castillo and the seating of 60 official "National Anti-Com- munist Front" (FAN) candidates in the 66- seat Constituent Assembly. On 6 November Castillo was inaugurated for a term lasting until March 1960. He thus exchanged his de facto status for that of duly designated chief of state. Castillo continues to govern by de- cree on the basis of the "Political Statute" issued by the Junta in August 1954. The As- sembly has virtually no legislative powers, and its primary function has been to draft a new constitution to replace that which was voided by the revolution. 20. Strife between regular and Liberation army officers again erupted in January 1955 when the government announced discovery of a "pseudo-Communist plot" involving dis- sident regular army officers. The govern- ment took strong and summary action to sup- press the alleged plot. Six officers and men were summarily executed, several leading reg- ular officers including Col. Monzon were banished, and additional Liberation officers were appointed to key military positions. In taking these actions, Castillo temporarily ac- ceded to the persistent pressure of the Libera- tiOn elements for a through clean-up of po- tential dissidents. The January action was followed by two months of relative political tranquility, but subsequently the recurrence of rumors of plots and counterplots suggested growing dissatisfaction with the government. 21. The most immediate of Castillo's diffi- culties since last January have been economic. The problems of depressed business levels, un- Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 employment, and financial stringency inherit- ed from the Arbenz regime had not been surmounted when the price of coffee fell sharply in mid-February 1955. The fin queros slowed down delivery of their coffee crops, which resulted in a continued lag in the col- lection of government revenue and a withhold- ing of some millions of dollars from the econ- omy. An equally important source of discon- tent has been the delay in the advent of the rainy season and in particular its destructive effect on corn, the staple diet of Guatemala. Some farmers have lost as many as three plantings, and there are indications that the corn shortage may extend into 1956. The US is providing 30,000 tons of corn and a small amount has been imported from Mexico. However, increased imports of corn are likely to be required during the remainder of the year. 22. Castillo's difficulties have been further complicated by poor management, and by the impatience of the articulate sector of the electorate for a return to constitutional gov- ernment. The committee drafting the consti- tution has submitted the document to the Constituent Assembly. The committee's task has been made particularly difficult by the interjection of the religious issue. The Cath- olic Church ? disestablished since 1871 ? has sought to: (a) recover the right to own property; (b) re-establish monastic orders; (c) become active in the labor field; (d) open the public schools to religious education; and (e) win constitutional recognition of its "pre- eminence." After extensive acrimonious de- bate and political maneuvers, all but the last of these major demands of the Archbishop have been incorporated into the draft con- stitution. However, the religious issue is far from closed, and it is likely to prove a source of political dissension in the coming months. II. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS Position of the Castillo Regime 23. The ability of the present government to remain in power in the face of these diffi- culties probably results largely from: (a) US interest and support; (b) the substantial res- idue of personal popularity possessed by Cas- 5 tillo; and (c) the continued support of the armed forces. Most politically conscious Guatemalans believe that the US planned and underwrote the 1954 revolution, and there- fore has a continuing responsibility for the success or failure of the present government. Castillo might have been deposed on any one of several occasions had his prospective op- ponents believed that the US would not give him prompt support. Thus, most criticism of the policies and performance of his govern- ment has been directed at his advisors and at the US rather than at Castillo himself. 24. One of Castillo's outstanding assets in the eyes of his countrymen is his sincere patriot- ism. Combined with that quality are modesty, informality, and accessibility. Castillo's mod- eration in employing the sweeping powers en- trusted to him has reassured Guatemalans that he would not become a dictator. How- ever, Castillo is inexperienced in government and lacks the intellectual qualities to over- come this deficiency with ease. Castillo often listens uncritically to anyone offering facile solutions to administrative problems. In deal- ing with his colleagues and subordinates his conspiratorial background has of ten caused him to vacillate between intense suspicion and unreasoning trust. He also suffers from fre- quent spells of nervousness and indecision. 