814.00/390: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala (McMillin) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 9—3:45 p.m.]
67. Legation’s April 8, 5 p.m. Following are the translations of decrees enacted today in Legislative Assembly in regular session, also new Cabinet as formed by Carlos Herrera.
Decree number 1022. The National Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Guatemala, considering:
That the documents before it duly establish the mental unsoundness of Doctor Manuel Estrada Cabrera, President, for which reason it is impossible for him to continue in the Executive power, and with the end that he may attend to the reestablishing of his health;—in conformity with the articles 52, paragraph[s] 7 and 8, and 63 [68] of the constitutional law, for this reason, decrees:
- Article 1. Doctor Manuel Estrada Cabrera is declared to be separated from the presidency of the Republic and is given permission to leave the territory of Central America.
- Article 2. The supreme power shall be deposited in the person named by the Assembly for this purpose.
- Article 3. While Dr. Manuel Estrada Cabrera remains in the country, he will be given the honors corresponding to the high charge which he has exercised; and he will be fully guaranteed by the people in the enjoyment of all his rights.
Given in the Hall of [Sessions of the] legislative power April 8, 1920.
Signed by forty deputies.
Decree number 1023. The National Assembly of the Republic, considering; that by decree of this date Doctor Manuel Estrada Cabrera has been separated from the Executive power; and that the person who must succeed him in that high post must be named; in conformity with the disposition of Article 52, paragraph 8 of the Constitution, decrees:
There is named as constitutional President of the Republic, in substitution for Doctor Manuel Estrada Cabrera, Senor C. Carlos Herrera.
Given in the Palace of the Legislative Assembly in Guatemala April 8, 1920.
Signed by the President José Beteta, etc.
Carlos Herrera, constitutional President of the Republic through appointment by the Assembly, considering, that on this date he was designated by the Legislative Assembly to exercise the Executive power ad interim in conformity with the Constitution; and having accepted and taken possession of that high position, has the duty of organizing his Cabinet in conformity with the approval of dispositions of article 71 of the Constitution; for this reason, decrees:
- Article 1. The following Ministers are named: Minister of Gobernación and Minister of Justice, Adalberto A. Saravia; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Luis P. Aguirre; Minister of Finance, Adrian Vidaurre; Minister of Public Instruction, Manuel Arroyo; Minister of War, José A. Beteta; Minister of Fomento, Alberto Mencos.
- Article 2. The appointees will today take possession of their posts before the President; he giving thanks to [the] persons for their services who accept these charges.
This to be published and telegraphed to the people and authorities of the Republic.
Given in Guatemala April 8, 1920.