814.00/1192: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala (Hanna) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:20 p.m.]
13. My air mail despatch 598, April 6. It is publicly announced that the Legislative Assembly has received petitions from 246 municipalities to amend article 66 of the Constitution so as to permit the reelection of President Ubico and this announcement is generally accepted as positive assurance that he will be continued in office for a second term. I understand that while the directors of this movement are proclaiming the right of the people to change the Constitution at any time they have not yet agreed upon a procedure for amending article 66 which will stand the test of legality.
There undoubtedly is a powerful sentiment in the Republic especially among all classes with vested interests in favor of the reelection of President Ubico.