817.1051/145: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 9—12:40 a.m.]
128. President Diaz, acting upon authority conferred upon him by the laws which provide for the formation of a Nicaraguan constabulary, has today addressed a note to me requesting that an American officer be designated to instruct and command that organization and that such officer be authorized to name the additional American and Nicaraguan officers considered necessary to form the larger nonpartisan constabulary frequently mentioned in Legation’s telegrams [and] most recently General Stimson’s statement on page 2, telegram 124, May 5, 11 a.m.41
Admiral Latimer42 states that he is ready, if authorized, to detail such an officer and assistants from among marines now stationed in [Page 434] Nicaragua. It is believed that such authority should be granted as the best means of bringing early tranquility to Nicaragua under peace terms now being considered and also to reduce to a minimum the number of marines necessary for such results. Stimson and Admiral concur.