817.00/4728: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:55 p.m.]
111. Following part 2 from Stimson:51
“Admiral Latimer’s answers to questions of Department:
Answer to question 1. It is my opinion that it would be possible but with a somewhat larger force it could be done with greater celerity and the mere publishing of orders of additional forces to Nicaragua would by its moral effect facilitate disarmament.
Answer to questions 2 and 3. A categorical answer cannot be given to these questions as such answer depends on many unknown factors. The rainy season usually begins about the 15th of May and lasts until about the 10th of November making operations throughout the country increasingly difficult. Moncada, Sacasa and Espinosa52 have informed me personally, and Moncada has also publicly stated, that they would not undertake to fight the United States. Wasmer and some of the other leaders are reported to have said the same thing. Leaders like Sandoval, Sandino, Escamilla, Mueller and Cabulla are far better off as insurgents than they are in time of peace. In view of all of the above and of the liberal terms offered by the Government it is not believed that continued organized cohesive resistance by any large force will long exist and probably not beyond June or July. Nevertheless it is my opinion that it is more likely—
- (a) That marauding bands would be able to maintain guerilla warfare for a considerable period than
- (b) That complete order would be restored by June or July.
Question 4 is sufficiently answered in part 1. Stimson.”