25. Castillo has attempted to follow a middle- of-the-road course and to place national in- terests ahead of the interests of specific groups. He has identified himself with the more moderate aspects of the revolution of 1944 and with the struggle against Commu- nism, corruption, and political oppression. However, the moderate political elements which support him have not been organized, and the individuals who immediately sur- round him in advisory positions are, for the most part, conservatively oriented. The ma- jority of his Liberation army supporters advo- cate stronger and more extreme rightist pol- icies, and the elimination from office of those who served the previous regime. On the other hand, some of his Liberation colleagues and many of the regular army officers advocate the more liberal principles of the revolution of 1944. Both groups, however, are divided trainamik; Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 internally by personal ambitions and con- flicting views. The Church-State issue fur- ther complicates the problem of formulating policies which could secure majority support. Castillo's government contains fervent anti- clericals as well as advocates of the Church, many of them far more intransigent than the relatively moderate Archbishop. 26. Lacking organized political support, Cas- tillo has been unable fully to implement his program. The coalition of "Anti-Communist" groups (FAN) formed for the elections disinte- grated shortly thereafter under the stress of conflicting aims and motives. Moreover, there has been little administrative talent to draw upon. Personnel appointed to administrative positions have been either inexperienced in government administration, interested pri- marily in jockeying for position in the present scramble to form political parties, or merely out to line their own pockets. Policy accord- ingly has vacillated, and its execution has been slow and indecisive. The Role of the Armed Forces 27. The army, which also commands the air force, continues to be essential to the survival of any Guatemalan regime. Addition of the Liberation elements has brought army strength to about 8,000 men. The air force consists of approximately 350 men and 44 air- craft of all types, of which the most impor- tant element is six F-51's obtained from the US. The National Police Force of 3,900 men is staffed by army officers. As long as the armed forces remain united and loyal, they are capable of maintaining internal security and of repelling attack from any of Guate- mala's Central American neighbors. 28. The army traditionally is interested pri- marily in the defense and expansion of its pre- rogatives. Satisfaction of the army has usual- ly been given top political priority by any Gua- temalan regime. Castillo, however, has had the additional problem of restraining the ri- valry between regular officers who served the previous regime and those of the Liberation. Resisting his Liberation supporters' demands for a complete purge, Castillo has moved cau- 6 tiously but steadily toward putting his trusted adherents in key positions. Colonel J. Ernesto NIEDERHEITMANN, an important Liberation commander, is now army chief of staff, and the only remaining highly placed holdover from the Arbenz regime is Colonel Enrique CLOSE de Leon, the defense minister. Castillo is un- der pressure to replace the latter, but he is probably deterred both by Close's considerable prestige and following in the army, and by a desire to offset overwhelming Liberation influence. 29. Many of the regular elements of the army probably remain somewhat dissatisfied with their position under Castillo. However, since their leaders have largely been replaced by prominent Liberation figures, there is little likelihood of disgruntled regulars initiating an organized rising against the present regime. In the unlikely event that any of the more popular exiled army leaders were to launch a rebellion, a small portion of the army would probably try to join and some would wait on the sidelines. However, the bulk of the army would probably remain loyal to Castillo and would be able to cope with the situation unless Castillo's political position had seriously de- teriorated and the rebellion were conducted on a substantial scale. If rightist extremists among the Liberation elements in the army were to attempt a coup, it would probably be put down by the integrated regular and Lib- eration forces. 30. Castillo probably will continue to strengthen his position by placing his trusted supporters in key army positions and by making further efforts to satisfy the army's material demands. His position vis-a-vis the armed forces will be further strengthened by the recently signed Mutual Defense Assistance Pact with the US. Nevertheless, we believe that there will continue to be sporadic unsuc- cessful attempts against the government. The Potential Opposition ? 