715.1715/130: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Jefferson)
17. With further reference to Department’s February 25, 5 P.M. You are informed that Navy Department is unable to authorize a [Page 862] detachment of the Legation’s guard in Managua to proceed to the scene of revolutionary activities. This fact is for your confidential information and is not for the present to be communicated to the Nicaraguan Government. Department desires further information in regard to the territory from which it is alleged revolutionary activities are being conducted. You are instructed to report as to the facilities for visiting the territory above referred to and as to the extent of the territory involved. The Department might desire you to select some reliable person who might be sent to make an investigation. You are instructed to report whether you can obtain the service of a suitable person.
Department desires to have your opinion first whether there is any reason to believe that arms and ammunition have been or are being supplied to Honduran revolutionists by the Government of Nicaragua and second if this is not the case whether there is any evidence that the Nicaraguan Government has closed its eyes to the activities of Honduran revolutionists on Nicaraguan soil. From your knowledge of the local situation Department desires to be informed what step short of despatching a detachment of Legation guard can you recommend in order to ascertain the facts of the situation.