714.1515/672: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala (Geissler) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:55 p.m.]
65. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has told me that on the basis of discussions at yesterday’s Cabinet he has drafted a reply to the proposal of Mr. Davis, which draft is to be submitted to the Cabinet this evening for formal approval. He has sent me a copy to facilitate coding it pending formal action by the Cabinet. The document is very lengthy. The position taken [is] in effect that authorization would have to be obtained from the Assembly before a boundary arbitration treaty can be negotiated; then follows a lengthy argument of Guatemala’s case. I do not concur in that proposed interpretation of the Constitution. I have just requested by telephone an immediate conference with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and may also talk again with the President. In consequence there may be no definite action before the 21st.