Hall to Note. —Under the same date, 25th instant, the last two telegrams from Señor Zelaya, March 26, 1885

Mr. Hall to Mr. Bayard.

Sir: With reference to my dispatch No. 322 of the 14th instant, I have the honor to inclose copies * * * and translations of the telegrams, which have passed between the President of Nicaragua, the minister for foreign affairs of Honduras and others, and myself, since the 19th instant. These show what has been done and the efforts that have been made in attempting to carry out the views expressed in your telegram of the 11th instant, to wit, “that the United States stand ready to exert their influence to avert a conflict and promote peace.”

These steps, which have been taken without my special instruction, other than the foregoing, I trust will meet your approval. Aside from the ground of humanity, our citizens have large interests in these countries, in Guatemala especially; these interests are threatened with serious injury, if not with ruin, in the event of war, which now seems imminent. I confess, however, that while the efforts which have been made may tend to postpone the conflict, I have little hope that it will be averted and peace promoted.

In my dispatch above mentioned I referred to an interview with President Barrios, at which he gave assurances that he would not invade Salvador, and that Honduras would observe the same conduct in regard to Nicaragua.

On the 19th instant I informed President Cardenas that I was making efforts, through my Government, in favor of peace; that President Barrios had promised that neither Gautemala nor Honduras would invade Salvador or Nicaragua, if the two latter should observe the same conduct towards the other states. He replied, on the 23d, that Nicaragua had abstained from invading Honduras and that Salvador would remain solely on the defensive He adds, however, that he knows positively that Bogran is advancing to invade Salvador. I transcribed these telegrams to the minister of foreign affairs of Honduras, who in reply, dated yesterday, gives assurances that there is no such intention on the part of General Bogran. He declares also that Salvador and Nicaragua were the first to send their forces to the frontiers; notwithstanding, Honduras will take no imprudent step. In a second dispatch he transcribes a telegram from General Bogran confirming these assurances.

Copies of other communications between Presidents Bogran and Barrios, and from the latter to his minister, Señor Cruz, are appended to the inclosure. From these it is to be inferred that should hostilities take place the responsibility will fall on Salvador; that Zaldivar has sent an Indian outlaw named Baraona with a force of 400 Salvadorians into Honduras with the view of promoting a revolution among those of his class, and that he (Zaldivar) had also sent a band of 200 criminals into Guatemala to maraud and plunder.

The two telegrams of yesterday from Minister Zelaya, of Honduras, were transmitted at once to President Cardenas, and their receipt has been acknowledged to day.

As I have informed you in my dispatch No. 322, and in my telegram of the 18th instant, Barrios, since he has realized that he will not be supported by Zaldivar, has manifested a willingness, and even a desire, to withdraw from his present position.

* * * * * * *

In the mean time the Mexican minister and suite have gone to Salvador, and the legation is closed, but the family of the minister remain here. The British and German ministers have informed me that they have applied to their respective Governments for naval vessels, to be stationed on the Pacific coast of these states.

I have, &c.,