No. 308.

Mr. Torbert to Mr. Fish

No. 34.]

Sir: In view of the existing state of affairs between this republic and that of Honduras, I have this day addressed to the minister of foreign affairs for this government a dispatch in relation to the United States guaranteeing the strict neutrality of the Honduras interoceanic railroad.

A copy of said dispatch (marked A) is herewith inclosed; the inclosures (marked B and C) mentioned in said dispatch are the same as sent to the Department with legation dispatch No. 32, of February 19.

I am, &c.,

ALFRED T. A. TORBERT.
[Page 685]

A.

Sir: In view of the present state of affairs between this republic and that of Honduras, it is my duty to call the attention of this government to the following extract of a treaty celebrated between the United States of America and the republic of Honduras, July 4, 1864, in relation to the Honduras Interoceanic Railroad Company, viz:

“2. In consideration of these concessions, in order to secure the construction and permanence of the route or road herein contemplated, and also to secure, for the benefit of mankind, the uninterrupted advantages of such communication from sea to sea, the United States recognizes the rights of sovereignty and property of Honduras in and over the line of said road, and for the same reason guarantees positively and efficaciously the entire neutrality of the same,” &c., &c.

In consideration of the very positive language and obligations of the above, I must ask that in case of an invasion of Honduras by Salvador, that such orders be given and such a policy pursued as will not involve this government in any difficulty with the United States.

I inclose a copy of my dispatch (marked C) to the minister of foreign relations in Honduras on the same subject, also a copy of a dispatch (marked B) sent by said minister to the United States minister resident in Honduras.

With much pleasure I reiterate to the honorable Sr. Doctor Arbizu the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

ALFRED T. A. TORBERT, United States Minister.

His Excellency Sr. Dr. Don Gregorio Arbizu, Minister of Foreign Relations for Salvador.