December 3, 1930.
"Second Course at the Military Academy," US Military Attaché Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, San José.   "NICARAGUA ¶ COMBAT ¶ No. 6700-b – Cadet Training. ¶ Second Course at the Military Academy. ¶ On November 17th the Military Academy, located in what used to be the National Museum, opened its second course. There are 17 non commissioned officers, 2 Nicaraguan Second Lieutenants, and 6 civilians to take the course. It is expected that 5 more civilians will enter for the course. ¶ The two second lieutenants are taking a course to prepare them for promotion, the remainder to secure commissions as second lieutenants. Should any large proportion of the candidates complete the course, the Guardia would begin to be largely under the control of Nicaraguan officers. ¶ Report No. 994 ¶ San José--December 3, 1930 ¶ Source – Newspapers. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

February 11, 1931.
"¡Guardias Nacionales!" propaganda flier, and newspaper clipping (publisher & date unknown), "Cómo Está Integrada la Guardia Nacional".  "TO ACCOMPANY REPORT NO. 1088 OF FEBRUARY 11, 1931 ¶ ¡GUARDIAS NACIONALES! ¶ LA paz de Nicaragua depende ahora de vosotros. No por obediencia a los oficiales yanquis que os vienen llevando a la matanza de hermanos contra hermanos, sino precisamente por el acto de libertad que muy bien podeis realizar. En vuestras manos está la independencia de Nicaragua, si sabeis independizaros de la agobiadora tutela extranjera. Sois más de dos mil y los oficiales mercenarios no llegan a trescientos; teneis rifles y ametralladoras y lo demás ya os lo enseñó la vez pasada un grupo valeroso de ese cuerpo. ¶ ¿Sois acaso, guardias, el vehículo para la ruina del país por el sometimiento a una voluntad extraña? ¿Vais a seguir pensaudo vanamente en detener el avance de las fuerzas de la autonomia? Pues seguireis cayendo obscuramente en la fosa, sin gloria y sin honor, sólo porque lo ordena un comando que hace de vosotros INSTRUMENTO DE SUS SECRETOS DESIGNIOS, echándoos a la muerte y azuzándoos para que continúe la lucha intestina y que de ese modo Nicaragua llegue a quedar campo fácil para la conquista después de extinguidos los unos contra los otros. ¿No comprendeis eso, pobres guardias? ¿No sabeis que obrando así sois despreciados hasta por los mismos norteamericanos que se aprovechan de todo? Si entre vosotros se organizara un COMITE DELIBERATIVO, de ese Comité podría salir la decisión y después todo se habría realizado por y para la libertad de Nicaragua. Manos a esa obra, pues, con voluntad y organización, y que cuando menos se espere en cada guardia haya un patriota y en cada una de vuestras armas, arma de independencia. ¶ Para el mundo, guardias, hoy constituis un organismo muerto, muerto en la vida por el papel de autómatas que estais desempeñando. ¿Acaso sois parias? ¿Acaso con unos córdobas, un uniforme y malas raciones de comida, os pagan? ¿Acaso está obligado el hijo de un país a servir de peón en el tablero donde se juega una partida que no es de verdadera conveniencia nacional? ¿Acaso teneis la obligación del sacrificio para que los zánganos de la colmena estén medrando del presupuesto? ¿No os habeis hecho esta reflexión? ¶ Guardias nacionales: El destino de Nicaragua estaría en vuestras manos si lavárais vosotros mismos tanta afrenta, con solo establecer la autoridad de la guardia sin ingerencia de jefe ni oficial extranjero alguno. Comprendedio así, y que, como Saulo, en el principio de este año os convertais de soldados del error en los verdaderos soldados de Nicaragua! ¶ Cómo Está Integrada la Guardia Nacional ¶ La Guardia Nacional se compone de ¶ 966 liberales ¶ 473 conservadores ¶ 211 neutrales ¶ Total 1.650 ¶ Pero estos neutrales, poco más o menos, lodos son conservadores. El liberal dice soy liberal; el conservador yo no soy nada. El Presidente de la República, como Jefe Supremo, debe tratar de depurar ese cuerop. Hemos conocido entre sus componentes a individuos que tienen cuentas con la justicia."

December 1, 1932.
"Nicaraguan Officers of Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 1.  "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,200-b ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Commissioned Officers. ¶ Nicaraguan Officers of Guardia Nacional. ¶ Commencing January 1, 1933, the date on which the Guardia Nacional will come under Nicaraguan control, the monthly rates of pay of officers will be reduced as follows: ¶ Former Rate ¶ New Rate ¶ Colonels ¶ $175.00 ¶ $120.00 ¶ Majors ¶ [$]150.00 ¶ [$]100.00 ¶ Captains ¶ [$]125.00 ¶ [$]90.00 ¶ Lieutenants ¶ [$]100.00 ¶ [$]80.00 ¶ Sub-Lieutenants ¶ [$]75.00 ¶ [$]70.00 ¶ In announcing these reductions, it is stated that these reductions in pay will be in effect until the economic condition of the country improves. ¶ The following appointments of higher officers of the Guardia, to replace Marine Officers, have been announced: ¶ Colonels ¶ Gustavo Abaunza (Chief of Staff) ¶ José María Zelaya C. (did not accept appointment) ¶ J. Rigoberto Reyes ¶ Arturo Cruz Hurtado ¶ Sebastián Poveda ¶ José Andrés Urtecho ¶ Andrés Largaespada (Chief of Intelligence) ¶ Majors ¶ Alberto M. Baca ¶ J. Evenor Hernández ¶ Adán Medina ¶ Luis Salladores Torres ¶ Arístides García Ofolea ¶ Dionisio Gasteazoro ¶ Humberto Solano ¶ Rodolfo Marín ¶ Captains ¶ David Argûello ¶ Alfonso Gonzáles ¶ Fernando Montealegre Sacasa ¶ Eliseo Mayorga ¶ Jorge Miranda ¶ Alejandro S. Pereira ¶ Enrique Marin h. [H.] ¶ Ambrosio Parodi ¶ Joaquin Rivas Solórzano ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 1853 ¶ Date: December 1, 1932. . . ."

December 1, 1932.
"Nicaraguan Officers of Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 2.  " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 6,200-b ¶ José Saravia Zelaya ¶ Carlos Tellería Q. ¶ Fugencio Sevilla ¶ Joseph Harrison ¶ Leopoldo Alvarez ¶ Fernando Valladares ¶ Manuel Callejas ¶ Carlos E. Gadea ¶ Manuel Lacayo ¶ Genero López ¶ Leopoldo Salazar ¶ José Francisco Terán ¶ Surgeon with rank of Major ¶ Dr. Hermógenos Prado. ¶ The most astonishing of these appointments is that of Andrés Largaespada as Chief of Intelligence. The following who’s who information is on file in this office on Largaespada: ¶ Holder of a B. A. degree, just over 40 years of age. Has been a deputy for a number of years and is owner and editor of “Diario Moderno” of Managua. This paper is about the yellowest of yellow sheets in Nicaragua. Has no money and is very easily bought. Is entirely undependable in anything but the policies of his party (Liberal), in which he wields considerable influence. Anti American. About as crooked as newspapermen and politicians come in Central America. ¶ Source: Press and as stated. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G.S., M.A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 1853 ¶ Date: December 1, 1932."

