Mr. Wharton to Mr. Pacheco.
Washington, October 19, 1891.
Sir: Rumors are again being given publicity in the press of increased unfriendliness between Guatemala and Salvador, and also between Honduras and Nicaragua, with reported preparations on the part of some of these powers looking towards contemplated hostilities. It is possible these rumors have no substantial foundation; but it is deemed advisable, in view of them, to recall to your attention the instruction of the Department, No. 27, of February 13 last, and to direct you to keep yourself fully informed as to the political situation, and, in case the facts call for such action on your part, to again impress the views and wishes of the United States upon the governments to which you are accredited.
The report of the manner in which you executed the infractions of the Department above cited, as contained in your No. 10, of March 11 last, is fully approved, and the assurances given by the President and minister of foreign affairs of Guatemala were highly gratifying to this Government. It is noted, however, that in these assurances no recognition is made of the moral obligation which attaches to Guatemala to observe the principle of arbitration in international disputes, as set forth in the pending treaty of arbitration, in which that Government has so heartily joined. Should circumstances make it necessary for you to again bring the subject to the attention of the minister of foreign affairs, it would be well for you to secure from him an explicit recognition of that principle.
It does not appear that you have as yet brought the subject of instruction No. 27 to the attention of the Government of Honduras. If you find that the situation of affairs in that Republic calls for action on your part, you will lose no time in laying before that Government the views of the United States as set forth in that instruction, and if the danger of the disturbance of international peace seems at all imminent, you will go in person to the capital and communicate the remonstrance of this Government. And, in any event, it is desired that at some convenient and early opportunity you will make known to the minister of foreign affairs of Honduras the views of this Government as set forth in that instruction.
The President is deeply impressed with the duty which is incumbent upon the United States to use its good offices to preserve peace among the republics of Central America, and he expects you to be vigilant and [Page 83] prompt in the execution of the instructions of the Department, and to keep it advised of any indication of hostile intentions on the part of any of those governments.
I am, etc.,
Acting Secretary.