817.00/7953: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua ( Lane ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:10 p.m.]
70. My 69, February 24, 1 a.m. This morning General Somoza, his staff and other Guardia officers, about 45 in all, called on the President [Page 538] and reiterated their oath of allegiance. Somoza tells me he made a speech emphasizing the loyalty of the Guardia, pointing out that since the death of Sandino, Sacasa is the real President of Nicaragua, he now having completed jurisdiction over every part of the country, and pledging the support of himself, his officers and men to the “Constitutional Government” of President Sacasa. Somoza said that the President gave him an “abrazo” as the latter departed.
Somoza stated to me today that operations were to have begun this morning against the Sandinistas at Wiwili. He said (when I left him at 2:30) that he had not as yet received any reports as to what had occurred.
I have an appointment to see the President at 4:30 and will later telegraph to the Department further.