File No. 817.51/677.

The Secretary of State to Minister Jefferson.

[Telegram.]

Your September 10. Please report reductions proposed in salaries to Americans.

While it is unjust as well as unreasonable to ask for excessive salaries for American officials, still it must be remembered that no one is likely to go to Nicaragua from this country unless he could make more there than here. Interruption of business, absence from home and discomforts in foreign country must all be taken into consideration. This Department glad to assist in making reasonable reductions, but could not advise such reductions as would make it impossible to secure the competent and efficient men needed.

W. J. Bryan
.