817.00/3358: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt)
115. Legation’s telegram 179 of December 14. The Government of the United States would not employ its armed forces to place Sacasa in office should Solorzano resign the Presidency. And while the United States would not recognize the usurping government, yet it is under no obligation to oppose such a regime with force and to put a constitutional government in office. You should not, however, say anything to members of Congress which might predispose the followers of Chamorro to seize the Government even at the risk of not being recognized. It should not be necessary to elaborate on the Department’s policy as described in its telegraphic instruction No. 114 dated December 9, 7 p.m. Nor should it be necessary to give out any specific statement to the effect that the Government of the United States does not contemplate using armed forces or interfering in the domestic affairs in Nicaragua. Should anyone put a direct question to you you might reply that our attitude in favor of constitutional government is well known but that you are unable to state definitely what the Department’s attitude would be in a hypothetical case arising in the future. However, if you believe it necessary, impress upon the political leaders of Nicaragua that we hope that peace and tranquillity will continue in the Republic and that questions now disturbing the country may be resolved to the satisfaction of all, but that Nicaragua’s political problems must be solved by the Nicaraguan people themselves.
The Department does not believe it wise to return Sacasa on a war vessel. That might create an embarrassing precedent. Furthermore, it would most likely be misunderstood because of the present political situation in the Republic of Nicaragua.