File No. 1012/4.

Chargé Brown to the Secretary of State.

No. 441.]

Sir: I have the honor to submit copies of correspondence concerning the arrest of the Chinese Ramon Chan, whose complaint against [Page 591] local authorities was transmitted for the consideration of the Guatemalan minister for foreign affairs.

I have, etc.,

Philip Brown.
[Inclosure 1.]

Chargé Brown to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

No. 343.]

Excellency: I have the honor to transmit for the information of your excellency copy of a telegram just received from one Ramon Chan, of presumably Chinese nationality.

I am confident that if the allegations of the above-mentioned Chinaman should appear to be based on facts your excellency will feel prepared to take at once the necessary steps for the complete alleviation of his situation without his being required to offer bail, as his telegram suggests.

I have, etc.,

Philip Brown.
[Subinclosure.—Telegram.—Translation.]

Mr. Ramon Chan to Minister Combs.

Desperate on account of the procedure of the parents of my wife, having exploited me iniquitously and tired of their injuries, I committed a fault for which I think I was excessively punished by the judge of peace of San Antonio, with forty days’ imprisonment, commutable at $5 per day. Being occupied in my business, the judge of first instancia ordered my capture, bringing me yesterday to this capital of province to be newly tried for the same cause, what I consider unjust. I earnestly beg of you to interpose your good offices with the President of the Republic, so that they will set me at liberty, though it may be under bail.

Ramon Chan.
[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]

The Minister for Foreign Affairs to Chargé Brown

Honorable Sir: I have the honor to communicate to you that your note relative to the complaint of the Chinese Ramon Chan was transcribed opportunely to the minister of “Gobernacion,” requesting him to kindly recommend that he be put at liberty under bail, and asking a report on the matter, which I will transmit to you as soon as received in my department.

I reiterate the sentiments of my distinguished consideration.

S. Juan Barrios M.
[Inclosure 3.—Telegram.—Translation.]

Mr. Ramon Chan to Minister Combs.

Giving your excellency a thousand thanks for you kindness, and at present I have been set free under bail. In my next letter I will give you more details of my affair. Wishing you happiness in union of your esteemed family.

Ramon Chan.