Acceptance Speech by Jorge Eliécer Gaitán in Bogotá Bull Ring, September 23, 1945
Telegram #1354 from Ambassador Wiley to Secretary of State, November 7, 1945
Marco Tilo Bolanos, President of the "Comite de las Aguas", the Communist Ward Committee
in Bogota, stated that he had received an urgent call from the headquarters of the Partido
Socialista Democratico (PSD) to come to the office immediately. There he received instructions
to inform all members of the Committee that a coup d'etat would be attempted that night by the
members of the Conservative Party and by the followers of Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, the independent
candidate for the presidency, who is bitterly opposed to and feared by the Communists.
Supplementing the information which was forwarded to you yesterday, it has now been learned
from a confidential, reliable source in Colombia that the Partido Socialista Democratico (PSD)
in preparation for a possible revolution is forming vigilance squads to work in shifts with the
Bogota Ward Police and the Bogota Fire Department. The leaders of the PSD are said to be
certain that ninety per cent of the Police and Army forces are sympathetic toward the candidacy
of Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, the independent candidate for the presidency. The communists are said
to expect a revolution at any moment. They are keeping a close watch on the activities of the House
leaders of the Gaitan movement.
In preparation for the uprising which is
expected PSD records are being cached in the homes of trusted members and are being transferred
every few days. PSD members have been advised that when the time comes they "will be
provided means to defend themselves." Ward committees of the PSD in Bogota are being dissolved
and replaced by five-man cells. On the nights when committee meetings of the PSD are scheduled to
be held, lights are left burning as though the meetings were in progress. However, only one or two
of the Communists are present.
Statements by Eduardo Caballero Calderon, Gaitanista Leader, November 9, 1945
Aftermath of the Threatened Coup d'Etat, November 15, 1945
Supplementing information which has previously been forwarded to you, it is now reported that Jorge Elicer Gaitan [sic] has the support of eighty-five per cent of the Colombian Police and forty per cent of the Colombian Army. Allegedy Gaitan is waiting for the outcome of the May, 1946, election. If the results of this election are unfavorable insofar as he is concerned, he plans to have the labor syndicate call a general strike to overthrow the government. Possible Revolution in Colombia, J. Edgar Hoover, November 30, 1945
[Augusto] Duran is said to have requested that members of the Spanish Communist Party
help train the militia of the PSD in preparation for a military coup against the present Colombian
government which may possibly take place on December 5, 1945. Jose Calvet told Graino that
this should be done but with the greatest secrecy. Calvet allegedly also stated that the activities
of the PSD are such as to weaken the Gaitan Movement.
Possible Revolution in Colombia, J. Edgar Hoover, December 5, 1945
According to our informant, political prisoners at Panoptico Prison in Bogota are communicating
through a signal system with Gaitanistas from a house overlooking the prison yard. ... Francisco
Luis Correa, a political figure in the Department of the Valle de Cauca, advised our informant
that military prisoners are to be liberated from Panoptico Prison in order that they may join the
Gaitanistas and the Conservative Party in the revolt against the present Government.
Disorganized vociferous Gaitanista mob attempted several times to break up CTC parade
and mass meeting but large forces of police mounted and on foot succeeded in keeping
opposing elements separated, in two cases at least by firing shots. Gaitanista mob
appeared to be inspired by well-dressed persons who led pro-Gaitan and anti-Communist
shooting.
The Embassy does not expect any revolutionary attempts in the near future, but
admits that plans to overthrow the government are undoubtedly in existence.
Jorge Eliécer Gaitán and his following constitute the most serious
danger. He and his lieutanants have openly advocated armed revolution in the
event of a defeat at the polls.
The National Treasurer of the Gaitán movement, Bernardo ANGEL Escobar,
is known in his native Antioquia as a violent totalitarian and in some circles
as mentally unbalanced. He is financing the Gaitan campaign in Antioquia
with his large inherited fortune. Another Antioquian Gaitanista, Frailan
MONTOYO Mazo, was known during the war to have been strongly pro-Nazi.
Airgram #665 from Bogotá Embassy to Secretary of State, December 13, 1945
In four of [the] districts disorders were rampant when groups of Gaitanistas armed with
stones and clubs and allegedly supported by Conservative Party elements attacked citizens of
distinct political affiliations who tried to carry out meetings of electoral propaganda. ...
