◆ SpookStack

MADD base to tell the Agency representatives that various cities, including Guatemala City, were having "minor skirmishes with communist elements." At this time, Alejos made a request that MADD "be prepared to participate in show of strength in form of fly- overs" and it was the plan of the Acting Chief of JMADD to comply with Alejos's request pending Head- quarters approval. 39/ The American Embassy's initial message was received in the Department at 1234 hours (Washington time), and said "some kind of uprising" in Guatemala City had been aborted. 39a/ Within a few hours of the first announcement of the revolt, there began a rash of emergency cable traffic among Guatemala City, JMADD, and Headquarters that continued for the next three to four days. Almost immediately, for examp],e, key Agency personnel in Guatemala were hit with requests for support and assistance from the Ydigoras government. One of the first requests came from the Minister of Defense, Rubin Gonzales Sigui who, fearful that the revolt was being. directed and sponsored by Cuban elements, asked that the US provide surveillance for enemy ships which might be oprating between Cuba and Puerto Barrios - 33 -