July 5, 1933.
"Consolidated report showing the distribution of all forces of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, to include July 1, 1933," p. 1.    (Note:  This 5-page report also appears as a PDF file on the webpage devoted to "Guardia Troop Distribution Reports, 1931-33," accessible via the GUARDIA HOMEPAGE or by clicking HERE.)

July 5, 1933.
"Consolidated report showing the distribution of all forces of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, to include July 1, 1933," p. 2.

July 5, 1933.
"Consolidated report showing the distribution of all forces of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, to include July 1, 1933," p. 3.

July 5, 1933.
"Consolidated report showing the distribution of all forces of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, to include July 1, 1933," p. 4.

July 5, 1933.
"Consolidated report showing the distribution of all forces of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, to include July 1, 1933," p. 5.

July 7, 1933.
"Distribution of the forces of the Guardia Nacional as of July 1, 1933," despatch from US Minister Matthew E. Hanna, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 1.   "M. I. D. ¶ Managua, July 7, 1933. ¶ No. 1351. ¶ Subject: Distribution of the forces of the Guardia Nacional as of July 1, 1933. ¶ The Honorable ¶ The Secretary of State, ¶ Washington, D. C. ¶ sir: ¶ I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy in translation of a consolidated report prepared in the headquarters of the Guardia Nacional which shows the distribution of all the forces of the Guardia on July 1, 1933. The report was handed to me by General Anastasio Somoza, Chief of the Guardia Nacional. ¶ The report gives the total strength of the Guardia on the date mentioned as 2,891 officers and enlisted, of which 2,731 belong to the Guardia proper, 15 are Auxiliaries and 145 are municipal police. The 2,731 commissioned and enlisted of the Guardia proper embrace ¶ 215 line . . . "

July 7, 1933.
"Distribution of the forces of the Guardia Nacional as of July 1, 1933," despatch from US Minister Matthew E. Hanna, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 2.   " . . . 215 line officers, 7 medical officers and 2,509 enlisted. ¶ It will be noted that the total strength of the forces occupying the Northern, Central and Eastern areas is 1,099 enlisted and commissioned. The total strength of the forces in the remainder of the Republic embracing the Southern Departments, the Departments of Managua and Carazo, and the City of Managua is 1,632 enlisted and commissioned. It would appear from these figures that there has been a great change in the distribution of the Guardia forces since the departure of the United States Marines, which change, generally speaking, has been to reduce the strength of the forces in the three areas mentioned above and to increase considerably the strength of the forces in the remainder of the Republic. ¶ It would appear from this that, since the peace arrangement with Sandino, the Government here has been giving preferential attention to the maintenance of order in the portion of the Republic which was free from banditry and which was policed during the period of Marine control of the Guardia by a much smaller force than is being employed at the present time. ¶ General Somoza told me when he gave me this report that he has been endeavoring to carry out his plan to reduce the strength of the Guardia to 2,300, but that the situation generally in the Republic, particularly in the former bandit region, has prevented him from reducing the Guardia as rapidly as he had expected. He said in this connection that he was fearful that Sandino would stir up trouble between Nicaragua and Honduras. It appears that ¶ Sandino . . . "

July 7, 1933.
"Distribution of the forces of the Guardia Nacional as of July 1, 1933," despatch from US Minister Matthew E. Hanna, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 3.   " . . . Sandino still has some armed men at his old bandit headquarters “Luz y Sombra” which is located North of the Coco River in disputed territory. General Somoza said that Honduran forces have been operating in that general neighborhood and that apparently it is the intention of the Government of Honduras to occupy the disputed area with its military forces. He seemed to think that this would be grounds for complaint on the part of the Government of Nicaragua. He said also that Sandino has been occupying Waspuck (Huaspuo) north of the Coco River, and that it is the Nicaraguan Government’s intention to replace Sandino’s forces in that town with a small Guardia force. I indicated to General Somoza the inconsistency in complaints by this Government growing out of the occupation of the disputed territory by Honduran forces if this Government should establish a military post north of the Coco River. He replied that Waspuck had always been considered a Nicaraguan town, presumably he meant that it had been so considered by Nicaraguans. ¶ It will be noted that Sandino’s 100 armed men are not included in the accompanying consolidated report of the strength of the Guardia, although the peace arrangement with Sandino apparently contemplated that his force formed a part of the Guardia. ¶ Respectfully yours, ¶ Matthew E. Hanna. ¶ Enclosure: ¶ Copy of report. ¶ 810.5 ¶ MEH:hwb."

July 28, 1933.
Translation of article in La Noticia (Managua) of 21 July 1933, "Officers Combine to Get Cheap Insurance Rates in a Foreign Insurance Company," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,200-b. ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Commissioned Officers. ¶ Officers Combine to Get Cheap Insurance Rates in a Foreign Insurance Company. ¶ The following article appears in “La Noticia” of Managua under date of July 21, 1933. ¶ Preliminary negotiations for insuring the entire officer personnel of the Guardia Nacional consisting of 223 officers, with the Pan American Life Insurance Co., of New Orleans, La., through individual policies, are quite advanced. ¶ Of these 223 officers on account of their age, some will pay as a minimum about $3.50 per month and others about $5.00 monthly. ¶ Even though the policies are to be issued to individuals, it actually is the entire officer corps of the army which insures itself with a foreign company. They can continue their insurance if they leave the armed forces at some later date. ¶ Apparently this insures the families of the officers against the contingency of their death in complying with their duties. And, on the other hand, the Pan American Life shows confidence in the Government of Dr. Sacasa being a government of peace, because otherwise it would not venture into this business. ¶ Juan Ramón Avilés, editor of La Noticia in Managua, attacks the above plan for the following reasons: ¶ 1. Because it appears based on the assumption that the officers do not trust the nation to fulfill its obligation to pension a family, - for which reason they prefer a foreign company. ¶ 2. Because the payment of premiums would be against the present policy of the Government against funds leaving the country. ¶ 3. Because he believes that the Guardia should start its own savings Department, depositing it in the Banco Nacional and include the enlisted personnel. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G. S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 3,132 ¶ Date: July 28, 1933."

October 25, 1933.
"Trial of High Ranking Guardia Officers [Colonel José A. Utrecho & Major Lacayo]," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300_b ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Discipline. ¶ Trial of High Ranking Guardia Officers. ¶ Reference is made to Report No. 2,206, Oct. 19, 1933, from this office. ¶ The original report received in this office concerning the trial of Colonel Urtecho and Major Lacayo was to the effect that these officers were being charged with being implicated in the arsenal explosion of August 1st. Further details show that this report was in error. They were actually charged with “Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline” in that they extracted important documents from the confidential files of the Headquarters of the Guardia Nacional, and gave them to unauthorized persons, - in this case, Dr. Espinoza, the Vice President of Nicaragua. ¶ Major Lacayo resigned, and his resignation was accepted, before he could be brought to trial. ¶ The findings in the case of Colonel Urtecho were as follows: ¶ “Resolution of the Court Martial which tried Colonel Urtecho:- ¶ “The Prosecutor was called and he was ordered to pronounce the following verdict: ¶ “Specification of the charge proven. ¶ “The accused is guilty of the charge. ¶ “The court withdrew. ¶ “The Prosecutor was called again and he was ordered to register the sentence of the Court as follows: ¶ “The Court sentences Colonel José A. Urtecho, G.N., to be released from active duty in the Guardia Nacional with certificate of bad conduct. ¶ SIGNED: General Gustavo Abaunza, President. Colonel Samuel Santos, Colonel Sebastián Poveda, Major Aristides García Otelea, Major Donoso Gasteazoro, Major José Francisco Terán, Major Alfonso González C., Major Alejo Espinoza L., Major Fernando R. Andino, Major J. Evenor Hernández F., Prosecutor. ¶ “NATIONAL GUARD HEADQUARTERS, CAMPO DE MARTE, MANAGUA, NICARAGUA. ¶ October 20, 1933. ¶ “The procedure and verdict of the foregoing General Court Martial in the case of J. A. Urtecho, Colonel, G. N. de Nicaragua are approved, but the sentence shall be the following: ‘To be released from active duty for the convenience of the Government’ – this mitigation thereby being approved. ¶ (s) A. Somoza, Chief Director.” ¶ Source: Press. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G.S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,210 ¶ Date: Oct. 25, 1933"

