Minister Dodge to
the Secretary of State.
[Extract.]
American Legation,
San
Salvador, May 18,
1908.
No. 14, Honduranean series.]
Sir: Referring to Mr. Gregory’s dispatch, No.
9, Honduranean series, of the 1st instant, in regard to the surrender,
as an act of comity, of fugitives from the justice of the United States,
charged with embezzlement, pending the conclusion of an extradition
treaty between the Governments of the United States and of Honduras, I
have the honor to inclose to you herewith a copy of a note, with a
translation into English, which I have prepared, dated the 28th ultimo,
addressed by the Honduranean foreign office to our consul at
Tegucigalpa, stating that the Honduranean Government will grant the
extradition desired if the crime is of recent date and the party or
parties are not Honduraneans.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure
1—Translation.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs of Honduras to Consul Alger.
Ministry for Foreign Affairs,
Tegucigalpa, April 28, 1908.
Mr. Consul of the United States of America:
I have received your esteemed favor of the 21st instant in which in
compliance with instructions from the American legation you express
a desire to know whether, pending the negotiations between both
Governments for concluding an extradition treaty, the Government of
Honduras would, as a matter of comity, deliver up fugitives from the
justice of the United States accused of malversation of funds, or
embezzlement. At the same time you are kind enough to inform me that
the American Government can not offer reciprocity in this matter for
the reason that the laws of the country expressly forbid it.
In reply I am pleased to inform you that in the interests of justice,
which require in all cases the punishment of crimes of a serious
nature, and in view of the close relations of friendship existing
between Honduras and the United States, my Government will, as an
act of international courtesy, accede to the request for extradition
before the conclusion of the negotiations mentioned, it being
understood that the fugitive or fugitives are not Honduraneans, and
that the crime is of recent date and of such a serious character
that the surrendering of fugitives from justice is justified by
satisfying a public desire for atonement.
With my highest consideration, I am, your obedient servant,
