817.00/6443

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua ( Hanna )

No. 591

Sir: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your despatch No. 1203, dated October 26, 1929, reporting the imprisonment of Señor Cristino Paguaga Núñez, director of the newspaper La Prensa, because of an editorial published by him in which the policies of the United States Government in Nicaragua were attacked.

The Department has read the translation of the editorial in question that was transmitted with your despatch, and while the article undoubtedly misjudges and misrepresents the policies of this Government and its representatives the Department is of the opinion that it is not of such a nature as to justify the imprisonment of Señor Paguaga Núñez.

The Department considers that the adoption by President Moncada of any general policy of imprisoning those whose political activities seem aimed against his administration, and as in the present instance against the policies of the Government of the United States, would be most unwise and might very easily lead to greater evils than those which by this means he might seek to overcome. The Department would be especially concerned at the adoption of such a practice because it would involve the Guardia Nacional and consequently the American Marine officers who are detailed to duty with that organization. It is felt that in carrying out the wishes of President Moncada in connection with the detention or deportation of persons whose offenses appear to be merely political, the resentment certain to be incurred would be deflected also toward the Guardia and its American officers, and would thus impair the usefulness of this arm of Government.

You are directed to convey the substance of the foregoing orally and most informally to President Moncada, adding that, as he will of course realize, the ultimate success of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua rests upon its non-partisan character, and that when the American Marines shall have been withdrawn the responsibilities of the Guardia will obviously be enormously increased, and unless it shall then enjoy the confidence of the Nicaraguan people it will be unable adequately to meet those responsibilities.

I am [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Francis White