714.1515/1069: Telegram
The Minister in Guatemala (Whitehouse) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 7:11 p.m.]
56. Department’s 47, April 25, 6 p.m. I have just seen the President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs; they reject definitely the line mentioned and they are also unfavorably disposed to White’s77 last suggestion of the Rio Tepescuintla. They, moreover, claim that Salazar has full powers and that Guatemala is making all the concessions. The only suggestion offered was the Minister’s remark that the best procedure seemed to be to continue working on the frontier section by section.
I think they would, of course, accept White’s line, but are afraid to concede anything even at the mouth of the Motagua until they know what further concessions will be necessary to reach a settlement, [Page 346] the political consequences of which the President gave me the clear impression of being afraid of. They did not dispute my statement as to the worthlessness of the entire territory and the real value of a settlement.
- Presumably Francis White, Assistant Secretary of State.↩