814.00/1239
The Chargé in Guatemala (O’Donoghue) to the Secretary of State
No. 716
Guatemala, July 22, 1935.
[Received July
29.]
Sir: Supplementing the Legation’s despatch No.
711, of July 12, 1935,34
with reference to the action of the Constituent Assembly in prolonging
the term of office of General Ubico to March 15, 1943, I have the honor
to transmit herewith a copy and translation of Note No. 8130, of July
17, 1935, from the Foreign Minister. The note reviews the results of the
“Consultation” of July [June] 22, 23, and 24 and
cites them as demonstrating the almost unanimous wish of the people to
continue General Ubico as the Chief Executive of the nation. The Foreign
Minister stated that one of the principal objects which General Ubico
had in mind was to devote his labor to the maintenance and consolidation
of the cordial relations which happily exist between the United States
and Guatemala.
I may add that practically identical notes were sent to the other
Diplomatic Missions in Guatemala.
I have sent a note to the Foreign Minister simply acknowledging the
receipt of his communication and stating that it has been referred to
the Department.
Respectfully yours,
[Enclosure—Translation]
The Guatemalan Minister for Foreign Affairs
(Skinner
Klée) to the American
Chargé (O’Donoghue)
No. 8130
Guatemala, July 17, 1935.
Mr. Chargé d’Affaires: I have the honor to
inform Your Honor that, in view of the movement of public opinion
presented to the Legislative Assembly during its ordinary sessions
of this year, to the effect that General Jorge Ubico continue in the
Presidency of the Republic after the 15th of March, 1937, that High
Body considered it meet to refer the matter to the Constituent
Assembly which had to convene for the reform of certain
Constitutional Articles.
Upon the inauguration of the sessions of the Constituent Assembly,
General Ubico deemed it opportune to declare, in the opening
message, his firm determination that before considering the matter
of his continuance in power, the opinion of the country should be
consulted by plebiscite without excluding foreigners and without
distinction as to sex. The plebiscitary Consultation was celebrated
during the days of 22, 23, and 24 of June, last, and resulted in
884,703 affirmative votes
[Page 636]
and 1227 negative. These figures demonstrate that almost the
unanimous public of the country favors the permanency of General
Ubico at the head of the destinies of the nation.
The Constituent Assembly, informed of the result of the Consultation
and after carefully examining the actual conditions of the country,
decreed, on the 11th of July, that the constitutional period of
General Ubico shall terminate the 15th of March, 1943.
One of the principal objects of General Ubico is to work zealously
for the maintenance and consolidation of the cordial relations which
happily unite Guatemala and the United States. The Government of
Guatemala, to that noble end, harbors the hope of counting on the
most valued cooperation of Your Honor.
I avail myself [etc.]
