815.00/3686: Telegram
The Consul at Ceiba (Waller) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:29 p.m.]
Department’s telegrams of April 20, 1 p.m. [noon] and April 21, 4 p.m.19 Marines were on shore 30 hours and were withdrawn as soon as emergency had passed. Their presence is believed to have prevented attacking Honduran forces with almost certain destruction American lives from machine guns and other stray bullets. Respectfully refer to the fact that President of Honduras had already asked the American Chargé d’Affaires to summon Denver to take whatever action might be necessary to protect American lives; also local authorities had earlier informed me they would be unable to protect American lives. Confidently hope that full report by mail will cause approval of my action.
- Neither printed.↩