817.00/5317: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Munro) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6 p.m.]
47. General McCoy called on the President this morning with me and explained to him at length the position of the U. S. Government regarding the electoral law. He explained the deep interest of the President and the Secretary of State in holding a satisfactory election [Page 454] here and pointed out the impossibility of disregarding the solemn obligations which we had assumed toward all parties, as set forth in President Diaz’s own letter and memorandum to President Coolidge. He said that the transitory provisions were couched in almost the exact words of President Diaz’s memorandum and asked the President if he was still of the same opinion regarding the form which the supervision must take. President Diaz replied that he was; that he still desired to carry out his obligations to the U. S. and was endeavoring to do so. He said however that a possible solution was being discussed at Habana and indicated that he and also Chamorro were awaiting the outcome of the discussions there before deciding on any further action.
General McCoy emphasized the strict impartiality of the U. S. as between the two parties here.
The discussion which followed strengthens the impression which I obtained from Chamorro Monday that we eventually can find a way out by letting the Deputies see the regulations which McCoy is drafting and thus allaying their fears that these regulations may favor the Liberals. If a solution is to be reached, however, the matter must be handled with the greatest care and it is very important that proposals come from Nicaraguans rather than from us. I have already made it clear that the question with us is one of principle and not one of form and that we will not refuse to discuss any solution which involves no compromise of the obligations which we have assumed towards all parties.