◆ SpookStack

had with Ydigoras on the night of 14 December were negative. The report of the meeting stated: Written agreement discussed in general terms, but not shown him [Ydigoras] as he said he would not sign any secret pact. Made reference to secret agreement he signed with Castillo Armas 1953 which has since caused him serious political prob- lems. Expressed continued willingness give any and all support, including re- ceiving training personnel, short of signing any agreement. 67/ The cable went on to request that Headquarters contact Roberto Alejos requesting that he remain in Washington to meet with Esterline and Robert Davis, I~ _ who would be flying up to Washington on 16 December the thought being that discussion with Alejos might yet. bring about a change in Ydigoras's thinking. Esterline's remembrance of this visit to Ydigoras is at some variance with both the cable traffic and sub- sequent events, but it is interesting to observe the com- ments which he did have to make on the subject: \ I actually, myself, executed with Ydigoras Fuentes the agreement. At the time that I did it -- in true name -- I thought "I suppose they'll be reading about this someday and I'll have to save _ that piece of paper." He [Ydigoras] said, "that piece of paper will never be exposed," and it hasn't to my knowledge. - 64 -