814.00/425: Telegram

The Minister in Guatemala (McMillin) to the Secretary of State

74. Obeying instructions in the Department’s 34 April 9, 5 p.m. Legation is taking no action regarding recognition new Government pending instructions to that effect.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the new Government sent to Legation today the following:

“I have the honor to communicate to Your Excellency that in conformity with the dispositions of the National Assembly, and in view of the resignation of Estrada Cabrera as President of the Republic, Señor Carlos Herrera has taken possession as First Magistrate of the Nation, and has organized his Cabinet in the following manner (here follow same names as reported in Legation’s 67, April 8, 8 p.m.).

I am pleased to add that the entire nation, without distinction of opinions, has recognized the new Government, and that the capitulation of ex-President Estrada Cabrera and the reduction of his forces which were sustaining him have caused the public order to be completely reestablished.

The Government of President Herrera bears the hope that, for the realization of the high ends by which the new administration is inspired, it may count on the sympathy and efficacious aid of the nations who are friendly to Guatemala, and especially on the aid and friendship of the distinguished diplomatic representatives.

In informing Your Excellency of the above, with the request that you please transmit it to your Government, it gives me pleasure to assure you for my part, that it will be very pleasing for me to cultivate with Your Excellency the most cordial relations, both official and personal, in the post which the President of the Republic has seen fit to confer upon me.

I am, etc., signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.”

New Government has succeeded in reestablishing order today in an admirable manner and has already disarmed large majority of the people. It is undoubtedly popular with the people of Guatemala. I await the Department’s instructions.

McMillin