715.1715/522: Telegram

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

31. Department’s telegram No. 16, August 28, 5 p.m. A summary of my despatches being airmailed tomorrow20 is as follows:

The Nicaraguan Minister told me in substance data in the Legation’s telegram from Managua but denied knowledge of his Government’s [Page 60] policy in the matter at issue. He added that he was considerably worried that the situation was getting out of hand here.

The following day the Honduran Government sent a second vigorous note of protest to Managua as summarized in my telegram No. 30, August 27, 8 p.m.

For the past 2 weeks the local press has been entirely silent on the matter, but 2 days ago the semi-official newspaper published the text of the award of 1906 and last night a bitter editorial was released, denouncing countries which broke their word and did not line up to treaty obligations.

In this capital feeling against Nicaragua is strong. While public demonstrations have been prohibited by the President there is considerable talk of war and the temper of the people is becoming increasingly antagonistic.

Last night José María Albir a Nicaraguan and private secretary to the President who has been his most able and conservative adviser and the “brake” on government policy was dismissed which will probably be taken in Managua as further evidence of hostile feeling.

The Honduran Government claims that the King of Spain’s award is definitive and that it will not open the boundary question again to arbitration. However, I believe they might accept the good offices of the United States merely from their view point to establish the legality of the arbitration decision of 1906.

I consider the situation here as serious and with strong possibilities of this Government, under its present advisers, taking some misguided action.

Cramp
  1. Not printed.