815.248/20: Telegram
The Minister in Honduras (Lay) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 4—2:55 a.m.]
113. Reference Department’s telegram No. 26, April 20, 6 p.m.,9 …, American citizen owner and pilot of a Wilson three-place monoplane, United States license number …, has landed here and made yesterday a contract with the Honduran Government for services of self and plane in military operations for 15 flying days. Provisions in contract include bombing operations. … is a decent appearing young man who is regularly engaged in the barnstorming flying business and undertook the present rather hazardous job because of the need of funds. He made his first reconnaissance flight this morning over the country in which Ferrera operating.
Although the Honduran Government as the result of conversations regarding use of United Fruit Company planes for military operations was fully cognizant of Department’s disapproval of American pilots engaging in military operations, it rushed … into [apparent omission] very secretly and without consulting with the Legation nor did [he] … consult Legation until after signing contract.