DEPARTMENT OF STATE Washington, D.C. 20520 RS/R FILES 8092 Attention mulllext June 14, 1968 COPIES TO: Keep this study together. S/8/RF ARA ARA/CEN MEMORANDUM FOR MR. WALT W. ROSTOW THE WHITE HOUSE Subject: Condolences from the Council of State of Guatemala to the President on the Death of Senator Kennedy Pal 6 US Kennedy (Cultist T The enclosed message of condolence was received from the Council off State of Guatemala. The Council is an advisory body of prominent citizens whose in- fluence has generally been used to discourage needed reforms. The Department recommends that, instead of send- ing a direct reply signed by the President, the Amer- ican Embassy in Guatemala City is instructed to make an appropriate acknowledgement on the President's behalf. Benjamin H. Read Executive Secretary Enclosure: Translation of message of condolence from Guatemalan Council of States 1-8-8/8-12-1212-13-12 ARA/GEN/G:Gawiggins:tp:6/13/68 CLEARANCES: x3024 ARA/CENT/Amb. C.R. Burrows ARA/Miss Eltz S/S - Mr. Parker

Summary  
The documents detail international diplomatic communications and public reactions to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles. U.S. Department of State telegrams highlight condolences from foreign governments, including Guatemala’s Council of State, San Marino, Peru, and Zambia. The Zambian government addressed accusations linking U.S. politics to RFK’s death, with President Kenneth Kaunda denying blame for the U.S. government while criticizing American political violence. Diplomatic efforts included managing media speculation about Sirhan Bishara (later identified as the assassin) and journalist Kimche’s reporting, which faced skepticism. The U.S. Embassy in Lima organized a requiem mass at Santa Maria Reina Church in Peru, attended by Peruvian officials and citizens, while President Lyndon B. Johnson declared June 9 a national day of mourning. Montreal media editorials linked RFK’s assassination to broader societal unrest, emphasizing calls for arms restrictions and commissions to address violence. International condolences also reached Fiji, Tonga, and other regions, with memorial services and public mourning observed in multiple locations.  

Key People  
- Robert F. Kennedy (assassinated)  
- Lyndon B. Johnson (U.S. President, declared national day of mourning)  
- Kenneth Kaunda (Zambian President, addressed U.S.-related accusations)  
- Sirhan Bishara (later identified as assassin; referenced in diplomatic discussions)  
- Kimche (journalist whose reporting on RFK’s assassination was scrutinized)  
- Ratu Mara (Fijian Chief Minister)  
- Prince Tulipolechake (Tongan Premier)  
- Ethel Kennedy (wife of Robert F. Kennedy)  
- Ernest V. Siracusa (Charge d’Affaires ad interim, delivered condolences)  
- Bernbaum (U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela)  
- Oswaldo Hercelles (Peruvian Foreign Minister)  
- Fr. Robert Hible (American priest officiating requiem mass)  

Key Locations  
- Los Angeles, California (assassination site)  
- Lima, Peru (requiem mass at Santa Maria Reina Church; U.S. Embassy activities)  
- Montreal, Canada (editorials in *Le Devoir*, *La Presse*; memorial services)  
- Suva, Fiji (Consulate General receiving condolences)  
- Caracas, Venezuela (Municipal Council proclamation condemning assassination)  
- Lusaka, Zambia (Zambian government statements on U.S. politics)  

Key Events  
- Assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968  
- U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s declaration of a national day of mourning (June 9, 1968)  
- Requiem mass in Lima, Peru, organized by the U.S. Embassy (June 8–9, 1968)  
- Zambian Foreign Minister Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s public statements denying U.S. government blame for RFK’s death  
- International media coverage and editorials linking RFK’s assassination to political violence and societal unrest  
- Memorial services in Suva (Fiji), Montreal (Canada), and other locations  
- Diplomatic efforts to manage foreign reactions, including condolences from San Marino, Peru, and Guatemala  

Key Organizations  
- U.S. Department of State (central to diplomatic communications and condolence management)  
- U.S. Embassies in Lima, Guatemala City, and Beirut (handled international condolences and messages)  
- Peruvian Government (press statements, condolences; involvement in requiem mass)  
- Canadian government (Montreal’s mourning protocols)  
- Catholic Church in Peru (requiem mass at Santa Maria Reina Church)  
- Media outlets in Montreal (*Le Devoir*, *La Presse*, *Montreal Star*)  
- Zambian government (statements on U.S. political violence and RFK’s assassination)

RFK Declassified Files

pol_6_us_kennedy_06_10_1968_senator_robert_f._kennedy-part_1_of_5.pdf

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