November 6, 1933.
"Editorial Attack on Non-Political Make-up of Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 1.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-a ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Loyalty and Discipline. ¶ Editorial Attack on Non-political Make-up of Guardia Nacional. ¶ On October 25, Juan Ramón Aviléz, editor of La Noticia, published the following editorial, attacking the bi-partisan representation in the National Guard. This report is submitted as an indication of the state of mind of a large element of the party in power. ¶ THE BI-PARTISAN NATIONAL GUARD HAS TURNED OUT TO BE A BAD AMERICAN EXPERIMENT IN NICARAGUA. ¶ I hasten to express the general satisfaction with which the public, without party distinction, has received the notice that Col. J. A. Urtecho, tried by a Court-Martial, has not been punished. Engineer Urtecho, an illustruous [illustrious] Nicaraguan, merits general appreciation. Before and during the trial, there existed in his favor a sentimental forgiveness of Nicaraguan society which triumphed over the rigorous discipline of the army, of which Col. Urtecho was a member. ¶ Nevertheless, carried into the political field, the occurrence carries special importance in that, in a given case, which was not believed possible, it has been shown that we are not as yet capable of maintaining our army on the enforced plan of bi-partisanship which the United States required as prerequisite for the withdrawal of the marines of the intervention. This bi-partisanship, which the Americans got to call “apolitico”, that is to say, non political, constitutes, on the part of the United States a complete lack of knowledge of Nicaraguan psychology or a deliberate plan for leaving within our borders the seeds of military conflicts propitious to revolt which might again open the doors to intervention. I am inclined to believe the first, and in such a case the pertinent thing is not to make the army bi-partisan as required by the forced plan of Nov. 3, 1933, but rather to have its members freely chosen by the Commander in Chief, who is the President of the Republic. In this manner, even though he should retain conservative officers or enlisted men, this will be virtue of the confidence which those inspire in him and not on account of the imposition of an agreement, as dangerous for Liberals as well as for Conservatives. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,220 ¶ Date: Nov. 6, 1933. . . . "

November 6, 1933.
"Editorial Attack on Non-Political Make-up of Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 2.   " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-a ¶ The representation of minorities in civil government in cooperation is well; but in the military the mixture produces a hybridism, causing the best to lose control through party instinct, provoking, at least, incidents which cause jealousy, putting fuel on the flame of distrust, enemy of tranquility. ¶ What should be done? Have the parties reach an understanding here? Carry it to Washington so that the Gordian knot may be cut there? For all of us patriotism and desire for peace would be the best counsellor in the matter. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G. S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,220 ¶ Date: Nov. 6, 1933."

November 10, 1933.
"Activities of Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Activities of Guardia Nacional. ¶ ARMS AND AMMUNITIONS RECEIVED. ¶ On November 1st a shipment of “a little more than 200 cases of ammunition and machine guns” arrived in Managua. They arrived from the United States on the S.S. ‘Santa Teresa’ of the Grace Line. ¶ RADIO STATIONS ¶ Two new radio stations for communications with headquarters were inaugurated by the Guardia on November 2nd. One at San Francisco de Cuajiniquilapa (Dept. of Chinandega) and the other in Totecacinte [Teotecacinte], in Nueva Segovia, near the Honduran frontier. The principal object of these stations is the control of smuggling operations. ¶ NO MORE CIVILIANS TO BE APPOINTED AS OFFICERS ¶ It is reported that no more civilians will be appointed officers in the Guardia, and that hereafter vacancies will be filled by promotions and the commissioning of enlisted men. ¶ Source: “La Noticia” ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G. S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,225 ¶ Date: Nov. 10, 1933."

January 26, 1934.
"Drunkenness in Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché ad interim Alex A. Cohen, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-b ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Loyalty and Discipline. ¶ Drunkenness in Guardia Nacional. ¶ Reference is made to Report No. 2,068, June 8, 1933, from this office and to evaluation thereof dated June 19. ¶ Apparently General Orders No. 17-1933, mentioned in the above report has not proven sufficient to combat intoxication among the Guardia personnel. La Noticia of Managua, under date of January 18th reports during the first fifteen days of the month of January 1 Captain, 3 Lieutenants and 28 enlisted men were discharged for drunkenness. As a result of the continued trouble with alcohol among the Guardia personnel, the following addition to General Orders 17-1933 was published: ¶ HEADQUARTERS ¶ GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA ¶ January 16, 1934. ¶ CHANGE No. 1-1934 to GENERAL ORDERS No. 17-1933. ¶ 1. Effective January 1st, the following addition to General Orders 17-1933 will be in force. ¶ 2. It having been proven in many cases that members of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua deliberately violate General Orders No. 17-1933 for the sole and exclusive purpose of thus obtaining their discharge from the service, without receiving such punishment as their offense merits, and in the desire to have each member of the Institution contribute to its prestige through observance of the best of conduct, it is ordered: That every member of the Guardia Nacional found violating the order referred to, on being recommended for discharge by his Commanding Officer, will be imprisoned with forced labor for a period of two months, to be served wherever ordered by this command, losing all pay and emoluments during this period of imprisonment until being discharged as an UNDESIRABLE member in the Guardia Nacional. ¶ 3. All service and pay records will be closed as of the date authorized by this office similarly to the procedure for men transferred to disciplinary organizations. All such records shall be forwarded to these headquarters in due time for the purpose of preparing and returning certificates of discharge and final accounts. ¶ 4. Special care will be exercised to see that all recommendations be forwarded after careful investigation by an officer, for the purpose of establishing justice and avoiding trouble in the respective offices. ¶ BY ORDER OF MAJOR GENERAL SOMOZA, COMMANDING THE GUARDIA ¶ Gustavo Abaunza, Brigadier General, Chief of Staff. ¶ Source: La Noticia. ¶ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MILITARY ATTACHE: ¶ Alex A. Cohen, In charge of office. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,291 ¶ Date: Jan. 26, 1934."

