Vicente Dardon to Hall, June 2, 1885

Señor Dardon to Mr. Hall.

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to inform you that this Government has learned with surprise that Nicaraguan forces have occupied the eastern departments of the Republic of Salvador; and as up to the present no explanation has been received as to the motives which have given rise to this important step, considering that public good order is thereby compromised and that the peace and tranquillity of Guatemala may be disturbed, my Government deems it obligatory on its part to take necessary precautionary measures for the safety of the Republic, and with that object has ordered forces for observation to be situated on the Guatemalan frontier boundary line of Salvador. At the same time my Government cannot do otherwise than protest against an act so opposed to the peaceful attitude which the Central American Republics have maintained towards each other since the recent events.

As the honorable diplomatic corps accredited to Central America has taken so much interest in the re-establishment of peace, and for their friendly and efficient mediation has merited the gratitude of these Republics, I deem it my duty to communicate the foregoing to you, and in doing so it is highly satisfactory to me to renew to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration and respectful esteem.