Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-01-20
REVOLT
MAY INVOLVE u. S.
American Property Reported
Destroyed as Rebels Launch
Campaign in West.

Revolution in Guatemala has brought
the United States Government face TO
face with another Central American
incident, not unlike the one In Mica
ragua which was settled peaceably a
month ago only after Marines had
been dispatched to the scene, dozen
or more of whom were killed and many
more wounded in severe brush fighting
with the Nicaraguan revolutionists.
While oficial dispatches reaching
Washington up to last night indicated
that the revolution in Guatemala ap-
parently was confined to two small and
sparsely settled departments in the
western part Of the republic, it was ad-
mitted that already some American
property has suffered damage and there
was unconcealed apprehension at the
Department of State that the revolt
might get beyond control Of the present
government.
Sellers Has Broad Powers.
The Navy Department had received
no word late last night from Rear Ad-
miral David r. Sellers, commander Of
the special service squadron stationed
permanently in Central American
waters. 1t was said, however, that
Admiral Sellers has broad powers to
send landing forces ashore without nrst
communicating with washington when
American lives or property are IN
jeopardy. With 5000 or more Marines
still on duty in Nicaragua. 1t was said
that there is ample military protection
nearby If this latest Central American
revolution grows more serious.
At q late hour last night neither the
State Department nor the Navy De-
partment had been asked to send as
siStance. While q strict censorship has
been placed on news dispatches ny the
Guatemalan government, diplomatic
wires have been kept open and wash
ington officialS have kept In close touch
with the situation. DIR. Adrian RectnoS.
Guatemalan Minister TO the United
States, after observing the latest ofn-
cial dispatches from Guatemala City.
predicted that the revolt would be put
down within 46 hours. He said for
eign residents Of the country were IN
no danger.
Contrary to earlier reports, DR.. Re-
cinos declared dispatches from Guate-
mala City had disclosed that Gen. Jorge
Ubico. q wealthy and powerful figure
in Guatemalan politics. was not the
leader Of the revolt. Gen. Ubico. ar
rested in Guatemala City yesterday, was
released when he furnished proof that
he had no connection with the uprising.
Col. Fernando Morales, jr. jefe politieo
Of the Department Of SuchitepeoueA
in the western part Of the country,
was charged with leading the revolt.
Parts Of Railway Captured.
Col. Morales, the Guatemalan Min
lister said, invaded and captured the
neighhoring department Of Retalhuleu,
which Is sim further west. Thus far
there has been no movement toward
the capital, and President LAsaro
Chacon had sent troops from the capital
and from southern departments which
are declared to be numerically superior
to Col. Morales forces and better
Part Of the National Railways of
Central America, owned by American
interests with headquarters In New
York. runs through both of the affected
departments. 1t was admitted that these
parts of the railroad have been cap
tured and now are being operated by
revolutionistS. Some damage was done
to the railroad IL was said, but the eX-
tent was unknown As far as could
be learned. very little other American
property lies In the affected depart
Tnents.