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'Fat file' on 'Sandino Situation' by US Military Intelligence Division, 1928-33
 
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Sandino Situation Files  •  PAGE 1  •  PAGE 2  •  PAGE 3  •  PAGE 4  •  PAGE 5  •  PAGE 6  •  PAGE 7  •  PAGE 8  •  PAGE 9  •  PAGE 10  •  PAGE 11  •  PAGE 12

Page 4 of Fat File on Sandino Situation, US Military Intelligence Division, 1928-33

Documents are presented here in their original sequence as found in three bulging file folders titled "Sandino Situation," Record Group 165, Entry 77, Box 2653, US National Archives II, College Park MD.

      Grateful appreciation is extended to Mr. Brandon Ray, Summa Cum Laude college graduate from Ashford University in Iowa (with a B.A. in History and a minor in Political Science) for his exacting transcriptions on this page and the previous three pages.

1.  Feb. 21, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, Col. Gordon Johnston, Colonel, Cavalry, Military Attaché, Report No. 2776, p. 1.  "G-2 Report ¶ MEXICO ¶ SUBJECT: Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City. ¶ 1. Reference is made to secret report No. 2771 dated February 19, 1930, and to earlier reports, on the above subject. ¶ 2. Further report of the special agent on Sandino’s activities in Mexico City, are attached hereto. ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 2776. ¶ Date: Feb. 21, 1930."

2.  Feb. 21, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, Col. Gordon Johnston, Colonel, Cavalry, Military Attaché, Report No. 2776, p. 2.   "C. A. Sandino. ¶ The special agent reports Sandino’s movements on February 19, 1930, as follows: ¶ “The Sandino group still expect to leave Mexico City at any moment. ¶ At seven o’clock this evening Sandino was in conference with a man whose name I could not learn; but he has made an appointment for me to call at noon tomorrow (Feb. 20) for a long talk. ¶ I learned today that at the dinner given recently to Sandino by the lawyer Isidro Fabela, an incident occurred which made Sandino very angry with Fabela. General Estrada tells me that this dinner was a ‘frame-up’ with the object of finding out Sandino’s intentions and plans. That at this dinner there was present a man named Moreno, an American, with whom Sandino had had some altercations in Nicaragua; that when Sandino found out what was up, he became furious and left the place. ¶ They tell me that Fabela was once the Mexican Ambassador at Washington, and that Moreno is well known in Central America through his exploits in favor of Wall Street bankers. ¶ General Estrada also told me that Paredes was released this afternoon from custody of the authorities, and presented himself to Sandino at six o’clock to report how he had been treated. ¶ Paredes says he was first taken to the Jefatura of Operations, and later transferred to the Guarnición de la Plaza (Garrison). That at the latter place they questioned him as to whether he was a communist and if he knew anybody on the list of persons they showed him; but all the names were unknown to him. That during the time he was under arrest they gave him very bad food to eat, but did not submit him to torture. ¶ Paredes says that while he was detained in the Garrison he made efforts to learn if Pavletich was also there, but could not locate him. Therefore Pavletich’s whereabouts continues a profound mystery, although Sandino’s friends suspect that he is under arrest at the Garrison."

3.  Feb. 28, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930, Gordon Johnston, Colonel, Cavalry, Military Attaché, Report No. 2783, p. 1.   "G-2 Report ¶ MEXICO ¶ SUBJECT: Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930. ¶ 1. Reference is made to Secret Report No. 2776 dated February 21, 1930, and to earlier reports, on the above subject. ¶ 2. Further and final reports of the special agent on Sandino’s activities in Mexico City are forwarded attached hereto. ¶ 3. Sandino left Mexico City on Saturday, February 22, 1930 for Mérida via Vera Cruz. He went to Vera Cruz by train, and as reported, left by plane for Mérida but was not on board when it arrived at Mérida, according to information received from the American Consul at Progreso, Yucatán. ¶ 4. Attention is invited to a report of the State Department (despatch No. 984) dated February 20, 1930, addressed to the Chargé d’affaires here, covering a conversation between the Minister of Nicaragua in Washington and the Chief of the Division of Latin American Affairs, to the effect that an order had been placed for the purchase of a 300 horsepower military airplane, by a firm in Mérida, Yucatán. The presumption is that this plane is intended for Sandino. ¶ 5. From another source of information it is reported that Sandino visited Calles about two weeks ago and was with him for more than two hours. The results of this conference are not known, but the most reliable information is to the effect that Calles stated that he “will do nothing to hamper any activities started in Mexico to aid Sandino”. ¶ The reliability of this information is doubtful. ¶ 6. So far as can learned, no large sums of money were received by Sandino while here. He has approached aviation officers and ex-General Juan Merigo and ex-General Arvísu, as well as ex-General Claudio Fox. The latter declined to consider his plan for going to Nicaragua, but the other two are said to have looked upon it favorably. Both have been eliminated from the Army and are in financial straits. If Sandino has any money to pay them, or assurance of loot, they would probably accompany him. . . . "

4.  Feb. 28, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930, Gordon Johnston, Colonel, Cavalry, Military Attaché, Report No. 2783, p. 2.   " . . . Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, ¶ February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, 1930. ¶ The special agent reports Sandino’s movements on the above dates as follows: ¶ February 20: ¶ “Spent the day as usual. ¶ Everyone seems worried over the intervention of the Mexico City police, and their reserve increases every day. Martí told me that Esteban Pavletich, the Peruvian writer, member of Sandino’s staff,, who disappeared some days ago, is under arrest in the local garrison. He also told me that no one had been allowed to talk with Pavletich, notwithstanding Sandino’s personal efforts to secure this. ¶ Sandino promised to give important information tomorrow; unable to do so today as he had an appointment and had to leave. ¶ Regarding the date of their departure, they tell me they are making their final preparations. It is my opinion that they are only waiting to collect the sum of twenty-five thousand pesos, necessary for their travelling expenses. I have noticed that none of Sandino’s staff have lacked money while they have been in Mexico City. ¶ January 21st: ¶ “Sandino remained in his Balderas St. lodgings nearly all the morning. He then went out with Gen. Estrada and others of his staff, and had not returned at 8 p.m. I understand they went out to say good-bye to their friends and arrange some pending details, as Paredes told me they expect to leave tomorrow night for Vera Cruz. ¶ During my conversation with Paredes he told me that while he was under arrest for three days in the local garrison he ate absolutely nothing on account of the wretched food that was offered him. ¶ February 22d. ¶ “Sandino stayed in his lodgings until 1 p.m., when he went out for lunch. He gave me an appointment for 4 p.m., but when I arrived at that hour I was told that Sandino and his aides had left at 3:30 in an automobile taking their luggage with them, but it was not known by my informant, the young lady in charge of Dr. Zepeda’s office, whether they had left for Vera Cruz or for some other point. I immediately tried to locate Dr. Zepeda, but without success. ¶ Sandino had told me that they would leave for Vera Cruz today, and there embark for Mérida, but since the train for Vera Cruz leaves Mexico City at 8:25 p.m. I cannot understand their leaving their lodgings when they did. I was informed in the offices of Mexican Aviation Co. that no airplane left for Mérida in the afternoon, but that one had left in the morning for that port. They did not know whether Sandino had reserved passage for any of the ports which they touch. ¶ I understand that the International Red Cross have petitioned the Government for the immediate release of Esteban Pavletich, one of Sandino’s aides. ¶ (Later) I have just been informed that Sandino and all his aides left for Vera Cruz at 5 p.m. on board the Interoceanic Ry. ¶ Gen. Sandino left instructions with Zepeda to allow me to see his personal files. . . . "

