817.00/8302: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:45 p.m.]
102. Department’s 59, October 8, 8 p.m. In accordance with authorization in Department’s 59, October 8, 8 p.m., I showed memoranda to the President today. As was to be expected, he was not pleased. Several times he asked me to tell him frankly whether we desired Somoza to be President (see first paragraph of informant’s comments in my 8889). I replied that he knows as well as I that we have no choice for the Presidency. The tenor of his conversation (regarding friendship for the United States, and the ideals, obligations, and responsibilities of the United States) was likewise to be expected. I observed that my understanding of the term “sovereignty” is that large and small sovereign nations should be treated equally. In other words we do not treat Nicaragua differently from Great Britain. We do not “advise” Great Britain as to how its elections or political matters should be held. Why should we so “advise” Nicaragua? The President again commenced the argument of our responsibility with respect to the Guardia. He referred to the agreement of November, 1932,90 having been made when we had Nicaragua “by the throat”. He refuses to admit that we ended our responsibility as of January 2, 1933, despite the statement of Secretary Stimson on that date.
He said that he is now convinced Somoza is preparing a coup d’état. This is the first time during my incumbency that he has spoken to me so positively on this specific matter. He gave no details, however, as to what might happen.
He showed me telegram from Matagalpa from General Vargas indicating that the latter had been released. He said that Somoza had indicated desire to talk to President about Parodi case as soon as Somoza is physically able to do so. (The President is apparently again letting matters take the easiest course.)
- September 28, 3 p.m., p. 874.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1932, vol. v, p. 887.↩