817.00/3931: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Dennis) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:12 p.m.]
168. Liberal delegation presented to conference yesterday a basis of proposal that the following question be submitted to arbitration by the Secretary of State of the United States and representatives of the four Central American Governments:
“Whether the reestablishment of the Government of Nicaragua on the basis of constitutionality and the treaties of Washington must be made with Dr. Sacasa as Chief of State or whether it is possible legally to constitute a government without taking account of the said Vice President Dr. Sacasa.”
I am informing conference [delegates]26 today:
- 1.
- The proposition submitted by the Liberal delegation does not appear to constitute a justiciable matter subject to arbitration foreign governments but is a domestic political problem which must be settled by Nicaraguans.
- 2.
- While the Department is not disposed to answer hypothetical questions as to possible solutions, it would probably indicate, if requested, whether a definite plan for a new government agreed upon in the conference would under the Nicaraguan Constitution and the treaty of 1923 offer a satisfactory basis for de jure recognition.
- Correction telegraphed by Mr. Dennis in his telegram No. 170, Oct. 20; not printed (file No. 817.00/3932).↩