Office of the Historian

817.48 Earthquake of 1931/4: Telegram

The Chargé in Nicaragua (Beaulac) to the Secretary of State

Managua [undated].
[Received March 31, 1931—5:31 p.m.]

Managua nearly totally destroyed by earthquake this morning with considerable loss in life. Minister and Mrs. Hanna believed to be in Guatemala.2 Remainder of Legation personnel safe. Legation badly damaged. No attempt yet made to remove archives on account continued severe tremors. Request assistance American Red Cross. Do not know yet whether damage is general throughout Nicaragua. Martial law established. Hope to reestablish rail communication to Corinto tomorrow.

Beaulac
  1. The American Minister and his wife were In Guatemala City on March 31, the day the earthquake occurred. They reached Managua early the following morning. See Managua Earthquake, p. 11.↩