817.1051/272a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua ( Eberhardt )

45. Please confer with McDougal and report fully by telegraph regarding the present situation of the Guardia and Moncada’s attitude toward it. Does McDougal feel that he is being allowed sufficient independence and given sufficient support by the Government to enable him to develop the organization properly? Is there any difficulty regarding funds? Has there been friction in connection with the volunteer forces and the reestablished Hacienda Guards? Is recruiting proceeding satisfactorily? The Department would like to have full information on these points, and on any other matters of importance relating to the Guardia, and desires your recommendations and those of McDougal if any action toward improving the status of the Guardia appears necessary.

The Department assumes that President Moncada understands that this Government still has under consideration the proposed amendments to the Guardia Agreement and that it is not to be understood that the Department has acquiesced in these amendments.

Kellogg