715.1715/685: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua (Castleman)
66. Your 135, October 8, 5 p.m. The Department’s purpose in mentioning the Protocol of 1930 in the communication which you [Page 84] were directed to make to the Nicaraguan Government in telegraphic instruction no. 62 of October 1, 7 p.m.,40 was not to suggest that the protocol should be the basis of a definitive settlement of the controversy.
The protocol was indicated as one of several possible starting points for the discussions preparatory to a definitive settlement of the boundary controversy.
This Government believes that the immediate and most urgent objective of the suggested utilization of good offices is the proposal of measures which may allay the present tension in the relations of Nicaragua and Honduras, and thereafter the examination of bases for a permanent settlement of the fundamental issue. At this second stage it would be appropriate for Nicaragua to set forth its position as regards the bases for a definitive settlement of the controversy. In advance of this stage of the discussions the Department cannot take any position with respect to the bases for a solution of the fundamental problem.
The foregoing is for your guidance in any conversations you may have with the Nicaraguan Government.