817.00/3188: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17—12:32 p.m.]
219. The note containing the Department’s instruction number 117, October 2, 7 p.m. was presented on October 3d to the Minister for Foreign Affairs from whom I have received a note in reply consisting of 23 pages and 45 sheets of digest.
After the usual recapitulation of the Legation’s note and brief reference to the proposed employment of marines to observe the elections the remainder of the note is devoted to a detailed and voluminous description of the attitude of the Government during the electoral period which is qualified as having been eminently impartial and commendable. In this connection the assertion is made that the Executive considers the legality of the elections to be indisputable.
The note also states that elections took place with admirable liberty, impartiality and order with the exception of Chontales where deliberately provoked disturbances were suffocated immediately. This statement is interesting when it is recalled that the state of siege was established because of those disturbances and is still in effect although the country has been tranquil since noon October 5th.
Unless the Department desires a more extensive report on this note by telegraph I shall send it by mail.