5.  Feb. 28, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930, Gordon Johnston, Colonel, Cavalry, Military Attaché, Report No. 2783, p. 3.   " . . . February 23rd: ¶ “I have been both to Dr. Zepeda’s home in Lomas de Chapultepec and to his Balderas St. office, and have not been able to see him; they always tell me he is out. I shall try again tomorrow. ¶ February 24th: ¶ “Same luck today; Dr. Zepeda has not been at his office all day, nor at his home. At 8:30 p.m., the last time I went to Balderas St. the young lady in charge of his office said she was surprised that he had not come, as he always attended to patients between 6 and 8 p.m. ¶ “In the offices of ‘La Prensa’ they have no news of the arrival of Sandino at Vera Cruz or at Mérida, but said a telegram had been received from the Congress Estudiantil (Students’ Congress) of Monterrey (Mexico) asking President Ortiz Rubio to immediately withdraw recognition of General Moncada’s Government in Nicaragua. They told me that said Congress had received a letter from Sandino informing them of his campaign against ‘Yankee imperialism’ and that he trusted in the youth of Latin America for the triumph of Latin American ideals; that when that letter was received it evoked great applause. ¶ The young lady in Dr. Zepeda’s office refuses to give any information, simply saying she knows nothing. ¶ From all the foregoing Sandino’s trip to Vera Cruz would seem doubtful; possibly instead of going there he is headed for Central America.” ¶ February 25th: “It has been absolutely impossible to locate Dr. Zepeda. He has not been to his office all day, and they always tell me at his home that he is not in. Neither have I been able to talk with General De Nogales, who is still stopping at the Hotel Regis, although never in. However, I was able to learn that the reporter on the “Prensa”, in Vera Cruz, called their office here and said that General Sandino, accompanied by some of his friends, had left Vera Cruz on board a train for Jalapa (State of Vera Cruz), without stating the object of his trip. However, it is probable that he is going to confer with Governor Tejeda of that State. ¶ February 26th: ¶ “Not until today was I able to interview Dr. Zepeda, who categorically denies that Sandino went to Jalapa, but says ‘the reporters are seeing Moors with lances”. (According to information received by the ‘Prensa’ reporter, Sandino actually went to Jalapa.) ¶ Zepeda says Sandino will remain some days in Vera Cruz before going on to Mérida. When I asked him if Sandino would go to Nicaragua he replied that he couldn’t tell me. He also said that Sandino had left instructions to let me see his personal files."

6.  June 6, 1930.  G-2 Report on Revolutionary Activities in Nicaragua, Major Fred T. Cruse, San José, Costa Rica.   "(COPY) ¶ (2657-P-241) ¶ 206 ¶ NICARAGUA ¶ POLITICAL ¶ No. 3020-d – Armed Revolutionary Movements. ¶ Revolutionary Activities. ¶ As was to be expected the recent heavy withdrawal of Marines from Nicaragua was the signal for immediate increase in the activities of enemies of President Moncada and of the United States. ¶ Sandino returned promptly to Nicaragua, but with no particular prestige. Mr. Elio Hasera informs me that Dr. Pedro J. Zepeda, the Nicaraguan agitator in Mexico, has written to Gonzalo Navarro, a well-known Nicaraguan refugee now in San Jose, offering him the leadership of a new revolution against Moncada. ¶ This is most important, as it shows that the name of Sandino is no longer of value to the revolutionists. Further details will be forwarded as they become available. ¶ Report No. 749 ¶ San Jose--June 6, 1930 ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

7.  June 17, 1930.   G-2 Translation of article in El Dictamen, Veracruz, 30 May 1930, Capt. Robert E. Cummings, Assistant Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 1.   "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations: ¶ Status of Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ C. A. Sandino. ¶ 1. Attached hereto there is forwarded a translation, from the American Consul at Vera Cruz, of an article which appeared in “El Dictamen” published in that city, of date May 30, 1930, and which contains a letter from Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, Sandino’s representative in Mexico City. ¶ 2. From this article it will be noted that Augusto Caesar Sandino has severed relations with the Mexican Communist Party, and that his representative in Mexico City hints that funds which were destined for Sandino were misappropriated by the Communists. ¶ 3. Judging from the tone of the letter, and the accusations made therein by Sandino’s representative, it would appear that Sandino’s career in Mexico is finished. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL, ¶ Assistant Military Attaché, ¶ Acting Military Attaché ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 2948. ¶ Date: June 17, 1930."

