814.00/404: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala (McMillin) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 13—12:15 a.m.]
66. There was desultory firing over us yesterday. What seemed from the sounds of the guns to be general engagement continued for five hours around fort in suburbs one mile from Legation. Many shells passed over and considerable number burst in the city. Brazilian Legation struck four times by shells. When this occurred and general bombardment of city seemed probable, diplomatic corps sent a vigorous protest to Estrada Cabrera against it. He replied he was willing to suspend firing if Unionists [agree] to arrange neutral zone. Unionists agree to conditions to suspend, firing ceased at dark; heavy firing resumed early to-day.
Family of Carlos Herrera whom [garbled group] named President was taken to British Legation for asylum as peril seemed imminent they were admitted but asylum rulings strictly enforced including 55 [garbled groups] natives and refugees 150 persons occupy Legation. Efforts now being made to get a neutral zone in city or to remove non combatants with some prospects of success. There are not sufficient developments to predict outcome. Copies for the military and naval intelligence.