817.041/17: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Munro) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3 p.m.]
256. Department’s September 28, 6 p.m. The appellate courts question has been settled to the apparent satisfaction of both parties. The Liberal judges at Leon will remain on the court but will receive no salary until the Congress reelects them. They will then be paid in full from the time when they were replaced in office. The Government undertakes not to interfere in any way with the functioning of the court.
The Conservative judge at Bluefields will be quietly summoned to Managua by the President so that his substitute can take his place. The Supreme Court will then recognize the Bluefields court pending the reelection by Congress of the Liberal judge who will meanwhile not attempt to take possession.
The contrivances will thus be recognized by Congress but at the same time the decisions of the Supreme Court will be respected.
After I had ascertained that the above solution would be satisfactory to both parties the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the president of the Supreme Court met at the Legation last night and accepted it. There is to be no publicity as the local press appears to have forgotten the matter and it is desirable to avoid further controversy.