8.  June 17, 1930.   G-2 Translation of article in El Dictamen, Veracruz, 30 May 1930, Capt. Robert E. Cummings, Assistant Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 2.   "The Attacks on Sandino are because he would not allow himself to be managed by the Communists in Mexico. ¶ Sandino’s representative in Mexico, Dr. Zepeda, in a letter replies to the attacks, and in turn accuses the Communists. ¶ “To the Director of “El Dictamen” : ¶ Dear Sir and Friend: ¶ I would be very grateful if you would cause to be published in the paper which you so ably edit, the following declarations which have been made by Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, the general representative of the defending army of the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua: ¶ “By reason of the accusations which Sr. Hernán Laborde, in his position of secretary-general of the Communist party, made against General Augusto Caesar Sandino, permit me to make the following explanations from which it can be seen that General Sandino has never betrayed that party, for the following reasons: ¶ “First: When the Association called ‘Hands off Nicaragua’ began a campaign to collect funds to be delivered to the Nicaraguan patriots, General Sandino was not aware of the connections of that association. ¶ “Second: The funds for the purpose, which were turned over to the army which I have the honor to represent, amounted to $250.00; and all the world knows that this amount would not serve even for one day to take care of the needs of that group of patriots which has maintained itself for more than three years, with the rifle at the shoulder. ¶ “Third: Having in my possession the complete archives of the invincible supreme chief of the Liberation Movement of Nicaragua, I am in a position to answer point by point, the calumnious statements which may be made against him. ¶ “Now I am going to reply in a general way, to the statements of Sr. Laborde. It is true that Constantino F. Martí, the former private secretary of General Sandino, was discharged from the headquarters of that chief, for the reason that it had been proved that not only did he not serve with loyalty the cause of the defenders of Nicaragua, but also that he acted as a spy of the Communist Party in Mexico, within our army. In addition to the fact that I possess the official communications of General Sandino in which he advised me officially, indicating that said notice be published, the said Colonel Martí has declared before various persons that he was commissioned by the aforesaid Communist Party to spy on the actions of our supreme chief. ¶ “In respect to the second point in which Sr. Laborde makes reference to my declarations, I said and I repeat, that in the defending army of the national sovereignty of Nicaragua, General Sandino did not have, nor does he now have, any agreement with the Communist Party nor with any other association or government, because this would be equal to taking away the undisputed liberty of action which is necessary for us to carry forward, without any interruption, our plan of National liberation. With respect to the statement that our movement has betrayed . . . "

9.  June 17, 1930.   G-2 Translation of article in El Dictamen, Veracruz, 30 May 1930, Capt. Robert E. Cummings, Assistant Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 3.   " . . . the working and agricultural classes, whether of Nicaragua or of the entire world, I consider such statement absurd, because our struggle in this moment is not social but for autonomy, and during such time as we do not have a free nation, it would be useless to take a position in either of these subjects. General Sandino has reasons for believing that from the bosom of the Communist Party of Mexico, there had been put out the calumnious version that the interruption of the struggle in Nicaragua, was the result of the betrayal of our army by General Sandino, and they even went so far as to say that Dr. Carlos León had seen the check for sixty thousand dollars which the Mexican Government had sent in order to convince General Sandino of the necessity for giving up the struggle. As may naturally be suspected, this produced in General Sandino the most violent indignation, but incapacitated as he was at that time to disprove this grave charge, he took the prudent course, leaving them, as he himself said, “that they should clean up the filth they had thrown”. This is the origin of the letters exchanged between General Sandino and the secretary-general of the Communist Party of Mexico; this is the origin of the sarcastic declaration that ‘the Communist Party of Mexico being the one from which we have received most help, in our anti-Imperialistic struggle in Nicaragua’. This I likewise underlined, as I underline that which I said before, that we received $250.00 from the committee ‘Hands Off Nicaragua’, as a product of the collections which were made in the streets and theaters. I do not care to make the accusation that Sr. Laborde or the Communist Party of Mexico had taken these funds, but they, better than anyone else, are in a position to know what use was made of them. ¶ “It is undeniable that the Communists of Mexico did unmentionable things to cause General Sandino to break relations not only with the Government of Mexico, but also with all that element which sincerely affiliated with our cause, could have given liberty of action and independence to General Sandino. ¶ “Following out a preconceived plan, the unpleasantness of Martí towards the newspaper men who came to interview General Sandino and which provoked an unfortunate incident which I personally had to arrange. It was due to this same plan of the Communists that the same Martí was made a prisoner as the result of having given utterance to displeasing statements about the President of the Republic; utterances which placed General Sandino in a highly embarrassing position. When General Sandino was given an account of the manner in which the Communists were acting through his private secretary, he resolved in a determined manner to clear up the situation, and it is for this, fundamentally, that the Communist Party feels that it has been betrayed, because, finding that General Sandino was not a manageable person and that he could not have in Nicaragua a motive for agitation which could be called Communistic. ¶ “However, the fury of Sr. Laborde can be clearly seen, in that, while he assured on one side that Sandino returned to the struggle obeying a utilitarian plan, on the other hand, he was assuring the Communists that his stay in Mexico was in obedience to his purchase by the North American Imperialism, the purchase which had been made by the Government of Moncada, etc. . . . "

10.  June 17, 1930.   G-2 Translation of article in El Dictamen, Veracruz, 30 May 1930, Capt. Robert E. Cummings, Assistant Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 4.   " . . . Resuming, for the Communists, General Sandino sold himself when for strategic reasons and political reasons, he provisionally abandoned the field of battle, where during three long years he had maintained himself immovable before all the united forces of Moncada and of the North American Government. General Sandino was not sold to the Mexican Government; when materially incapacitated, he remained in Mérida, Yucatán, awaiting the opportune moment to return to his duty; and now it results also that according to the communists, he goes to gamble his life in order that the North American Government may secure greater advantages from the traitor José María Moncada. ¶ “Like the previous calumnies, is the observation that General Sandino has received certain materials, and even that he received money, the fabulous sum of two thousand pesos, that he might return to resume the struggle. ¶ “Whatever may be the charges of the enemies of Nicaraguan liberty, we find ourselves resolved to demonstrate that we do not follow any base motives, and that earlier or later, the world will take account that General Sandino is a man immaculate, and a true apostle. ¶ Pedro José Zepeda. ¶ General Representative of the Army to defend the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua.” ¶ And I beg that you will kindly publish this, for, having published in the organ under your direction, a news item from Mexico City, which referred to this same affair. ¶ I send you my thanks for the attention which the present letter may merit, and remain at your orders, ¶ Your most affectionate and attentive friend and servant, ¶ Enrique Rivera Bertrand, ¶ Representative in the State of Vera Cruz of the Army to defeat [Defend] the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua."

