817.00/6325: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua (Hanna)
85. Your despatch No. 1008, March [May] 24, 1929. The Department concurs in your view that it would be better for the Guardia to avoid responsibility for the actions of Escamilla’s forces, but it feels that these forces should be disbanded and all field and police work taken over by the Guardia as soon as practicable. While such marine forces as may be necessary should be retained in towns like Ocotal and Jinotega for the present to support the responsible Guardia forces, the Department hopes that these forces may be gradually withdrawn in proportion to the then existing strength of the Guardia Nacional and in accordance with then existing conditions.
[Page 575]With respect to road construction, the Department feels that the Nicaraguan Government ought, as in the past, to provide the necessary funds, but it would hesitate to suggest a program calling for so large an expenditure as forty thousand dollars monthly.
The Department has not had recent information showing exactly what sections of Nicaragua are still in a seriously disturbed condition. It had hitherto understood from reports received from the Marines that bandit activities were practically terminated in all settled portions of the country. In this connection please report further details regarding the recent bandit raid in Matagalpa. Which outlaw leader was responsible and how serious is the situation in that department considered?
The Department will be glad to have you discuss these matters with General Williams, Admiral Campbell and General McDougal and report further recommendations to the Department before taking them up with the Nicaraguan Government.