File No. No. 763.72113/664
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Guatemala ( Leavell)
Department’s July 23, 5 p.m. By note of August 6,1 acting under instructions of President Cabrera, Minister Mendez assures the Government of the United States that “Guatemala observes and will continue to observe exactly the same attitude toward enemy property within its territory as the United States observes and will hereafter observe”.
Alien Property Custodian authorized by paragraph 4, section 12 of the Enemy Trading Act, as amended by act of March 28, 1918, and Executive order of July 16, 1918,1 issued in pursuance thereof, to sell enemy property or properties in United States taken over by him, the proceeds of such sales being held for ultimate disposition at termination of war.
You are instructed to seek an interview with President Cabrera, refer to his above-quoted instructions, and intimate in that connection that you would be happy to be able to inform the Government of the United States of the date upon which the Government of Guatemala, as a cobelligerent with the United States in the present war, intends to put into operation similar measures with respect to enemy property in that country in accordance with the above-mentioned note of August 6.
In order to cooperate with Guatemala and give her the advantage of the experience of the United States in taking over property of alien enemies, and in order to discuss plans for carrying on trade and ensure the uninterrupted flow of commerce between the two countries so that it will not directly or indirectly inure to the advantage of the common enemy, the Government desires to send to Guatemala a special representative of the United States War Trade Board and the Alien Property Custodian.
In view of the foregoing and keeping in mind the desire of the Government of Guatemala to take steps similar to those taken by the Government of the United States, you are instructed to inquire of President Cabrera whether such cooperation would not also appear desirable to him.
The Department feels that it is essential to practical and efficient cooperation to have such an agent visit Guatemala, and you are instructed to emphasize as much as possible the necessity of this course.
Report promptly and fully by cable results of interview.