File No. No. 614.119/103
The Minister in Guatemala ( Leavell) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13, 12.53 p.m.]
D. B. Hodgsdon, Custodian of Alien Property for the Government of Guatemala, now conducting the Empresa Electrica de Guatemala for the Government, informs me that unless electrical supplies ordered from the United States some months ago are forwarded at once this city will be in total darkness within six weeks. The order for the material necessary to reconstruct and operate the plant was placed through A. Rosenthal & Sons, 82 Beaver Street, New York, and was refused export license because the electric company was on the enemy trading list. After the company was taken over by this Government the order was renewed under the changed conditions, but without result so far. Please investigate the trouble and have the War Trade Board grant the license immediately in order to prevent impending darkness, for otherwise it will create a calamitous state of affairs. The necessity is very urgent, so will you kindly inform me as soon as possible.