DELASCIO Authority Stateletter Inhaz 2: ML RD: 24 981 The Department will readily recognize the potentialities for trouble which are developing out of these events. As the Embassy has suggested before, don René is a man of somewhat unpredictable motivations who appears to be rapidly developing some kind of a Messiah complex that he must save the country from Communism. He gives every impression of also being much under the influence of General Ubico. It will be observed that he contemplates creating as soon as possible a small mobil. military force capable of maintaining order (and, don René implied, capable of dealing with the shock brigades of the Vanguardia Party. He mentioned that he is interested in obtaining Lend Lease equipment for this force.
As reported in despatch no. 1302, President Calderón Guardia brother has already intimated that great pressure will be placed on don Teodoro to remove don René from the local political scene. The events of April 26 reported in don René letter were said to have infuriated the Calderon Guardias hence their determination to get don René out of the way can only have been strengthened by the incident.
The Calderon Guardias have won the opening round of the battle, however Since don Francisco was elected First Designate on May 1, as reported in the Embassy telegram no. 269 of May 2, 10 a. It now remaias to be seen how long an open clash can be avoided between don Rens and his political anemios. Since don Rané has control of such military power as the country possessos (excepting the Vanguardia shock brigades. which have some rifles and a few machine guns) and is determined to strongthen it as soon as possible, and also appears to have the backing, of General Ubico, the Calderón Guardias an faoed with an adversary who has considerable resources at his command. In view of the importance of certain key indi.
viduals in this situation, it is by no mo ang improbable that attempts at assassinat ion may be resorted to. As previously reported, both groups have some unprineipled characters serving them who are antirely capable of attempts of this naturo.
Respectfully yours. Cuma Goldette for Edward Trus blood Chargé Affaires ad interla Efelosures: 1) Memorandum of conversation with Señor René Picado; Copy and translation of letter dated May 1, 1944 from Señor René Picado.
800 EGT mm