817.00/4690: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt)
65. Your 95, April 5, 4 p.m. The following notice is being given to the press today:
“The Honorable Henry L. Stimson, of New York, former Secretary of War, has consented to make a trip to Nicaragua as a representative of the President, at the suggestion of the Secretary of State, [Page 320] in order to take to our Minister, Mr. Eberhardt, and Admiral Latimer, certain views of the administration which cannot conveniently be taken up by correspondence, and in order to get information from them as to the entire situation in that country to bring back for the use of this Government, which they cannot very well give to us through correspondence. This suggestion has been presented to both Mr. Eberhardt and Admiral Latimer, who concur in it as a method that might be helpful in securing information on which this Government can more intelligently base its future action. The strife and bloodshed that is going on in that country is a matter of great regret, and the necessity for protecting the interests of our citizens there and the large interests of the United States Government is very great.”
Inform President Diaz of the above immediately by note stating that you feel sure that Mr. Stimson’s visit will be welcomed by the Nicaraguan authorities who will doubtless be glad to assist him in every way possible to fulfill his mission of procuring complete information as to the situation in Nicaragua.
Mr. Stimson sails Saturday, April 9, on the S. S. Aconcagua to Panama. Arrangements have been made for him to be transported immediately from Panama to Corinto on a war vessel. He is accompanied by Mrs. Stimson and Consul General Dawson.