As telegraphic communication from here is still interrupted, I shall proceed
to-morrow to Salvador with the object of communicating with you by the cable
from La Libertad. I hope to be able to return in the course of ten days.
The interests of our citizens in these countries, and particularly in
Guatemala, suffer greatly by this prolonged state of disorder.
[Inclosure in No.
373.—Translation]
Señor Dardon to Mr.
Hall.
Department of Foreign Relations,
Guatemala, June 12,
1885.
Mr. Minister: The President of this Republic
having learned that you propose to visit Salvador, has given me
instructions to address you, and to request that you will be pleased to
inform the Government of the United States in regard to the present un
satisfactory state of affairs in Central America, due principally to the
revolution in Salvador headed by General Menendez, and to the armed
intervention of Nicaragua in favor of the government which has succeeded
that of Dr. Zaldivar.
The Government of Guatemala considers the arbitrary intervention of
Nicaragua not only unnecessary, but that it constitutes a menace to this
Republic, which has since peace was established endeavored to maintain
strict neutrality in everything relating to the affairs of these
states.
The action of the Government of Nicaragua has compelled that of
Guatemala, as an indispensable measure of precaution, to place troops on
the frontier of Salvador, occasioning to its Treasury great expenses at
a time when the Government was making arrangements to disband the
greater part of the army. This action, taken by Nicaragua without
consultation or knowledge of the Government of Guatemala, keeps up a
state of intranquillity in this Republic and in all Central America
which, under existing circumstances, may have disastrous results.
My Government, and the President especially, justly appreciating the
decided sentiments which animate you in favor of the peace, order, and
prosperity of the Republics of Central America, requests you, should you
deem it proper and conducive to the desired end, to communicate with
your Government in regard to the present situation of affairs in Central
America, and to ask for the friendly mediation of the United States to
obtain the withdrawal of Nicaraguan troops from Salvadorian territory,
thus avoiding the necessity which compels Guatemala to keep up the
attitude required for the safety of her rights and interests, and to
obtain a cessation of the civil war now raging in Salvador.
I doubt not that you are perfectly well aware of the loyal intentions of
my Government, and that although its intention is to do nothing more
than may be necessary for the defense and safety of our territory, it
will omit nothing which may practically and efficiently secure that end,
and I doubt not you will be pleased to interpose your personal influence
and good offices in the same sense, to the end that confidence, peace,
and tranquillity, which they so much need, and now more than ever so
absolutely indispensable, may be secured to them.
Be pleased, sir, to accept, &c.,
