Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 8, 1908

File No. 13815/31B.

The Secretary of State to Minister Dodge.

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington, June 19, 1908.

Reference department’s telegram June 16. Request provisional arrest and detention of H. H. Meyers and Alfred Oxley, for whom Federal warrants have been issued, on charge of conspiring to commit offense against the United States and using the mails with intent to defraud in violation of sections 5440 and 5480, Revised Statutes, with a view to their extradition to the United States for trial for the Federal offenses above charged. You will make at the same time the customary statement that this Government is unable under its laws to extend the same courtesy in the absence of an extradition treaty.

Reference Goldsboro and cargo. Department believes that under all the circumstances it would be best for vessel and cargo to be turned over to the Honduranean authorities for procedure in accordance with Honduranean law. It is understood that the creditors in the United States will take proceedings in the Honduranean courts to establish their title to the ship and cargo. You will accordingly direct the consul at Puerto Cortes to turn the vessel and cargo over to the appropriate official designated by the Honduranean Government.

Root.