February 14, 1934.
"Friction between Guardia and Civilians," US Military Attaché ad interim Alex A. Cohen, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,200 ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Personnel. ¶ Friction between Guardia and Civilians. ¶ When the U. S. Marines were about to depart from Nicaragua, leaving the Guardia Nacional sole “lords and masters” of Nicaragua, it was predicted by many persons intimately acquainted with Nicaraguan psychology that the newly acquired power of the Guardia would not fail but lead to abuse. ¶ Of late there have been an increasing number of instances causing friction between the civilian population, including numbers of the government and the Guardia. These unfortunate happenings culminated with the arrest of two Subsecretaries of State by members of the Guardia. ¶ On January 30th the Sub-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Franklin Springer was arrested by a Lieutenant, two sergeants and two corporals, all of whom, it is stated, were intoxicated at the time. An account of this incident states that Mr. Springer was arrested by the Guardias, thrown in jail, threatened and insulted and was not released for two hours. ¶ On February 1st the Sub-Secretary of War, Dr. Irías, also had an encounter with a Guardia. Only the opportune intervention of an officer prevented the use of fire arms. ¶ “La Noticia” caustically calls these two occurrences “the Guardia week against the Subsecretaries of State.” ¶ It is granted that the Guardia does not have an easy task in Nicaragua. But events like those related above and many instances of abuse of the civilian population would seem to indicate that a goodly number of the present personnel of the Guardia apparently entertains entirely erroneous notions regarding their prerogatives. Unless the Guardia High Command takes steps to correct this attitude, the friction with the civilian population is bound to increase. ¶ Source: Press & Personal Knowledge. ¶ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MILITARY ATTACHE: ¶ Alex A. Cohen, ¶ In charge of office. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,311 ¶ Date: February 14, 1934."

March 1, 1934.
Decree No. 356 by President Juan B. Sacasa, and General Orders No. 3-1934 by Jefe Director Anastasio Somoza, p. 1.   "DECREE NO. 358. ¶ THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC. ¶ Recognizing the necessity of reforming the regulations for the government and discipline of the Guardia Nacional and in the exercise of the prerogatives granted him as Commander in Chief of the Army under Articles 109, inserts 6, 13 and 14, and 111 of the Constitution and inserts 29 to 106 of the Regulations for the Executive. ¶ DECREES: ¶ Art. 1. The President of the Republic, as Commander in Chief of the Army, will issue his orders to the Director in Chief of the Guardia Nacional directly or through the respective office. Also, when he deems it opportune, he will send orders directly to the Commanding Officers of military jurisdictions or to any other member of the Guardia, & communicating them to the Director in Chief for his information. ¶ Art. 2. Without prejudice to the other faculties he possesses on the organization of the army, the creation and suppression of [unreadable] and other jurisdictions, or the removal or transfer of their Executive Officers, Chiefs of Police and the officers of the Corps of Aviation is an exclusive attribute of the Executive. ¶ Art. 3. Promotions, calls to and releases from native service of officers of the Guardia Nacional can only be effected as directed by the President of the Republic within the prescriptions of insert 13 of Art. 111 of the Constitution. ¶ Art. 4. Arms, munitions and military equipment are under the orders of the Commander in Chief. Transfers of arms and munitions for ordinary necessities of the service will be ordered by the Director in Chief of the Guardia Nacional, reporting it immediately to the Commander in Chief; but extraordinary transfers can only be made subject to direct previous approval or orders from the Commander in Chief. ¶ Art. 5. Without orders of authorization of the Commander in Chief, no Guardia Nacional funds may be expended except such as are for ordinary expenditure for salaries and the maintenance of the Corps. ¶ Art. 6. Police, members of the Guardia Nacional and auxiliaries detached for this purpose will comply with orders received directly from the respective Ministry and other competent authorities. ¶ Art. 7. The Director in Chief of the Guardia will daily report to the Commander in Chief, the condition of the Guardia. ¶ Art. 8. This decree revokes all dispositions opposed thereto and will be communicated to the Director in Chief of the Guardia Nacional for the purpose of immediate compliance. ¶ Given in the Presidential Offices, Managua, March 1, 1934. ¶ J. B. SACASA ¶ The Minister of Government & War ¶ GONZALO OCON. ¶ GENERAL ORDERS No. 5-1934. ¶ 1. Effective this date members of the Guardia Nacional will strictly comply with Executive Decree No. 358 of the 1st of this month, which reads: ¶ (Decree No. 358, so translated above, follows) . . . "

March 1, 1934.
Decree No. 356 by President Juan B. Sacasa, and General Orders No. 3-1934 by Jefe Director Anastasio Somoza, p. 2.   " . . . 2. Members of the Guardia Nacional violating the decree referred to will be punished in conformity with the provisions of the articles for the government and discipline of the Guardia Nacional. ¶ BY ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR IN CHIEF, MAJ. GEN. A. SOMOZA ¶ GUSTAVO ABAUNZA ¶ Brig. General, G.N., Chief of Staff. ¶ OFFICIAL ¶ JOAQUIN RIVAS S. ¶ Law and Liaison Officer, G.N. ¶ Captain, G. N."

March 9, 1934.
"Present Situation," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 1.  "G-2 Report. ¶ 3,020-b ¶ NICARAGUA (Political) ¶ Subject: Stability of Present Administration. ¶ Present Situation. ¶ As time goes on it appears, at least on the surface, that the difficulties between the Guardia and the Government are being smoothed over. The Guardia has publicly reaffirmed its allegiance to President Sacasa several times; - and the President has not demanded more than “lip service” from the Guardia. His attitude may be as pictured in a statement recently made by the Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Relations, who remarked: “Maybe at this time, it is well for the President of Nicaragua not to be too strong.” ¶ On March 3rd, the President of the Republic issued a decree which defines in detail his rights and prerogatives as Commander in Chief of the Guardia. This decree was issued after consultations with his Cabinet and the Diplomatic Corps in Managua. It is attached as an appendix. ¶ The Guardia has started an active campaign against the remaining Sandinistas at Wiwili, - the town in the agricultural district established by Sandino. On February 27th, the Guardia attacked this place killing twenty two Sandinistas. ¶ Although authorative [authoritative] details of this engagement are leaking, the pictures reported taken after the fight (copies attached) would seem to indicate that the members of the Guardia have thrown overboard all the ideas of humane, and more or less sportsmanlike, warfare taught them by the Marines. For four years their natural instincts were repressed, - but now that the Marines have departed, they have returned with enthusiasm to their quaint custom of cutting off the heads of their defeated enemies. For four years Sandino’s Jefes were the only ones engaged in this practice. Now it appears that both sides will meet on even ground in this delightful pastime. ¶ As could be expected, the Americans are being blamed for this barbarous practice. Every day allusions are being made in the Press to the bloody acts committed by the American trained Guardia. ¶ An unconfirmed report from Managua states that the Guardia is to be reorganized along the lines of the Guardia in El Salvador. For this purpose it is stated a Military Mission from El Salvador will shortly proceed to Nicaragua. ¶ Source: Press. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G. S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,329 ¶ Date: March 9, 1934."

March 9, 1934.
"Present Situation," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 2.   Newspaper clippings of photographs of Guardia atrocities committed against Sandinistas at Wiwilí.

