817.01/1–1248: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to American Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics
I. NICARAGUA1
For your info and use in any discussion with FonMin there follows summary of opinion on Nicaraguan recognition as result Dept cirtels Dec 31 and Jan 7.2
Only two nations have officially recognized Román,3 namely, Costa Rica and Dominican Rep.
Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Haiti, Honduras, Paraguay, are not changing their position now but hope for solution perhaps thru PAU before Bogotá Conference.
Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, Venezuela, Salvador have expressed opposition to recognition.
Mexico and Panama though much opposed would consider recognition only if majority already recognized.
Ecuador’s position probably opposition. No reply received from Uruguay.
- For documentation on United States policies of non-intervention and non-recognition with respect to Nicaraguan political developments in 1947, see Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. viii, pp. 841 ff.↩
- For circular telegram of December 31, 1947, 4 a. m., see Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. viii, p. 880. The Department instructed the Chiefs of Mission in the other American Republics (excepting Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic) to consult with the Foreign Ministers of the countries to which they were accredited and to ascertain their views in regard to the Nicaraguan situation. The Department indicated that its views in regard to the Nicaraguan matter would be largely influenced by the views of the other American Republics. Telegram of January 7, 1948, not printed.↩
- Victor Manuel Román y Reyes, de facto President of Nicaragua. On expiration of General Anastasio Somoza’s presidential term, he transferred the presidency to Leonardo Arguello on May 1, 1947; the Somoza coup d’état of May 26–27 transferred the administration to Benjamin Lacayo Sacasa; and, finally, the August election of a Constituent Assembly, resulted in the formation of a new Government with Victor Román as the President, August 15, 1947.↩