715.1715/9–2744: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Nicaragua (Stewart)22
402. At an early appropriate occasion, please inform President Somoza that after his visit to Nicaragua this spring, Mr. Philip W. Bonsal reported to me concerning his conversations with the President with regard to the boundary with Honduras. Please express to President Somoza my gratification both at the courtesies extended to Mr. Bonsal and at his receptive attitude towards Mr. Bonsal’s informal investigation of the possibility of finding some solution to this long-standing problem.
I had hoped that as a result of Mr. Bonsal’s démarche, the two Presidents might initiate direct discussions in search of a solution; but there has so far been no indication of such a development.
You should point out to President Somoza once more that this is the only important remaining boundary at issue between nations of this hemisphere and should emphasize this Government’s interest and my own earnest hope that some definitive settlement may soon be reached, within the framework of hemisphere solidarity and Inter-American principles of the adjustment of controversies by peaceful means. In this connection, you may make appropriate reference to the final demarcation of the border between Costa Rica and Panamá, the occasion being celebrated by a meeting of the two Presidents at the frontier on September 18. (See radio bulletin no. 225 of September 18, 1944).
Please also inform President Somoza that President Roosevelt is very hopeful that a settlement of this problem can be reached immediately. He has been turning over in his mind various possible methods of approach to the problem, and is considering an appeal to both President Somoza and President Carías to reach an early settlement within the framework of such general principles as would assure an equitable solution acceptable to both countries. It is his thought that if such an appeal were made, it would put the question on such a high level as to avoid its becoming involved in domestic politics. The possibility of this undesirable development would appear to be diminished also by the fact that the opposition leaders in Nicaragua and Honduras have emphasized their devotion both to American solidarity and to the principles for which the American republics are making so many war sacrifices.
In conclusion please emphasize my profound conviction that if this controversy can not be solved by direct negotiation, a settlement is possible only if the two Governments, mutually desirous of a solution, [Page 223] will take whatever suggestions are made, and with them as a basis, agree upon a final settlement; and that by effectuating a settlement President Somoza would win the signal credit and honor, in the national as well as in the international sphere, to which the adjustment of such a difficult problem would justly entitle him.
A similar telegram is being sent to Tegucigalpa.
For your strictly confidential information, I had intended sending these telegrams early in July, but with the unsettled political conditions in both countries at that time, it seemed advisable to hold this matter in suspense until conditions were somewhat more propitious.
- A similar telegram was sent to Tegucigalpa as No. 231, September 27, 5 p.m.↩