File No. 715.1715/31

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua ( Jefferson )

[Telegram]

Your July 8, 10 a.m. The Department is in receipt of an official note from the Honduran Minister in Washington setting forth that 140 men under political chief of Nueva Segovia had raised Nicaraguan flag over town of Las Trojas after taking possession of the place and burning houses and destroying crops. Honduran Government affirms that this place has always been under jurisdiction of Honduras and states that it will be forced to send troops to sustain its rights and protect its honor if Nicaraguan forces are not withdrawn. Government of Honduras asks good offices of Government of the United States to bring about withdrawal of Nicaraguan forces. Department upon receipt of your July 8, 10 a.m., offered its good offices to Government of Honduras to aid in effecting settlement of boundary dispute if Honduras so wishes, and at the same time informing that Government that the Government of Nicaragua had suggested submitting dispute to Chief Justice Supreme Court. Honduras has not yet replied to Department’s offer of good offices.1

You are directed to use your most tactful efforts to prevail upon President Chamorro immediately to order withdrawal of his men from disputed region, pending some satisfactory amicable settlement. You may reiterate last part of second paragraph of Department’s July 4, 7 p.m., adding that the cause for which United States and Nicaragua are battling would be seriously jeopardized should any disturbance occur in Central America, which disturbance might be taken advantage of by the enemy.

Government of Honduras claims that Maximo B. Rosales is now in Nicaragua and that he is engaged in revolutionary activities against Honduras in which he is not being prevented by Nicaragua. Investigate and report. If you consider advisable, you may suggest to Chamorro that he withdraw his forces to Jalapa, and inform him that the United States has suggested to the Government of Honduras that it retain its forces at Danli.

Polk
  1. The reply of Honduras (see preceding document) was not received until after this telegram was forwarded.