814.01/11–144: Telegram
The Ambassador in Honduras ( Erwin ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2—10:54 a.m.]
333. Department’s circular October 31, 9 p.m. Discussed matter fully with Foreign Minister.40 Without making definite commitment as to his government’s ultimate attitude, he emphasized that Honduras is in a different position from any other country respecting Guatemalan recognition. He has information indicating that Honduran revolutionaries in San Salvador have largely moived to Guatemala as a base of operations following most recent change of government in San Salvador. Foreign Minister understands further that other elements affiliated with anti-Carías movement are being invited to Guatemala for purposes hostile to Carías41 government. Under circumstances stated, it is the Foreign Minister’s belief that President Carías will require as a condition to Guatemalan recognition with respect to international commitments that it include and emphasize as part of such commitments that Guatemalan Government will not harbor Honduran revolutionaries or give any assistance in furtherance of their plottings against President Carías. Foreign Minister will have conference this evening with President and is to advise me tomorrow of outcome. Honduran Government feels such assurances on the part of present Guatemalan regime would be worthless unless underwritten by United States or unless such assurances given jointly to Honduras and United States. It feels the more strongly on this point because the candidate most likely to succeed or to be beneficiary of the hastily called elections in Guatemala has privately stated his intention to wage active campaign even to extent of war to remove Carías.