Guatemala: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

Guatemala and the United States first established relations in 1824 when Guatemala was a member of the Federation of Central American States. The United States established relations with an independent Guatemala in 1844. In response to a devastating earthquake in Guatemala the U.S. Congress passed the Guatemala Relief and Rehabilitation Act of 1976 to provide emergency relief, rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance.

Modern Flag of Guatemala

Recognition

United States Recognition of the Federation of Central American States, 1824

Following its independence from Spain in 1821, Guatemala joined the Federation of Central American States in 1823 along with Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. The United States recognized the Federation when President James Monroe received Antonio José Cañaz as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary on August 4, 1824.

States Recognition of Independent Guatemala, 1844

Independent Guatemala was recognized on April 5, 1844 by the issuance of an exequatur to a Guatemalan Consul-General Antonío de Aycinena.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1824

Diplomatic relations were established on August 4, 1824, when President James Monroe received Antonio José Cañaz as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary on August 4, 1824.

Establishment of the American Legation in Guatemala, 1826

Chargé d’Affaires John Williams presented his credentials to the Federation of Central American States on May 3, 1826.

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with Independent Guatemala, 1849

Chargé d’Affaires Elijah Hise presented his credentials to the Republic of Guatemala on or shortly before January 21, 1849.

American Legation Raised to Embassy, 1882

The American Legation in Guatemala was raised to Embassy status when Henry C. Hall, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, presented his credentials on August 10, 1882.

Normal Relations Interrupted, 1954

In June 1954 the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, concerned about the threat of communism in Guatemala, assisted in the overthrow of the government led by President Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán, who had won election in November 1950. On July 2, 1954, according to a pact concluded at San Salvador, a five-member junta headed by Colonel Elfego H. Monzon assumed power. Communications between the U.S. Government and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Salazar Gática confirmed the new Guatemalan Government’s intention to fulfill international obligations. The Department of State consulted with the Governments of all the other American Republics and determined that the new Guatemalan government intended to fulfill international obligations, was non-communist, enjoyed popular support, and controlled the entirety of Guatemalan territory.

Relations Resumed, 1954

On July 12, 1954 Secretary of State John Foster Dulles instructed the U.S. Embassy at Guatemala City to establish diplomatic relations with the new Guatemalan Government. The following day, Ambassador John E. Peurifoy informed Foreign Minister Salazar of the U.S. recognition of the new Government in Guatemala.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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