File No. 417.00/248
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua ( Jefferson)
In view of explanation contained in your telegram March 26, 2 p.m. Department disposed to consent to immediate payment of awards, reserving for later consideration cases of claims rejected by commission and awards rejected by claimants, as well as any other matters which may arise out of the fact that the Mixed Claims Commission and Public Credit Commission are regarded as purely local tribunals of Nicaragua.
Department cannot understand the statement contained in your cablegram January 21, 11 a.m., “Claimants who have not presented data as to their judgments have been protected and reserve set aside,” in view of statement in your March 26, 2 p.m., “Total amount of awards of the commission is as follows: Cash $1,426,696.79,” and statement that total available cash is the same figure. The consent of the Department to immediate payment of awards is of course contingent upon accuracy of statement referred to above in regard to setting aside of a reserve fund to protect claimants who have not presented data. If this reserve fund has been set aside, Lindberg is authorized to proceed with the payments. So inform Government of Nicaragua.
Claim on account of death of Groce was settled diplomatically by this Government with the Nicaraguan Government and payment should be made to the Legation. According to Department’s records Legation advanced $5,625.10 to Mrs. Groce to January 31, 1918. Deduct amount mentioned plus amount advanced since January 31 from proceeds of claim. Remit amount deducted to Department and balance to Mrs. Groce, taking her receipt as required by commission, and discontinue advances to Mrs. Groce.