817.0131/12: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Hanna)
61. Your 76, June 29, 4 p.m. and 77, June 30, 7 p.m. As stated in the Department’s telegram No. 58, dated June 27, 2 p.m., the [Page 644] final decision with respect to the method to be followed in amending the electoral law rests with the Nicaraguan Government, and the Department does not wish to make further comment with respect to the advisability or inadvisability of effecting amendment by presidential decree or by congressional action.
You may say to President Moncada, however, that the cooperation of this Government in the conduct of the impending elections involves a serious responsibility and that consequently the Department deems it to be essential that all measures affecting the elections, including of course the amendment of the electoral law, shall be free from serious challenge.
After having communicated the foregoing to President Moncada you may deliver the proposed amendments to the electoral law to him for such action as he deems appropriate. If you prefer, however, you may await Captain Johnson’s arrival for a final discussion with him before delivering the amendments to the President. Please report by telegraph the action taken.
Please indicate also whether Article 85, Section one of the Nicaraguan Constitution may be considered as requiring amendment by Congressional action rather than by Presidential decree.