714.44A15/20
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Latin American Affairs ( Duggan ) to the Assistant Secretary of State ( Welles )
Mr. Welles: Guatemala suggested that the Government of the United States “interpose its moral prestige in favor of the right of [Page 129] Guatemala”. After consideration, we have come to the conclusion that a request in this language is not a proper basis upon which to approach Great Britain. If Great Britain were not informed of the precise terms of Guatemala’s request, and later learned them, it probably would feel that it had good reason to be resentful at us. If we did inform Great Britain of the precise terms of Guatemala’s request, it probably would feel that it could not accept good offices.
The purpose of this note14 is to clarify the scope of Guatemala’s request and to have it placed in such form as will enable this Government or the Government of Guatemala properly to approach the British Government.
- Enclosure to instruction No. 78, infra.↩