817.00 Bandit Activities, 1931/293: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Beaulac) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:05 p.m.]
206. Department’s 202, November 25, 1 p.m. President Moncada and General Matthews are in Leon. I have transmitted your message through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. There have been no reports of bandits near the railroad for several days and indications are that the bandits have withdrawn northward into their accustomed areas. The Minister of Foreign Affairs visited me this morning under President Moncada’s instructions and later called me on the telephone, to ask my consent to the establishment of martial law throughout the republic. He said that the President had reported discovery of numerous plots in the “interior of the country” meaning probably Managua and vicinity. I told him that the matter was one for the decision of the Nicaraguan Government, that in general I did not favor declaring martial law in undisturbed places and that I thought it would be very unfortunate if the declaration should be followed by political arrests and imprisonment which might have the effect of increasing resentment against the Government. I said that President Moncada, however, apparently had information which I did not have and that I would not oppose the declaration of martial law in any way if the President thought it advisable. General Matthews later sent word to me he had advised President strongly against declaring martial law in peaceful departments. He also informed me the President had placed [Page 829] $7,200 at Guardia’s order for maintenance of 200 auxiliaries from Leon and Chinandega to operate under Guardia command. Martial law has been declared in Leon and Chinandega.