817.00 Bandit Activities, 1931/295: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua (Beaulac)
203. Your 203, November 24, 3 p.m. The Department authorizes placing armed guards on passenger trains between Managua and Corinto and on the bridges in case of grave need if the military authorities find this practicable. The Department wishes to emphasize that it does not want this measure taken unless in your judgment and that of General Matthews and General Bradman the situation requires it. This is of course contrary to the Department’s desire that the Marines should not be used for this sort of work and should be concentrated in Managua with a detachment at Corinto. However, in view, of the possibility that bridges might be destroyed, which would cut communications and hence endanger the safety of the troops in Managua, the Department does authorize the measures above mentioned should that action be imperative. The Department is informing the Navy in the above sense.