817.1051/700
The Minister in Nicaragua (Hanna) to the Secretary of State
No. 949
Managua, October 28,
1932.
[Received November 9.]
Sir: With reference to the Department’s
telegram No. 95 of September 19, 1932, and to previous correspondence
concerning the plan approved by the Department and President Moncada for the appointment of
Nicaraguan officers to the higher commands in the Guardia Nacional, in
connection with the turning over of that institution to Nicaraguan
control on January 2 next, I have the honor to transmit herewith copy
and translation of a letter addressed by the Jefe Director of the
Guardia Nacional to General Emiliano
Chamorro, the Conservative candidate for the Vice
Presidency, in the absence from Nicaragua of don Adolfo Diaz, the Presidential candidate,
outlining the plan referred to. A similar letter was transmitted to Dr.
Juan Bautista Sacasa, the
Liberal Presidential candidate, at the same time.
It will be noted that in accordance with their request General Matthews has presented to
each of the candidates identical lists containing both Conservatives and
Liberals, in the way of a suggestion, while making it clear that each of
the candidates is free to submit his own list. General Matthews likewise refers in
his letter to the agreement which it is proposed that the candidates
will sign before me guaranteeing to preserve the non-partisan character
of the Guardia Nacional during the next Presidential period.
Respectfully yours,
[Enclosure—Translation]
The Jefe Director of the Guardia Nacional de
Nicaragua (Matthews) to
the Nicaraguan Conservative Candidate for the Vice
Presidency (Chamorro)
Managua, 20 October,
1932.
Distinguished General: I have received due
instructions to proceed to execute the plan hereinafter set forth
for the selection of Nicaraguan officers who will replace the
American officers serving in the
[Page 875]
Guardia Nacional, which plan has received the
approval of the Governments of Nicaragua and the United States:
- (a)
- Each one of the Presidential candidates of the two
Historic Parties of Nicaragua will be asked to present
immediately a list containing the names of persons
acceptable to said candidate from among whom the Nicaraguan
officers who are going to replace the American officers at
present serving in the Guardia may be chosen. The list which
each candidate will present in this manner should contain
the names of members of both political Parties in equal
parts (half and half).
- (b)
- The two Presidential candidates will be requested to sign
an agreement, in the presence of the American Minister, in
which they agree respectively to strictly preserve the
non-political character of the Guardia during the period in
which one or the other of the candidates shall be President
of Nicaragua. (Note: I have been informed that this aspect
of the plan has been communicated by the American Minister
to the respective candidates).
- (c)
- Immediately after the Presidential election has been
decided, President Moncada will be requested to make the
appointments in order that the persons appearing in the list
of the winning candidate may occupy the highest posts of
command in the Guardia.
- (d)
- The Nicaraguan Officers who are named in this manner will
work together with the American officers until January 2,
the date on which their appointments will be made permanent
by the new President of the Republic who is inaugurating his
period.
In accordance with our conversation of recent date and in compliance
with your request, I have the pleasure of submitting to your
consideration the attached list59 of names of Nicaraguan citizens
who have been recommended to me as appropriate as officers in the
higher command of the Guardia Nacional. I beg you to give me as soon
as possible a list of fifty names of Nicaraguan citizens composed in
equal parts of members of both political Parties whom you would like
to be appointed in the Guardia Nacional if the Conservative Party is
successful in the approaching elections. Said names may be taken
from the list which I present to you or you may give us any other
list of appropriate citizens whom you consider convenient to
select.
I am [etc.]
