817.00/5132: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Munro) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
324. My November 7, 2 p.m.5 Further reports indicate that the elections were conducted almost everywhere in an extremely orderly manner and that there was surprisingly little fraud and relatively few disputes. There has been much favorable comment regarding [Page 375] the assistance rendered by the marines and guardia in maintaining order. While the Liberals claim that there were abuses in many small places, where no marines could be stationed no serious disorders have been reported. From 30 to 60 percent of those registered appear to have voted.
An analysis of the vote cast by the two parties confirms the impression that the country is very evenly divided between them but that the Liberals have a slight majority. It is impossible however to estimate how far purely local questions influenced the vote. In Managua for example many Conservatives openly opposed the party candidate. In some other places abuse of authority by local officials undoubtedly reduced the Liberal vote. The Liberals won in Managua, Leon, Chinandega, Diriamba and apparently also in Jinotepe and Rivas, and the Conservatives in Granada, Matagalpa and apparently in Esteli and Masaya. In the latter city the vote was extremely close. There are conflicting reports from Bluefields.
There may be some difficulty in connection with the canvass of the vote, as the Conservative authorities will be tempted to alter the results fraudulently in cities where the vote was nearly even.
In such cases the losing party will have an appeal to the Supreme Court.
As there were alarming rumors that the municipal authorities might resort to fraud in Managua which is by far the most important city where there was a serious contest, I have endeavored very informally to make sure that there would be no attempt to prevent the Liberal candidate from assuming office.
- Not printed.↩