File No. 817.00/2347.
Minister Jefferson to
the Secretary of State.
No. 109.]
American Legation,
Managua,
August 19, 1914.
Sir: Referring to the Department’s instruction
No. 35 of July 14, 1914, and enclosure, relative to an unsuccessful
attack on the barracks at Bluefields on or about July 6, 1914, and the
alleged participation of one Clifford D. Sands in connection therewith,
I have the honor to transmit copies of telegrams that passed between
this Legation and the American Consul at Bluefields as well as a copy of
the “Declaration of Independence”2 signed by Clifford D. Sands and said to have been
circulated by Sands on the Atlantic coast.
I have seen the President in person several times with regard to this
matter and at my first visit ascertained that there was no cause for
alarm and that all was quiet on the coast under his absolute control.
The necessity of awaiting a full and substantial report of the incident
from the Consul at Bluefields accounts for my delay in being able to
advise the Department intelligently concerning the entire affair.
During my conversation with President Diaz relative to the arrest made,
he informed me that he had decided it was advisable to have Sands and
others connected with the plot brought to Managua for trial, thus
obviating any complications or difficulties that might possibly arise
from holding the trial on the Atlantic coast.
Upon the receipt of the Department’s instruction I telegraphed the Consul
for a detailed account of the incident, together with a full report upon
the landing of the marines from the Tacoma, and
on receipt of his reply shall inform the Department fully concerning the
matter and the ultimate disposal of Sands.
I have [etc.]
[Page 942]
[Inclosure 1—Telegram.]
Consul Clare to
Minister Jefferson.
American Consulate,
Bluefields,
July 6, 1914.
At one o’clock this morning an attempt was made to capture the police
barracks in which it is said that two Americans took part. One of
the two was wounded and was brought to this Consulate by two men.
Nothing has been heard of the other. The Governor asked me to
surrender to him the wounded man but at my request consent was given
to keep the wounded man here until he was fit to be turned over to
the authorities. I have since been called upon to surrender the man
but have been given time to communicate with you. Please ask
President Diaz to allow me to keep this man at the Consulate until
he is fit to be surrendered to the authorities as I shall personally
see that he is delivered at the proper time.
[Inclosures 2 and 3—Telegrams.]
Minister Jefferson to Consul Clare.
American Legation,
Managua,
July 7, 1914—11 a.m.
Your telegram of yesterday. If you can guarantee the safekeeping of
the American during his recovery in asylum at the Consulate and his
subsequent delivery to Nicaraguan authorities at a proper time, the
Legation will request this consent of the Nicaraguan Government
rather than have him, while wounded, placed in a Nicaraguan prison
and given indifferent medical care. If this guaranty cannot be
safely given, you will see that this American be lodged in a
sanitary place and given adequate medical treatment. Answer
immediately and keep the Legation advised.
[Untitled]
American Legation,
Managua,
July 7, 1914—1 p.m.
The President has authorized Sand’s detention at the Consulate
pending his recovery. If he remains under your protection you should
use every precaution to the end that he be delivered later to the
Nicaraguan authorities. Report incident fully by mail.
[Inclosures 4 and 5—Telegrams.]
Consul Clare to
Minister Jefferson.
American Consulate,
Bluefields,
August 16, 1914.
At the request of the American and foreign interests and with hearty
approval of the Government officials, a party was landed from the
Tacoma on the thirteenth. Action caused
by disturbing rumors, Liberal activity. Arms, ammunition are
reported landed two places off the coast and now supposed to be in
Bluefields.
[Untitled]
American Consulate,
Bluefields,
August 17, 1914.
A report relative to the prisoner was to be sent by passenger to
Managua who is not now going. The prisoner has been in the paying
ward of the hospital since the eighth ultimo and is slowly
recovering but yet very weak. He is receiving good treatment.
