Mr. Fish to Mr. Baxter
Sir: Your dispatches Nos. 22 and 23, of the 7th and 13th ultimos, have been received. It is to be hoped that the hostilities to which they refer as apparently impending between Honduras and Salvador may not take place. The government of the former republic, however, seems to have been premature in applying to this Government for the fulfillment of its guarantee of neutrality to the railway in course of construction between the two oceans across its territory. It has not hitherto been supposed that the obligation of the United States to maintain that neutrality would become perfect except upon the completion of that railway, as the charge was assumed as a consideration for advantages promised, the realization of which obviously cannot begin so long as the road shall be in an unfinished state. In any event, however, a proper case under the treaty will not be presented until the forces of Salvador shall have actually occupied the territory claimed to have been guaranteed. When such an occupation shall have taken place, the real nature and extent of the obligation of the United States in the matter shall receive further and candid consideration. It is proper, however, that the government of Salvador should have been apprised, as it has been through you and Mr. Torbert, that the claim to the guarantee of this Government exists. The mere knowledge of that fact may, it is hoped, check the grievance which appears to be apprehended.
I am, &c.,