File No. No. 763.72112Aml/22
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Honduras ( Belt)
Your January 21, 2 p.m. [January 22, 2 a.m.?]1 Department has received January 23 the following telegram:
Acknowledging your wire 22d,1 thank you for full advices. I am now rushing construction of lighters of type required at Amapala and if these can be loaded safely on our steamer George W. Elder, sailing hence February 6, would be due at Amapala February 22; also we will transfer gasoline launch now at San José, Guatemala, and are sending on our steamer City of Para sailing January 26 one of our officers experienced and thoroughly equipped to establish landing facilities and to be relied upon to handle the business diplomatically, and who will be instructed to disembark at La Unión. Am today cabling Mann2 to appoint Rosario3 our agents and that we are sending equipment and a special representative to survey new port and study project with intention of establishment by American interests. With new equipment in charge of Rosario and handled by our special representative, we trust you will approve acceptance of cargo for Amapala to go by steamer taking lighters. Please advise if all above meets with your approval. Signed, J. H. Rosseter.
Department replied to effect that this solution would appear to be satisfactory, that Legation might inform Government of Honduras if it is considered advisable, and that Government of Salvador had been requested to permit temporary landings of cargo and mail at La Unión.
In view of the proposed operation by the Government of Honduras through Department of Fomento of the business of a common carrier, it seems highly advisable, in order to avoid serious possible complications, that fuller and more precise information of the contemplated methods of operation, with particular reference to the disposition of the lighters and of the funds earned, be at once furnished for the information and guidance of the War Trade Board, whose rulings in similar cases are paramount. So inform Government of Honduras, adding that the resumption of steamship service is contingent upon operations of the Enemy Trading Act.