817.00/2688: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua ( Jefferson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:15 p.m.]
41. Yesterday elections were held for the members of election boards but little interest was taken here and a very light vote cast. I presume in the other parts of the Republic like conditions prevailed.
American Consul at Bluefields informed me on the 18th that he was apprehensive of trouble brewing there.
Executive committee of the Coalition Party issued a circular instructing its people to abstain from voting yesterday because of lack of full registration of its voters and some fear of further intimidation by police authorities. It appears that Coalitionists are dissatisfied because the Nicaraguan authorities are being permitted to exercise full control of the elections.
September 18th I published a statement to the effect that the Department had not modified its attitude in its telegram of June 26, 3 p.m. I am inclined to think that this will be the means of helping the situation and that Coalitionists will vote in general elections October 3d and 4th.