May 24, 1934.
"Activities in Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché ad interim Alex A. Cohen, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,100-a ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Activities in Guardia Nacional. ¶ The Nicaraguan Press Reports that the more than one thousand “Auxiliares” of the Guardia Nacional, are now all in the process of being discharged. This naturally will mean great relief to the badly overstrained budget of Nicaragua. ¶ These so-called “Auxiliares” (Auxiliaries) have in Nicaragua, in the past few years, occupied a peculiar status. Serving in conjunction with Guardia troops, where and when needed, they have been taken from the civilian population, furnished with government arms (but not uniformed), and were paid from Guardia funds. As usually they were recruited in the locality where the Guardia might be operating, with their knowledge of the country in the immediate vicinity and its population, they proved a valuable asset. ¶ The so-called “Pacification of the Segovias” is still continued by the Guardia (although not in a very peaceful manner). Bandits, when encountered, are killed; while several caches of arms & munitions are reported to have been found lately. The difficulties of operations in the mountains of the Segovias may best be pictured by an encounter between two Guardia patrols some ten days ago, at night, when, thinking the other to be a bandit force, they opened fire on each other, and before the mistake was discovered, one patrol commander and several enlisted men were killed. ¶ Source: La Noticia. ¶ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MILITARY ATTACHÉ: ¶ Alex A. Cohen, ¶ In charge of office. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,428 ¶ Date: May 24, 1934."

August 10, 1934.
"Gabriel Castillo Court Martialed," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 6300-(a) ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ LOYALTY & DISCIPLINE ¶ Subject: Gabriel Castillo Court Martialed ¶ The execution of the sentence of the Court Martial of Captain Gabriel Castillo, Guardia Nacional was begun on July 20, when General Castillo, in the presence of the entire Guardia Nacional stationed in Managua, was publicly divested of his insignia of rank, and placed in a cell to being a 20 year term of confinement. ¶ The Court Martial of Captain Castillo was held in secret. It was publicly announced that he was being tried for insubordination and conduct unbecoming an officer. However rumors have it that he was being tried for conspiracy to overthrow the government, (in this case the leaders of the Guardia.) The severity of his punishment would indicate that he was being tried for something more serious than insubordination. ¶ The idea of publicly degrading this officer seems to have for an object the warning of all would-be conspirators to watch their step. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G.S., M.A. ¶ From: M.A. Costa Rica. ¶ Report No. 2480 ¶ Date, Aug. 10, 1934."

August 10, 1934.
"Gabriel Castillo Court Martialed," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 2.   Newspaper clipping with photos & caption:  "La sensacional degradación del Capitán Gabriel Castillo, el sábado pasado, en el Campo de Marte"   ¶ ARRIBA – El Mayor González, comenzando a despojar al Capitán GABRIEL CASTILLO del uniforme e insignias de Oficial de la Guardia Nacional, en cumplimiento de la sentencia del Consejo General de Guerra que lo condenó a 20 años de reclusión y degradación. ¶ ABAJO – El EX-CAPITAN CASTILLO, al terminar el despojo de su uniforme e insignias, las cuales están ya sobre el suelo. ¶ (Fotos Peñalba – Cortesía de la Guardia Nacional)."

August 22, 1934.
"Court-Martial of Captain Gabriel Castillo," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 1.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-a ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Court-Martial of Captain Gabriel Castillo. ¶ Reference is made to Report No. 2,480, August 10, 1934, from this office. ¶ From further information received since the above report was made, it has become apparent that there is considerable feeling, - and even friction, - between the old Marine-trained Guardia officers and the new political appointees. A group of the former officers, led by Captain Castillo, were discovered planning a rebellion of some sort. ¶ After the trial of Castillo, General Somoza issued the following statement in regard to his personal actions in the case. The statement follows: ¶ GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA, MANAGUA, NICARAGUA, July 27, 1934. ¶ MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESS ¶ In order that the public may judge and form a correct opinion regarding the actions of the Command with regard to the trial of ex-Captain Gabriel Castillo, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, there are given below the outstanding passages of the record of the trial, as well as certain articles of the regulations governing this institution, in order that it may clearly be seen that the revising authority, - the undersigned in this case – can under no conditions increase a sentence imposed by a Court Martial, whether it be an ordinary one or a General, - without surpassing his authority. ¶ “General Headquarters, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, Managua, Nicaragua, July 16, 1934. From the Director in Chief. To Lieut. José Antonio López G.N. Subject: Charges and Specifications in the case of Captain Gabriel Castillo, G. N. de Nicaragua. ¶ 1. The above mentioned individual will be tried by the Court Martial of which you are trial judge advocate on the following charges and specifications. You should notify the President of the Court accordingly, inform the accused of the date indicated for his trial and summon all witnesses, for the prosecution as well as for the defense. CHARGE: VIOLATION OF ART. 57 OF THE ARTICLES FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE OF THE GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA. ¶ SPECIFICATION: In that Gabriel Castillo C., Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, on or about the 11th day of July, 1934, in the city of Jinotega, Nicaragua, incited various officers of the Guardia Nacional to rebel jointly against His Excellency, the President of the Republic, the Director in Chief of the Guardia Nacional, the Chief of Staff of the same and against other high ranking officers of this institution, with a sinister and vicious plot of assassination […] ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,497 ¶ Date: August 22, 1934. . . . "

August 22, 1934.
"Court-Martial of Captain Gabriel Castillo," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 2.   " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-a ¶ . . . with the deliberate and premeditated intention of disturbing peace and internal administration of the Republic and of the Guardia Nacional in particular and usurp legal military authority in Nicaragua. ¶ (s) A. Somoza. ¶ The following is the outstanding part of the verdict and sentence pronounced by the members of the Court Martial: ¶ THE SPECIFICATION OF THE CHARGE – PROVEN. ¶ THE ACCUSED IS GUILTY OF THE CHARGE. ¶ The Trial Judge Advocate was again called and he was ordered to register the sentence of the Court as follows: ¶ THE COURT CONDEMNS CAPTAIN GABRIEL CASTILLO C., GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA, TO BE DISHONORABLY DROPPED AND TO BE IMPRISONED FOR TWENTY (20) YEARS WITH FORCED LABOR IN SUCH PLACE AS THE REVISING AUTHORITY MAY DESIGNATE. ¶ Manuel Gómez F., ¶ Captain, G. N. ¶ President ¶ Justo P. Palacios, ¶ Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ J. Francisco Jarquín ¶ Sub-Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ José María Tercero, ¶ Sub-Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ Lisandro Delgadillo, ¶ Captain, G. N. ¶ Member ¶ [unreadable] H. Pallais, ¶ Sub-Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ José Luis Aguado, ¶ Sub-Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ Francisco Boza, ¶ Sub-Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ Salvador Rizo G. ¶ Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ Orlando López, ¶ Sub-Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ J. Rigoberto Duarte, ¶ Sub-Lieut. G. N. ¶ Member ¶ José Antonio López B. ¶ Lieut. G. N. ¶ Trial Judge Advocate. ¶ The court thereupon, at 2:53 a.m. on July 18th, 1934, was suspended to await orders from the convening authority: Manuel Gómez F., Captain, G. N., President; José Antonio López B., Lieut. G. N. Trial Judge Advocate. ¶ JOINT ACTION OF THE CONVENING AND REVISING AUTHORITY. The proceedings, verdict and sentence in the foregoing case of Captain Gabriel Castillo C., G. N. de Nicaragua are approved. This office will later designate the prison it considers appropriate for serving the sentence. A. Somoza, Director in Chief. ¶ Art. 44 of the “Articles for the Government & Discipline of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua: ¶ “The proceedings, verdict and sentence of all Courts Martial and Military Tribunals will be subject to review by the Chief of the Guardia, who, in each instance has power to PARDON, MITIGATE, COMMUTE OR SUSPEND ANY PART OR ALL OF THE SENTENCE.” ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,497 ¶ Date: August 22, 1934. . . ."

