817.00/8073
The Minister in Nicaragua (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 25.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, translations of an anonymous letter received by the Legation on June 11, 1934,64 in an envelope bearing the return address, “Students, Léon, Nicaragua”.
It will be noted that the letter is critical of the political activities of General Anastasio Somoza and the Guardia Nacional, and the alleged connection of this Legation therewith. While it is in itself unimportant, [Page 555] it is typical of a number of other less literate communications along the same lines received by the Legation from time to time, and expresses a point of view widely held in Nicaragua and probably throughout northern Latin America. On mentioning this matter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on June 14, Dr. Argüello confirmed my belief that the impression is current regarding our supporting the Guardia Nacional and the political activities of General Somoza. As an indication of this sentiment he showed me a letter which he had received from a friend of his in Léon reporting the circulation of a rumor there to the effect that I am supporting the candidacy of General Somoza for President in the elections of 1936.
The Department will recall that in my telegram No. 78 of February 27—6 P.M., I reported the feeling then current that we favored the Guardia as contrasted with the Government, based on the following reasons:
- a)
- Our having created the Guardia;
- b)
- My association with General Somoza (at the request of the President);
- c)
- Silence regarding our policy as to non-recognition of governments coming into power as a result of a military coup d’état (our recognition of the Government of General Martínez on January 2665 having been generally regarded here as a reversal of the policy embodied in the General Treaty of Peace and Amity of 1923);
- d)
- The feeling that the elimination of Sandino, against whom our armed forces had fought, had the approval of the United States;
- e)
- The fact that General Moncada had lunched with me on February 21, thus giving the impression that he and I were conspiring to have Sandino assassinated.
I regret to report that the feeling as reported in February still obtains, not only here but apparently in other Latin American countries as well. Mr. Dawson66 who had the opportunity to speak to persons who should be well informed in Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica, reports that the feeling seemed to be current in those countries not only that I conspired to bring about the assassination of Sandino but also that we are now supporting the Guardia Nacional, as contrasted with the Government. Should the Department contemplate modifying the status quo in connection with the maintenance of the embargo on the exportation of arms and munitions from the United States to Nicaragua (as suggested in my despatch No. 224 of May 22, 193467), it occurs to me that it might be pointed out in a press conference at the Department that such action as the Department may determine to take with respect to the exportation of arms to Nicaragua is [Page 556] in consonance with the Government’s general policy to deal directly and solely with the duly constituted governments with which we respectively maintain diplomatic relations and not through other than the normal channels.
Respectfully yours,