11.  Jan. 7, 1930.  G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, Mexico City.    "NICARAGUA ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SANDINO SITUATION ¶ The newspapers this morning publish an article, dated Mexico City, which states that the Communist Party and the Anti-Imperialistic League are investigating charges that Sandino accepted $60,000. to drop his Cause and abandon Nicaragua. Neither the source of the charges nor the source of the $60,000. are stated, but the declaration is made that the groups mentioned above have in their possession a photograph of the check given to Sandino. ¶ The article states that since arriving in Mexico Sandino has been living in Merida like a millionaire. Señor Ycaza, Secretary of the Mexican Legation here, tells me that every month since his arrival Sandino has written a letter to the Governor of Yucatan demanding 50,000 pesos, but that the Governor has sent a polite answer and done nothing. There are other indications that Sandino is short of money, so the above article is probably propoganda [propaganda] put out by some of those who formerly supported Sandino but with whom he broke before he left Nicaragua. ¶ During all Sandino’s campaign there was only one indication that he might have accumulated any large quantity of money. This was in April, 1928, when his brother-in-law, a telegraph operator drawing $60.00 a month bought a Coffee Finca near Matagalpa, paying $40,000. in cash. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

12.  Dec. 12, 1929.  "Sandino Feared Plotting Revolt In Nicaragua — Exile in Mexico Is Reported Busy on Plan for Foray; State Department Silent," New York Tribune.    "Sandino Feared Plotting Revolt In Nicaragua ¶ Exile in Mexico Is Reported Busy on Plan for Foray; State Department Silent ¶ Rumors reaching New York yesterday indicated the possibility that Augustino Caesar Sandino, called “the Aguinaldo of Nicaragua” was preparing to return to Nicaragua from his asylum in Mexico. ¶ Inquiries made by wire from authorities in Washington and Mexico City failed to confirm the report [unreadable] maintaining a strict silence upon the subject of Sandino, but observers in this city were fearful that the news was authentic and that events in Nicaragua were portending. ¶ Gave United States Much Trouble ¶ For almost three years Sandino defied the armed forces of the United States, which aggregated 3,500 Marines and included mountain batteries and airplanes. And credible word that he was on his way back to the country he had sworn to free of American military forces would be received with considerable concern in high quarters in this country, it was thought. ¶ Long after his forces had been dispersed and his followers reduced to a mere dozen or so, most of them generals, Sandino held out in the fastnesses of the jungle bordering the Cocos River in the north of Nicaragua and sent letters to the Presidents of South American republics and even attempted to deal with President Jose Moncada of Nicaragua himself. ¶ Sandino was said to have had not more than a dozen companions in his swampy bailiwick when he wrote to President Irigoyen of Argentina, suggesting that the latter call a conference of the representatives of South American republics to deal with the question of American intervention in Nicaragua. ¶ Suggests Division of Country ¶ Last January he wrote President Moncada, sending the message by two of his relatives, suggesting that they divide Nicaraugua [Nicaragua] between them. President Moncada, he wrote, might keep the seat of government and the southern part of the republic and for his part, he would retain Nueva Segovia, the province in which he and his men then were conducting occasional forays, often vanishing across the border into Honduras when attempts were made to catch up with him. ¶ Throughout this period Sandino had strong support in certain groups in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, and active intrigues in his behalf were conducted from that base. He had numerous admirers also in Mexico, particularly among the anti-American faction in that republic. ¶ According to the rumors which percolated to New York, the friends of Sandino in Honduras, Mexico and other republics of Central and South America, have succeeded in raising funds which may be used at [as?] a war chest in a new campaign against the tranquility of Nicaragua. ¶ No Comment in Washington ¶ From the Herald Tribune Washington Bureau ¶ WASHINGTON, Dec. 12.—The State Department withheld comment tonight on the report that Augustino Sandino was plotting to return to Nicaragua and resume his anti-American activities."

13.  November 11, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.   "SANDINO SITUATION ¶ The enclosed handbills by Sandino appeared at Bluefields and Puerto Cabezas about October 21st. As Sandino was admitted into Mexico upon his agreement not to indulge in political activities, this is a clear violation of that agreement. ¶ In these circulars he again attacks Adolfo Díaz, Emiliano Chamorro and José María Moncada. ¶ Toward the end of October these circulars also appeared in Corinto and Léon. ¶ Report No. 559 ¶ San José--November 11, 1929 ¶ Source – Marine Intelligence ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

 

