817.1051/636
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Hanna)
Sir: Reference is made to your despatch No. 763 of April 26, 1932, in which you report that General Matthews and yourself are in agreement that it would be unwise under the present circumstances to bring up at this time with the Nicaraguan Government the question of a basic law to govern the Guardia Nacional after the withdrawal of the American officers serving in that force.
The Department concurs in this view. At the same time the Department suggests that in order to expedite the enactment of the law once the Nicaraguan Government deems it advisable, General Matthews and his advisers in Nicaragua and Washington might give consideration to the preparation at this time of a draft law which could be held ready for presentation at the appropriate time.
Unless you perceive some objection, the Department would like to have you discuss this suggestion with General Matthews.
Very truly yours,