817.00/3561: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Bluefields (McConnico)
Your May 8, 4 p.m., and May 10, 6 p.m.12 The Department desires American naval forces will maintain strictest neutrality between contending factions. Neither Liberal forces nor Chamorro forces should be hindered in their military operations except so far as may be necessary to assure protection to American lives and property. Liberal authorities should not be prevented from exercising civil jurisdiction in territory occupied by them and Chamorro authorities should not be prevented from exercising similar functions in any territory which they now occupy or may reoccupy.
Press reports American forces have been disarming Liberals at Bluefields. Department presumes this applies only to neutral zone.
Department approves protection accorded to Collector of Customs and customshouse but does not desire that American forces be used in the interest of either faction to protect revenues or moneys belonging to the Nicaraguan Government. Repeat to Managua.
- Latter not printed.↩