815.00/4322: Telegram
The Chargé in Honduras (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:45 p.m.]
145. President Paz informed me today that propaganda of radical individuals in National Party in favor of annulment by Congress of Mejía election on grounds of fraud has produced a situation of great uneasiness and anxiety on the north coast. He believes a statement from the Department that no government arising from a coup d’état or through violence would be recognized, will be helpful.
I do not believe the situation sufficiently acute to make necessary a declaration from the Department at present and I am convinced that many of the rumors of trouble are greatly exaggerated. In view however of the uneasiness on the north coast, and as a precautionary measure, I suggest that a United States naval vessel be held in readiness [Page 76] to proceed at once to La Ceiba and that arrangements be made for a vessel to visit all the northern ports as early as possible in January. Repeated to consul at La Ceiba.