714.1515/767: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Honduras (Summerlin)
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Minister Bogran called on me on July 18 [17] and in the course of the conversation it appeared that the proposal contained in my cable of June 4 was misunderstood in Honduras. It appears that the inclusion of the provision by which the Arbitrator would take into consideration the political, economic and commercial interests of both States has been interpreted in Honduras as meaning that the boundary question will be decided purely on political, economic and commercial considerations. I explained to Señor Bogran that this of course is not the intent of my note, nor is it the proper interpretation thereof. I told him that of course both countries may present arguments, proof and evidence of an historical and/or legal nature and that the decision will be made on the basis usual in such international arbitrations with the exception that the Arbitrator will be authorized in addition to take into consideration the political, economic and commercial interests of both nations. The Minister stated that he now understood the matter, which he had not before, and that he would telegraph an explanation to his Government. You will please also make this explanation. Please cable the Department fully regarding this matter, informing it of any other misunderstanding that may exist regarding the arbitration.
According to Bogran there is also a feeling in Honduras regarding the Nicaraguan panel of judges. They feel that this panel having been selected now, when there is a definite controversy to come before the Tribunal, Nicaragua may have appointed politicians rather than jurists and that the national members appointed by Nicaragua might very likely side with Guatemala in order to get Guatemalan support for Nicaragua in the latter’s boundary controversy with Honduras. I pointed out to the Minister that it would be possible to select three judges from the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan panels who would not be Nicaraguans or even Central Americans at all. I feel that the suggestion made by me on June 4 offers the best means for a settlement and I trust that you will avail yourself of every opportunity to explain the matter in its true light to the President, members of the Government and Congress and other public men of Honduras. I feel confident that if they correctly understand the proposal that it will meet with their approval and acceptance. Copy sent to Guatemala.