815.24/12: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Honduras (Dennis)
4. Legation’s January 7, 2 p.m.7 Department has been considering Provisional President Tosta’s request and will endeavor to ascertain whether War Department has available the supplies which [Page 318] he desires. You may so inform him. In the meantime, in order that the matter may be adequately considered, you should discuss fully with him and with President-elect Paz Baraona, if practicable, the plans for organizing the new military force. The Department would be pleased to ascertain whether Honduras contemplates that this military force shall be organized in accordance with article 2 of the Convention for the Limitation of Armaments,8 and whether Honduras considers the employment of foreigners as instructors in organizing this force. This convention has now been approved by all the Central American states except Honduras.
Do you think Honduras needs so many machine guns and rifles? Could not order be maintained with a smaller number?