817.00/3216: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua (Thurston)
151. Your telegram 250, November 28, 11 a.m., and previous sections, and your despatch 387, November 5.12
The Department has very carefully considered the whole Nicaraguan electoral situation. It feels that it is not feasible to demand new elections because it is not in a position to take the strong measures necessary to insure compliance with the demand and even should the Government readily consent to new elections they would be valueless unless very closely supervised by this Government which would also mean armed intervention which is not to be contemplated. The Department has also given consideration to the question of suggesting the appointment of a designado and a coalition [Page 504] cabinet in which all parties will have a voice, this provisional government to hold new elections. This also is impracticable for the reasons mentioned above and because it does not seem likely that a coalition government in Nicaragua, should the suggestion meet with the support of all factions, would have any more chance of success than did a similar attempt in Honduras.
The Department is therefore disposed to raise no question regarding the validity of the elections and to continue normal diplomatic relations with the Solorzano Government upon its inauguration in January. The Department furthermore feels that it would be well to receive certain assurances from Señor Solorzano before making known to him its decision above stated. While the Department does not feel that it would be well to insist upon a formal promise that the 1928 campaign and elections shall be supervised by this Government as the Department does not desire to make any definite commitment at this time concerning its action four years hence, the Department would be glad to receive from Señor Solorzano assurances that the 1928 elections will be carried out in full freedom and fairness for all parties and strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Dodds electoral law and that the latter will not be modified except in strict accordance with the advice of Doctor Dodds or another suitable electoral expert. Although the Department feels that Señor Solorzano would perhaps be well advised to obtain the cooperation of as many political elements in Nicaragua as possible in his Government it does not feel that an imposed coalition cabinet, for the reasons given above, would be a success. The Department feels that the immediate formation of a constabulary will promote the peace of the country and that equally important is the satisfactory solution of the economic problems now confronting Nicaragua.
You may therefore discuss the matter with Señor Solorzano stating as your personal opinion that a definite, formal, written engagement on his part to the Legation, that immediately upon assuming office he will form a constabulary in order to provide suitable means to maintain order upon the withdrawal of the American Marines for which he will request the assistance of this Government in its training and organization, as well as a statement that he will undertake adequate and satisfactory measures with which the Government of the United States could cooperate in the solution of Nicaragua’s economic problems and an engagement regarding the 1928 elections as set forth in the preceding paragraph, might prove a deciding element in determining this Government not to raise any question as to the validity of the election and to carry on normal diplomatic relations with his Government upon its inauguration on January 1.
You may also suggest to Señor Solorzano that he consider the expediency of obtaining the cooperation of as many political elements [Page 505] in Nicaragua as possible in forming his Government. While using the utmost care that it shall be definitely understood by Señor Solorzano that it is not a condition precedent to recognition by this Government that he form a coalition cabinet you may nevertheless, in your discretion, should such be the desire of Señor Solorzano, exert your good offices in an endeavor to bring about a reconciliation between him and the other political elements in Nicaragua which will assure their support of his administration. The Department will welcome any suggestions from you as to any other measures which you or the Department might take in composing the situation in Nicaragua.
The Department has been approached by the Guatemalan Minister with the request, on behalf of his Government, that he be informed as to the Department’s attitude in the Nicaraguan situation as the Guatemalan Government desires to take similar action. Please telegraph immediately Señor Solorzano has given you the assurances regarding the constabulary and the economic and electoral situation as outlined above, upon receipt of which the Department will, should the assurances be satisfactory, inform the Guatemalan Government that it does not propose to raise any question regarding the validity of the elections and will carry on diplomatic relations with Señor Solorzano upon his inauguration. The Department will then also instruct you to inform General Chamorro of its attitude regarding the elections and that not only will any revolutionary movement on his part meet with the Department’s decided disapproval but that the constituted government will receive its moral support.
- Neither printed.↩