14.  September 6, 1929.   Manifiesto Al Pueblo Nicaragüense, A. C. Sandino, Mérida, Yucatán.   "MANIFIESTO AL PUEBLO NICARAGÜENSE. ¶ Augusto César Sandino. ¶ Augusto César Sandino. ¶ ¡ANIMO, NICARAGÜENSES! ¶ Llego hasta vosotros con la autoridad de quien ha sabido aceptar el reto que el invasor yanqui lanzó al Ejército Nicaragüense cuando le vió aniquilado en una guerra fraguada por el mismo invasor. ¶ ¡ANIMO NICARAGÜENSES¡ ¶ Hoy como ayer, el vínculo de nacionalidad me dá el derecho de asumir la responsabilidad de mis actos ante vosotros y ante la Historia en el sostenimiento de nuestro Honor Nacional. ¶ En mayo de 1927, los hijos espúrios de Nicaragua Adolfo Díaz, Emiliano Chamorro y José María Moncada, lograron hacer la confusión mental del pueblo nicaragüense y pretendieron obligarle a doblar su dignidad ante los miserables invasores yanquis; pero en aquel momento de claudicaciones y confusión, la Columna Segoviana que era a mis órdenes se convirtió en el Ejército Defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua, y ha rechazado con energía la afrenta que el gobierno yanqui trató de imponer al pueblo nicaragüense. ¶ Mientras Nicaragua tenga hijos que la amen, Nicaragua será libre. Han sido hijos que la aman quienes en representación de todo el pueblo nicaragüense, la han convertido, de pesadilla que era para las hermanas Repúblicas de Latino América, en la hermana digna de todo aprecio mediante la lucha que contra la piratería yanqui entabló aquella columna el 4 de mayo de 1927. ¶ ¡ANIMO NICARAGÜENSES! ¶ Se acerca la hora de la liberación; pero en ella sólo estaremos compactos cuando vosotros sepáis corresponder al Ejército Defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua formando en sus filas como soldados dispuesto a todo, inclusive a dar o recibir la muerte. ¶ ¡ANIMO NICARAGÜENSES! ¶ Se acerca la hora de la liberación. Ya el invasor levanta el campo convencido de que el Ejército defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua aumenta cada día y que si sus filas antes sólo estuvieron en las Segovias, hoy están en las ciudades del interior. Cada uno de vosotros, nicaragüenses, es un soldado de ese Ejéricto porque en cada uno de vosotros se está despertando el amor a la Patria en la forma de la dignidad, en la forma de la energía y en la forma de la reivindicación. ¶ ¡ANIMO NICARAGÜENSES! ¶ Ellos, los bárbaros del Norte, quieren despedírse de vosotros dejando sus bofetadas impresas en vuestros rostros y han visto que de vuestros rostros mana sangre ciudadana. Pues, bien, sea; para que la acción reinvindicadora no se haga esperar más y para que se cobre la cuenta golpe por golpe, ojo por ojo y así sepan respetar los invasores yanquis la libertad de los pueblos de nuestra América, fuertes en la defensa de sus derechos soberanos. Jamás se os perdonaría, nicaragüenses, que presentárais la otra mejilla al invasor y vuestras manos deben ser ciclones que pulvericen a los descendientes de Walker. Nuestro Ejército Autonomista, representativo de nuestro honor personal y del honor de Nicaragua como Nación Soberana, ha probado hasta dónde lleva la fuerza del derecho contra el derecho de la fuerza. ¶ ¡ANIMO NICARAGÜENSES! ¶ Yo estaré con vosotros en una hora que ya se acerca. Ya el invasor se amilana y presiente el peso de la ira popular. Ya el invasor lia sus maletas y se retira repartiendo bofetadas y ya habéis dado ejemplos de que no presentaréis la segunda mejilla. Ese es vuestro deber. ¶ ¡ANIMO NICARAGÜENSES! ¶ También a los instrumentos de la intervención yanqui y a los que la llamaron y se han empeñado en mantenerla se les acerca la hora de ajustar cuentas. A vosotros, nicaragüenses os toca ir arreglándolas mientras el Ejército Defensor de nuestra Soberanía Nacional reanuda sus actividades. ¶ No desmayeis. Mi salida de las Segovias significa el triunfo absoluto de la libertad de Nicaragua. El día que menos lo penséis estaré a vuestro lado. ¶ ¡NICARAGUA SERA LIBRE MIENTRAS TENGA HIJOS QUE LA AMEN! Mérida, Yucatán, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, septiembre 6 de 1929. ¶ PATRIA Y LIBERTAD. ¶ Imprenta y Linotipia “EL PORVENIR” Calle 64 N 517"

 

15.  August 19, 1929.   G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.   "SANDINO SITUATION ¶ On August 4th Tenorio sent me a cable from Honduras which said “Peace Effectively Re-established. Am writing you.” This telegram, I now know resulted from the fact that Tenorio had just heard of the capture, by Honduran troops of Colonel Francisco Estrada. This is the man that Sandino left in charge of affairs in Nicaragua. Four other Sandino leaders, none of them well known and 59 men were captured at the same time as Estrada. These men have merely been concentrated in Tegucigalpa, but I agree with Tenorio that it definitely marks the end of the Sandino movement. This is confirmed by the fact that on the day Sandino heard of the capture of Estrada he announced to the papers that he had bought a Finca in Yucatan and would remain there. Entirely reversing his previous insistent declarations that he would return to Nicaragua and resume the campaign. ¶ It seems evident that the group referred to above and another large group captured about the same time were all genuine Sandinistas, as distinguished from the two leaders who were still left in Nicaragua but who were never anything but admitted bandits. These two were Pedro Altomirano and Miguel Angel Ortez. ¶ Report No. 486 ¶ San José—Aug. 19, 1929 ¶ Source—Newspapers_personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major G.S. ¶ M.A."

 

16.  August 9, 1929.   G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.   "SANDINO SITUATION ¶ SANDINO AND MEXICO ¶ The morning newspapers state, apparently with Mexico City as a source, that Sandino and his group have disappeared from Merida and are en route for Belize, with the intention of again entering Central America. This is not yet confirmed and I think it is doubtful. However, I think it advisable at this time to sum up the connection between Mexico and the Sandino movement. ¶ The impetus of the whole Sandino movement came from Mexico…not the Government but the communist and anti-imperialist groups in that country. When Gustavo Machado returned from a visit to Sandino’s forces last year he spent several days in Tegucigalpa. During this time he was received and entertained at the Mexican Legation, and when he left for Amapala to take a steamer for Mexico he was accompanied by Mr. Saenz Rico Secretary of the Legation. This was most astonishing as for over a year Machado had been the editor of a communistic newspaper called “El Machete”, every column of every issue of which contained vicious attacks on the Mexican Government. Finally when Sandino decided to get out of Nicaragua he was given, entirely openly, every possible help by the Mexican Legation in Honduras, Salvador and Guatemala. On the night of June 20th Sandino stayed at the Mexican Legation in Tegucigalpa. In a previous report I have stated the help he received in Salvador and Guatemala. ¶ If Mexico has permitted Sandino to return to Central America, it can be nothing else but a deliberately unfriendly act, at least toward the Government of Nicaragua. From my observations during the last year and a half the whole attitude of the Mexican Government in the Sandino affair has been openly unfriendly to the United States. ¶ Report No. 483 ¶ San José--August 9, 1929 ¶ Sources – Personal knowledge ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major G.S. ¶ M.A."

 

