815.00/3096: Telegram
The President’s Personal Representative in Honduras (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15—6:41 a.m.]
3. I arrived at the radio station in the outskirts of Tegucigalpa an hour ago. The American Minister advises me by radio he cannot leave the city to meet me until tomorrow “for lack of sufficient guarantees.” I cannot consequently have an interview with those in control of the dictatorship today as I intended.
On my way through the revolutionary lines I had a long conference with Generals Carias and Tosta, the only two of the revolutionary leaders now near the Capital. I explained to them fully the purpose of the mission. I discussed with them in detail the bases of an agreement providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for the government of the country until new elections can be held and a constitutional government be installed. I was favorably impressed with their attitude. I determined to refrain from proposing an armistice until some definite agreement in principle has been reached between the contending factions, after which an armistice can be proclaimed to continue until such time as the agreement takes definite shape. Upon two previous occasions when an armistice was declared the revolutionary forces were attacked and it appears to be unwise to suggest utilization of one except with the certainty that an agreement will be reached.
I proceeded here overland from Puerto Cortes. The civil war has left the country utterly destitute. The north coast and the interior and all communications are in the control of the revolution. The situation wherever I passed appeared quiet, order being maintained by patrols, duty being undertaken by volunteers.
I beg to request as soon as possible a reply to my cable April 11, 10 a.m., since my negotiations here will be in large part determined by the Department’s decision.