817.00/4197: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Dennis) to the Secretary of State37
[Received 12:54 p.m.]
“November 15. The Honorable Lawrence Dennis, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States. My dear Mr. Dennis: Upon assuming the Presidency I found the Republic in a very difficult situation because of the attitude, assumed without motive, by the Government of Mexico in open hostility to Nicaragua. It must be clear to you that, given the forces which that Government disposes of, its elements of attack are irresistible for this feeble and small Nation. This condition places in imminent risk the sovereignty and independence of Nicaragua, and consequently, the continental equilibrium on which the pan-Americanism is founded which the United States has fostered with such lofty spirit.
[Page 810]Naturally the emergency resulting from these conditions places in peril the interests of North American citizens and other foreigners residing in our territory and renders it impossible for a Government so rudely attacked, to protect them as is its duty and as it desires.
For these reasons and appreciating the friendly disposition of the United States towards weak republics and the intentions which your Government has always manifested for the protection of the sovereignty and independence of all the countries of America by morally supporting legitimate Governments in order to enable them to afford a tranquil field of labor for foreigners which is needed for the stimulation of the growth of the prosperity of these countries, I address myself to you in order that, with the same good will with which you have aided in Nicaraguan reconciliation, you may solicit for my Government and in my name the support of the Department of State in order to reach a solution in the present crisis and avoid further hostilities and invasions on the part of the Government of Mexico.
I desire to manifest to you at the same time that whatever may be the means chosen by the Department of State, they will meet with the approval of my absolute confidence in the high spirit of justice of the Government of the United States.
With the assurances of my highest consideration I subscribe myself your obedient servant and friend. Adolfo Diaz.”
- This telegram is in reply to telegram No. 129, Dec. 7, from the Department, requesting the Chargé to cable the full text of a personal letter received by him from President Diaz; the Chargé had quoted an extract from the personal letter in his telegram No. 203, Nov. 17, to the Department. (File No. 817.00/4071.)↩
- File translation revised.↩