17.  Aug-Sept 1929.  Press clippings:  August 4, 1929, "Mexico To Deport Sandino," New York Times.   ca. August 13, 1929, "Sandino is Back In Merida, Yucatan," New York Sun.   ca. September 8, 1929, "Marines Arrive From Nicaragua," New York Herald.   "MEXICO TO DEPORT SANDINO ¶ Nicaraguan Rebel and Followers to Be Interned in British Honduras. ¶ MERIDA, Yucatan, Aug. [3 or 8] (.P).— General Augustino Sandino, fugitive Nicaraguan insurgent chieftain, and his entourage have been sent from this city to Valladolid, where it was said here, they will be sent to Belize, British Honduras, for internment. ¶ Socrates Sandino, brother of the Nicaraguan leader, embarked yesterday for Vera Cruz aboard the American steamer Mexico. ¶ The Mexican Government early in the Summer gave General Sandino and his companions the privilege of political asylum in Mexico, granting a temporary residence of six months in Merida, Yucatan. ¶ From the time of his arrival at Vera Cruz General Sandino made utterances announcing continuance of his opposition to the United States and said he resided in Mexico only temporarily until he could recoup his fortunes and begin his military campaign against the marines in Nicaragua anew. ¶ His men were all well armed. There has been no word from Mexico City as to any further action by the Mexican Government. The wording of the Merida dispatch, which might indicate the former insurgents were under arrest, was unexplained. ¶ Sandino Is Back In Merida, Yucatan ¶ MERIDA, Yucatan, Mexico, Aug. [tear in paper] (A.P.).—Augustino Sandino, former Nicaraguan insurgent leader, has returned to Merida after a brief stay at Tizimin. He was accompanied here by his Mexico City representative, Dr. Pedro Jose Zepeda. ¶ The Nicaraguan, whom it was thought here had been informed he must leave Yucatan, told the Diario de Yucatan, Merida newspaper, he had resolved to remain in this State and become a famer with other members of his former army arriving soon. He said he hoped some day Nicaragua would be free, prosperous and happy. ¶ Marines Arrive From Nicaragua ¶ Seven hundred and thirty-three United States Marines, all of whom saw recent service in Nicaragua as part of this country’s effort to capture the rebel, General Sandino, arrived at the Quantico, Va., Marine base yesterday afternoon aboard the U. S. Army transport Henderson. ¶ A small detachment left the transport for duty at Quantico and another detachment, numbering 54 men, left the ship last night for duty at Charleston, S. C. The rest will remain aboard ship until the Henderson sails September 14, for China, stopping at various Marine posts along the Atlantic coast to discharge other detachments. ¶ The arrivals all are members of the Eleventh regiment, organized from detachments recruited from various Marine posts throughout the world for service in Nicaragua. The Marines were reported as being in splendid condition despite the arduous campaign and adventures many participated in during their stay in the turbulent Central American republic."

 

18.  July 23, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City.    "July 23, 1929 ¶ No.- 2507. ¶ Subject: Sandino. ¶ To: A. C. of S., G-2, War Dept., Washington ¶ 1. Sandino arrived at Progreso, Yucatán and proceeded at once to Mérida, on July 11th. There appears to be nothing worthy of comment in connection with his reception. There was more curiosity than interest evident in the rather small crowds which welcomed him. There is no reason to believe that he will create any impression in Mexico. He may be useful in the future, should propaganda against the United States be advantageous. His rather insignificant personality, and insincerity, will tell against him still more when he tries to raise money to support himself in the style which he considers suitable. ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Lieutenant Colonel, Cavalry ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ J/p"

 

19.  July 23, 1929.   G-2 Report on Sandino and the Canal, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.   "SANDINO AND THE CANAL. ¶ The substance of the editorial in the attached clipping is that the withdrawal of Sandino from Nicaragua removes the last obstacle to the complete subjugation of Central America by the United States. It says this will be brought about by the building of the Nicaragua Canal and that with Sandino out of the way this will be undertaken at once. ¶ It further states that as a fighting patriot Sandino has proved to be of no importance at all, indeed, judging from his appearance as he passed through Salvador he is something of a burlesque soldier, but that had he remained defiant in the mountains he might have caused the construction of the Canal to be held up for years, thereby proving himself the greatest man Central America has known. ¶ It ends with the statement that now all is over, as the minute the Canal is begun not only will Nicaragua be completely under Yankee control, but the adjoining republics of Honduras and Costa Rica will also be compelled, simply through proximity, to conform to the dictates of the United States, leaving only Salvador and Guatemala with some claim to independence. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ M.A."

 

21.  June 24, 1929.   G-2 Translation of San Salvador Newspaper, "Complete Details of the Arrival of General Sandino in San Salvador Enroute to Mexico Via Guatemala - Sandino and His General Staff Traveled a Month to Reach the Frontier of Honduras - Statements By the Celebrated Warrior - Repeats the Principles For Which He Was Fighting In the Segovias - Description of His Trip with Full Information of It All," Diario del Salvador, San Salvador, p. 1.   "From San Salvador Newspaper of June 24, 1929. ¶ COMPLETE DETAILS OF THE ARRIVAL OF GENERAL SANDINO IN SAN SALVADOR ENROUTE TO MEXICO VIA GUATEMALA. ¶ SANDINO AND HIS GENERAL STAFF TRAVELED A MONTH TO REACH THE FRONTIER OF HONDURAS. ¶ STATEMENTS BY THE CELEBRATED WARRIOR. REPEATS THE PRINCIPLES FOR WHICH HE WAS FIGHTING IN THE SEGOVIAS. ¶ DESCRIPTION OF HIS TRIP WITH FULL INFORMATION OF IT ALL. ¶ On Saturday morning at nine o’clock very few people knew that Sandino in person had reached San Salvador, under the protection and guarantees of the Salvadorean authorities, on his way via Guatemala to Mexico, where he will be the guest of the latter neighboring republic. Very few people knew it in spite of the fact that there was great excitement in the eastern section of the city. Police, soldiers, and cars awakened the curiosity of the dwellers on the street which leads to Los Encuentros and Aculhuaca--What can be going on on such a rainy day?--There goes Gómez Zarate!-one men remarked, as an automobile passed by carrying the Minister of War and some others. ¶ But nothing more was learned. There was the strictest privacy. Some one started the rumor that some Mexican globe-trotters were coming and this satisfied the curious. If everyone had known the truth it is probable there would have been a demonstration of sympathy which might well have resulted in serious disorder in the city. Even General Claramount himself did not know that it was Sandino who was coming. He simply had orders to post guards at Ilopango and be ready to receive a special train from La Union, so when someone said-“General Claramount, I have the pleasure of presenting General Sandino”--he nearly fell over backward. When the train which brought Sandino from La Union-(ten hours enroute)-reached Ilopango General Claramount had been waiting about half an hour. ¶ SANDINO. ¶ At nine o’clock the train reached Ilopango. A special car was coupled on the end. A picturesque group of men in field uniform gave to the car a touch of brightness contrasting strongly with the dull and rainy morning. The men began to descend and glances centered on the more grace- . . . "

 

