763.72113/1135: Telegram
The Chargé in Guatemala (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 5, 1 p.m.]
Department’s October 30, 6 p.m. Unless contrary to the Department’s wishes please inform me source of information regarding date for sale of enemy properties.
See my October 30, 10 p.m. [a.m.] During an interview this morning I succeeded in amicably obtaining from President Cabrera certain official definite statements regarding sale of enemy properties, which information he promises to confirm in writing by tomorrow.
He states that to-morrow the addresserdo [acuerdo] announcing a 16 day preparatory period will be published at the end of which period bids will be received during another 15 days; that the bids will be sealed; that the Government will guarantee all titles; that highest bids will be accepted; and that sale will carry with it crops standing on plantations.
The objectionable feature of the President’s program is that regarding the crops. Under the arrangement outlined to me to-day the earliest possible transfer one of these properties cannot occur before mid-December and by that time, I am informed, 10 per cent of the sugar and 30 per cent of the coffee will have been harvested and disposed of.
I will cable further upon receipt of the information promised for to-morrow.