817.00/4902
The Secretary of State to
the Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt)
Washington, June 11,
1927.
No. 234
Sir: The Department transmits herewith a letter
from the President of the United States to the President of Nicaragua
which you will deliver personally to the latter. A copy of this letter
and a copy of President Diaz’ communication80 to which it
replies are enclosed for your information and the files of the
Legation.
The Department desires you to consult with President Diaz with regard to
the manner in which the aid of the United States may be best rendered
for the supervision of the elections and the maintenance of peace and
order in Nicaragua until that time, and report in full to the
Department, together with your personal recommendations.
I am [etc.]
[Enclosure]
President Coolidge to President Diaz
Washington, June 10,
1927.
Excellency: I have received Your
Excellency’s letter dated May 15, 1927, requesting the friendly
assistance of the President of the United States in preparing a
proper election law in Nicaragua, in securing supervision by
impartial Americans of the actual conduct of the elections, in
securing American assistance to train and direct an impartial and
non-partisan force of constabulary to secure law and order and
prevent intimidation of voters, and in other ways to secure American
assistance in tranquillizing the sorely disturbed condition of the
country so that elections can be fairly held. Your Excellency
submitted with this letter a memorandum showing the steps which your
Government suggests may be desirable or appropriate to be taken in
order that the President of the United States may be able adequately
to perform this great service to the Republic of Nicaragua. Your
Excellency adds that the Government of Nicaragua will gladly
consider the taking of any other steps on its part which may be
suggested by the President of the United States as essential or
desirable for the accomplishment of that purpose.
In reply I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that I shall welcome
the opportunity to assist the Government of Nicaragua to hold free
and fair elections at the time appointed by the Constitution. I have
been much gratified at the recent settlement of the difficulties
[Page 354]
in Nicaragua brought about
through the good offices of my personal representative, Colonel
Stimson, and the wisdom and patriotism shown by the Nicaraguan
Government and the Nicaraguan people of all factions. It is my
earnest desire that the peace which has now been arranged may be a
permanent one, and to this end it is my desire to be of all possible
assistance in the future. I am instructing the American Minister at
Managua to discuss with Your Excellency the manner in which the aid
and assistance of the United States can be best extended both for
supervising the elections in Nicaragua and for maintaining order in
the country until that time. Mr. Eberhardt has my entire confidence
and will, I know, welcome this opportunity to be of service to the
Nicaraguan people.
Accept [etc.]