817.00 Bandit Activities, 1931/265: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Beaulac) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:32 p.m.]
193. My 191, October 29th. Admiral Smith is proceeding to the east coast of Nicaragua in the Rochester to personally investigate the real cause there. He will report the situation to the Navy Department and if necessary request further instructions.
Admiral Smith is opposed to the policy of maintaining war vessels at ports for long periods. I am heartily in accord with his attitude in general but with respect to the very special situation at Puerto Cabezas and on the basis of the information I have received from the American Consul there and from the Jefe Director of the Guardia Nacional, I believe that a war vessel should remain continuously in or [Page 825] near Puerto Cabezas until the brigade places its contemplated permanent air patrol on the east coast.
General Matthews concurs.