File No. 817.48.
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the American National Red Cross.
Washington, August 6, 1912.
Sir: The Department has received, under date of August 5th, telegraphic advices from the American Legation at Managua to the effect that previous to the present revolutionary outbreak in Nicaragua there had been widespread hunger and distress throughout the country which almost approached famine. This unfortunate condition was clue to a partial failure of crops last year and to the financial drain upon the Republic due to the ill effects of the régime of President Zelaya. The Minister also states that this suffering is now greatly increased on account of an existing revolution, the effects of which will undoubtedly continue for some time.
The Department, therefore, would be glad to learn whether the American Reel Cross is prepared to send, on short notice, supplies of [Page 1128] rice, beans, corn, flour and potatoes to be distributed to noncombatants in Nicaragua under the supervision of our representatives in that country.
I am [etc.]