815.00 Revolutions/131: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Honduras (Lay)
Washington, May 23, 1931—4
p.m.
45. Legation’s 107, May 21, 2 p.m.
- 1.
- If the vessel in question is the steamship Santa Marta of the United Fruit Company, it seems highly improbable that it would [Page 575] undertake to engage in the illicit transportation of war material to Honduras. A vessel of the type of the Santa Marta presumably would be able to call only at regular Honduran ports of entry where its cargo as landed would be inspected by the appropriate Honduran authorities.
- 2.
- With respect to the request of the President of Honduras that United States naval vessels patrol the territorial waters of Honduras to prevent munitions for rebels reaching Honduran ports, and that such vessels should maintain communication with the Honduran authorities with regard to such patrol service, you will orally and informally inform the Honduran Government that it is not possible for the public vessels of this Government to be so employed. The function of the American naval vessels now in Honduran waters is that customarily performed under such circumstances and consists in extending such protection as might become necessary to seriously menaced American lives and interests.
- 3.
- The Department’s records apparently contain no reference to similar patrol service contemplated in the Bay of Fonseca in 1927. Please submit a written report on this occurrence.
Stimson