615.44A28/1
The Vice Consul at Belize (Gidden) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 11.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the night of August 30, 1937, the British motor vessel Caoba of Belize was stopped by bullets across its bow from the Zambrano, a Honduran gunboat used as a coast guard cutter, and searched on the high seas. The incident took place some twelve miles outside of Puerto Cortes, Honduras, and it appeared the Honduran officials suspected the Caoba of having on board an individual wanted in Honduras. Nothing was seized and the vessel was permitted to continue its journey. On arrival at Belize the Caoba reported the matter to the Customs. Sworn affidavits are being prepared for submission to the Colonial Secretary and representations will be made through the appropriate channels.
The Caoba is owned by Robert Sydney Turton, an elected member of the Legislative Council from the Northern District of British Honduras and the honorary Consul for Nicaragua in Belize.
A local press account of the foregoing incident is enclosed.1
Respectfully yours,
- Not reprinted.↩