714.1515/55: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Honduras ( Ewing )

Your December 24, 3 p.m.96

Statement made by Honduran Foreign Minister acting in his official capacity, that the Honduran Government would withdraw south and East of the Merendon Mountains all her troops upon the understanding [Page 87] that the Government of Guatemala would withdraw north and west of the Motagua River all her troops in the disputed territory, was duly conveyed by the Government of the United States to the Government of Guatemala.

The Guatemalan Government at once accepted this arrangement and informed the United States Government that the necessary instructions would be issued and that it was hoped that the withdrawal would be entirely accomplished by January 15th.

The Government of the United States is requesting the Government of Honduras to issue exequatur to a United States consular agent located at Sinchado.

Discreetly inform Minister for Foreign Affairs that Department is seriously disturbed at Honduras’ attitude as described in your December 27, 2 p.m.97 and explain that as action was promptly taken on assurances contained in your December 24, 3 p.m. it feels confident Honduras will avoid possible charge of bad faith by complying with her acceptance of proposition to withdraw all troops to South and East of Merendon Mountains.

Report by cable date upon which this Government can inform Government of Guatemala that no more Honduran armed forces remain in disputed zone.

Lansing