814.00/394: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala (McMillin) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 11—1:18 a.m.]
Fighting between adherents of Estrada Cabrera and representatives Guatemala commenced yesterday morning has continued practically without cessation ever since. Unionists have control of the city but Cabrera’s men still hold the site important strongholds of La Palma, Matamoros, Aceitano, San José and Aurora. Unionists have no artillery but Estrada Cabrera has much. Some bombardment of the city has occurred. Great fear felt. Severe bombardment may commence any moment in which case all Legations will be in danger. [Impossible] to estimate the forces up to present but one American named Simon Cohen has been killed. Communication established with Tacoma for short time yesterday and Legation guard now on way. Feared that entrance into city may be difficult. Situation very black, probability that large forces of Unionists will begin to arrive today from provinces. Pitched battle expected in view of great supplies of artillery and ammunitions in possession of Estrada Cabrera and large number of men in forces of Unionists. Loss of life will be very large and battle may continue some time. Parley held yesterday between representatives of Government and prominent Unionists with view to establishment of neutral zone in center of city which would protect Legations and noncombatants in general and armistice signed which will last until 3 p.m. to-day but as there is constant firing at present notwithstanding result of parley very doubtful if such a zone would be of service even if agreed to. Communication between Legation and La Palma broken and cable communication between Legation and ports broken. Permission received from Estrada Cabrera for entrance of Legation guard. Legation just informed by messenger that troops are concentrating along railroad track and entrance to city and they have not received above mentioned instructions. Military attaché opinion is that a division of troops would be necessary to capture present position held by Cabrera’s troops. [Page 744] Guard of fifty men from United States ship Niagara with rapid firing guns just arrived at Legation from Puerto Barrios but larger guard from San José has not arrived yet. Please furnish copies of this message to the Director of Military and Naval Intelligence.