HENRY BAXTER, United States Minister Resident to Honduras to secretary of foreign relations, Salvador, February 13, 1871

Mr. Henry Baxter to secretary of foreign relations, Salvador

Sir: Owing to the very unsettled state of affairs between the republics of Honduras and Salvador, and the possible contingency of a war between the two republics, and in such event invasion of Honduras by the forces of Salvador, your excellency will permit me to make reference to a treaty existing between the Government of the United States and the government of Honduras of July 4, 1864, more especially to guarantees by the Government of the United States to the government of Honduras, with reference to the route, building, and permanency of the Interoceanic Railway, particularly referred to in article 14 of said treaty, a part of section 2 of said article reading as follows: “In consideration of these concessions, in order to secure the construction and permanence of the route or road herein contemplated, and also to secure for the benefit of mankind the uninterrupted advantages of such communication from sea to sea, the United States recognizes the rights of sovereignty and property of Honduras in and over the line of said road, and for the same reason guarantees positively and efficaciously the entire neutrality of the same so long as the United States shall enjoy the privileges conceded to it in the preceding section of this article, &c., &c.”

I have perfect confidence that nothing, under any circumstances, will occur that shall in any manner interfere with or interrupt the friendly relations and kindly understanding now existing between the governments of the United States and Salvador.

Allow me to express a most earnest hope that the present differences existing between the republics of Honduras and Salvador may be amicably arranged, and that the horrors of a war may be avoided.

With the assured best wishes for his excellency, the President, and the continued peace and prosperity of your favored republic, I have the honor to be, with many regards,

Yours, &c.,