817.48 Earthquake of 1931/113: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Hanna) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:15 p.m.]
3. For American Red Cross from Swift:
“Situation here presents abnormal difficulties. The Government is impoverished, its capital destroyed. Ten percent of the population of the country has been affected and practically ruined. There is no employment of labor because householders are without funds to repair property and merchants are financially unable to replace stocks burned in the fire. We have opened market places where people can purchase food from the countryside and everything is being done to encourage reestablishment of business and normal life. Until this is accomplished more than 30,000 people must be assisted and employment furnished approximately 5,000. The most urgent and serious problem confronting us is the repair of houses to shelter refugees and the committee plans to spend a large part of its cash resources to furnish labor for the purpose, of course under the direct control and supervision of the committee. This will have double benefit of providing employment as well as shelter. Foodstuffs must also be purchased in United States and locally. For all purposes a large sum is necessary and I believe $100,000 is a reasonable contribution for the Red Cross. Unless absolutely necessary we would prefer that public announcement be not made now as it may have unfavorable influence on projects which local authorities are trying to organize. The Minister concurs. Suggest response be sent through State Department in code. Swift.”