31. The Communist threat. Communist and Arbencista subversive activity ? both do- mestic and foreign ? has not been a serious threat to the political stability of the egalerftglre' Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 SECRET Castillo government. There were almost certainly no more than 4,000, and perhaps substantially fewer, Communists in Guatema- la at the height of Arbenz's power. The most prominent figures of the former regime are no longer in Guatemala, but probably about half the Communists, and a much larger number of Arbenz sympathizers are still in the country. Communist subversive activity since July 1954 has been largely confined to the circulation of sporadically produced mim- eographed propaganda, and some broadcasts over clandestine radio stations may have been Communist-inspired. However, the organiza- tion, Frente de Recuperacion Nacional, may serve as cover for the remnants of the Com- munist Party, reconstituted as an under- ground movement. 32. Communists and Arbencistas in exile do not constitute an immediate' threat to the Guatemalan government. The exiles are pres- ently resident in several Latin American countries, with the largest concentrations in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Ecuador. Potentially the most dangerous group, which includes the majority of the key figures in the former regime, is in Mexico. These exiles have received assistance from Mexican Communist and pro-Communist groups and probably have attempted to form a political organization. However, this activ- ity apparently is impeded by divisions between Communists and Arbencistas and by splits within each of these groups. The exiles in El Salvador are fewer in number, but are poten- tially important by reason of their proximity to Guatemala. 33. The government has given the principal responsibility for investigating Communists to an agency known as the Committee of Nation- al Defense against Communism (CDNCC) . The CDNCC, which has the power to arrest, has often proven incompetent, overzealous, and arbitrary and has aroused public disap- proval and even ridicule. There are strong pressures for its dissolution. In response to these and other pressures, Castillo probably will soon reorganize the government security system. 7 34. We believe that the Communist and Arbencista threat at least in the short term will remain of relatively little importance. De- spite the administration's scrutiny, the Com- munists may be able to place their men in a few minor government and labor union posts, and in educational institutions. There are many restless and discontented Guatemalan groups which might become vulnerable targets in a deteriorating economic and political en- vironment. These include unemployed work- ers, peasants threatened with eviction from their lands, disillusioned student and intel- lectual elements, and discharged government employees. The Communists and other dis- contented elements will seek to harass the Castillo government. However, under either Castillo or any likely successor government, we believe the Communists will not succeed in securing positions prerequisite to a climb to power. 35. Labor and rural groups. Guatemalan labor was the class most adversely affected by the overthrow of Arbenz. The organization of the labor movement was virtually destroyed after the revolution. After being favored for a decade, the workers are now often the object of official suspicion, and are waging an uphill battle to reconstitute their trade unions. Moreover, depressed business conditions since the revolution, as well as efforts by employers to negate the benefits granted to labor by the previous regime, have increased unemploy- ment and intensified labor's feelings of in- security and resentment. Although Castillo made some promises to labor, he has been unable to redeem them fully because of eco- nomic difficulties and conservative opposition. The result has been a decline in Castillo's popularity and an increase in restlessness among those groups. 36. In recent months the government has shown greater interest in safeguarding trade union liberties. By mid-1955 twenty-six trade unions, including the half dozen most important ones, had already been legally es- tablished and others were awaiting approval. More forceful attempts are being made to implement the Labor Code, and the Labor Courts, which immediately after the revolu- SECRET Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 SECRET tion had dealt harshly with workers' claims, are now ruling more favorably to labor. On balance, labor leaders appear to feel, that de- spite antilabor sentiment in certain politically influential circles, Castillo offers the best pres- ent hope for the reconstitution of a free labor movement. 