PUBLIC ORDER SITUATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A003900170008-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 25, 2002
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: April 7, 1954
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2004/02/19 : CIA-RDP80-0081OA003900170008-3
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
This Document contains information affectiqg the Na-
tional Defense of the United States, within the mean-
ing of Title 18, Sections 793 and 784, of the U.S. Code, as
amended. Its transmission or revelation of its contents
to or receipt by an unauthorized person I. prohibited
by law. The reproduction of this form Is prohibited.
CONFIDENTIAL
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25X1
Public Order Situation
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jEVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE.
THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
(FOR KEY SEE REVERSE)
REPORT NO.
DATE DISTR.
NO. OF PAGES
REQUIREMENT NO.
REFERENCES
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7 April 1951
1
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1. Colombian authorities have been relatively successful in maintaining order
in recent weeks. However, noteworthy disturbances have taken place in the
rural areas of Huila and Tolima, and others of lesser magnitude have occurred
in Valle and Caldas. Generally, attacks have been made on.small towns by raid-
ing bands. In some cases this abtivity bore the stamp of pure banditry, but
it seems fairly clear that most of the outbreaks were caused by Conservative
followers of Laureano GOMEZ. The majority of the victims have been Liberals.
Probably some of the attacks had the approval of local Conservative officials,
but in general they were organized by small groups without outside support.
2. The only incidents involving Army outposts have been those in the Llanos,
2 5X1 where has been persecuting former
guerre as. us far the guerrillas have not responded, but they have been
considering taking up arms once again. There is no evidence that former
guerrillas have initiated or responded to attacks anywhere, although it is
true'that some Liberals in Huila have fought back when attacked. Generally,
the disturbances have consisted of murders, assaults, and other crimes; and
the reasons behind these occurrences have been political in practicall~- all
instances.
3. Early in 195 there was talk of sending Army reinforcements to Huila and
Tolima. However, as conditions gradually improved, there turner' out to be
little need for troop movements. Order for the most part has been restored
-by local detachments, although in some instances these were slightly..
strengthened. Activities have been confined chiefly to patrolling. There
have been relatively few incidents during the past two months. The only
announcements issued by the government have been',that the situation is well
under control and that order has been restored. Guerrilla leaders fear that
the government still may prosecute them, and most have left Bogota. They
say that if Army or other government officials continue to pursue and perse-
cute them, they may be forced to resume guerrilla activities.
CONFIDENTIAL
STATE X (ARMY x NAVY TX AIR -
FBI
to.
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