Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The American Republics, Volume VII

814.00/7–1144: Telegram

The Ambassador in Guatemala ( Long ) to the Secretary of State

Guatemala , July 11, 1944—11 p.m.
[Received 5:11 p.m.]

493. I have today received a communication from the Foreign Office dated July 10 informing me that the Government of General Ponce⁶⁹ intends to maintain the measures adopted by the previous regime in everything relating to the cooperation of Guatemala with the Government of the United States, especially with regard to the common war effort and hemisphere defense and solidarity.

The note goes on to say that in particular the Provisional Government confirms the measures adopted with respect to enemy national property, particularly decrees 3115 and 3119 providing for forced expropriation of German-owned coffee fincas. The note states that these decrees will be submitted to the National Assembly “en la opportunidad legal” and the Government will give full effect to the provisions thereof for which purpose appropriate steps are already being taken and will further take the necessary measures to prevent any funds passing into the hands of German nationals in consequence of the transfer.

I consider this communication formally confirming the oral assurances received from other members of the Government should assist the Department and the Treasury in reaching an early decision with respect to disposition of this year’s coffee crop.

Long

69. For correspondence concerning the resignation of President Ubico on July 1 and his replacement first by a military junta and later, on July 4, by Provisional President Federico Ponce Vaides, see pp. 1134–1136.