816.01/25a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in El Salvador (Curtis)
70. For Caffery. In accordance with our conversations with you we had intended to dispatch tonight a telegram to our missions in Central America reading as follows:
[Here follows text of telegram No. 42, December 20, 1 p.m., to the Chargé in Costa Rica, printed on page 203.]
On further consideration, however, it appears to us that this action, taken before you arrive in Salvador, might seem to tie your hands. We still feel thoroughly convinced of the soundness of the views set forth above, but believe that you should be given entire freedom of action to make such recommendations after your arrival in Salvador [Page 203] as you judge advisable, and without having your hands tied in respect to any particular aspect of the situation. The Department, therefore, will not send the telegram in question until it has heard from you.