File No. 815/1245A.
The Secretary of State to the American Minister.
Washington, April 11, 1911.
Mr. Knox instructs Mr. McCreery to ascertain if the Honduran Government desires to regularize the status of the Hornet as a vessel of Honduras by formal change of registry, and whether the purchase is to be consummated; and directs him to explain that it is a matter of indifference to the Government of the United States, as it should be remembered that the United States only took such action as was necessary to prevent the Hornet from engaging in hostilities pending the investigation of the Department of Justice, but that it will be prepared in the second alternative to assist the Government of Honduras in restoring the vessel to its former status by returning it to New Orleans. Mr. Knox further informs Mr. McCreery that the President has directed the Department of Justice to give instructions to the appropriate official to nolle prosse the indictment against Gen. Manuel Bonilla; but that the indictment must stand against the American citizens charged with implication in the Hornet or other illegal expeditions, as the Government of the United States is determined to exercise hereafter even greater vigilance to prevent disturbances of the peace of Central America through activities within the jurisdiction of the United States.