817.00/7–1544: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Nicaragua (Stewart)
304. The Department is somewhat perturbed at the efforts reported in your telegrams nos. 435, July 9, noon and 429, July 7, noon, to involve the United States in the internal political affairs of Nicaragua. The Department has been giving earnest consideration as to ways in which it could be made clear both to the Government and to the opposition in Nicaragua that the United States does not condone the use of the United States flag for political purposes and does not countenance the issuance by an American citizen,10 holding a Nicaraguan Government position with the approval of the Secretary of State,11 of orders to local shopkeepers having obvious political implications. The Department wishes to accomplish this without giving unnecessary offense to the Nicaraguan Government and without adding fresh fuel to the disturbed political conditions prevailing in Nicaragua.
You are requested to inform the Department regarding the extent to which, in your opinion, the position of the United States is misunderstood in Nicaragua, particularly in consequence of the Nicaraguan Government’s efforts to mislead Nicaraguan public opinion, notably as reported in your Telegram No. 440 of July 11, 5 p.m. (For your personal and confidential information only, the Secretary has not spoken to the Nicaraguan Ambassador since June 26. The Ambassador [Page 1399] appears to have reported an exaggerated version of a conversation he had with another Department official.) The Department would also appreciate your suggestions as to the manner in which our position might appropriately be made clear.