817.00/12–1047
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of American Republic Affairs (Daniels)
Dr. Sevilla Sacasa called on me at my home on December 9, at 6:30 p.m., by appointment made at his initiative. It was largely in the nature of a personal call, since we had known each other for several years.
During the course of his call, we—or, more accurately, he—talked at length on a variety of subjects. In the course of the conversation the Nicaraguan situation naturally came up. I found occasion to reiterate what Dr. Sevilla Sacasa had been told on earlier occasions, to the effect that the attitude of the Department of State had not changed in regard to the extension of recognition to the Román y Reyes regime. Dr. Sevilla Sacasa pointed out more time had passed during which peace and order had been maintained by the Government, economic activities were continuing, international obligations were being punctually met, und a cooperative policy had been followed with regard to the United States in world affairs. I admitted all of those points, although with some qualifications on economic conditions, but said that there was still no sentiment in the Department for extending recognition, in view of the antecedents of which he was well aware, and the broad principles and precedents involved.
… I … suggested that it might be desirable for the Nicaraguans to work out some solution which would permit a transition into more stable political conditions with consequent benefits which should be appreciated by most, if not all, Nicaraguans, Dr. Sevilla Sacasa agreed that the solution should come primarily from Nicaraguans.
With regard to the possibility of Somoza’s leaving Nicaragua and going to the United States, Dr. Sevilla Sacasa said that he was sure Somoza not only would do that, but was, in fact, very desirous of [Page 880] doing so, as soon as he felt that conditions in Nicaragua would permit. He said that Somoza was tired and desirous of giving up his grave responsibilities. However, he said that Somoza did want to see a recognized and stable Government in Nicaragua before leaving the country, to avoid the possibility of bloodshed.
I said that we were equally interested in avoiding internal disturbances and bloodshed, and repeated my expression of hope that some way could be worked out to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Towards the close of our conversation I inquired of Dr. Sevilla Sacasa when the United Nations General Assembly was to be convened at Paris and who the Nicaraguan Ambassador in Paris was. He gave me the name of the Nicaraguan Minister there, and after some thought, I let the subject drop.