37. In the eyes of labor the test of Castillo's sincerity in labor matters will lie in his will- ingness to permit the establishment of a strong central labor organization free of polit- ical control. To date, two central organiza- tions have been established in embryonic form. The Federacion Autonoma Sindical (FAS) , which represents the bid of the Catholic Church for labor support, has so far failed to attract an important segment of labor because of anticlerical sentiment among workers and the political ties of its leader with the Administration. The Consejo Sindical de Guatemala (CSG) represents a small group of relatively well established trade unions which are moderate in outlook and have a promising leadership. If Castillo accedes to the CSG's request for legal recogni- tion free of political control, he will probably win labor's support at least for the near fu- ture. We believe there is a better than even chance that Castillo will attempt to comply with the CSG's wishes. 38. Rural groups are having even more dif- ficulty in obtaining favorable government action. The Arbenz regime resettled rural workers on government lands as well as on those it acquired through expropriation. It also fostered the organization of plantation workers. Although many of the benefits given the peasants were illusory, and peasant organizations were mainly used by the Com- munists for political purposes, the Arbenz regime's action responded to genuine rural demand and need for land reform. Castillo is under strong pressure from the landholders to restore expropriated properties and to con- tinue to deny rural workers the right to organ- ize. In most cases he has postponed the re- turn of land to original owners. He is develop- ing a plan which envisages the resettlement of 5,000 peasant families annually on public lands in the Pacific Coast region. With US 8 technical and financial help, this project over the long run is likely to prove of substantial assistance in quieting rural discontent. In fact, the government probably will have more to fear over at least the short term from the conservative critics of agrarian reform than from the disorganized and virtually leader- less rural population. On the other hand, the possibility of sporadic violence among plantation workers cannot be excluded in the event of critically worsened economic condi- tions against which the government fails to take prompt remedial action. 39. The threat from the Right. The extreme rightists among Castillo's supporters, together with influential conservative civilian elements throughout the country, probably constitute the chief potential source of opposition to the government. Most of these conservative fac- tions strongly criticize Castillo for his "soft" policy toward both civilian and military office- holders of the previous regime, for his moder- ate policies toward labor and agrarian prob- lems, and generally for his refusal to turn back the clock to 1943. However, Castillo so far has kept rightist discontent within bounds. There is no indication that the diverse rightist elements are preparing any concerted attack on the government. A rightist coup would be highly unlikely so long as Castillo retains US support and that of the Guatemalan armed forces, and can secure public confidence by making some progress toward solving Guate- mala's economic problems. 40. The personalities around which conserva- tive opposition might crystallize are few. Juan CORDOVA Cerna, former head of the National Council for Economic Planning and the foremost civilian participant in the Libera- tion, has intermittently clashed with Castillo. Staunchly conservative and highly ambitious, Cordova has persistently been cited as Cas- tillo's greatest rival. However, Cordova's power appears to have been neutralized. Shortly after the revolution the return to Guatemala of General Miguel YDIGORAS Fuentes, a former presidential aspirant, posed another problem. Castillo at least temporar- ily has resolved this problem by assigning Ydigoras to the post of Minister to Colombia. SECRET Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 SECRET 9 Finally, Chief of Staff Col. Niederheitmann, although currently a close associate of Cas- tillo, is the type of conservative military "strong man" around whom disaffected right- ist elements might naturally rally. Short-Term Political Prospects (Through Early 1956) 41. The remaining months of this year and those of early 1956 will be especially difficult for Castillo Armas. The draft constitution has been submitted to the Constituent As- sembly for approval by fall. If it is adopted, the Constituent Assembly is to schedule elec- tions for a new Congress, probably for some time in the winter of 1955-1956. Meanwhile, in preparation for a resumption of normal political activities, the formation of political parties has begun. In addition, the govern- ment will have to cope with budgetary and other economic difficulties created by de- pressed coffee prices and by the inadequate rainfall. The ability of the present govern- ment to survive will probably be determined by the effectiveness with which Castillo deals with these problems, by the amount of US assist- ance, and by the international coffee market situation. 