Mr. Pacheco to Mr. Foster.
Guatemala and Honduras,
Guatemala , August 25, 1892 . (Received September 16.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I am in receipt of a telegram from the President of Honduras, Gen. Ponciano Leiva, of which the following is a translation:
Comayagua, August 23, 1892.
Hon. Mr. Minister Pacheco:
In order to circumvent the rebels who had taken possession of the harbors of La Ceiba and Trujillo I was compelled to charter the American steamer Pizzati, her captain, Enrique Pizzati, being a colonel in the Honduranean army, and put aboard of her armed troops of infantry and artillery.
In making use of said steamer I granted her, for the time being, permission to fly the Honduranean flag, and she was compelled to leave Puerto Cortez, in combination with the land forces, prior to the arrival of the official commission or permit from the Honduras Government.
Now Capt. Pizzati fears that the Government of the United States may order the confiscation of his steamer or subject him to a fine of some kind.
The faction of the rebel colonel, Nuila, not having any definite object except personal revenge, or any organized force, is not entitled to the rights of a belligerent, and his action can only be considered as that of an outlaw, prejudicial to national interests and the interests of Americans residing in this country.
The services of Capt. Pizzati in this case should be considered as rendered in the interests of humanity and good government, and in protection of the commerce of both countries without any intention to violate the laws of neutrality, which I believe he has not done.
I desire, Mr. Minister, to have your opinion in this particular, and I beg of yon to be kind enough to interpose your kind offices with your Government with the view of exonerating said captain from any blame in the matter.
P. Leiva.
I have, etc.,