File No. 814.48/9
[Untitled]
Guatemala , December 28, 1917, 4 p.m.
Have filed four messages with cables, telegraph and wireless. This goes by wireless. Earthquakes began 10.38 December 25, continue to date. Eighty per cent city demolished, forty deaths reported officially. All foreign Legations safe and well. Thousands homeless, martial law established and order prevails, weather mild. All Red Cross assistance greatly acceptable to Government, see Clark’s message to Wadsworth, Washington, have instituted banking facilities. Consulate destroyed, Legation damaged, request authorization officially assist relief work. Can I furnish transportation United States destitute Americans. Offered assistance first day to President Cabrera. Legation filled refugees. Have installed Consulate there also. Please communicate with immediately by wireless giving me full instructions as requested.