File No. 763.72/4110
The Secretary of State to the Guatemalan Minister ( Méndez )
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note dated April 28 [27], 1917, in which you inform me that your Government on April 27 broke off relations with the Imperial German Empire, handing his passports to Minister Lehmann and canceling the exequaturs of the German consuls in Guatemala.
In communicating the action taken by your Government, you express gratification in reiterating that from the first Guatemala has adhered to and supported the attitude of the United States in the defense of the principles of international law, of the rights of nations, and the freedom of the seas; that it has always considered itself in unity with the United States in the principles which this Government has proclaimed for the good of humanity, and that Guatemala, therefore, takes great pleasure in offering to the United States of America her territorial waters, her ports, and railways for use in common defense, as also all elements which may be available for the same purpose.
In reply I have the honor to state that this step on the part of the Government of Guatemala, in defense of the principles of international law and the rights of humanity, as also in safeguarding the independence of Central America, marks a new era in the relationship between the American peoples, and the Government of the United States has received the information of the action of the Government of Guatemala with deep gratitude and appreciation.
I have the honor to state that the Government of the United States accepts with gratitude the friendly offer of the Government of Guatemala to place at its disposition its territorial waters, ports and railway communication, for the purpose of carrying out its plans for common defense, and assures the Government of Guatemala of its lasting friendship and earnest and steadfast support.
Accept [etc.]