Office of the Historian

811.00/405: Telegram

The Minister in Guatemala (McMillin) to the Secretary of State

Guatemala, April 12, 1920—8 a.m.
[Received April 13—1:55 p.m.]

69. Legation’s number 65. Guatemalan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Unionist representatives met in conference at this Legation last night, diplomatic corps present, by request of parties, hostilities suspended pending negotiation. Minister for Foreign Affairs proposed settlement which as slightly amended is as follows:

1st.
That the Acts of Congress of Thursday the 8th instant are declared null and void.
2d.
That as soon as such Acts of Congress are declared null and void His Excellency the President of the Republic will assemble the Legislative Assembly and the latter shall accept his resignation of office to accomplish which he will deposit it in the hands of the dean of the diplomatic corps in order that said gentleman may present it when the condition provided for in the previous article has been complied with.
3d.
It is a precise condition for the pact to be enforced that in conformity with the Constitution [First] Designado General Mariano [Page 746] Serrano Muñoz will be assigned to the power and take charge of his post.
4th.
The Cabinet which was [is?] given the necessary qualifications by Serrano Muñoz shall be elected by the party which Messrs. Zelaya, Salas and Valladares represent.
5th.
It is agreed that the Government which is constituted shall furnish full guarantee without any restriction to President Estrada Cabrera, to the persons of his Army and of his friends and relatives, both as regards their persons as well as their property.
6th.
As a note of the good faith to fulfill this agreement the members of the diplomatic corps will sign it.
7th.
This agreement shall be submitted to a referendum of both parties who are obliged to declare whether it is ratified or not tomorrow at 5 p.m. I think ratification probable and that such settlement would be legal and fortunate. To avoid possible complications I will sign it only [as?] witness without [unless?] contrary instructions. See section 6. At the request of the military attaché please furnish copies of this to directors of military and naval operations.

McMillin