The Popular Revolutionary Army (EPR) rose in the mountainous state of Guerrero, Mexico, in the mid-1990s. This uprising started two years after the Zapatista rebellion in Chiapas, not long after the Aguas Blancas massacre. The State Department, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by College of DuPage Professor Keith Yearman, released the following documents concerning the EPR.

The Document Collection

"Mexico: EPR to Promote Armed Propaganda and Avoid Violence with GOM." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 03 July 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 008707. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The Embassy was still attempting to determine the origins of the EPR. "Sources in the Interior Secretariat have told us they are investigating possible links to a number of late 60s - early 70s left-wing groups. Contacts in the National Action Party (PAN) and the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) have expressed doubts that the EPR represents a significant social base. On the other hand, the GOM continues to play it safe, and media reports indicate up to 5,000 troops are now deployed in Guerrero."

"Official Informal." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Mexico City. 08 July 1996. Secret. Cable Number: State 140551. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The July 5, 1996 Daily Activity Report for Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Strobe Talbott. Talbott is informed the "Mexican government believes the EPR to be a 'fictitious' group and nothing more than a 'publicity stunt' by members of a local peasant organization..."

"PRD President Munoz Ledo Views July 14 Election of his Successor; Sees Electoral Reform on Track." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 13 July 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 009078. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

Munoz Ledo apparently had extensive meeting(s) with Embassy personnel in the period leading up to the July 14, 1996 elections. While most of this document has been excised (as it is apparently unrelated to the requested topic of the EPR), one paragraph was released. "Munoz Ledo also called the increased presence of the military in police affairs and recent GOM actions against supposed Popular Revolutionary Army (EPR) guerrillas in Guerrero attempts to keep PRI hardliners happy."

"Nunez Says Electoral Reforms Near; Guerrillas in Guerrero may be Fakes; PRD may be Headed for Radicalization." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 16 July 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 009133. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Arturo Valenzuela met with the Mexican Deputy Secretary of the Interior (aka Gobernacion) Arturo Nunez on July 11, 1996. "Nunez said that Gobernacion had informers present at the political rally at which the so-called Popular Revolutionary Army guerrillas appeared. The informers reported that the event organizers, identified by yellow baseball caps, cleared a path for the guerrillas to the stage, and called for calm among the audience, all but announcing that the guerrillas were 'friendlies'...Gobernacion's strongest theory is that the armed men were associated with the Peasant Organization of the Southern Mountains (OCSS) or one of the other groups that organized the rally. The OCSS, said Nunez, has occupied city halls to press their demands for benefits for poor peasants, but it is not seen as a violent, much less para-military outfit."

"ARA Guidances, Wednesday, July 17, 1996." Cable from State Department Headquarters to all American Republic Diplomatic Posts. 18 July 1996. Cable Number: State 149334. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

In this press guidance, the State Department announced "The recent developments in Guerrero appear to be the result of local issues specific to the state, without broader implications for social and political stability in Mexico." Also, "The origins and financial backing of the group remain a mystery to the Mexican and U.S. governments."

"Official Informal." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Mexico City. 23 July 1996. Cable Number: State 152502. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The July 22, 1996 Assistant Secretary's Daily Activity Report discusses the OAS Human Rights Commission, "which visited Guerrero last week" and "accused law enforcement officials of beating and mistreating demonstrators who were protesting the army's presence there." The EPR also claimed responsibility for an attack on the army the previous week.

"Bucking Trend, Social Democrat Claims Guerrero Guerrillas for Real." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 24 July 1996. Secret. Cable Number: Mexico 009558. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

A member of the Social Democratic Party met with the Embassy's Political Officer and claimed the EPR was a legitimate guerrilla group. "We report this contrarian view because it remains unclear exactly what the situation is in Guerrero, although information obtained during a recent visit by [political officer] to Guerrero provided no support for the theories espoused...It is hard to know how well-connected [he] is with the extremist scene or how honest he is being..."

"INR Intelligence Briefs and Assessments." Cable from State Department Headquarters to all American Republic Diplomatic Posts. 07 August 1996. Secret. Cable Number: State 163631. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research discussed "sporadic reappearances" of the EPR, "handing out leaflets and ambushing a military vehicle." Of particular importance: "Uncertainty over whether the EPR is a legitimate guerrilla outfit notwithstanding, its appearance in Guerrero - one of the three poorest of Mexico's states - is not surprising. The government's response has been criticized as disorganized and inept; until effective measures to overcome serious social problems are implemented, episodes of social turmoil will continue."

