Office of the Historian
No. 86.

Mr. Hall to Mr. Bayard.

Legation of the United States in Central America,
Guatemala, June 2, 1885. (Received June 23.)
No. 369.]

Sir: With reference to my dispatches No. 355 and No. 367, the latter dated the 30th ultimo, I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy and translation of a circular note of this date, which the minister for foreign affairs of Guatemala has addressed to the diplomatic corps accredited to Central America, concerning the intervention of Nicaragua in the internal dissensions of Salvador.

The Guatemalan Government has information that Nicaraguan forces have occupied the eastern departments of Salvador, and considers the act a menace to the peace and tranquillity of Guatemala. As a measure of precaution, the Government deems it necessary to place forces on the frontier of Salvador for observation. At the same time the Guatemalan Government protests against the action of Nicaragua as opposed to the peaceful attitude the Central American Republics have maintained towards each other since the recent events.

In my No. 367 I referred to the report received here on the 30th ultimo in regard to the armed aid Nicaragua proposed to give the present Government of Salvador. At the same time I had some doubt as to its truth, now confirmed. I have no idea what may be the motives of the Nicaraguan Government for this intervention; but so far as I am able to judge it is unwise and uncalled for, and may lead to trouble with Guatemala and Honduras, and possibly with Mexico.

I propose, at the earliest moment possible, to visit Salvador for the purpose of ascertaining the facts as to the situation, and to report to you from there by the cable.

I am, &c.,

HENRY C. HALL.
[Inclosure in No. 369.—Translation.]

Señor Dardon to Mr. Hall.

Department of Foreign Relations of Guatemala,
Guatemala, June 2, 1885.

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to inform you that this Government has learned with surprise that Nicaraguan forces have occupied the eastern departments of the Republic of Salvador; and as up to the present no explanation has been received as to [Page 127] the motives which have given rise to this important step, considering that public good order is thereby compromised and that the peace and tranquillity of Guatemala may be disturbed, my Government deems it obligatory on its part to take necessary precautionary measures for the safety of the Republic, and with that object has ordered forces for observation to be situated on the Guatemalan frontier boundary line of Salvador. At the same time my Government cannot do otherwise than protest against an act so opposed to the peaceful attitude which the Central American Republics have maintained towards each other since the recent events.

As the honorable diplomatic corps accredited to Central America has taken so much interest in the re-establishment of peace, and for their friendly and efficient mediation has merited the gratitude of these Republics, I deem it my duty to communicate the foregoing to you, and in doing so it is highly satisfactory to me to renew to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration and respectful esteem.

MANUEL J. DARDON.