714.1515/874: Telegram

The Chargé in Honduras (Merrell) to the Secretary of State

53. My telegram No. 52, May 23, 3 p.m. Last evening a group of more than five hundred, mainly students, paraded the streets carrying Honduranean flags, singing the national anthem and shouting pro-Honduranean cries and insults to Guatemala. They were deterred from reaching the Guatemalan Legation by the police, but went to the President’s palace where the President counseled them to dissolve, not to insult Guatemala or Guatemalans, and to have confidence in the Government’s ability to settle the matter satisfactorily.

While the demonstration, which was probably started by rumors that a reply had been received to Honduras’ third note in the form of an ultimatum, was orderly it appeared more than a mere outburst of patriotism.

It is reported that the Chief of Protocol and the Chancellor of the Foreign Office were among the demonstrators but I am reliably informed this is not true.

Repeated to Guatemala.

Merrell