817.00/2745: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Jefferson)

55. Your December 13, 3 p.m.

The Department is gratified to learn of the President’s decision to comply with the Department’s recommendation that an expert in [Page 310] electoral legislation suggested by this Government be employed by the Government of Nicaragua in the drafting of a new election law. Please cable at once whether the Government of Nicaragua accepts the recommendation of this Government with the understanding that the project for a new election law, in the drafting of which the services of the expert recommended by the Department will be utilized, will be presented upon its completion, without delay, to the Nicaraguan Congress, and that every facility will be afforded the American expert in his duties by the Government of Nicaragua.

In order that there may be no possible misunderstanding in this regard, the Department desires that the understanding be confirmed by an exchange of notes. The Department believes it advisable to issue no statement regarding the position of this Government concerning the recent Presidential elections until the election law expert has been retained by the Nicaraguan Government and until it is ascertained whether any arrangement can be effected by Diego Manuel Chamorro with the leaders of the Liberal party.

Davis