314.115C43/162: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala (Geissler) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4 p.m.]
118. In a lengthy note received last evening the Minister for Foreign Affairs objects that the proposed question in the proposed Shufeldt arbitration involves unacceptable acknowledgments; that the action of the Assembly “in not approving the contract” gives a right to indemnification; that the President had authority to approve legislative acts, which is denied, although he may veto; and that “the Government of Guatemala” having made a contract, disapproved it. He proposes to submit instead to the arbitrator: “Has Shufeldt the right to collect from the Government of Guatemala indemnification for damages and injuries because the Legislative Assembly did not approve the contract,” and if so, how much.
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