814.00/1029: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Guatemala (Whitehouse)
78. Your 123, December 23, 6 p.m.8a Department’s position fully explained to Recinos this afternoon. He finally agreed that Orellana is debarred by constitution and made a suggestion of way out similar to that in your number 1219 and said he would make such a suggestion to Guatemalan authorities and requested no public statement be made for a few days. Recinos was told that solution of matter is one for the Guatemalan authorities to deal with and that the Department’s concern is merely that the arrangement should not be imposed by force and should be constitutional. He was further told that Department’s position regarding recognition of Orellana having been communicated to Guatemalan authorities and other Central American Governments no public statement is contemplated in immediate future.
Recinos feels Congress can legally appoint designate in extraordinary session as constitution merely stipulates that such action [Page 188] shall take place before March 15th each year. He will suggest appointment of first designate after January 1st, resignation of Orellana and appointment of first designate by Congress in agreement with Chacon as temporary President during Chacon’s illness. In case of death of Chacon acting President would then as first designate call for elections within 6 months.