The religious ceremony had scarcely terminated when the adherents of GAITAN took the altar by
assault without anyone protesting, and utilized the loud speakers in order to pronounce political
discourses and in order to attack the Liberal regime. These occurrences had an incontestable
flavor of Fascism and would indicate that GAITAN is training an army of professional agitators.
This was the system employed by the Nazis to silence any adverse opinion in order to regiment
the citizens through a system of fear to remaining away from the ballot boxes. It would be well if
public opinion might ask GAITAN if his campaign program of moral restoration plans to establish
in Colombia a group of assault troops.
Liberal Party of Colombia, J. Edgar Hoover, December 19, 1945
As mentioned in the enclosed memorandum, the Conservative Party continues to endorse the presidential campaign of Jorge Eliecer
Gaitan.
Information received from various political sources of unknown reliability indicate the possibility that the continued
presidential campaigns of GABRIEL TURBAY and JORGE ELIECER GAITAN will enable the Conservative Party,
while ostensibly supporting GAITAN, to widen the breach within the Liberal Party to such an extent that they will be able
to launch their own candidate at the last hour with an excellent chance of success. At the present time the rumors
emanating from political circles indicate that MARIANO OSPINA PEREZ, an Antioqueñan lawyer of prestige,
may be the Conservative Party presidential nominee.
Sources C and D have reported that GAITAN has traveled extensively throughout
Colombia since the first of January, 1946, campaigning on his own behalf and performing
organizational and contact work. This is confirmed by considerable publicity given to his
movements by various newspapers and particularly his "JORNADA". Generally speaking,
he has drawn very large crowds and has instilled great enthusiasm among his followers
everywhere he has gone.
The GAITANISTAS have a rather bad reputation for causing disturbances and, according
to Sources, they are actually what could be termed "shock troops" within the movement
who specialize in organizing disturbances or counter-demonstrations. Without referring
individually to each case, it can be stated that when Dr. GABRIEL TURBAY has made
his appearances in various cities, invariably GAITANISTAS were there in large numbers
to shout "Long Live GAITAN" and, "Down With The Turk".
According to Source G who has furnished reliable information in the past from Cali area,
the counter-demonstration against TURBAY in that city on March 16, 1946, was so
severe that it actually resulted in the stoning of TURBAY and his aids [sic] and called
for the intervention of the armed forces. TURBAY was only slightly injured but others
were more seriously injured. The GAITANISTAS were not alone responsible for the
demonstration but they were prominently present. The Lopistas, Communists and
Conservatives reportedly were also involved. The GAITANISTA counter-demonstrations
have not only been directed against GABRIEL TURBAY but against all prominent
politicians who are not for GAITAN.
GAITAN and his followers are intensely anti-Communist and, on several occasions,
have endeavored to break up Communist meetings and constantly interfere with
Communist activities. According to Source C, the GAITANISTAS with their "shock
troops" operate similarly to the Communists as they are fanatics and they like
street brawls.
Audio clip of Gaitan speech during 1946 presidential elections
Communist Support of Gabriel TURBAY, April 17, 1946
At the General Assembly of the Partido Socialista Democratico, held in Bogota, Colombia April 12, 1946,
Carlos H. Pareja (Gamboa) opposed the Communist Party's support of Gabriel Turbay. He described
Turbay as "a representative of the Bourgeoisie and of imperialism" and urged support of Jorge Eliecer
Gaitan on the grounds that Gaitan told the Colombian people to be ready to take over the powers of
government.
According to the above-mentioned reliable confidential source, Augusto Duran, Secretary General of the
Colombian Communist Party, stated that same party does not believe immediate seizure of power in
Colombia is necessary by the proletariat.
As of possible interest to you, a reliable, confidential source, in Colombia, advised that
Colombian Communist leaders are very active in support of Gabriel Turbay's candidacy
for the Colombian presidency. They have been making extensive political trips
throughout Colombia at the expense of the Turbay Committee.
At a private Communist meeting held April 29, 1946, in Colombia, members were advised
that the Turbay committee would furnish revolvers to members of the Partido Socialista
Democratico (Colombian Communist Party) employed by the above mentioned committee as
a precaution against anticipated trouble from the followers of Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, the
independent, Liberal candidate for the Colombian presidency.
Marco Tulio Bolanos, President of the Partido Socialista Democratico's Ward Committee
of the Comite De Las Aguas (Water Committee) is said to have stated at the above
mentioned Communist meeting, that the Turbay Committee is planning to cast fraudulent
votes in the forthcoming May presidential election.
