817.24/149

The Secretary of State to the Nicaraguan Minister (César)

Sir: With reference to your note of February 7, concerning the desire of your Government to purchase certain arms and ammunition from the United States War Department, I have the honor to inform you that I am now advised by the appropriate authorities that the arms and ammunition listed below can be made available for sale to the Nicaraguan Government at the prices indicated:

3,000 Krag Rifles, M 1898 at $6.00 each $18,000
200 Browning Machine Guns, M 1917 at $302.19 60,438
2,000 Belts, Ammunition 250 rounds for Browning Machine Gun at $1.81 3,620
3,000,000 Cartridges, Ball, Cal. .30, Grade 2 at $45.22 per M 135,660
Total $217,718

The above prices are f. o. b. point of storage, but do not include the cost of packing and handling which will be an additional charge.

The War Department has no suitable Krag Rifle ammunition available. It is understood, however, that the following manufacturers are in a position to supply ammunition for this rifle:

  • Winchester Repeating Arms Company, New Haven; Conn.
  • Remington Arms Company, Bridgeport, Conn.
  • Peters Cartridge Company, Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • Western Cartridge Company, East Alton, Ill.

It is understood that the terms of sale would provide for the payment of the full purchase price of the material delivered, with interest from the date of the contract at six per cent per annum, delivery of notes of the Government of Nicaragua to be in denominations of $5,000 each, except the final note which shall cover the amount then due; payment of the first note of $5,000 to be made on January 31, 1929, principal and interest, and one note on the last day of each month thereafter until the total number of notes together with interest is paid; the terms of sale hereafter to be included in a contract.

I shall be pleased to know at your convenience whether your Government desires to purchase the arms and ammunition specified above on the terms herein set forth.

Accept [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Robert E. Olds