717.2114/92
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Hanna) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 25.]
Sir: With reference to my despatch No. 1038 of June 14, 1929,5 and previous correspondence regarding the pending treaty negotiations between Nicaragua and Colombia, I have the honor to report that I recently received a letter from the Colombian Minister in Nicaragua, Mr. Manuel Esguerra, who is temporarily conducting his Mission in Guatemala, in which he discusses the subject.
Mr. Esguerra stated in his letter that Dr. Cordero Reyes, Nicaraguan Minister for Foreign Affairs, told him on repeated occasions that the Nicaraguan Government would appoint a commission prior to the next regular session of the Nicaraguan Congress, which would study the matter and make a report for the information of the Congress and the public. Mr. Esguerra requested that this Legation use its good offices to bring about the appointment of this commission without delay, and expressed his fear that if this is not done neither the Congress nor the Nicaraguan Government will be able to form an opinion in the matter and there will be no action on the treaty at the next session of the Congress.
I recently inquired of Dr. Cordero Reyes as to the present status of the treaty negotiations and he told me in reply that this Government [Page 936] had been considering the creation of a commission to make a study of the matter and to report to Congress but that President Moncada thought that this would involve an expense which the Government can ill-afford at this time and that consequently nothing has been done towards the creation of the commission. I asked Dr. Cordero Reyes if the expense might not be obviated in part at least by using a commission of Senators and Deputies which might also have the additional advantage of greater influence with the Congress. He said that this might be done and he would give it consideration. If such a commission is to make a thorough study of the question before the Congress convenes it should be appointed without further delay.
I have never discussed this matter with President Moncada but I have touched upon it incidentally on one or two occasions with Dr. Cordero Reyes, and I have formed the opinion that the Administration continues to be opposed to ratification of the treaty. Dr. Cordero Reyes has told me that there was a great outburst of public indignation over the terms of the treaty when they first became known and that this opposition would be renewed if the treaty should be again brought up for consideration. He said that it certainly would fail of ratification unless it should be strongly recommended by a commission of the character mentioned above and that he thought it would be futile for the Administration to attempt to secure ratification without such support.
I pointed out to Dr. Cordero Reyes that the Administration would appear to be in a particularly favorable position because the treaty is the product of negotiations initiated and conducted by a Conservative Administration and asked him to give this phase of the matter his careful consideration. My conversations, however, with Dr. Cordero Reyes in connection with the treaty have been of a very general nature and not directed towards obtaining some specific action by this Government.
I have replied to the letter of the Colombian Minister with a mere acknowledgment of its receipt and the statement that I will not fail to give the matter attention and have consulted the Department in this connection.
I have [etc.]
- Not printed.↩