715.1715/1146: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Costa Rica ( Hornibrook )
20. For Corrigan. Your No. 57, March 13, 8 p.m. The Honduran Minister has discussed with the Department the present work of the Conference and future plans. He indicated that he had received a letter from President Carias which passed on information forwarded the President by the Honduran delegation. Mr. Lozano stated that it seemed to his Government that the Conference was in fact undertaking now what his Government had been led to believe would be undertaken at a subsequent stage, namely, the settlement of the fundamental problem. In this connection the Minister rather pointedly reminded the Department that his Government had made it very clear when agreeing to accept the mediation last fall that it was not willing to discuss the fundamental problem at San José. The Minister was informed that your reports seemed to indicate that there would be a recess after both Governments had submitted replies setting forth in detail their respective points of view.
The Minister then went on to say that his Government was somewhat concerned by your proposal for an aerial map inasmuch as the line drawn by the Award of the King of Spain is precise, with certain minor exceptions. The Minister stated that his Government could only assume that the purpose of making an aerial map was in order to enable the Conference to suggest some other line. The Minister was informed that the aerial map made for use in drawing the boundary between Guatemala and Honduras had proved extremely helpful, but that of course if there was any objection on the part of either the Government of Honduras or the Government of Nicaragua to the making of a map at this time it was believed the Conference would be glad to defer action.
In view of the attitude of the Honduran Government as reported by the Minister, the Department inclines to the view that once the replies have been received it would be desirable to take a recess. Would it not be possible, however, prior to the recess for the Conference to determine when its next meetings should be held and at what place? Although the difficulties in changing the locale of the Conference are appreciated, the Department has confidence that you will be able to resolve this matter in a way satisfactory to all concerned.
If it should be decided to recess would it not be well to obtain from the delegates a reaffirmation of the agreement of December 10 and an extension of the limitation on the purchase of armament as well as clarification of the status of the Commission and the Secretariat during recess.
[Page 250]It is hoped that it will be possible for you to come to Washington soon after the recess to discuss the boundary problem in all its aspects.