File No. 715.1715/29
The Chargé in Honduras ( Curtis ) to the Secretary of State
Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning has given me a copy of a telegram to the Commandant of Arms at Danli, dated Ocotal, June 20, from the political chief and Commandant of Arms of Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, who declares that Las Trojas near Teotecasinte is in Nicaraguan territory since that country has never recognized the award of the King of Spain; that therefore Nicaragua has exercised and does and will exercise jurisdiction over certain territory including Las Trojas, and that as the addressee refuses to recognize the right of Nicaragua to do this, he will send sufficient military forces to occupy said places and the Honduran forces and authorities should be withdrawn. The Minister for Foreign Affairs says that the matter was immediately brought to the attention of the Nicaraguan Minister who on the 29th reported that he had received telegram from his Government saying that orders had been sent, that no troops should be moved, and that everything in the nature of hostilities should be avoided. Late yesterday afternoon, however, a telegram was received from Danli reporting that the political chief [Page 21] of Nueva Segovia had invaded Honduran territory as far as Las Trojas and Potrerillos with 100 infantry and 40 cavalry, thoroughly destroying crops and sending men and women to Nicaragua as prisoners.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke feelingly of the need for a permanent settlement of all boundary disputes and of the great assistance which the United States could give either by its influence on Nicaragua or formal mediation, and I answered him that he could count on the good offices of the Government of the United States to prevent war between the two countries.
Upon my return from the Foreign Office I found the Secretary to the President waiting to give me the same information and to say that the latter hoped that the United States would help Honduras to reach a peaceable settlement. He mentioned the word “mediation,” so I inquired whether an offer of such by us would be accepted if made, to which he replied emphatically that the President would welcome it gladly.
I am sending a copy of this to the Legation in Nicaragua for its confidential information.