817.00/5210: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Munro) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:50 p.m.]
390. The two distinguished lawyers who were asked to study the new electoral law suggested no changes but rendered an opinion attacking the constitutionality of its basic features, such as the appointment of an American as president of the Electoral Board and the granting to the board of power to make regulations having the force of law.
I went yesterday with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Government and the president of the National Electoral Board to discuss this matter with the President at his country place where he is recuperating from his recent illness. It was decided that the law should be submitted as it stood to Congress without mentioning the lawyers’ opinion. It was therefore submitted yesterday afternoon.
Since it cannot be approved before Sunday9 I have advised the National Electoral Board to proceed today with the choice of presidents of the departmental boards. I think that the establishment of Liberal control over the electoral machinery will help materially to bring about prompt action on the new law.
- Jan. 1, 1928.↩