As of possible interest to you, President Alberto Lleras (Carmago) [sic] of Colombia
is reported to have issued several decrees for the purpose of insuring peaceful
elections. Two-thirds of the National Police Detective Force have been assigned to
the various Colombian (Departamentos) States to aid the local Colombian authorities.
The Colombian Army reserve classes of 1940, 1941, and 1942, have also been
assigned to active service in the various Colombian States.
There are rumors current to the effect that the Colombian Government fears possible
violence during the elections and also the possibility that the Conservative Party may
attempt to seize power by force if any violence is precipitated between the liberal
elements in Colombian politics - the followers of Jorge Elicier [sic] and Gabriel Turbay.
Communist Support of Gabriel TURBAY, May 7, 1946
As of possible interest to you, reliable sources in Colombia state that the results of
the Presidential elections in Colombia on May 5, 1946, indicate that Mariano Ospina
(Perez) has been definitely elected President of Colombia. The adherents of Jorge
Gaitan are said to be continuing demonstrations and threatening that the Conservative
Party shall not be allowed to take control of the Government. The Gaitan followers
are said to have branded as traitors the leaders of Gabriel Turbay's Liberal faction;
however, the Turbay Liberals are being invited to join the Gaitan followers against the
Conservatives. Rumors of violence in connection with the election results have been
circulated in Bogota; however, they have not materialized. It is believed that the
Gaitan elements will continue their manifestations, claiming that the elections proved
that the combined Liberal forces would have won the election if Liberal unity had been
achieved and, therefore, they should not relinquish power to the Conservatives.
On the evening of May 8, 1946, followers of the defeated candidate, Jorge Gaitan, staged
minor riots and broke windows of numerous Jewish-owned stores located on the main
commercial thoroughfare of Bogota.
According to this same confidential source, these above-mentioned individuals have now
become active in a newly organized labor organization known as the Comite de Unidad Sindical
(Syndical Unity Committee) This organization is alleged to follow the policies of Jorge E. Gaitan,
former independent Liberal candidate for the Colombian Presidency. As a result of the resignation
of these individuals from the above-mentioned Executive Committee, the Communists are now in
a position to use this same organization to further the Communist cause in Colombia.
Legation has learned that National Police have learned of conspiracy to overthrow the
Govt immediately after inauguration of pre-elect Ospina August 7. Story is that certain
elements of officer corps of armed forces of second, fourth, and tenth divisions of police
and Gaitanistas are involved in plot which contemplates kidnapping of President in the
pattern of Pasto coup of July 10, 1944.
Legation suspects that this story has been inflated by some of the detectives of National
Police in order to augment their own importance.
Confidential and reliable sources in Bogota have advised that police in Colombia are
conducting investigation of a plot to stage a coup d'etat on inauguration day, August 7th,
to seize Ospina Perez, President elect, after taking office and installing a temporary military
figure as President to eventually be replaced by Jorge Eleicka Gaitan. [sic] Radical Liberals
and Gaitanistas are allegedly behind the plot.
Reliable and confidential sources have advised that in view of the revolutionary scare
prevailing in Colombia relative to the reported revolution which was to have taken place
on Friday, July 26, 1946, all Police and Army detachments in Bogota and vicinity were
reportedly confined to barracks on July 26th and all of their firearms were said to have
been taken away from them and stored in specially guarded deposits. The Director
General of the National Police, Colombian President Lleras, and various government
ministers were closeted practically during the entire night of July 26th.
Telegram #564 from Ambassador Wiley to Secretary of State, August 7, 1946
A reliable and confidential source has advised that precautionary measures in Bogota,
Colombia, and partial disarming of the police force continue. The atmosphere is somewhat
tense with rumors being prevalent that the Army will have charge of security relative to
government celebrations and functions. Dissatisfaction among Gaitan followers in the Police
Department continues but concrete evidence of any large scale revolutionary plans is lacking.
Telegram #499 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, October 2, 1946
President Ospina this afternoon called my attention to a recent speech by Jorge Eliecer Gaitan in which the latter advocated the internationalization of the Panama Canal. The President stated that this, with other indications which he had received, would suggest that Gaitan, who heretofore has been violently anti-Communist, was now reversing his policy and was trying to play with the Communists.
