817.00/2616
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Latin American Affairs, Department of State (Stabler)
The Nicaraguan Minister called on Mr. Stabler to-day and discussed the matter of the coming election in Nicaragua. He asked what was the attitude of the Government of the United States towards the possible candidacy for re-election of President Chamorro. Mr. Stabler replied that the position of the United States was the same as had been explained to him in January, i.e., that although recognizing the benefits which General Chamorro had given to Nicaragua, the United States was strongly convinced that the constitution of Nicaragua must be complied with,1 and that if after a study of the constitution, the Government of the United States was convinced that it was against the constitution for General Chamorro to come up for re-election, this Government would be guided accordingly in its views.
The Minister then said it was possible that General Chamorro would resign six months before the termination of his period, which he said was in accordance with the constitution, and then announce his candidacy. Mr. Stabler said this phase of the matter would have to be studied by the legal branch of the Department. The Minister then went into a prolonged explanation of the political situation, saying that he believed that the people were realizing the benefits of the present regime and that the opposition was primarily in support of the old Zelaya administration.
- For text of Constitution, see Foreign Relations, 1912, p. 997.↩