817.00/4352: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:35 p.m.]
5. Department’s telegram 2, January 3rd, 1 p.m. President Diaz told me today that in view of expedition with arms from Mexico expected soon to attempt landing on Pacific coast and general situation, he cannot guarantee protection of American and other foreign lives. British and Italian Chargés d’Affaires have made representations to me that they consider their subjects in imminent peril in the present situation without outside protection. I concur in these views which represent consensus of opinion here among Americans, other foreigners and most Nicaraguans. If the establishment of a Legation [Page 287] guard should be postponed until crisis develops it would probably then be too late to accomplish its purpose. I believe the establishment of a Legation guard would contribute most effectively towards improvement of conditions and ultimate solution.