817.00/8–1947
The Chargé in Nicaragua ( Bernbaum ) to the Secretary of State
No. 1729
Sir: In continuation of the Embassy’s despatch no. 1726 of August 15, 194762 concerning the meeting of the Constituent Assembly, I have the honor to enclose a clipping of the address of Dr. Victor Manuel Román to the Assembly subsequent to his selection by it as President.
It may be interjected here that there is some question as to whether Dr. Román is a “constitutional” or “provisional” President in the technical sense of the term. The Government press invariably describes Mm as a “constitutional” magistrate while the opposition press, the majority, describes his office as “provisional”. As a matter of fact, it is difficult to understand how a constitutional president can be selected before there is a Constitution.
. . . . . . .
As the Embassy reported telegraphically (see Embassy’s telegram no. 306 of August 15, 194762), the selection of Dr. Román has provoked a general reaction of respect for him as an individual but no respect whatsoever for the maneuver which put him into office and which is considered as nothing less than a continuation of the Somoza regime. …
. . . . . . .
Respectfully yours,