714.1515/158: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Honduras (Jones)
Your March 13, 5 p.m.17
The replies17 of the Presidents of Honduras and Guatemala to Department’s February 5, 3 p.m., seem to have drawn interested parties but little, if any, nearer to the removal of misunderstanding regarding troop withdrawals than did the results obtained through Department’s informal negotiations with Honduran-Guatemalan Boundary Missions here. Informally advise President Bertrand as follows:
“Since the approaching rainy season, which usually begins in June, precludes the conclusion of the topographic survey by that time, it is respectfully submitted that the economic survey be now undertaken in the hope that it could be concluded in 90 working days.
The economic survey should supply much of the information desired by the Secretary of State regarding the interests to be affected by the fixing of the boundary line. In order that it might also be of value to the countries interested, it seems advisable to have reports by United States Government soil, forestry, plant industry experts and also reports of a tropical land value and tropical agricultural expert. Such surveying party would be relatively small and could [Page 103] work quickly and effectively, if guaranteed freedom of movement by Honduras.
It is thought that the economic survey would cost about $30,000. If Honduras concurs and will state how her half of these funds are to be made available, the survey will be begun as soon as possible under appropriate direction.
Guatemala informed Department March 10 that she desired now to proceed with the economic survey, separately, if Honduras should decline to join.”