817.00/6313: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Hanna) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:35 p.m.]
138. President Moncada concurs in the views set forth in the Department’s 71, May 13, 6 p.m., and is ready to discuss the necessary changes in the electoral law. He said the president of the National Board of Elections should reside permanently in Managua and would like him designated in ample time to assist in the municipal elections in November of this year.
The President said he is convinced that American supervision of elections in Nicaragua will be essential for many years. He desires therefore to establish the supervision on an enduring basis and is considering the advisability of making changes in the Constitution to insure greater certainty in this respect, although he believes the situation at present can be adequately met with changes in the electoral law. He said the Constitution does not preclude the appointment of foreigners as presidents of electoral boards but that it might be desirable to [Page 650] make specific provision in the Constitution for such appointments. He assured me that the Supreme Court will appoint the president of the National Board as soon as his name is submitted.