22.  June 24, 1929.   G-2 Translation of "Complete Details of the Arrival of General Sandino in San Salvador," p. 2.   " . . . -ful figure of a man about thirty-three years old. It was Sandino. A tan colored felt hat, peaked and with a wide brim, covered his head. He wore a black and red handkerchief tied loosely round his neck. His shirt was a woolen one of a wide checked pattern, and he wore high laced riding-boots of tan leather. Two pistols hung from a belt completely filled with shining cartridges. He looked like a hunter. His clean-shaven face, pale, and slightly pitted as though from smallpox, showed signs of fatigue. ¶ Descending from the train Sandino removed his hat and saluted General Claramount and those with him. No one remembers what his first words were. But the first impression of all was the same--Sandino is an affable and modest man. ¶ From the train there came with Sandino Captain José de Paredes, Mexican: Agustín F. Martí-(not Martinez)-Salvadorean, from Tectepeque: Gregorio Gilbert, who fired the first shot against the Yankee Marines in Santo Domingo: Rubén Ardilla Gómez, Colombian and Juan Medrano, Nicaraguan. ¶ COULD HAVE BROUGHT COMRADES FROM EVERY NATION OF AMERICA. ¶ From the station at Ilopango the mysterious group proceeded to the Aviation Field. There they remained a short while. The secretary of the Confederated Workers’ Society of El Salvador happened to be working in Ilopango, and he sat down by Sandino and talked to him. The conversation was at first of generalities, but who could resist the temptation to ask Sandino something of his own exploits? At the same time it seemed better to let Sandino bring up the subject. We had not long to wait. Sandino told how his secretary had gone to Managua many times during the conflict and that, although the authorities of Managua were unaware of it, many Nicaraguans knew him and gave his man every possible help. ¶ Later on Sandino said-“I could have brought with me men of each and every nationality in Spanish America.” ¶ WHILE WAITING FOR THE TRACK-MOTOR. ¶ From Ilopango Sandino, his companions, and the accompanying Army . . . "

 

23.  June 24, 1929.   G-2 Translation of "Complete Details of the Arrival of General Sandino in San Salvador," p. 3.   " . . . officers left in automobiles, going toward the city of San Salvador. But they stopped enroute near Aguas Calientes, or to be exact, a little above the Ice Factory. Here, at a bend in the road, were waiting the Mexican Minister and Mrs. Urquidi, Dr. Gómez Zarate and others. Among themwere [them were] Dr. Herrera Gonzales, sub-Secretary of War and Daniel Montalvo, Executive Officer of the same Ministry. It is probably that the Minister of War felt that since an eminent warrior was concerned it was up to them to do the honors. Here the party remained for more than an hour, chatting, while they waited for the track-motor that was to take the party from the Los Encuentros crossing to El Congo. A Señora Teodocia Ayala, who lives near the spot, saw pictures being taken of the “globe-trotters.” ¶ SANDINO WANTS NO INTERVENTION OF FOREIGN MARINES. ¶ Sandino, accustomed to the open air, conversed with much more animation when outdoors. There at the bend in the road, he told how he had decided to fight for the autonomy of Nicaragua. Our informant, a chauffeur, says that Sandino gave a historical sketch of Nicaraguan politics and of the action of the North American government from the time of Walker to the present. Quite naturally and simply, but with the same emphasis with which he has spoken since he first denounced the Moncada-Stimson pact Sandino said that he was fighting for the withdrawal of the Marines from Nicaraguan territory and the triumph of the Constitution of his country. Sandino, afoot on a Salvador road enroute to Mexico, was the same Sandino who has for two years consistently maintained those same ideas and principles, while those who reproach him have about-faced as often as it has seemed to them advisable. ¶ From “Diario del Salvador."

 

23.  June, 1929.   G-2 Report on "Gen Sandino and his staff enroute to Mexico."   Caption:  "Left to right: Ruben Ardilla Gomez (Venezuelan), José Paredes (Mexican), Gen. A. C. Sandino, Augustin F. Marti (Salvadorean) Gregorio Gilbert (Haitian)."

 

24.  June 23, 1920.   G-2 Translation of a San Salvador Paper, "The Fight Against the American Marines Continues in Full Activity In the Mountains of the Segovias - Pedro Ponce Is the General In Chief of the Rebels - General Sandino Will Return - In the Next Dry Season He Will Return To Nicaragua To Continue the Fight," p. 1.   "LA UNION - 22nd of June - Yesterday there arrived at this port the launch "Lempira" bringing as passengers General Augusto C. Sandino and ten leaders and officers of his General Staff.  They were accompanied from Tegucigalpa by the Director General of Police of Honduras, General Maximiliano Vasquez, who, after a short stay in this port, returned the same day.  ¶  AN INTERVIEW.  ¶  At seven in the evening we went to interview General Sandino, who received us smiling, as though we were old friends.  At the entrance to the room he occupied in the Hotel Italia three of his men were on guard. They wore khaki-colored field uniforms and carried revolvers.  ¶  The first words of General Sandino were of brotherly affection for the Salvadoreans and praise for the press of the country, which has so well backed up his labor of patriotism.  ¶  Enroute to Paris.  ¶  When we asked him - "Where will your trip end?" - he replied: - "I am going to Mexico, where I have many friends. I will be there for eight days, talking things over with my supporters and giving some instructions, and then I will go on to Paris, together with my brother Sócrates, to take part in the Anti-Imperialist Conference."  ¶  "Is the remainder of your army disbanded?"  ¶  "No. - and it will never be disbanded.  It will remain on a war footing until we have secured the evacuation of my country by the North American Marines.  At the present time General Pedro Ponce - Pedrón - is in command of the troops." ¶ (Note by M. A. [Military Attaché]: Since arriving in Mexico Sandino has stated several times that he left Colonel Francisco Estrada in command. This is the only mention of Pedro Ponce.)  ¶  "When will you return?"  "Certainly in the next dry season. In the meantime I left my ... "

 

25.  June 23, 1920.   G-2 Translation of a San Salvador Paper, "The Fight Against the American Marines Continues in Full Activity In the Mountains of the Segovias," p. 2.   " . . . troops fighting.” ¶ “And were your losses from the bombing heavy?” ¶ “Recently the Americans killed more than a hundred of my cattle with bombs dropped from planes: but as we are accustomed to eat even grass if we have to it did not worry us or lower our morale.” ¶ MANY FOREIGNERS. ¶ “They say there are many foreigners in your Army?” ¶ “Well-my principal aide, José de Paredes, is a Mexican: Agustín F. Martí, Salvadorean: Gilbert, Haitian: Ruben Ardilla Gomez, Colombian: I have five Germans, two Russians and two Frenchmen, and although these latter dont [don’t] speak much Spanish I can assure you they fight admirably.” ¶ SOME STRANGE INDIANS. ¶ The Americans-said Sandino-sent after us, to wipe us out, some two hundred Indians, regular savages, armed only with knives. These used to crawl up to our camps and assassinate soldiers who were somewhat isolated. We succeeded in capturing three of these Indians, who spoke a dialect we did not know, and when to punish them for their acts they were sentenced to have their ears notched, they were not in the least frightened, but laughed and held out their hands, as though to say we could cut them off too if we wanted to. ¶ (Note by M.A.--This about the Indians is moonshine, but it was by this same talk of notching ears that Sandino was identified on the Piedra Chata trail last September.) ¶ A SOUVENIR. ¶ On leaving we asked General Sandino for some keepsake and he presented us with a red handkerchief with a black border, saying:- “This is the insignia of our Army.” ¶ We left then so that others who desired might shake the hand of the hero of the Segovias."

