817.00/4037: Telegram

The Chargé in Nicaragua (Dennis) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

194. I had a discussion today with Diaz at [and?] Cuadra Pasos and it was understood that:

1.
The 21 members will be permitted to resume their seats on the understanding that the 6 declared not elected by the National Electoral Council registering later be unseated by the legally constituted Congress. The other 15 members will be permitted of course to retain their seats.
2.
Diaz will be designated on November 15 or sooner.
3.
Diaz will retain the present Cabinet until peace is reestablished and will make proposals to the Liberals as soon as practicable.
4.
As soon as he is recognized, if the Department will receive his request favorably, he will ask the Government of the United States for a mission of United States Army officers to organize and instruct the constabulary.

I was furnished today with copies of the convocation telegrams to the 21 members; also with the replies of many of them.

The day of the inauguration of Diaz will probably be the day after his designation. If I were to attend the ceremony that fact would create a most desirable impression locally. Because of serious revolutionary movements now going on, several days’ delay in recognition might suspend proceedings. If the designation proceedings are carried out as indicated, could the Department authorize me in advance to attend the ceremony the next day? Or could the Department reach a decision on the question of recognition within 48 hours? In the latter case, the inauguration would have to be postponed one more day.

Dennis