August 22, 1934.
"Court-Martial of Captain Gabriel Castillo," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 3.   " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-a. ¶ Art. 290 of the Book of Instructions on Courts Martial and Courts of Investigation: ¶ POWER OF THE REVIEWING AUTHORITY: ¶ Each officer empowered to convoke a Court Martial, is empowered to diminish or mitigate, but not to commute a sentence. When, nevertheless, the Convening Authority does not desire to approve the proceedings of a Court, nor to exercise his authority to diminish or mitigate, his authority is limited to the return of the records to the Court for revision and reconsideration of such parts as he considers merit it, and, in case of the court adhering to its original conclusions, to disapproval of the same. The convening authority has no power to compel a change of verdict or sentence, when, after having been reconvened, the court has declined to do so, neither can he either directly or indirectly suggest that the measure of punishment imposed by sentence of a Court Martial be augmented. When the proceedings, verdict or sentence of a Court are illegal, the Convening Authority should set them aside. ¶ From the foregoing, I am personally convinced, - and I say so publicly, - that, as Convening and Revising Authority I have done nothing but to confirm the sentence pronounced by the members of the General Court Martial against ex-Captain Gabriel Castillo C., and that therefore rumors in circulation are false and without foundation. If the public wishes to convince itself even more on the legality of the proceedings, it may pass, when it wishes, this office, where I will show with great pleasure the record of the Court Martial, so it may be read. ¶ (s) A. Somoza, ¶ Director in Chief, G. N. ¶ Source: La Noticia. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G. S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,497 ¶ Date: August 22, 1934."

August 30, 1934.
"Citation" of Guardia officers involved in "stamping out final Sandinista activities," Jefe Director Anastasio Somoza, p. 1.   "HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIA NACIONAL, ¶ Managua, Nicaragua, Aug. 30, 1934. ¶ GENERAL ORDERS No. 19-1934. ¶ CITATION. ¶ 1. Anastasio Somoza, Director in Chief of the Guardia Nacional of Nicaragua, takes pleasure in communicating the following paragraph of the operations report transmitted to headquarters by the Commanding Officer of the Central Area, Colonel J. Rigoberto Reyes, G. N., on the subject of the recent fight of the Guardia Nacional under his command in the mountains of Segovia and related with stamping out final Sandinista activities. It reads as follows: ¶ Being in command of the force of officers and enlisted men in operations along the Coco River as far as Bocay and having observed in all of them their desire of ever preserving the glorious tradition of the Guardia Nacional; and in view of their devoted labor, I take pleasure in recommending to the Director in Chief of the Guardia that the below mentioned officers and enlisted men be cited in General Orders of the Guardia Nacional, such citation to be entered on their service records: ¶ Lieut. Carlos Cuadra Cea ¶ Sub-Lieut. Rolando Bermúdez ¶ Sub-Lieut. Gilberto Peralta ¶ Sergeant Major Guillermo W. Luna ¶ 1st Sergeant César Herrera ¶ Sergeant Antonio Gutiérrez ¶ And 46 enlisted men. ¶ The following officers of the Guardia Nacional, all of whom took part in the battle of Wiwilí, should also be mentioned in General Orders: ¶ Lieut. Isidro Sandino, ¶ Sub-Lieut. Agustín Bodán h. [H.] ¶ Sub-Lieut. Francisco Buscibing P. ¶ Sub-Lieut. Gonzalo Matus ¶ Sub-Lieut. Ramón Torres ¶ Sub-Lieut. Edmundo Delgado ¶ Sub-Lieut. Gilberto Peralta ¶ Sub-Lieut. Adolfo Montenegro ¶ Sub-Lieut. Rodolfo Dorn B. ¶ Worthy of praise is the work Major Alberto M. Baca in the Murra and Rio Poteca sectors and certain other places in Nueva Segovia accompanied by officers Montenegro, Peralta and Torres. Major Baca was to me a most important collaborator. He always maintained his characteristic activity. Captain Manuel Callejas, who commanded a patrol for thirty-two days accompanied by officers Simón Cantarero and Sub-Lieut. Rodolfo Dorn, should also be mentioned. With regard to Captain Gabriel Castillo and his patrol of officers and enlisted men, I attach hereto his report. ¶ Officers who took a part in this expedition in the Central Area are: Colonel J. Rigoberto Reyes, Sub-Lieut. Francisco Buscibing P., Agustín Bodán h. [H.], Pedro E. Cabezas, Rodolfo Dorn B., and General Simón Cantarero and ninety one enlisted men and eighty three auxiliaries. . . . "

August 30, 1934.
"Citation" of Guardia officers involved in "stamping out final Sandinista activities," Jefe Director Anastasio Somoza, p. 2.    " . . . Officers who took a part in the expedition into the Northern Area are: Major Alberto M. Baca, Captain Gabriel Castillo, Captain Julián Torres, Captain Hermógenes Prado, Captain Manuel Callejas, Lieut. Isidro Sandino, Lieut. Carlos Cuadra Cea, Lieut. Gustavo A. Zavala, Sub-Lieuts. Carlos Silva, Julio Tapia, Adolfo Montenegro, Gilberto Peralta, Ramón Torres, Ronaldo Bermúdez and Félix P. Ruiz, with one hundred and fifty nine enlisted men and six auxiliaries. ¶ Officers who took a part in the expedition into the Eastern Area were: Major Luis Balladares Torres, Captain Francisco Gaitán, Sub-Lieuts. Eusebio Montes, Hildebrando A. Pedilla and Esteban Cáceres, with seventy-five enlisted men. ¶ The cooperation of Major Balladares Torres and his patrol was most opportune and he cooperated most efficiently in the Bocay sector. I do not make any recommendation, however, on account of not having access to the respective report. Nor do I cite the officers and enlisted men, because, even though they all properly cooperated, they neglected to furnish the reports which they are obliged to submit. ¶ 2. The Director in Chief of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua is greatly pleased that our institution has men who know to perform their duty in a valiant and abnegated manner, and wishes, through the Commanding Officer of the Central Area, to cordially congratulate all those under his orders who distinguished themselves. ¶ 3. This order of HONORABLE CITATION is to be filed with the service records of each one of the officers and men mentioned. ¶ By order of the Director in Chief, Major General Somoza: ¶ (s) ANTIOCO SACASA S. ¶ Colonel, G. N., Chief of Staff. ¶ OFFICIAL: ¶ (s) SAMUEL SANTOS, ¶ Colonel, G. N., Chief of Intelligence and Operations."

October 4, 1934.
"General Court Martial of Lieut. J. Antonio Lopez, G.N," US Military Attaché ad interim Alex A. Cohen, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-a ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Loyalty and Discipline. ¶ General Court Martial of Lieut. J. Antonio López, G. N. ¶ Reference is made to “Current Situation” reports on Nicaragua, No. 2,627, dated Sept. 14 and No. 2,539, dated Sept. 28, from this office, in which another fire and explosion in the Campo de Marte at Managua was reported. ¶ It now appears that this fire was of incendiary origin, because on October 3rd and 4th the Costa Rican press reported that a General Court Martial had been convoked for the purpose of trying Lieut. J. Antonio López of the Guardia for arson in connection with the fire. The Court pronounced the death sentence. As to whether it will be carried out will depend on action by the reviewing authority, the Director General of the Guardia. Also, President Sacasa may exercise his prerogative of executive clemency. ¶ Source: Press. ¶ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MILITARY ATTACHE: ¶ Alex A. Cohen, ¶ In charge of office. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,643 ¶ Date: Oct. 4, 1934.

