File No. 714.1515/44
Minister Ewing to the Secretary of State
Tegucigalpa, December 17, 1917, 5 p.m.
Private secretary, President, called Legation to-day authorized by President to discuss presence more Guatemalan troops on Honduran territory. He presented copies of two telegrams to President reporting increased activity Amates where six hundred Guatemalan soldiers are located and constructing camps along border. Advices from Omoa indicate presence four hundred on Guatemalan territory up as far as Tenedores River., President’s secretary stated, in compliance with suggestion of United States, Honduras was avoiding conflict with Guatemala and understood boundary dispute was to remain in statu quo until its mediation. Further stated Guatemala is obviously attempting to maneuver into position of possessing certain Honduran territory before boundary dispute mediated, thus holding unfair advantage. He desired the united States be informed that Honduras cannot remain inactive much longer witnessing day after day her territory invaded. The President hopes that in the interest of justice the United States will be moved to reaffirm its [Page 791] former attitude. Insisted that Guatemalan soldiers remain on the west side Motagua River until boundary dispute is settled permanently. President anxiously awaiting a reply to this cablegram.