42. Much will also depend upon Castillo's suc- cess in creating a political organization which will give his government adequate support. Such an undertaking is rendered difficult by the widely conflicting views and interests of even his staunchest adherents. Nevertheless, the process is underway. The administra- tion has launched an "official" political party named the National Democratic Movement (MDN) . The MDN's middle-of-the-road pol- icy statement is signed by 144 individuals rep- resenting all shades of non-Communist polit- ical beliefs. The government's strongest supporting organization to date, the Commit- tee of Anti-Communist University Students (CEUA) , has dissolved itself and has joined the MDN. The old Liberal Party, reconsti- tuted as the National Democratic Association (ANDE) , has decided not to join the new party. The hybrid character of the MDN is al- ready the target of considerable criticism, and it is improbable that such diverse elements can be held together within a single party. If the MDN splinters or does not attain a dominant position, Castillo probably will have to attempt to form a coalition of parties will- ing to support his government. In either case Castillo will have difficulties in securing sus- tained and consistent legislative and political support for his moderate policies. 43. To maintain control and to carry out an effective program in the period ahead will re- quire a substantial degree of skill on Castillo's part. Castillo has shown some talent in the past for playing off the extremes against each other. On balance, we believe that if eco- nomic conditions do not further deteriorate, Castillo will probably be able to retain office both during and immediately after the period of reconstructing constitutional government. III. ECONOMIC DEVEOPMENTS 44. Characteristics of the economy. The econ- omy of Guatemala is based primarily on the production and export of coffee. Coffee pro- duction amounts to over 1.2 million quintals2 annually, with most of it going into the export trade. Government-owned lands ? largely expropriated from the Germans during World War II? accounted for about one-third of that production at the time of their nationali- zation. Coffee accounted for 79 percent of total exports, which were valued at about $96 million3 in 1954. It is the most important single source of Guatemala's revenues; in re- cent years 'coffee export taxes have constitu- ted around 20 percent of all government rev- enues. Moreover, since the major direct tax is on business profits, and since domestic pros- perity depends mainly on the coffee trade, a drop in world coffee prices has a multiple de- teriorating effect on government revenue. 45. Bananas, the only other major export crop, have averaged roughly 10 percent of the value of exports over the past several years. Chicle, lumber, and essential oils are the re- maining exports of any significance. How- One quintal = 100 Spanish lbs. = 101.4 English lbs. 'The Guatemalan quetzal is freely convertible and has been at par with the US dollar since 1924. SECRET Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 ever, Guatemala produces a good grade of long-staple cotton, and increasing production may result in a surplus for export this year. There are indications of commercially exploit- able oil deposits in the northeastern part of the country, and the Castillo government has prepared a Petroleum Law which it hopes will attract foreign investment while appeasing nationalistic fears of foreign exploitation. In- dustry in Guatemala is confined largely to the processing of agricultural products and the manufacture of simple consumer goods and building materials. Even such industry de- pends heavily on imported capital goods, equipment, and raw materials. Power facili- ties barely meet present requirements. 46. In 1954, Guatemala's GNP is estimated to have been approximately $650 million. While GNP in real terms (constant prices) appears to have been growing at about three percent per year over the period 1950-1954, per capita income changed very little owing to the rapid rate of population growth, estimated at two and a half percent a year. From year to year Guatemala's GNP is subject to wide fluctua- tions reflecting abrupt changes in the terms of trade which, in turn, are governed largely by the trend of coffee prices. Average saving and investment are relatively low, as in virtu- ally all underdeveloped countries, and are sub- ject to the same short-term fluctuations as the GNP. 47. The book value of direct US investments in Guatemala was $107 million in 1953, almost all represented by the branches and subsid- iaries of three US corporations: the United Fruit Company (UFCo); International Rail- ways of Central America (IRCA) ; and Em- presa Electrica, a subsidiary of American and Foreign Power. 