817.00/3131: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11—9 a.m.]
160. My 159, August 7, 3 p.m. President Martinez called me to the White House last night and handed me the following memorandum:
“Memorandum of the President of the Republic for the American Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. The honorable American Chargé d’Affaires ad interim orally inquired of the President of the Republic on the 7th instant what would be the attitude of the Nicaraguan Government if, in view of the refusal by the Government of Nicaragua to accept the proposal to send Doctor Dodds with 14 assistants to supervise the next elections, the Government of the United States should decide to send at its cost a sufficient number of American marines or civilians for the purpose of observing said elections.
The President offered to submit this delicate question for the resolution of the Cabinet. This having met this morning resolved in agreement with the President in the following form: That if said persons come, whether they be civilians or regular forces, the Government will maintain its refusal and will assume the attitude, if the case arrives, which best serves the interests of Nicaragua. If they come in private character they will be guaranteed all the rights which the constitution and laws of the country authorize to foreigners. Presidential House, Managua, August 8th.”
The foregoing version of my inquiry is sufficiently accurate for acceptance with the exception of the reference to marines. I did not specify the character of the probable supervisors. I should prefer nevertheless if supervision is decided upon that marines be employed.
The heavy pressure of my work at this moment prevents me from presenting here certain recommendations which I beg to be permitted to make to the Department in connection with this problem. I shall endeavor to submit my suggestions by cable on Monday.