File No. 817.812/61.
The Minister of Nicaragua to the Secretary of State.
1. On February 2 I transcribed by cable to President Diaz the terms of the latest draft of the Canal Treaty now in negotiation between the United States and Nicaragua.* * *
2. On February 4 I received a cable from my Government advising me that President Diaz was gratified that the Secretary of State had agreed to the draft of the Canal Treaty; and on the same day he sent a cable to President Wilson in the following terms:
The effect of the Platt Amendment on Cuba has been so satisfactory that, since your Government is considering a canal convention with Nicaragua, I respectfully request that said convention be made to embody the substance of the Platt Amendment, so that my countrymen may see Nicaragua’s credit improved, her natural resources developed, and peace assured throughout the land. I believe that revolutions will cease if your Government can see its way clear to grant the addition of the Amendment as requested.
3. I have also received a cable from President Diaz instructing me to act with the greatest possible urgency, in order that the Treaty, in the said terms, be immediately submitted to the American Senate for its approval.
In previous conversations with the Secretary of State I have had occasion to inform him as to the terrible economic situation now prevailing in Nicaragua, to the point of a practical bankruptcy of the [Page 954] trade of the country; and further, that besides claims of natives and foreigners to whom the Government owes large sums for moneys loaned and merchandise supplied during the war of 1912, there are pending other claims by German, British and Italian subjects who have had recourse to diplomatic channels in demanding payment of their bills.
The Government of Nicaragua thinks that the best mode of settling its economic problem is to be found in the conclusion of the Treaty with the United States as proposed, which, while improving Nicaragua’s credit, guarantees peace, so desired by Nicaraguans, exhausted by continual revolutions.
The present Government of Nicaragua has adopted, frankly and decisively, a policy of rapprochement towards the United States, seeking through that friendship the assurance of peace in Nicaragua, the development of its natural resources, and a means of improving its finances; and in the pursuance of this policy it has moved steadily forward without regard to the protests and opposition of certain Latin countries. I believe, therefore, that in accordance with this spirit of amity the time has arrived for the Government of the United States to lend some aid to Nicaragua.
To effect this, we confide in the interest shown by President Wilson in the future and happiness of Central American countries, and in the altruism and nobility of heart of the Secretary of State, Mr. Bryan.
Washington , February 12, 1914.