October 19, 1934.
"Court Martial of Lieut. López, G.N.," US Military Attaché ad interim Alex A. Cohen, San José.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-a ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Loyalty. ¶ Court Martial of Lieut. López, G. N. ¶ Reference is made to report No. 2,543, Oct. 4, from this office. ¶ It has just been reported that President Sacasa exercised his prerogative of executive clemency, and changed the death sentence against Lieut. López, to twenty years at hard labor. ¶ Lieut. López, it should be remembered, for a considerable time held one of the key positions in the Guardia, namely that of Chief of Police of Managua. For an officer of Lieut. López[’s] experience to be found guilty of deliberately setting fire to the Guardia stores at the Campo de Marte, to the writer can indicate but one of two things. Either Lieut. López is insane, or else there is considerable [considerably] more friction among members of the Guardia and consequent plotting against its Chief – General Somoza – than is generally suspected. The trial of two of the older officers of the Guardia (Captain Castillo and Lieut. López) within a couple of months, surely is indicative of something being wrong within the organization. Loyalty to country, rather than to personal ambition and political party is almost impossible to the average Nicaraguan, more so even when finding himself cloaked by the mantle of authority conferred by the uniform of the Guardia Nacional. ¶ It might have been much better for the country as a whole if, on this occasion, President Sacasa had followed the example of his colleague in Guatemala, and had permitted the death sentence to stand. It would have produced a salutary effect on the remainder of the Guardia and if it would not have prevented further plotting entirely, it at least would have greatly discouraged it. ¶ Source: Press & personal knowledge. ¶ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MILITARY ATTACHÉ: ¶ Alex A. Cohen, ¶ In charge of office. ¶ 2567 ¶ 6300(a) ¶ Court Martial of Lieut. Lopez, G.N. The cases of Castillo and Lopez indicate a disloyal attitude among Guardia officers which will be of continued interest to this office. General Somoza’s measures to purge the Guardia of his enemies should be closely followed. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,567 ¶ Date: Oct. 19, 1934."

October 24, 1934.
"Monthly Rates of Pay," US Military Attaché ad interim Alex A. Cohen, San José.    "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,200. ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Personnel. ¶ Monthly Rates of Pay. ¶ Under the budget for the Guardia Nacional, just approved by Congress, the following rates of pay are assigned per month to the Guardia personnel. ¶ 6,200-b Commissioned Officers. ¶ General, Director in Chief ¶ C$ 280.00 ¶ Colonel, Chief of Staff ¶ [C$] 220.00 ¶ Colonel, Chief of Operations & Investigation ¶ [C$] 180.00 ¶ Colonels, line ¶ [C$] 150.00 ¶ Majors ¶ [C$] 130.00 ¶ Captains ¶ [C$] 112.00 ¶ Lieutenants ¶ [C$] 77.00 ¶ Permanent Sub-lieutenants ¶ [C$] 55.00 ¶ Temporary Sub-lieutenants ¶ [C$] 50.00 ¶ 6,200-c Enlisted Personnel. ¶ Sergeant Majors ¶ [C$] 40.00 ¶ Quartermaster Sergeants ¶ [C$] 30.00 ¶ First Sergeants ¶ [C$] 35.00 ¶ Second Sergeants ¶ [C$] 25.00 ¶ Corporals ¶ [C$] 18.00 ¶ Buglers ¶ [C$] 14.00 ¶ Privates ¶ [C$] 12.00 ¶ Source: La Noticia. ¶ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MILITARY ATTACHÉ: ¶ Alex A. Cohen, ¶ In charge of office. ¶ 2577 ¶ 6200 ¶ Personnel: Monthly Rates of Pay – Nicaragua. ¶ For the personnel indicated in your #2576, the total annual pay is approximately C$464,000 (cordobas), or nearly one-half the total budget for the Guardia Nacional. Adequate pay appears to be the most important budgetary factor. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,577 ¶ Date: Oct. 24, 1934."

January 13, 1935.
"Loyalty and Discipline - Military Prisoners," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 1.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-d ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Loyalty and Discipline. ¶ Military Prisoners. ¶ (a) Ex-Captain Gabriel Castillo. ¶ Reference is made to Report No. 2,497, August 22, 1934, from this office, covering the General Court Martial of Captain Gabriel Castillo, G. N., which resulted in his degradation and sentence to twenty years imprisonment at hard labor. ¶ Castillo is a native of El Salvador. From the time of his imprisonment the government of El Salvador interceded unofficially in his behalf. These pleas finally met with success, for, on the morning of December 22nd he was set free and permitted to depart by plane for San Salvador, accompanied by the Salvadorean Minister to Nicaragua, Licenciate Cesár Miranda. ¶ (b) Gustavo Alemán Bolaños. ¶ In referring to Report No. 2,594, November 1, 1934 from this office (2,820) it will be noted that Gustavo Alemán Bolaños was sentenced by a Court-Martial to one year’s imprisonment for having engaged in publishing subversive articles against the Nicaraguan Government. Bolaños, a civilian, was tried by a court-martial because the country was under martial law and also because most likely a civil court would not have convicted him. ¶ On the night of December 24th, under orders from President Sacasa, Bolaños was set free, and permitted to go to his home at Masaya. ¶ 2692 ¶ 6300-d ¶ Military Prisoners – Nicaragua. This presidential policy with respect to the release of military offenders was foredoomed to cause resentment on the part of those charged with the enforcement of discipline in the Guardia. ¶ Apparently, politics in the administration of the Guardia’s affairs are assuming alarming proportions. This condition is unfortunate and will no doubt foment discontent and perhaps disloyalty in the armed forces. ¶ Your visit to Managua is well timed and it will enable you to render an estimate of the present situation which can be based on your own observations. ¶ This office will await, with interest, a full report on the present status of Nicaraguan affairs. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,692 ¶ Date: Jan. 13, 1935. . . . "

January 13, 1935.
"Loyalty and Discipline - Military Prisoners," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 2.   " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-d ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Loyalty and Discipline. ¶ Military Prisoners. ¶ (a) Ex-Captain Gabriel Castillo. ¶ Reference is made to Report No. 2,497, August 22, 1934, from this office, covering the General Court Martial of Captain Gabriel Castillo, G. N., which resulted in his degradation and sentence to twenty years imprisonment at hard labor. ¶ Castillo is a native of El Salvador. From the time of his imprisonment the government of El Salvador interceded unofficially in his behalf. These pleas finally met with success, for, on the morning of December 22nd he was set free and permitted to depart by plane for San Salvador, accompanied by the Salvadorean Minister to Nicaragua, Licenciate Cesár Miranda. ¶ (b) Gustavo Alemán Bolaños. ¶ In referring to Report No. 2,594, November 1, 1934 from this office (2,820) it will be noted that Gustavo Alemán Bolaños was sentenced by a Court-Martial to one year’s imprisonment for having engaged in publishing subversive articles against the Nicaraguan Government. Bolaños, a civilian, was tried by a court-martial because the country was under martial law and also because most likely a civil court would not have convicted him. ¶ On the night of December 24th, under orders from President Sacasa, Bolaños was set free, and permitted to go to his home at Masaya. ¶ As far as this office has been able to learn, no pardons were granted in these two cases, - in other words, the prisoners were merely released on “good behavior” and, in the case of Alemán Bolaños, he can again be incarcerated should he renew his attacks on the Government. Castillo, it is believed, will not be permitted to re-enter the country. ¶ These two Christmas liberations, ordered by President Sacasa in his usual spirit of magnanimity are excellent for the two parties directly concerned, i.e. Castillo and Alemán Bolaños. The effect, however, these acts will have on the malcontents, both within and without the Guardia, will simply be to encourage them in their acts of aggression against the State. It is now being freely predicted that Lieut. López, whose present sentence of life imprisonment is under appeal before the Supreme Court of Justice, also eventually will be set free and his offense forgotten. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,692 ¶ Date: Jan. 13, 1935. . . ."