48. UFCo controls most of the production and export of bananas in Guatemala. The com- pany operates two divisions: the Atlantic, with its main office at Bananera; and the Pa- cific, with headquarters at Tiquisate. The symbol of foreign exploitation in Guatemala, UFCo was consistently attacked by the Arbenz regime, which expropriated almost 420,000 unused acres of its total land holdings of about 560,000 acres. UFCo has achieved good rela- 10 tions with the Castillo government. In two contracts UFCo regained about 245,000 acres expropriated from its Pacific division, and agreed to pay taxes on that division's net prof- its up to a maximum of 30 percent. It also ceded to the government without charge about 110,000 of those acres. A contract covering the Atlantic division remains to be negotiated. However, despite UFCo's improved relation- ship with the government, and the company's relatively high wage and living standards, it faces a strong residue of hostility in Guate- mala. Castillo may have to refrain from mak- ing new agreements with UFCo for a time. On the other hand, UFCo has stated its in- tention of making large new investments in Guatemala after settlement of the US anti- trust suit now pending. 49. The US-owned IRCA operates virtually all of Guatemala's roughly 700 miles of track. It carries most of the country's freight and af- fords the only means of access by land to the major Caribbean port, Puerto Barrios. UFCo has a 43 percent interest in the IRCA system, which is linked with the fruit company's plan- tations, and obtains an artifically low freight rate for its bananas. At the same time, IRCA subjects other freight to excessively high charges. As a result, Guatemalans are strong- ly critical of IRCA and are most anxious for the completion of the Atlantic Highway which will break the railroad's monopoly of land traffic to the Caribbean. 50. Empresa Electrica provides roughly 75 per- cent of Guatemala's power, and the govern- ment controls the remainder. Over two-thirds of the power is derived from hydro stations. Resources are centered around the capital and are only sufficient to provide for the cities and the larger towns. Empresa Electrica proposes to expand its generating capacity through the investment of about $17 million over a ten- year period. However, its plan has not yet been approved by the government, which ob- jects to certain features and considers the company too conservative. Furthermore, in indicating its displeasure with Empresa Elec- trica, the government has intimated that it might attempt to carry out a power expansion program itself. AMOIN.10$ Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 aiggiORIPT 51. Government economic policies. The eco- nomic policies of the Arbenz regime probably retarded economic growth and led to a sub- stantial increase in the public debt. Moreover, the Guatemalan economy weakened consider- ably following the fall of Arbenz. Despite the aid received from the US the economy has not fully recovered, largely because of unfavor- able weather and the drop in world coffee prices. The government has followed con- servative fiscal policies and will probably achieve a balanced budget for FY 1956. How- ever, budget revenues and expenditures for FY 1956 are estimated at around $66 million (excluding US aid) , compared with last year's approximately $73 million (including the spe- cial Liberation tax) and, more important, with the roughly $75 million expended by the Ar- benz government during its last year in office. 52. The government has made a number of mistakes in its economic policy. The abrupt halting of public works projects helped to swell the unemployment figure to perhaps as high as 30,000. The government has vacillated in its attitude toward encouraging private ifi- vestment, it has not instilled sufficient busi- ness confidence to insure sustained expansion of the private sector of the economy, and it has failed to make funds available for large public investment. 53. An extensive highway construction pro- gram offers the Castillo regime an effective means of coping with both its immediate and long-range economic problems. With only a few hundred miles of paved roads out of a total of roughly 6,000 miles, the transporta- tion net is wholly insufficient for the economic needs and development of the country. Of the $6,425,000 US aid for FY 1955 (excluding emergency corn shipments) the bulk has been devoted to the road-building program, with Guatemala contributing about half as much as the US. The main effort is on the Inter- American Highway and on improving a high- way, paralleling the Pacific coast, which tra- verses the richest agricultural area in Guate- mala. Work on the final quarter of the all- weather Atlantic Highway to Santo Tomas will begin as soon as funds can be made avail- able. The Castillo administration has applied 11 to the IBRD for a $20 million loan to finance local costs of highway construction, as well as for various development projects requiring ag- ricultural machinery and for industrial plants. 