Francisco Alvarado to Henry Baxter, February 7, 1871

Señor Don Francisco Alvarado to Mr. Baxter

Sir: I have the honor to inclose to your excellency the decree which has been this day issued, declaring the treaties between Honduras and Salvador suspended, on account of the absolute refusal of that government to fulfill the duties imposed upon it by said treaties.

This step has been taken with regret, but it was necessary, as it tends to maintain the rights of this country, which would suffer detriment if the reciprocal obligations contracted by the two governments were only fulfilled by Honduras. I do not doubt that your excellency will, with the good judgment which characterizes you, regard the considerations upon which the decree is based as being eminently just.

I am, with the highest consideration, your, &c.,

José Maria Medina, captain-general and president of the republic of Honduras.

Considering that the government of Salvador has refused the extradition requested on several occasions, and recently demanded, of the parties guilty of two atrocious murders, whom it should have surrendered according to the stipulations of article VI of the convention of Santa Rosa, concluded March 25, 1862:

Considering that it has also positively refused the concentration of the political refugees from Honduras, who for six years have been fanning the flame of discord in this country, and that during this time remonstrances have been made according to article VIII of the same convention:

Considering that this absolute refusal of the government of Salvador to fulfill its international duties has rendered the commission of no avail which was sent by Honduras to negotiate a harmonious and conciliatory settlement, the result of which should be peace between two friendly governments, and the strengthening of the kindly relations of two sister nations united by common interests:

Considering that to this act of flagrant bad faith it adds another still more grave, viz, that of placing considerable forces on the frontiers of Honduras, without explaining its reasons for such a step, according to article IX of the convention of Sensenti, concluded November 27, 1845:

Considering that this open violation of the treaties which bind the two republics, and the menacing attitude which has been assumed by the government of Salvador, discharges that of Honduras from the obligations contracted by said conventions:

In observance of the rules established by the law of nations, and desiring to protect the rights of Honduras, decrees:

Article I. All treaties between Honduras and Salvador are suspended until that government shall, on its part, duly observe them.

Article II. Let this be communicated to the governments of Central America, and to the diplomatic corps, for their information.

Article III. Let it be reported to the sovereign congress of the republic at its next ordinary session; let it be printed, published, and circulated.