January 13, 1935.
"Loyalty and Discipline - Military Prisoners," US Military Attaché Major A. R. Harris, San José, p. 3.   " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 6,300-d ¶ [unreadable]: Unconfirmed rumors emanating from Nicaragua tend to show that these acts (and others) of the President have only served to widen the breach between him and General Somoza, Commander of the Guardia. According to rumor, this breach is becoming dangerously wide. ¶ Source: Press & Personal knowledge. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G. S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,692 ¶ Date: Jan. 13, 1935."

January 25, 1935.
"The Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché, San José.   "6300 (a) ¶ NICARAGUA ¶ The Guardia Nacional ¶ The Guardia Nacional is not, as General Somoza would like to believe, a unified, coherent body. It is not, as a whole, loyal to its commander. It contains such antagonistic sub-divisions as: Liberals and Conservatives, - the latter naturally in positions of minor importance; - of “academicos” (graduates of the former military school) and “civiles” (civil appointees) who are extremely jealous of each other; and most important it is divided into Sacasa and Somoza groups. At the present time these latter sub-divisions held the center of the stage. The President’s bodyguard of approximately 15 officers and 250 men is distinctly pro-Sacasa and anti-Somoza. So also is supposed to be the garrison stationed in Leon. Although the bulk of the Guardia is distinctly pro-Somoza, - still the deflection of two of his most trusted officers (Castillo and Lopez) has made the General feel more than a little distrustful of his position in the event of an actual showdown. He knows he cannot count on certain of his officers in case he defies the President. The discovery of some of his favorites plotting against him has weakened his own self assurance and also his prestige not only in the Guardia but among the civilians as well. ¶ In an endeavor to strengthen his position the Commander of the Guardia has been bringing to Managua, as his principal assistants, men of proven ability and loyalty. Colonel Rigoberto Reyes has been brought in from Matagalpa and made Chief of Intelligence and Operations. Colonel Santos, - his predecessor has been sent to the country. Captain Salazar and Major Telleria, both men with good reputations have been brought to Managua, - the latter being appointed Chief of Police. In this way General Somoza has been gradually strengthening his position, and building up a force, - at least in Managua, - which can be depended on in a fight. Who’s who reports on the chief officers of the Guardia will be submitted at an early date. ¶ About two months ago General Somoza was undoubtedly losing prestige all around. To-day he has regained most of his lost ground, - but is probably not so cock-sure of himself and of his ability to control his followers as formerly. This condition tends to prevent an open break with the President. ¶ The Guardia itself naturally has not improved in discipline, morale, or efficiency under the prevailing conditions. The Guardia stationed in Managua is about one month behind in itspay [its pay]; the troops in the interior are from two to three months behind. The officers and men seen in Managua by the Military Attache appeared quite neat and clean and more or less “on the job,” but reports from other districts indicate that they are becoming quite ragged and run-down-at-the-heel. ¶ By relegating the members of the Guardia, who are Conservatives, to positions of minor importance, the Guardia is steadily becoming more and more a Liberal tool. It is extremely doubtful that a fair and impartial election could be held under Guardia supervision at the present time. ¶ Source: M. A., Costa Rica, Report No. 2,715, January 25, 1935."

April 3, 1935.
"Enlisted Personnel in Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 1.   "G-2 Report. ¶ 6,200-c ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Enlisted Personnel in Guardia Nacional. ¶ 1. Large Turn-over During Year. ¶ 2. Distribution of Grades. ¶ 1. Turn-Over During Year. ¶ During the period 1 October, 1933, to 30 September 1934, the following changes in enlisted strength took place in the Guardia:

¶ (a) G A I N S

¶ Enlistments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .416

¶ Reeinlistments [Reenlistments] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 576

¶ Returned Deserters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16

¶ Returned to duty after serving sentence . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

¶ Revocation of desertion charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

¶ Transfer to disciplinary org. revoked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

¶ Total gains 1,012

¶ (b) L O S S E S

¶ Cancellation of enlistment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

¶ Cancellation of reenlistments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

¶ Transferred to disciplinary organization . . . . . . . . . . . 22

¶ Deserters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

¶ Deaths (various causes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

¶ Discharged (various causes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,009

¶ Total losses 1,106

¶ Net loss . . . . . . 94

¶ 2. Distribution by Grades. ¶ On September 30, 1934, the authorized an-[paper in way of text] strength of the Guardia was as follows: ¶ Enlisted Personnel in Guardia Nacional of Nicaragua. ¶ 1. The very large (50%) turnover in personnel is not indicative of a well-disciplined or contented force; the fact that there were 576 reenlistments somewhat lessens the bad effect of losing, in the period of one year, nearly half (1,009) of the defense forces of Nicaragua. ¶ 2. In connection with authorized strengths shown in par. 2, attention is called to the report (on form shown) called for by new “Abridged Requirements,” 6300-a (2). [paper in way of text] 3, 1935. . . . "

April 3, 1935.
"Enlisted Personnel in Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 2.   [See above]

April 3, 1935.
"Enlisted Personnel in Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 3.   " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 6,200-c

¶ (b) M E D I C A L

¶ First Sergeants 4

¶ Sergeants 14

¶ Corporals 28

¶ Privates 30

¶ Total 76

¶ (c) B A N D

¶ Sub-Director 1

¶ 1st Class Musicians 10

¶ 2nd Class Musicians 8

¶ 3rd Class Musicians 23

¶ Total 42

¶ R E C A P I T U L A T I O N .

¶ Line 2,119

¶ Medical 76

¶ Band 42

¶ 2,237

¶ NOTE: The above figures do not include the auxiliaries. They do, however, include 25 enlisted men paid by the United Fruit Company, who guard the properties of this company on the Atlantic Coast. ¶ Source: Annual Report of Minister of Government and War. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G. S., M. A. ¶ From: M. A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 2,822 ¶ Date: April 3, 1935." 

April 4, 1935.
"Distribution of Troops - Territorial Commands," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 1.   [NOTE:  This table is not transcribed here.]

April 4, 1935.
"Distribution of Troops - Territorial Commands," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 1A.

April 4, 1935.
"Distribution of Troops -Territorial Commands," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 2.

April 4, 1935.
"Distribution of Troops, Territorial Commands," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 3.

April 4, 1935.
"Distribution of Troops, Territorial Commands," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 4.

April 4, 1935.
"Distribution of Troops -Territorial Commands," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 5.

April 4, 1935.
"Distribution of Troops, Territorial Commands," US Military Attaché, San José, p. 6.