817.00/8439: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua ( Long )

74. Your 152, May 30, 6 p.m. This Government which has followed carefully developments in the present political crisis continues to hope that some peaceful solution will be found. It would, of course, like to be helpful if it could do so consistent with its policy of abstaining from involvement in the domestic concerns of other countries. The present political difficulties facing Nicaragua, while obviously critical, appear however to be of a strictly internal character. If the Department’s estimate of the situation is correct it would not appear that a favorable response can be made to the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Please without fail inform the Department immediately, however, of the precise attitude of each of the other governments approached.

It is realized, of course, that a situation may develop threatening the life and property of foreigners in Nicaragua. You should inform both the President and General Somoza that the Government of the United States confidently anticipates that the local authorities of Nicaragua will give adequate protection to the life and property of United States citizens and in the event of losses or injury to either this Government, of course, will be forced to hold the Government of Nicaragua responsible therefor in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law. The consideration by this Government of its participation in any tender of good offices must depend in the first place upon the willingness of all political factions, including General Somoza, to invite the good offices of other friendly American nations; if such willingness is forthcoming this Government will be disposed promptly to consult with a suitable number of appropriate nations of this hemisphere. You may inform the appropriate Nicaraguan authorities of the foregoing, making it clear that this Government will not consider acting alone, but only in company with other countries, and will take no initiative in the matter.

With regard to your inquiry by telephone as to whether you may add your name to an appeal on the part of the Diplomatic Corps to General Somoza that he discontinue the use of force in Leon, I believe after very careful consideration that in authorizing you to inform the Nicaraguan Government as indicated in the second paragraph [Page 830] of this telegram, this Government has gone as far as it appropriately can at this juncture.

Cordell Hull