817.00/6414: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Hanna) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1—5:30 p.m.]
241. Supplementing my telegram number 238, September 29, 5 p.m. President Moncada in a long statement published in today’s papers gives his reasons for the recent arrests. He states that he has evidence that Conservatives have agreed on Sandino and Pedron in the north, importing arms for them through Honduras as well as supplying them from within the Republic. He says that letters from Sandino to newspapermen in Managua have been found and that one such letter was given to the Minister for Foreign Affairs by a nephew of ex-President Diaz. Toribio Tijerino is charged with conspiring in Honduras to foment banditry throughout Nicaragua. The President refers to specific meetings of persons, whom he names, where plans were made to assassinate and rob. He states there is evidence that General Chamorro is implicated in the movement but is not being molested because he is a Senator and being an habitual revolutionist he covers his tracks. As further evidence of the preparations for disorder he mentions the arms and ammunition which the Government of Panama reported to have been found in the hands of Nicaraguans in Chiriqui Province. He closes the statement with a reference to his duty and says that if energetic action is necessary to save the country he will act with energy.