817 00/5573: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4 p.m.]
182. The marines have just informed me of the results of operations conducted 2 weeks ago in eastern Nueva Segovia. As there were indications that the outlaws were preparing a new base in this [region?] several columns were sent into it from different directions and a number of storehouses were found. Besides a moderate quantity of arms and much powder and ammunition, food estimated to be sufficient for the support of 300 men for 6 months was destroyed. This included about 45 tons of corn. Few bandits were encountered as the majority had gone to their homes for Holy Week. The destruction [Page 572] of stores will obviously make it much more difficult for the bandits to conduct organized operations during the rainy season.
Officers returning from the district where these operations took place state that it is generally believed by the people there that Sandino has left Nicaragua, probably on his way to Mexico. It would be most important to verify his presence in Mexico if possible.