File No. 7335/–4.
Chargé Brown to the
Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Guatemala, June 11,
1907.
No. 43.]
Sir: I have the honor to submit copies of
correspondence in regard to the protection of Americans from military
exactions in the consular district of Livingston.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Consul-General Kent to Chargé Brown.
American Consular Service,
Guatemala City, June 8, 1907.
No. 458.]
Sir: Herewith I inclose you a copy of a
letter received from Mr. Reed, American consular agent at
Livingston, in reference to a condition of affairs existing within
his jurisdiction, which he fears may become applicable to American
citizens.
I am unable to advise him myself, and refer the matter to you and
will transmit to him your opinion upon the subject.
I am, etc.,
[Subinclosure.—Extract.]
Consular Agent Reed to Consul-General Kent.
American Consular Agency,
Livingston, June 1,
1907.
Sir: I desire you to instruct me as to how
I am to proceed to protect American citizens in case the military
authorities of this vicinity force those Americans into military
service who are not registered in the office of the minister of
foreign affairs of Guatemala, and are therefore not provided with a
certificate of registration, in conformity with the “Ley de
Extranjería de la República de Guatemala.”
According to this law (article 41), the authorities of Guatemala can
not recognize any American citizen as such who is not provided with
a certificate of the fact that he is registered as such American
citizen in the office of the minister of foreign relations at
Guatemala City.
Yours, very truly,
[Page 590]
[Inclosure 2.]
Chargé Brown to
Consul-General Kent.
American Legation,
Guatemala, June 11,
1907.
No. 11.]
Sir: I am in receipt of yours of the 8th
instant in regard to the protection of Americans from military
exactions in the consular district of Livingston and inclose
herewith for your information a copy of the telegram which I have
this day sent Consular Agent Reed on this subject.
I am, etc.,
[Subinclosure.—Telegram.]
Chargé Brown to
Consular Agent Reed.
American Legation,
Guatemala, June 11,
1907.
Referring to yours of June 1 to Consul-General Kent, I would state
for your guidance that the American Government reserves to itself
alone the right to decide who are entitled to the protection of an
American passport, and that in any case of doubt it is expected the
Guatemalan authorities will always show consideration and await the
final disposition of the case between this legation and the
Guatemalan Government.
