◆ SpookStack

TOplRET By mid October 1960, the internal situation in Guatemala had worsened, and Ydigoras was pressing hard on Washington for loans and grants-in-aid to assist him in maintaining control. The GOG faced a financial crisis -- salaries had been cut, people were unemployed, and the Leftists were making strong inroads in the political life of the country. A general strike had been called, and this posed a possible threat to the overthrow of the Ydigoras government. "Reports of varying reliability" sug- gested that Castro might be supplying funds to and training cadres of anti-Ydigoras groups in Guatemala in an attempt both to oust Ydigoras and, consequently, put an end to Guatemalan support for the Cuban train- ing program. The situation had become so serious that by the end of October and the early part of November JMADD had completed preparations for a quick evacuation of all the aircraft and all station personnel seige on 19 July 1960. Carl Jenkins, assigned to WH/4/PM, was providing operational guidance to c==J prior.to assuming his job as COB TRAV. In September 1960, Ernest W. Sparks was named Chief, JMATE activities in Guatemala and thus became the adviser to I I I Ion ops plans. 37a/ - 31 -