817.00 Bandit Activities/473: Telegram
The Chargé in Honduras ( Higgins ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 15—11:45 a.m.]
61. Department’s telegram No. 29, July 12, 6 p.m. Statement regarding Nicaraguan bandit situation made to President Mejía this afternoon who replied that he would do all that he could to comply with the Department’s wishes. He spoke at great length about budget limitations and indicated that this might make impossible providing the expeditionary force with 50 men. I strove to combat this thesis. With regard to the other measures proposed he said that he would study the list of them I left with him, would confer with his Cabinet and General Plata and give me a reply in a few days.
I believe that he will offer to give the expeditionary force a smaller number than proposed but will agree to putting all the other measures into effect.