815.00/3779: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Guatemala (Geissler)
44. Legation’s telegram number 62, June 29, noon. According to article 14 of the General Treaty of Peace and Amity,29 Guatemala has assumed the obligation “not to permit any person, whether a national, Central American or foreigner, to organize or foment revolutionary activities within its territory against a recognized government of any other Central American republic.” Department is unable to understand why Guatemala has failed to take effective steps to end the activities of Ferrera against the peace of Honduras. According to convincing evidence Ferrera has been instigating revolutionary activities by means of correspondence if not by other means. As reported in your June 15, 3 p.m.,30 the Government of Guatemala has admitted that the measures which it has taken thus far have been insufficient to prevent those activities.
The Government of the United States is convinced, without attempting for the present to suggest the nature of the measures which should be taken, that present evidence not only justifies but demands that Guatemala take some effective action. It has no doubt that such action is within the power of the Government of Guatemala, and hopes that that action be taken immediately.
The above may be read to the proper officials. The Department will make a similar oral communication to the Guatemalan Minister. The Department does not wish to urge any particular measure officially. It feels, nevertheless, that only the departure of Ferrera, [Page 335] preferably to Panama, or his confinement under conditions which will prevent him effectively from communicating with his supporters will be satisfactory. We cannot perceive why a suggestion to Guatemala that she comply with her solemn treaty obligations after being given convincing proof of the violation of her neutrality by Ferrera should have the “adverse psychological effects” which you mention. The Department relies on you to put forth your best efforts to convince the Government of Guatemala of the necessity of taking the proper measures to prevent Guatemala from being employed as a base for plots against the Honduran Government.