"Mexico Items of Interest: August 2 - 9 Crime Bill Update, Overflight Flap, EPR and Guerrero." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 10 August 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 010412. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

Discussing the militarization of Guerrero, the Embassy noted, "Whatever the GOM's intention may have been in sending in troops, the presence of army units currently seems to be providing sniper practice for the various armed fringe social and supposedly-political groups running around the heavily mountainous, marijuana and opium-producing state." Our diplomat also characterized the EPR as "likely a motley gang of ersatz rent-a-guerrillas." The EPR also brought journalists to a secret location in eastern Mexico for a briefing.

"Official Informal." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Mexico City. 13 August 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: State 167888. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

This Assistant Secretary's Daily Activity Report from August 12, 1996 discusses the EPR's meeting with journalists. "The fact that the briefing took place in the eastern Sierra Madre mountains on the Mexican Gulf Coast, far from Guerrero, will distress the [Government of Mexico]. In a swipe at the more literary Zapatistas, EPR briefers declared that the revolution cannot be won through poetry. Meanwhile, low-level attacks on individual army units deployed in Guerrero continue."

"Mexican Items of Interest: Week of August 11." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 16 August 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 010763. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The Mexican military was regularly briefing the US Embassy concerning the situation in Guerrero. During an August 14, 1996 meeting, the embassy was informed that the rebellions in Guerrero and Chiapas were not connected. Additionally, "The army's presence in Guerrero to deal with the elusive EPR 'threat' has increasingly made its troops and convoys convenient targets for sniper practice by disaffected armed radical grouplets which have always bedeviled the poor, mountainous state." The embassy notes the army's desire to have all forces in Mexico City for the September 15 Independence Day celebration, "which would be difficult if they appeared to be still in the middle of fighting an insurgency."

"ASDAR for Week of August 12, 1996." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Bridgetown, Georgetown, Kingston, Nassau, Paramaribo, Port au Prince, Port of Spain, Santo Domingo. 22 August 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: State 174790. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

This heavily-excised document briefly mentions the EPR's meeting with journalists in eastern Mexico.

"Staffdel Rees Addresses Mexican Electoral Reform, Human Rihts [sic], and Population Issues." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 28 August 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 011275. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

A delegation of staffers from the U.S. House of Representatives visited Mexico City, meeting with Mexican government officials and activists. Marie-Claire Acosta of the Mexican Committee for the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights raised a case of torture (Jose Nava Andrade, accused of being an EPR member). She added it was common for peasants to be accused of being EPR members.

"Popular Revolutionary Army Attacks - No Amcit Injuries." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 29 August 1996. Cable Number: Mexico 011362. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The EPR launched a series of simultaneous attacks in Guerrero and Oaxaca on the evening of August 28. Nine civilians and two attackers were killed in Huatulco. In Altamirano, six military were injured and one was killed. In Tixtla, two police were injured and one was killed. Another attack took place in Acapulco, with one injury to military personnel. The EPR established two roadblocks and unfurled banners in Chiapas.

"ARA Guidances, Friday, August 30, 1996." Cable from State Department Headquarters to all American Republic Diplomatic Posts." 30 August 1996. Cable Number: State 181139. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

This press guidance addresses the August 29 EPR attacks. The death toll was raised to 14, which includes members of the EPR. "We do not consider these actions threatening to Mexican political or economic stability...The origins, financing and sources of support for this group remain unclear. "

"EPR Threatens More Actions." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 30 August 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 011420. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The August 28 attacks forced the State Department and Mexican government to reconsider the EPR. This cable amounts to the first major analysis of the EPR from within the State Department. The government of Mexico "is reluctant to discuss this matter, and has said publicly it has little information about the number of armed fighters the EPR has, or the source of its weapons. GOM contacts claim privately they know little more than what is in the media. The EPR attacks demonstrate the group has some structure and membership and that it is unlikely to fade away in the near future."

"Official Informal." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Mexico City. 06 September 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: State 184852. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

This Assistant Secretary's Daily Activity Report from September 4, 1996 discusses an article which appeared in a Mexico City newspaper. Two EPR commanders "claimed the group has sufficient numbers to successfully resist action against it by the Mexican army."

"Mexican Items of Interest: Week of September 1 - 7." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 06 September 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 011689. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

Reports on public rejections of EPR by the Zapatistas and Subcomandante Marcos. "The EPR announced that it will not conduct attacks in Chiapas in order not to undermine the GOM-EZLN peace talks...Mexico City media published a campaign photo of Tabasco's PRI governor Roberto Madrzo [sic] standing in a crowd near two men who were arrested on September 2 in connection with the August 29 EPR takeover of a state radio station in Tabasco. The two men...are reportedly affiliated with the PRI. These arrests fueled speculation that hardline sectors of the PRI are involved in the EPR. Madrazo and the PRI denied any links to the EPR."

