817.51/1997: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:15 p.m.]
339. Legation’s 312, August 18, 5 p.m. and Department’s 167, August 22, 2 p.m.79a President Diaz has informed the Legation in writing that he has ordered the Treasury Department to see that $380,000 from the next surplus is set aside for the exclusive use of the National Guard. He further states that it is his definite intention not to obtain advances against the next surplus for any other purpose.
The Minister of Finance has given the National Bank irrevocable instructions to give this payment to the guardia preference over all other payments which may be ordered when the surplus becomes available. The Legation will now seek to obtain Moncada’s promise to abide by this arrangement if he should be elected, and will take up the matter along similar lines with Benard80 after his return unless the Department considers it advisable to discuss it with him in Washington.