814.00/388: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Guatemala (McMillin)
34. Your April 8, noon, your 64, and your April 8, 5 p.m. Department not as yet in full possession of facts, and desires information as to constitutionality of action taken by Assembly in declaring Estrada Cabrera insane, and electing Herrera President instead of electing first designado. Cable full information, specifying paragraphs of Constitution. Meanwhile you are cautioned to proceed with great discretion and in case the new government is not organized in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Constitution of Guatemala, to take no action regarding its recognition without specific instructions from Department.
[Page 743]The Department received with surprise a statement from the Guatemalan Minister in Washington that Herrera had been given asylum by the Legation, and cannot credit this information as you have not reported any such incident. Cable Department as to accuracy of statement together with full and detailed report on situation including Herrera’s record, and your opinion of his ability and feelings toward this country.