To lure U.S. tourists scared off by its growing reputation as a center of Communist influence. Guatemala this year decided to stage a lavish international fair. Jorge Toriello, a high-powered businessman who backs the regime, was put in charge with $1,080,000 to spend. Promising the republic a gambling casino, horse races, Miami-style dog racing, Ferris wheels, a roller-coaster and a brand-new bullring, Toriello pitched right in.
Abroad he laid out $100,000 for publicity, including $30,000 for full-page ads in the New York Times ("Guatemala—Panorama of Progress"). In the capital's Aurora park he...