Labor political situation in Colombia passing through very crucial period. Street
disturbances are occurring in several cities including Bogota and Cali. National Police
not equipped to cope with the situation. They have placed order for anti-riot weapons
in US October 29. Supplies cannot arrive in time to cope with general strike scheduled
November 15.
FONMIN in private conversation indicated President and Government are now very conscious
of foreign influence at work in present acutely disturbed situation of country. ... What seems of
interest to FONMIN and Government is that Soviet Legation telegraphs average of 300 groups
in code daily to Moscow. He can find no justification for so much telegraphing except through
extra-curricular activities and urges cryptographic services US Government investigate adding
cables pass via US. He indicated if there was evidence Soviet complicity in Colombian situation,
Government would be prepared take strong action.
You may inform FONMIN this GOVT appreciates info furnished by him
(EMBTEL 771, November 9). You may assure him this GOV will cooperate
fully in response his request for evidence any foreign complicity in
Colombian affairs.
Dr. GERARDO MOLINA was elected President of the Institute. ... Source C said that the Institute is
a psychological, political and social observation center of the greatest importance.
PAREJA said that VOKS helped to pay the expenses of the Institute, and one $4000 Peso deficit
already had been paid by that institution. VOKS formerly was represented in Colombia by ALEXEI
ANTIPOV, but now it was being represented by NICOLAI ALEXEEV. ... Source E, who attended the
inauguration of the exposition, said that about seventy-five persons
were present, including NICOLAI ALEXEEV and PAVEL I. MALKOV of the Russian Legation. These
individuals spoke aside to JORGE MORA, a Colombian Communist described by RAMON MINGUELLA
as having the confidence of the Russians, and PAREJA later joined in the discussion.
Making a radical divergence from their previous "line" of politcal independence, the
Colombian Communists on January 24 announced readiness to join forces under some
circumstances with the Gaitanista wing of the Liberal Party.
Information has been received from a confidential and reliable source that the following
persons have recently been assigned to the Soviet Legation in Bogotá.
Nikolai Mikhailovich Akinfiev ... Georgi Alekseevich Nazarov ... Galina Ivanovna Smirnova.
Soviet Legation Personnel - Bogotá, March 1, 1947
The following named personnel who have been assigned to the American Embassy at
Bogota are being recalled to the United States and will not be replaced: Paul J. Burke
(Assistant Legal Attache), William D. Cronin (Assistant Legal Attache), Katherine Godfrey
(Clerk to the Legal Attache), Henry C. Johnson (Official of the Justice Dept.), Cloyda
Mangrum (Clerk to the Legal Attache), Ann R. McCarthy (Clerk to the Legal Attache),
Mavis L. McGrath (Clerk to the Legal Attache), Raymond K. Ryan (Clerk to the Legal Attache).
Program of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, March 20, 1947
Thank you very much for your letter of March 6, 1947 with which you enclose a copy of the
report of Committee No. 1 of the recent Latin American Intelligence Conference. This document
is ably prepared and very helpful.
There is an element in the situation which I think, however, should be emphasized. In the aforesaid
report reference was made to the Communist Party's acting as a Fifth Column in Latin America. This
is indeed true. I feel, however, that the target of these Fifth Columns has now become entirely visible.
The target is petroleum and metals which, of course, are of primary strategic importance in this
hemisphere.
CAVE GAITANUM, April 22, 1947
[31 pages]
We have received a request from the Central Intelligence Group for a copy of Top Secret
telegram 323 from Bogota dated May 12, 1947 (Control 3682). It is our policy, generally,
not to furnish CIG with telegrams unless they contain intelligence information, and do not
contain information of pending negotiations or other matters whose revelation to another
agency would embarrass the Department.
Telegram from Lisbon Embassy to Secretary of State, June 13, 1947
Airgram from Bogotá Embassy to Secretary of State, August 8, 1947
Political Position of Rival Colombian Communist Parties, August 12, 1947
CIG Instituto Sovietico, Sept. 4, 1947
Telegram #606 from Bogotá Embassy to Secretary of State, September 13, 1947
In November 1946, the Ospina Government was faced with a dangerous situation. A wave of
strikes was sweeping the country (oil workers, railroaders, chauffeurs, etc.), and a general
strike had been announced for November 15. There was rioting in the streets of several
Colombian cities, including Bogotá.
On November 14 the Embassy was informed that the gas masks and grenades would be
shipped through General Crittenberger. These were delivered in Colombia on November 16
by the Caribbean Command aboard five C-47's from Albrook Field.
