817.00/3158: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—10 a.m.]
197. I was called to the White House yesterday morning by President Martinez who during our conversation unexpectedly inquired whether I would be willing to designate a number of marines from the Legation guard to observe the elections and examine the election returns submitted to the departmental boards of election before these boards make the count of the votes. I replied that I was certain that my Government would be disposed now as it had previously shown itself to be, to lend all assistance requested in connection with the elections but that I would of course have to obtain the Department’s authorization before permitting members of the Legation guard to take active part in the electoral process. I also requested a memorandum in confirmation of the request.
Shortly after returning to the Legation the Department’s 111, September 25, 5 p.m., arrived and last night the President’s memorandum was received stating that in a Cabinet meeting it had been resolved that I should convoke a meeting of the directive boards of the three political parties in order that they should agree in common to “consent” to the utility of 13 marines without official character to witness the election and take note of all electoral documents before the departmental boards of election make the count of the votes and to render report thereon to me. Council of Ministers distorted the matter and not only made it appear that I had reopened the question of supervision but placed me in the position of requesting approval thereof by the political parties. I accordingly called on the President this morning and informed him that I could not call a meeting of the party organizations nor could I engage the marines to take active part in the elections without specific instructions. I added, having learned from the commander of the Legation guard that men were available for such use, that I did [Page 498] intend at any event to distribute a number of marines at certain selected places who would merely observe the election and report thereon to me. The President then stated that after having sent his note to me he realized that I might find it inconvenient to take the action suggested and that he now felt that a better plan would be for the parties to request the Legation to utilize the marines in the manner described. I replied that insofar as the Legation was concerned a simple request from the Government would suffice but that if he wished to take the matter up beforehand with the parties he should do so. I understand that the President is today discussing the matter with the parties.
I believe it would be unwise to allow the marines, who can not now be adequately instructed in the provisions of the electoral law, to attempt to examine the electoral documents in the manner proposed or to attempt any other participation in the election and I accordingly respectfully recommend that if a petition for such participation should be received by me I be authorized to refuse.