CONFIDENTIAL
EL SALVADOR
Report by HM Embassy San Salvador
General Observations
Although El Salvador is not governed by a military regime, since the president is constitutionally elected by universal suffrage, the government does have a military character in that for many years the President has been a senior serving Army officer. He is selected to be candidate first by the Armed Forces and then approved by the "official" party. He appoints a cabinet which usually is a mixture of military officers and civilians. Military officers are also appointed to head the autonomous government agencies. Government policy is influenced by regular meetings of the high command presided over by the President as Commander-in-Chief. It is hardly surprising there- fore that the methods the government uses to maintain the exist- ing stable internal security situation are shrouded in secrecy.
Right No.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Rating suggested by Post
There is little evidence to suggest that political detention without trial is widely resorted to; exile is the accepted - non violent - method of taking opposition leaders who pose a threat out of circulation.
Torture by the police is popularly believed to occur, but it does not appear to be particularly extensive.
There is no slavery in El Salvador.
There are no official restrictions placed on the media (radio, tele- vision and press) but outspoken criticism of the government would not be tolerated.
2
2
O
2
(v)
The judiciary do not seem to have been put to the test in recent years but to all appearances they are fully independent.
2
(vi)
5
(vii)
Trade unions are tolerated, but not encouraged. "Excessive" demands or strikes are quickly suppressed. The Army and Police are used freely but, in the circumstances, infre- quently.
There are no restrictions on emi- gration.
CONFIDENTIAL