817.48 Earthquake of 1931/66: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua ( Hanna ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:20 p.m.]
It has come to my notice that alarming reports regarding unusual activities in connection with the recent catastrophe have been sent out from Managua. Such reports are absolutely unfounded. Not only has there been no bandit activity connected with the catastrophe, but the situation in the usual bandit areas is and has been quiet since the catastrophe.
The earthquake has not in any way affected Guardia operations against the bandits. Recruiting continues normally and is conducted mostly in the bandit areas. There are now over 1,200 Guardia operating there and this number will be increased as recruiting progresses.
The amount of detail thrown upon Guardia headquarters and particularly upon General Matthews has increased tremendously since the catastrophe and General Matthews has ably expanded his headquarters’ organization in such manner as to handle the relief work without affecting the normal operation of Guardia headquarters with respect to the control of the forces operating against bandits.