817.0131/9: Telegram

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

77. Legation’s 76, June 29, 4 p.m. Dr. Cordero Reyes told me today that neither under article 99 or any other article of the Constitution of Nicaragua is it obligatory for the Nicaraguan Congress to hear the opinion of the Supreme Court before discussing the amendments to the electoral law, and that the Congress would not have to request the Court’s opinion merely because one or more deputies or senators should desire such an opinion.

Dr. Cordero Reyes is opposed to making the amendments by Executive decree and thinks that to do so may result in serious complications and charges of illegality in the elections at some future time. I judge from what he told me that the plan to make the amendments by Executive decree will meet with opposition among President Moncada’s advisers when it becomes known and it is possible that such opposition may cause the President to change his attitude. I am inclined to think that the plan represents the opinion of a very limited number and that the discussion which will come with publicity may alter the situation.

Hanna