"ARA Guidances, Thursday, September 5, 1996." Cable from State Department Headquarters to all American Republic Diplomatic Posts. 06 September 1996. Cable Number: State 185219. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

From this press guidance: "We have no information that would lead us to believe that elements of the [then-ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI] are linked to the EPR...At this point it appears more likely that the EPR evolved from other leftist groups that have been active in the state of Guerrero and elsewhere in Mexico for decades."

"INR Intelligence Briefs and Assessments." Cable from State Department Headquarters to all American Republic Diplomatic Posts. 18 September 1996. Secret. Cable Number: State 193877. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

A significant portion of this document relating to the EPR remains excised. Declassification was originally slated for September 16, 2006; the State Department tacked another 15 years onto it. The released parts are of importance:

"An underground, clandestine group, the EPR uses a hit and run mode of operation. The EPR has an estimated strength of 150-500 hardcore disciples augmented with paid recruits on an as needed basis...The Mexican government still appears to be floundering in its efforts to capture the group's leaders."

"Mexican Items of Interest: September 8-27." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 30 September 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 12550. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The EPR announced a suspension of offensive activities through October 27, so as not to interfere with local elections. The embassy noted the Mexican government "may be weighing the possibility of a long struggle with the EPR."

"Official Informal." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Mexico City. 01 October 1996. Secret. Cable Number: State 204472. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

Summarizes "truce" announced by EPR. Also summarizes a television interview given by President Ernesto Zedilloin late September, in which he "acknowledged that the material situation of the typical Mexican family is 'bad'...In the meantime, however, the government needs to be 'more ambitious' in its anti-poverty programs."

"Guerrero Vote Calm; PRI Wins/PRD Gains." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters and Office of the Secretary of Defense. 10 October 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 012972. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The EPR held to its truce as the PRD made significant electoral gains in Guerrero. The PRI won most municipalities, with the PRD jumping from six to 22. "A poor state with a population of only 2.6 million, local elections in Guerrero have not traditionally had much of an impact on the national political scene. However, the Guerrero vote has assumed some symbolic importance. This is the state where the killing of 17 peasants by state police in June, 1995 demonstrated that Mexico's democratization and modernization process had not caught up with the state's authoritarian local power structure. The June 28, 1996 appearance of the EPR in the state, coupled with that group's August 28-29 attacks in a number of states, including Guerrero, further challenged the government to prove its democratic legitimacy."

The EPR launched at least two attacks in the state of Mexico. "The army admitted to taking casualties in both attacks." There was another attack in Guerrero and two kidnappings that may have been the EPR's work, but were as-then unproven. The Mexican military stepped up checkpoints.

"Mexican Political Items of Interest: Week of October 27-November 2." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 02 November 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 013968. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

Clarified the October 30 attacks. Two military installations were attacked in Guerrero, a police station was hit in Mexico. More attacks followed the next day, leaving six dead.

"Official Informal." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Mexico City. 06 November 1996. Cable Number: State 230470. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The EPR announced another truce, this time within the state of Mexico for November 5 - 17. State elections were slated for November 10.

"PRI Will Dominate State of Mexico Elections, But PAN Strong in Urban Areas." Cable from US Embassy Mexico City to State Department Headquarters. 07 November 1996. Confidential. Cable Number: Mexico 014163. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The US Embassy refers to the EPR as a "terrorist group." This cable deals briefly with the anticipated impact of the EPR on state elections.

"ASDAR for Week of October 28, 1996." Cable from State Department Headquarters to US Embassy Bridgetown, Georgetown, Kingston, Nassau, Paramaribo, Port au Prince, Port of Spain, Santo Domingo. 07 November 1996. Secret. Cable Number: State 231697. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

This was a 38-page document (I have removed most of the blank pages). Contains retransmission of information from the "Official Informal" of 01 November 1996, Cable Number: State 227671.

"INR Intelligence Briefs and Assessments." Cable from State Department Headquarters to all American Republic Diplomatic Posts. 12 November 1996. Secret. Cable Number: State 234311. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

The latter-half of this document deals with the EPR, and is yet another instance where the State Department tacked an extra 15-years of classification onto the document (originally slated for declassificatino November 12, 2006). "To date no social base for the EPR is apparent, but members do 'disappear' into the countryside after their attacks, leading to specuation that there is at least some public tolerance for the EPR, if not support."

Letter from Barbara Larkin, Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, to Senator Diane Feinstein. 23 December 1996. Source: Freedom of Information Act release (2005-05-267) to Keith Yearman.

A constituent contacted Senator Feinstein regarding the arrest and alleged torture of Hilario Mesino Acosta in Mexico. Mesino was arrested July 3, suspected of being a member of EPR. Amnesty International took up Mesino's case, but based on this letter, it appears State did not.