817.00/8070: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10 p.m.]
131. My telegram No. 130, June 19, noon. Minister for Foreign Affairs advised me this morning on what he termed unquestionable authority that during the festivities at Granada, but not in a public speech, General Somoza had indicated (1) that I am furnishing the motive power for his ambitions and (2) that, despite my having declined the invitation to be present at the festivities because of my name having been brought into Sandino affair, I am backing him. (The fact is that I declined the invitation by telegraph on the ground of my wife’s being in mourning and explained to Somoza personally that as the festivities were generally considered to be of a political character my presence would undoubtedly be misconstrued.)
The President this noon confirmed the reports given me by Minister for Foreign Affairs and said that his Government is seriously embarrassed particularly outside of the country, by Somoza’s admission of responsibility for the death of Sandino in view of the earlier declarations made by Somoza that a complete investigation would be made to ascertain the guilty parties. He said he would like to get rid of Somoza to show that he, Sacasa, disapproves. He expressed apprehension, however, lest such action might throw the Guardia into revolt against the Government.
[Page 557]In accordance with my telephone conversation with Assistant Secretary Welles this afternoon I have prepared the following draft statement which President Sacasa approves. If the Department approves, it should be given to press here not later than early Saturday afternoon, in order to be published in Sunday morning press. No local newspapers on Monday.
“Unfounded and malicious rumors have been circulated, both in Nicaragua and elsewhere, to the effect that certain acts committed in Nicaragua in February, last, were approved and instigated by me. Until now I have felt that these rumors should not be dignified by a denial on my part.
During the past week, however, these rumors have been circulated with increased intensity and have apparently created an impression in some quarters that the political activities of certain elements have my personal support, and, inferentially, the support of my Government. I am constrained most emphatically to brand such rumors as unqualified falsehoods.
As I publicly stated on December 7, 1933, on the occasion of the presentation of my letters of credence to His Excellency, President Sacasa, the relations of the United States and Nicaragua must be based on mutual recognition and respect of sovereignty. This being the case, neither the United States Government nor its representative in Nicaragua is interfering in any manner in the political affairs of this country.
The foregoing statement has the approval of the Department of State.”