817.00 Woodward Electoral Mission/161: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Hanna) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:34 p.m.]
175. Conditions along the Managua–Matagalpa road make an armed escort necessary for supplies sent from here to Matagalpa for the personnel of the Electoral Mission there and protective detachment of marines—a total of approximately 50 marines. General Matthews states that this escort cannot be furnished by the Guardia at this time and consequently must be furnished by marines. From information given me by General Berkeley it seems that the Navy Department is withholding its approval of the employment of marines [Page 823] for this purpose on the ground that the State Department may object. The Navy Department doubtless will consult you in this connection. I concur in General Berkeley’s and General Matthews’ views that the marines escort is necessary. The matter is urgent.