File No. 1012/16.
The Acting Secretary of State to Chargé Sands.
Washington, February 3, 1908.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 51, of the 21st of December last, stating that the Guatemalan Government had refused permission to a Chinese merchant to land, and that, in reply to your representations that the man was provided with all necessary papers under the law, you were informed by the minister of foreign affairs that the recent decree must be considered retroactive, and that in view of abuses by Chinese seeking to gain admission to the Republic all documents issued prior to the date of the decree must be considered void, and that you have so informed the Chinese colony at Guatemala City.
Your course in the matter is approved by the department.
I am, etc.,