817.1051/622

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua (Beaulac)

No. 346

Sir: Reference is made to your despatch No. 739 of April 4, 1932, enclosing a copy of your note of March 21, 1932, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs54 informing him of the completion of Lieutenant Colonel Matthews’ tour of duty and of the designation of Lieutenant Colonel Denig to suceed him, and a copy in translation of the note of the Foreign Office of April 1, 1932, in reply.55

It is noted that the Nicaraguan Government has no objection to accepting Lieutenant Colonel Denig, to whom it refers in high terms, as Jefe Director of the Guardia, but that in view of Colonel Matthews’ long experience and special abilities it would be pleased if he could be retained as the Commander of the Guardia.

Please advise the Nicaraguan Foreign Office that this question was taken up with the Navy Department, which in an effort to be agreeable to the Nicaraguan Government, has given every consideration to the matter. However, the Navy Department regrets very much that in view of the fact that Colonel Matthews will complete his tour of duty in Nicaragua about June, 1932, and that definite plans have been made to utilize his services for other duties in this country, it will not be possible to alter the plan under which he will be relieved at that time as Commander of the Guardia by Colonel Denig.

This Government is gratified at the expressions of appreciation used by the Nicaraguan Minister for Foreign Affairs in speaking of the services of Colonel Matthews, and is confident that Colonel Denig, a very capable officer who has had experience in Nicaragua, will perform his duties as Commander of the Guardia to the satisfaction of the Nicaraguan Government.

Very truly yours,

For the Acting Secretary of State:
Francis White
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