Telegram #607 from Bogotá Embassy to Secretary of State, September 16, 1947
Telegram #609 from Bogotá Embassy to Secretary of State, September 16, 1947
Liberal Attacks on Conservative Regime, September 17, 1947
Telegram #497 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, October 1, 1947
I have the honor to report that responsible leaders of the Catholic-Church sponsored Union of
Colombian Workers (UTC) told an officer of this Embassy that the daily morning newspaper
Jornada, principal organ of Dr. Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, is receiving its
newsprint supplies from the Venezuelan Government, from stocks supplied that Government
from Soviet Russia.
This information has not been confirmed by the Embassy, although representatives of other
Bogotá newspapers, stressing the newsprint shortage in this city, have also expressed
the belief that the Venezuelan Government is supplying Jornada in addition to cooperating with
Colombian Gaitanism in other ways.
The Liberals (especially the Gaitanistas) charge that during the present administration
the Conservatives have been dismissing Liberal police officials and putting Conservatives
in their places, and have thus been able to influence voting in the smaller communities --
especially Boyacá, Nariño and the Santanders.
Colombia's two rival Communist Parties have reached a joint agreement to support the Liberal Party Chief
Jorge Eliécer GAITÁN in all his campaigns of opposition to the Government.
These CIA reports contain rumors that the Soviet may withdraw its remaining Legation personnel from Bogotá,
since Colombia has practically discontinued its Mission in Moscow, and that there is still strong pressure upon
President Ospina to make a definite break in relations.
Airgram #40 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, January 19, 1948
President Ospina decreed state of siege in Department Norte Santander due to upsurge political violence
in scattered areas that Department resulting undetermined number of dead wounded in series pitched
battles between Conservatives and Liberals and in some cases with armed forces. Conservative Governor
Manuel Buenahora submitted resignation, General Gustavo Matamoros appointed Military Governor. Government
called up 3000 army reserves.
Colombian Embassy has urgently requested information re availability and prices six armoured
cars M-8 and six M-20 for use present emergency. ... War considers light tanks purchased by
Colombia under lend lease better adapted intended use than armoured cars. Cannot understand
why Colombia has not purchased offered spare parts.
Airgram #56 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, January 20, 1948
Colombian Government doubtless has in mind not only situation in Norte de Santander but also
present Communist efforts to bring about general strile which might disturb internal peace. (DEPTEL
14 January 20)
Embassy's position is that legal recognized, democratic, cooperative Government of Colombia
is entitled to purchase from US any materials we have available and which government considers
it needs to defend itself from aggression from within or from without or to maintain internal peace
in Colombia, and that in present world emergency our government should make those materials
available immediately and not in three months as suggested in Department's telegram.
Airgram #64 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, January 22, 1948
Army and national police still serving strike duty. Reserves called to active duty being placed in various areas to enforce regular garrisons. President issues decree freezing sale of firearms and requisitioning all private firearms and explosives to be turned in to the Ministry of War. A-1.
General Gustavo MATAMOROS, Military Governor of Norte de Santander held lengthly conference with President
Mariano OSPINA Perez and several cabinet members last night, then issued press communique from Palace
declaring that although there been some "popular manifestations and stone throwing" there been "no more
bloodshed" in Norte de Santander. Liberal press continues insist, however, that widespread violence continues
in that Department, publishing full pages of news and photographs as evidence of desperate plight of hungry,
homeless Liberal refugees from Conservative violence. ... Immediately following Matamoros communique
criticizing press, it was learned Government is censoring United States and other press services and may impose
similar censorship on Colombian press. It also refused request of Liberal Party to send special correspondents
into affected areas.
Background of Political Disorders in Santander del Norte, February 10, 1948
Army augmented by approximately 6,000 reserves remains deployed on internal security mission. A-1. Comment. In troubled areas where Army has been employed, it has performed excellently and order was promptly restored.
Violence in Santander del Norte, March 10, 1948
CIA Communist Liberal Cooperation, March 17, 1948
Airgram #203 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, March 18, 1948
Telegram #137 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, March 22, 1948
Airgram #209 from Ambassador Beaulac to Secretary of State, March 22, 1948
Political Consequences of the Conservative-Liberal Impasse in Colombia,
Office of Intelligence Research, March 23, 1948
Copyright Paul Wolf, 2002-2004
