817.00/5137: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Munro) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:20 p.m.]
326. The Conservatives now wish to contest the congressional elections to be held in Esteli November 20th. The Minister for Foreign [Page 376] Affairs tells me that his statement to Mr. Stimson that the Conservatives would not contest the supplementary congressional elections in the Liberal provinces, did not apply to Esteli where the Conservatives claim to have a majority. In the elections of September 4th, voting occurred only in those districts of the department where the Liberals predominate and the Conservatives did not participate because they feared violence from the Liberal bandits who were then active in the vicinity. They believe that they could win on November 20th, if given a fair chance; but they ask that marines be sent to Condega and other places to maintain order because they fear that Sandino, with whom many of the Liberals of the department are suspected of sympathizing, will otherwise send bands to terrorize the Conservative voters.
I can see no justification under the circumstances for insisting that the Conservatives refrain from contesting this election, provided that the marines can maintain order and assure as free a vote as in the recent municipal elections. I do not think that it is at all clear that there is a Liberal majority in the Department of Esteli. I feel however that I should have the Department’s instructions before taking any action. This matter is extremely urgent as it will require several days to make necessary preparations and to send marines.