New-York tribune., 1921-03-25
Central American
Union TO Aid II. S.
Relations Planned
Guatemala Envoy to England
Tells of Movement Led by
His Country; Says DR.. Ca
brera Grows Fat in Prison

Central American republics, led by
Guatemala, are eager to establish q
new commercial and diplomatic union
with view of fostering closer reIa-
tions of business and friendship with
the United States, according to Don
jose Tible- -Machado, Minister Plenipo-
tentiary from Guatemala to England
and BELGIUM, who arrived in New York
yesterday from Europe. He asserted
that Europe is looking to the United
States to aid in developing such rich
countries as Guatemala SO that the
markets of the world may he restored
to pre-war basis.
Don Machado, who is one Of Central
Americas best known authorities OH
international law and former member
of the Court Of Arbitration at The
Hague, is relinquishing his mission
abroad to stimulate Central American
foreign relations. He said there never
was time when the Latin-American
countries were more free Of revolu-
tionary tendencies.
Incidentally, he pointed out that the
reports Of maltreatment Of DR.. Estrada
two years of power to make way for
DR.. Carlos Herrera, the new President,
were unfounded. DR.. Cabrera is con-
fined in prison. Recently the United
States State Department instituted an
investigation of reports that he was
being maltreated.
"Ex-President Cabrera is growing
fat in prison." Don Machado said yes
terday at the Ritz Carlton. when he
surrendered Internationally the gen.
erosity Of the leaders of the Unionist
party, Carlos Herrera and his friends
led to his being taken to the minitary
school, where he was given special
attention. He was taken from the
school because the Guatemalans, justly
angered by the tyranny they had suf-
fered at his hands, jeo9pardized his
life. His present prison is guarded by
a special detail. There he spends his
time issuing long statements and briefs
in defense of himself against the 200
odd suits brought against him because
of his abuse of power. He has re.
Gently said, I sleep better among my
adversaries than I formerly did among
my friends.'
"Under the Herrera regime all dis
cord has been abandoned. We have
freedom Of the press and unhamperet
elections. For the first time in many
years Guatemala is in a position te
take a stand among the progressive
nations. President Harding has mani
Tested special interest in Guatemala.
welfare. He was recently visited il
Washington by mission headed by
Sehor Don Luis Pedro Aguirre, Min
lister of Foreign Affairs. This mission
was much impressed with the optimis
tic tone prevailing in Washington ovel
Guatemala's future. We are taking tn,
leading part in establishing q Centra
American union, whose main objec
will be to keep in closer touch with thu
United States.
Financially, we are in sound condi
ton. Under the present administra
tion we pay regularly our foreign obli
cations as we'll as keep up the hom'
budget. Many Of the standing debts O
the last administration have been pait
off. All other accounts will be paid Al
soon as their legitimacy is established
Guatemala is now in the hands O.
honest and straightforward statesmen
who desire nothing more than the pros
perity Of their own country and th
friendly aid of other countries. To th'
United States we look as our maste
in civic liberties. We are therefore
eager to go to extraordinary lengths tt
cement the ties that now bind u.s."