File No. No. 763.72113/684
The Chargé in Honduras (Curtis) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 17, 645 p.m.]
Department’s instruction No. 252, July 31.1 The President at noon said that the Honduranean Government was studying what steps could be taken against the Germans without violating the provisions of the Constitution, but that no one of the measures discussed had been considered to such an extent that it could be spoken of as contemplated. He said that the Government would be most pleased to have an expert of the War Trade Board and Alien Property Custodian come here2 so that Honduras might copy such parts of the laws of the United States as might be appropriate to the conditions existing in this country. He added that he considered it advisable that this expert come immediately so that laws might be drafted for presentation to the Congress when it reassembles at the beginning of January.
It is of the utmost importance to send a man who is familiar with conditions in Latin America, if an expert with such qualifications is obtainable, and he should be instructed to keep in close touch with the Legation. Would moreover refer to my despatch No. 809. August 31,3 and show it to the person who is appointed.