Editing Operation PBSuccess (section)

===Initial Phase===
 (December 1953–May 1954)
  
Propaganda Build-Up: Radio Liberación began broadcasting in early 1954, spreading rumors of Árbenz’s corruption and Soviet ties. The CIA distributed 100,000 leaflets and used Catholic clergy to denounce Árbenz as anti-religious, exploiting Guatemala’s religious sentiment.

Diplomatic Pressure: At the 10th Inter-American Conference in Caracas (March 1954), John Foster Dulles secured an OAS resolution condemning communism, isolating Guatemala diplomatically. Peurifoy, appointed ambassador in 1953, met Árbenz in December 1953, aggressively demanding the expulsion of communists.

Czech Arms Shipment: In May 1954, Árbenz received 2,000 tons of Czech weapons aboard the ship Alfhem, prompting U.S. outrage and it was used as justification for escalation. The CIA exaggerated the shipment’s threat, claiming it could arm a communist militia, though most weapons were outdated and did not function.