54. Economic prospects. The Castillo govern- ment faces acute short-range economic prob- lems. The most serious of these is the failure of the corn crop. The ability of the Castillo regime to meet this crisis will depend largely on the promptness and adequacy of US assist- ance. Serious dislocations in the rural econ- omy not only would have a depressing effect on the entire economy, but would increase public dissatisfaction with the regime. An- other serious problem is unemployment. How- ever, we believe that the present level of un- employment will not confront the Castillo re- gime with insuperable difficulties during the summer months. With the end of the rainy season in late fall, unemployment probably will be reduced by increased activity on the highway projects and an expansion of the public works program. If Castillo makes sub- stantial progress with these problems, and impresses political elements with the effec- tiveness of his leadership, a rise in business confidence and activity is likely to result. 55. Over the longer haul, substantial econom- ic improvement will depend on an expan- sion of capital investments, public and private, including development of the Pacific coastal area. The present volume of private invest- ment cannot readily be assessed, and there is no concrete evidence of any large-scale repa- triation of capital. On the other hand, Guate- mala's reserves of gold and foreign exchange have been steadily rising and now stand at a new record figure of about $57 million, possi- bly indicating some repatriation of capital. In 1953, when coffee prices were roughly equal to the present levels, private investment was estimated at about $39 million. Once the public works program gets fully underway and if coffee prices remain stable, business confi- dence will probably improve sufficiently to in- sure a level of domestic capital investment at least equal to that of 1953. Moreover, assum- ing that the IBRD loan is granted, that the government consequently will not have to fi- nance highway construction in FY 1956, and Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 that the cost of government operations will remain approximately constant, the Castillo regime probably will be able to maintain pub- lic investment next year at close to the 1953 0 rate of $29 million. 56. On the other hand, there will almost cer- tainly be a gradual expansion of government expenditures over the next several years as land reform measures are adopted, expropria- tion claims are settled, and public health, ed- ucation, and other social services make great- er claims on the treasury. In these circum- stances, a considerable revision of the tax structure will be required if government defi- cits are to be avoided. The Castillo govern- ment has drawn on US technical assistance funds to employ American consultants to re- vamp thoroughly both the tax laws and cus- toms tariffs with a view toward increasing government revenue. A program for Guae- mala's first income tax is also being readied, and there are indications that it will be ac- cepted, though with resignation, even by the professional class so long as the rates are kept as moderate as is now envisaged. 57. Completion of the new Pacific highway will probably result in development of the Pa- cific coastal land and constitute one of the most promising aspects of Guatemala's fu- ture. Already expanding coffee production probably will accelerate, even in a period of low prices, if there are stable political condi- tions, and if world demand remains at ap- proximately present levels. There is also at least an even chance that oil will be exploited in profitable quantities, and that the Lake Izabal area will yield increased exports of lum- ber and wood products. IV. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 58. The principal objectives of Guatemala's foreign relations under Castillo are: (a) closer ties with the US; (b) improved relations with immediate neighbors; and (c) the end of the country's isolation in hemispheric affairs. 59. The Castillo administration has been con- sistently pro-US in its policies and attitudes, seeking advice and assistance on many do- mestic problems and cooperating closely on 12 international questions. In fact, Castillo may have damaged his potential capacity for lead- ership by excessive reliance on US advice and aid. At the same time, Castillo and, to a greater degree, his associates on occasion sus- pect the motives of representatives of the US. Nevertheless, Castillo's friendship for and re- liance on the US is the most stable element in Guatemala's foreign affairs. 