814.00/339: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala ( McMillin ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 28—12:01 a.m.]
20. Legation’s 19 January 24. In spite of arrests (above mentioned telegram) Unionista Party held meeting yesterday with large attendance and no interference. Movement spread over very rapidly and in case of harsh measures by Government belief is general that trouble will ensue. …
In case of riots numerous American interests here will be endangered and therefore I earnestly recommend Navy Department [Page 720] be requested to send a war vessel immediately to some near port outside of Guatemalan waters, such as Belize, from which place Marines could reach this city in about 24 hours. British Chargé d’Affaires has made similar recommendations to his Government.