Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, American Republics: Central and South America, Volume VII

72. Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom) to the Secretary of State¹

Washington, October 24, 1956.

SUBJECT

• Recognition of New Government of Honduras

On October 23, 1956, our Embassy in Tegucigalpa received a note from Foreign Minister Esteban Mendoza formally notifying the United States of the establishment of a new government in Honduras. The note states that the new government commands the recognition, respect and obedience of all civil and military authorities, that there have been no disorders, and that the populace has received the new government with enthusiasm. It further states that the new regime will fulfill all commitments and international obligations, and that it desires to continue cordial relations with the United States. According to the note, a fundamental purpose of the new Government is to restore constitutionality through early free elections.

The new government is headed by a military junta composed of General Roque Jacinto Rodriguez, Lt. Col. Hector Caraccioli Moncada, and Major Roberto Galvez Barnes, who assumed control in a bloodless coup on October 21, 1956. The new cabinet contains representatives of the majority parties as well as independents. Members of the junta are considered pro-American and anti-communist.

It is believed that the new government has the support of a large majority of the population in addition to the organized armed forces. The action by the new junta may have precluded a violent revolution which had been feared under the conditions previously pertaining. The statements contained in the note delivered by the Government of Honduras are believed to be essentially correct, and the usual requirements for recognition have been met.

Adherents of the former Lozano Government made a strenuous and partially successful effort to convince the populace and other countries that the United States “supported” Lozano. For this reason and in the furtherance of the best interests of the United States at this time it is believed that we should give prompt recognition to the new government.²

Recommendation:

That you sign the attached memorandum to the President, and authorize us to extend recognition not later than Saturday, October 27, 1956.³

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 715.02/10–2456. Confidential.
2. In a memorandum to Rubottom, October 22, Jack D. Neal stated that “for various reasons the United States has been closely identified with the Lozano regime. This was last commented on by the Inspectors who are currently in Tegucigalpa. We have been endeavoring to illustrate that we were not closely tied to Lozano, and that we are pursuing a policy of non-intervention. It is thought that we should, for the above reasons, grant recognition to the new government without undue delay.” (Ibid., 715.02/10–2256)
3. The United States extended recognition to the military Government of Honduras on October 27. For a press release, see Department of State Bulletin, November 5, 1956, p. 703.