817.00/5107: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua (Munro)
184. Your 305, October 31, 3 p.m. Department does not deem it advisable that Guardia should take over permanent control of telegraph lines at least at this time. If difficulties occur in the administration of the telephones and telegraphs which hamper the Guardia, Department feels the matter should first be taken up with President Diaz in an endeavor to have it remedied by him and that it should only be taken over if other efforts to remedy maladministration persist. Department understands of course that it will probably be necessary for the telegraphs to be taken over for a certain period preceding registration and elections as an electoral matter to secure a free and fair vote. Department would rather wait until nearer the elections and in all events until after the return of McCoy before doing this.