715.1715/1111a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (Corrigan)
11. For Corrigan.40 While this Government of course is desirous of contributing in every appropriate way to a solution of the long pending boundary dispute, I prefer not to give you any specific instructions which might be misinterpreted by the other countries as indicating a desire on the part of this Government to dominate the negotiations. It is hoped that as a result of the further discussions there will emerge the basis of a settlement acceptable to both Governments. If at any stage during the developments the Commission has reason to believe that any particular formula might be satisfactory to both countries, it would seem entirely in order for such a suggestion to be made. In this connection it has occurred to me that the Commission might well explore the possibility of suggesting as a solution recognition by Nicaragua of the validity of the 1906 Award,41 coupled with an undertaking on the part of Honduras to grant territory to Nicaragua in the region north of the Segovia River, where it is understood Nicaragua now claims to exercise de facto jurisdiction.
If it should appear that discussion of a definitive solution would not be practicable at this time, it is thought that the possible use of aerial mapping might be considered as furnishing a factual basis for subsequent examination of the territorial issue.
You should continue to report to the Department fully on all developments of importance and to submit for consideration any major proposals by the members of the Commission to which you may be called upon to agree.