817.00/7950: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:50 p.m.]
67. Referring to my conversation today with Wilson. I respectfully submit two points for the Department’s consideration:
- 1.
- I understand from Wilson that our policy regarding nonrecognition of revolutionary governments has not changed. If this be the case I fail to see why only Somoza and the Nicaraguan Government may be told that fact, but that the people here who think that our silence indicates a reversal of policy should remain in ignorance with the possible effects which I have already brought to the Department’s attention.
- 2.
- Nicaragua is still a party to the Treaty of 192352 which was proposed and supported by us. The President told me this morning that he feels that it is entitled to an expression of policy for this reason.
Whether or not a period of anarchy or civil war follows in wake of the present situation, it is undeniably true that Nicaragua at present faces a grave crisis, not only in my opinion but in that of every responsible person to whom I have talked. Since it is impossible to predict with certainty that quiet and normal conditions will be restored in the near future, any appropriate step which might be taken in an effort to avoid possible disorders and bloodshed would appear to be justified.
- Conference on Central American Affairs, Washington, December 4, 1922–February 7, 1923 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1923), p. 287.↩