File No. 814.51/238.
The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.
Guatemala , April 29, 1913 .
At an interview the Minister for Foreign Affairs informed him that the British Minister had stated to the President of Guatemala that his Government had instructed him to present a note to the Guatemalan Government in the sense that if the coffee revenues are not restored to the bondholders within two weeks he will telegraph to his Government for a warship, will then leave, breaking off diplomatic relations and his Government will adopt the necessary measures to collect the coffee revenues. April 30 has been named the date on which he will deliver the note if the matter is not arranged before that date. The British Minister and the President arranged for a meeting today between the representative of the bondholders and the Minister of Finance. On account of illness of the Minister of Finance the meeting did not take place. No promises were made by the British Minister to await the result of this interview. As soon as the formal demand is received from the British Minister the Minister for Foreign Affairs will advise me. Batres is commissioned to negotiate with the bankers. The Government insists upon amendment to the contract.