715.1715/430: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Hanna)

19. Legation’s 33, February 17, 1 p.m. The Department is of the opinion that the action of the Nicaraguan Congress with respect to the Honduras-Nicaragua boundary protocol should be determined by the merits of the settlement contemplated by the protocol and [Page 796] should not be influenced by the views of a third State. It is furthermore of the opinion that the provisions of the protocol should be made public in Managua so that the press and general public may inform themselves accurately of its provisions. In so far as the Department is now informed such action has not been taken, unless publicity followed its presentation to Congress.

The Department is, however, most hopeful that the protocol may be accepted by both Governments and it has gladly extended its good offices during many months in the effort to bring about the signature of that document. There would appear to be no objection to a public statement by the Nicaraguan Government of the cooperation extended by this Government in this respect.

The Department would, of course, expect the Government of Honduras, as well as the Government of Nicaragua, to extend adequate protection to the Joint Boundary Commission, presided over by an American citizen, in its operations in the boundary zone. It will accordingly request the Legation at Tegucigalpa informally to suggest to the Government of Honduras the advisability of issuing an appropriate statement at this time on this subject as an act tending to facilitate favorable action on the protocol by Nicaragua.

The Department does not desire to make any statement which might be construed as indicating a determination now arrived at to construct the Nicaraguan Canal, when the Board of Officers now at work on that problem have not yet rendered their report.

While the Department is not prepared to authorize the issuance of any public statement, you may in your discretion discuss the matter with such persons as may be in a position to render assistance, in both parties, pointing out the obvious advantages of disposing of this long pending source of controversy between the two Governments which would seem to lift it above any factional or party considerations.

Stimson