817.00/2644a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Jefferson)

20. You are directed to avail yourself of an early opportunity orally to lay before President Chamorro the following considerations. This Government has no doubt that the approaching presidential elections in Nicaragua will be so conducted as to represent the free and accurate expression of the will of the people. To secure this great purpose it is essential that the election laws of Nicaragua be made to conform to modern standards. Recently Major General Crowder at the invitation of the President of Cuba prepared a revision of the election laws of that country.4 It is altogether likely that General Crowder might be induced to perform the same service for Nicaragua. You will, therefore, tactfully suggest to the President of [Page 295] Nicaragua the desirability of extending an invitation to General Crowder to proceed to Nicaragua for the purpose of undertaking an expert study of the present election laws and of proposing such revision or amendments as he may deem necessary. Such a revision will give assurance to all parties that their voting strength will be actually registered in the elections, thus contributing to the development of democratic institutions in Nicaragua.

Colby