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provided protection for US military forces in that country supporting project CROSS- PATCH. A copy of this agreement was pro- vided to DOD by memorandum dated 30 Decem- ber 1960. 74/ H. The Changing Political Climate Following resolution of the Special Forces program, the beginning of the new year was marked by a spirit of close cooperation between the Government of Guatemala and the Agency's representatives.* Roberto Alejos, the * The same could not be said for the degree of rapport between the Department of State and the Government of Guatemala. Between the end of November 1960 and the beginning of 1961, there was a noticeable effort on the part of the Department of State to keep US rela- tions with Guatemala at something less than the level , of an abrazo. When planning a US response to President Ydigoras's message thanking the US for instituting naval operations which "prevented outside forces from giving support to the Communist-inspired revolutionary movement," Secretary Herter cautioned the President that: "Since the degree of direct involvement of pro-Communist and pro-Castro elements in the recent Guatemalan uprising has not yet been determined, the' text of the suggested reply reaffirms that our action was aimed at prevention of intervention from abroad." 74a/ In planning a response to President Ydigoras's greeting for the New Year, Secretary Herter again cautioned: "The Department feels that an exchange concerning the Cuban question with President Ydigoras would not be appropriate at the present time. It is recommended, therefore, that you merely acknowledge brie{ly his telegram." 74b/ Even though this advice was followed, the Department directed the Amembassy Guatemala to understand that after delivering Presi- dent Eisenhower's message: "White House desires text this message not rpt not become public." 74c/