The Conflict Between El Salvador and Honduras (1969–1971 and 1976–1980)

Abstract

In July 1969 fighting broke out between the neighbouring Central American states of El Salvador and Honduras. It was sparked off by ill-feeling which arose out of the preliminary rounds of the 1970 World Cup football competition, and thus became known as the ‘football war’. But underlying it were long-standing tensions deriving from Salvadorean emigration to and settlement in the much more sparsely populated Honduras. The fighting escalated rapidly and attracted the urgent attention of the Organization of American States (OAS). It appointed a seven-state committee (including the United States) to enquire into the problem, issued calls for a cease-fire and withdrawal, and asked its committee to appoint military observers to see that these calls were complied with. A cessation of hostiities was soon achieved, but it took a tacit threat of sanctions to persuade El Salvador to withdraw. By the end of the month that had been achieved and hostilities had died down.