60. Guatemala's relations with its neighbors have greatly improved under Castillo, largely because of the moderate character of his ad- ministration and the cessation of Guatemalan Communist propaganda activities in those countries. At Castillo's request, Guatemala was readmitted to the Organization of Central American States (ODECA) and is to play host at its scheduled summer meeting. Further- more, Guatemala has completed, or is nego- tiating, commercial treaties with Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Po- tential friction exists, however, between Gua- temala and its neighbors because of ide- ological and personality conflicts. Castillo reportedly distrusts Osorio of El Salvador, al- though to date their official relations have not been unfriendly. His suspicious attitude to- ward Figueres of Costa Rica is owing partly to ideological differences and partly to the lat- ter's noncommittal position during the 1954 Liberation. On the other hand, Castillo has friendly ties with Somoza of Nicaragua and PEREZ Jimenez of Venezuela. In any case, because of his domestic problems, his ties with the US, and his moderate nature, Castillo is unlikely to meddle actively in Central Ameri- can politics unless a clearly unfriendly gov- ernment comes to power in a bordering state. 61. Mexican?Guatemalan relations were strained in 1954 as a result of Mexico's position as sanctuary for the majority of Guatemalan Communist and Arbencista leaders. However, Mexican authorities recently have imposed close surveillance over the important Gua- temalan exiles and have prohibited their po- litical activities. The conclusion of a trade agreement for importing Mexican corn, the in- formal visit of ex-President Aleman to Castillo, and the appointment of. a top-ranking Mexi- vikalgiare*: Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 ? Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 AS.M4fr 13 can ambassador to Guatemala have contrib- uted to improved relations between the two countries. 62. The Castillo government has also taken steps to re-establish Guatemala's prestige in hemispheric affairs by rejoining ODECA, ad- hering to the Caracas Resolution, and deposit- ing its ratification of the OAS Charter and the Rio Treaty. On the other hand, the Castillo administration has reaffirmed Guatemala's traditional claim to British Honduras. Res- ervations to this effect have been appended to Guatemala's ratification of both the Rio Treaty and the OAS Charter. Despite the emotional strength of this issue, however, it is unlikely to prove a source of serious friction in the area during the foreseeable future. V. PROSPECTS FOR STABILITY IN GUATEMALA 63. We believe that if Castillo survives his immediate economic and political difficulties, with continued US support he will have a bet- ter than even chance of governing for the next few years. 64. Castillo probably will resist extremist pres- sures and continue to adhere to the moderate course he has followed to date. If he main- tains his prestige as a mediator, he will prob- ably be able to retain much of his present authority even in the face of an unruly legis- lature. He may also be able to make further progress in unifying the armed forces behind him. Thus, Castillo may be able to remain in office long enough to establish the basis for responsible constitutional government. 65. On the other hand, if the Castillo govern- ment should be overthrown, Guatemala would probably experience a protracted period of po- litical instability. Rightist elements are more likely to be able to achieve this overthrow than any other group. Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 4 ? Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 92 90 88 16 14 18 ,-.- 16? 14? IP 5 6. 1 cr' M E X I \ k-? -. t ( n a afk...? rib Champarlco "I Cs ...." ..- Cs' I V MEXICO 1:5,b ' % ' .\%'.. ."1'\..?..? , . 1 t? _18 , I N 4.1 " 7 C') E 1 BEL LI i L\ . ?Ali ? . 0 BRITISH 10 4C s? ? .\ HONDURAS k \ \ ? 'k . ? :k Gulf of Hooduras_7 .. -,,Uvingsra.. .... L- rrios ? ??? w... t'l ,.....:;--' ? r, ,Stnan zAc ? .,,, - . i: \ ? 4 HONDU'AS '"' ?,\, 40, . \ /114, s?,..,,,-..\ ? adei?o.. 4........? ?. LVADdR i ? I ( ....Z,.\\`.. \ Is ? \\: \ \. \\...? ,s.\,.. , . ? \ I. .4c: Palm trzi V \'v EL PETE-N 'P4 ? ,.. . -4 Pas?S? 0 __,_? \ \ ,I.?\ ..y..,. i--X(i ---/C 4' -- "/"' ": it . --- ..-_,.. i t; I N ,,,,c-- _,_./.; ?-.,..e,e ' ,,` j4 .4.1?' ? AO ? . edf--,.." ? f- '----4 ? t .0 .1' ' ' .+4.J. ? 1?? .. ?.. ,,,,-, .....- r re." ,... -11. . ,, /f,'.). ? # 4...;. r,:5-.-.. , ,.......?.., 1:1144 '' -? ? ." ? f .,. 414 Zacaps 40:10 Tz.0,),, nfro.7.7.,, ,:l. i -, Iii ; 49,1 - i s ,vir-a, 4 i , 10. . ell 4 4 N n ... - . Reteu - LE?-(''7 ./ ....?, ? ango 1...y. ./ ,.. , I sint / - r cu ull V T ate ? ly?s 1.-- ',I ? 14,...f: ? nt Ana 11 n San AlOr"r4Cr./47,' 0 C' 1 ? -4"9 -.... 4, ? - J 92 90 88 --- International boundary * National capital 0 GUATEMALA Highway Other selected road Inter-American Projected Inter-American Highway Projected road 100 Miles -i--4-- Selected railroad Scale 13,250,000 25 50 75 0 25 50 7.5 100 Kilometers 13876 7-55 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1 AMOK .-4.61111, Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/07/01 : CIA-RDP79R01012A006100030011-1