Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

HO–14. Airgram from the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Honduras¹

Washington, September 2, 1960, 4:52 p.m.

G-7. JOINT STATE-INFENSE MESSAGE

1. Grant equipment which U.S. plans for Honduras during FY 61 consists exclusively that required by infantry battalion Honduras has agreed maintain for hemisphere defense. This program does not include most items mentioned Embtel 174,² 182³. This small Army unit approximating 650 men obviously could not absorb 3,000 rifles and 1,000 carbines. Unlikely U.S. can substantially increase fire-power or size unit, by providing tanks and artillery equipment, without providing immediate requests from Nicaragua and Guatemala for similar equipment which U.S. does not contemplate providing them this FY.

2. Beyond grant equipment program discussed above, State and Defense would consider country team-CINCARIB recommendation for assistance, including ammunition, considered indispensable Honduran requirement for maintaining law and order against communist-Castro fomented disorders. Any such recommendation should take into account equipment already possessed by local police as well as armed forces, since U.S. would not be prepared duplicate in one branch GOH capability already possessed by another. Any grant equipment provided for internal security would necessitate prior Presidential determination required by law and raise U.S. financial problems difficult to resolve in view limited funds authorized by Congress and available for LA military assistance programs.

3. In view foregoing, Emb and CINCARIB should not encourage Hondurans anticipate grant program of character and dimensions recommended Embtels 176, 182.

Merchant

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 75.5–152/8–2960. Confidential. Drafted and initialed by George O. Spencer, the Officer in Charge of Inter-American Security and Military Assistance. The airgram was also repeated for information to Panama City for the Commander in Chief, Caribbean.
2. In telegram 176 from Tegucigalpa, August 26, Chargé Albert B. Franklin III, informed the Department of State that the Honduran Army lacked sufficient ammunition to carry out its tasks, and that the Commander in Chief, Caribbean, had requested the Joint Chiefs of Staff to make available the necessary supplies. In Franklin’s view, this shortage was dangerous and required rectification, therefore, the Department of State should support the request. (715.5-MSP/8–2660)
3. In telegram 182 from Tegucigalpa, August 29, Franklin informed the Department of State that he supported an additional request from the Commander in Chief, Caribbean, to supply arms to the Honduran Army. (715.5–MSP/8–2960)