Vicente Dardon to Hall, June 12, 1885

Señor Dardon to Mr. Hall.

Mr. Minister: The President of this Republic having learned that you propose to visit Salvador, has given me instructions to address you, and to request that you will be pleased to inform the Government of the United States in regard to the present un satisfactory state of affairs in Central America, due principally to the revolution in Salvador headed by General Menendez, and to the armed intervention of Nicaragua in favor of the government which has succeeded that of Dr. Zaldivar.

The Government of Guatemala considers the arbitrary intervention of Nicaragua not only unnecessary, but that it constitutes a menace to this Republic, which has since peace was established endeavored to maintain strict neutrality in everything relating to the affairs of these states.

The action of the Government of Nicaragua has compelled that of Guatemala, as an indispensable measure of precaution, to place troops on the frontier of Salvador, occasioning to its Treasury great expenses at a time when the Government was making arrangements to disband the greater part of the army. This action, taken by Nicaragua without consultation or knowledge of the Government of Guatemala, keeps up a state of intranquillity in this Republic and in all Central America which, under existing circumstances, may have disastrous results.

My Government, and the President especially, justly appreciating the decided sentiments which animate you in favor of the peace, order, and prosperity of the Republics of Central America, requests you, should you deem it proper and conducive to the desired end, to communicate with your Government in regard to the present situation of affairs in Central America, and to ask for the friendly mediation of the United States to obtain the withdrawal of Nicaraguan troops from Salvadorian territory, thus avoiding the necessity which compels Guatemala to keep up the attitude required for the safety of her rights and interests, and to obtain a cessation of the civil war now raging in Salvador.

I doubt not that you are perfectly well aware of the loyal intentions of my Government, and that although its intention is to do nothing more than may be necessary for the defense and safety of our territory, it will omit nothing which may practically and efficiently secure that end, and I doubt not you will be pleased to interpose your personal influence and good offices in the same sense, to the end that confidence, peace, and tranquillity, which they so much need, and now more than ever so absolutely indispensable, may be secured to them.

Be pleased, sir, to accept, &c.,