 

26.  July 9, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino's Trip to Mexico, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José, p. 1.       "SANDINO’S TRIP TO MEXICO. ¶ On the 17th of June Sandino, accompanied by four lieutenants of his General Staff, unexpectedly turned himself in to the Honduran border guard at CHICHICASTE, east of Danlí. Following instructions previously received, General Sanchez, commander of the border patrol, immediately disarmed them and communicated with his Government and the Mexican Legation. The group were taken under close guard to Tegucigalpa, where they arrived at 7:00 P.M. on the 20th. ¶ On the morning of the 21st General Max Vasquez, Director of Police, took them in closed automobiles to San Lorenzo, thence to La Union by launch. A representative of the Mexican Legation accompanied them. At La Union their arms were returned to them and they were received by a member of the Mexican Legation and several Salvadorean Army officers. By this time Sandino was very much alarmed, as during the whole of the trip across Honduras he was treated strictly as a criminal, Furthermore he had been told that the Mexican Minister in Salvador was very pro-American. ¶ Source--Tenorio. ¶ At La Union he was cordially received and a special car was put on to a freight train for him and his lieutenants. The party disembarked the next morning about nine at Ilopango, about eight miles from San Salvador. Cars were waiting here to take them to the railway that runs to Santa Ana. Where this road passes within about a mile of the capital they were received by the Minister of War, the Chief of Aviation and the Mexican Minister. At this point the attached photographs were taken, the Mexican Minister having permitted one newspaper man and one photographer to accompany him. It is of interest that the four men of Sandino’s party check precisely with the list of his General Staff which I sent in last September. ¶ At a way station on the Santa Ana line a special train was waiting, which took them to El Congo, just short of Santa Ana. From here, in closed automobiles and still accompanied by Army officers, they were . . . "

 

27.  July 9, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino's Trip to Mexico, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José, p. 2.   " . . . driven to Candelaria, on the Guatemalan frontier. Here Sandino met a mining man he had known for years and held a private talk with him. This man immediately sent me word, through Mr. Cohen, that Sandino had told him that he was going to Mexico to talk with the President about continuing the campaign in Nicaragua, and that he would return to the Segovias in November, probably in a Mexican Government plane. If a few of such statements were to be widely published I believe the Mexicans would begin to understand the type of man with whom they are dealing. ¶ At Candelaria they were received by a representative of the Mexican Legation in Guatemala and taken by automobile to Zacapa. Further details I do not know. ¶ Source--Mr. Cohen ¶ In all three Republics Sandino’s passage was known only to the Government and the Mexican Legation until after he had actually crossed into Mexico when the Government of Guatemala informed the American Minister and the Mexican Legation in Salvador permitted the publication of the attached newspaper articles and photographs. ¶ As Sandino was the last remaining remnant of the original Sacasa revolution, the Mexican Government has to a considerable extent saved its face by getting him out of Nicaragua and into Mexico safe and with some little prestige left among the more Radical element. ¶ Ammunition buried near Murra. ¶ Yesterday I asked General Anastacio Somoza why the Liberal leaders had never informed the Marines of the large quantity of ammunition buried near Murra, which was known to have been procured for the Sacasa revolution and which was Sandino’s only source of supply. He answered that he and the others had not known there was any ammunition there but if there was it was undoubtedly a supply that Toribio Tijerino had secured in Honduras and which he had held onto when he saw how affairs were going. He seemed considerably startled at the idea and said that when he returned to . . . "

 

28.  July 9, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino's Trip to Mexico, Major Fred T. Cruse, San José, p. 3.    " . . . Managua he would see that Tijerino did considerable explaining. I believe this is the right answer, as we were always up against the fact that Sandino’s men were using Honduran Government ammunition and it was equally certain that he wasn’t getting it from Honduras. ¶ As can be seen from the photographs Sandino and his group traveled through Salvador uniformed and armed, Sandino himself carrying two automatics and a belt full of cartridges. This was probably the most extraordinary feature of the whole affair. The men with Sandino were: ¶ Lieut. José de Paredes----Mexican. ¶ Agustín Martí------Salvadorean. ¶ Ruben Ardila-------Colombian. ¶ Gregorio Guilbert--Santo Domingo. ¶ Report No.462. ¶ San José--July 9, 1929. ¶ Sources--as stated. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

 

29.  July 12, 1929.  G-2 Report on Press Propaganda in Connection with Sandino, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City.   "G-2 Report ¶ 2900-b ¶ MEXICO ¶ SOCIAL ¶ SUBJECT: Propaganda: Propaganda of Domestic Origin; ¶ Press Propaganda in Connection with Sandino ¶ 1. General Augusto César Sandino, the leader of the rebel forces in Nicaragua, arrived in Vera Cruz June 28, 1929, accompanied by his staff made up as follows: ¶ Lt. Col. Agustín F. Martí, a Salvadorean, ¶ Lt. Rubén Ardilla, a Colombian, ¶ Capt. José Peredes, a Mexican, ¶ Lt. Tranquilino Jarquín, a Nicaraguan, ¶ Gregorio Gilbert, a Dominican. ¶ Sandino entered Mexico upon a tourist passport; was met upon arrival by his brother, Socrates Sandino; Sr. José Constantino Gonzalez, a reporter; and Dr. Pedro J. Zepeda, a Nic. residing in Mexico City, whom Sandino later appointed as his official representative. ¶ 2. Sandino left Vera Cruz on July 8th for Progreso, Yucatán, en route to Mérida, by the steamer “Superior”. This steamer is operated by the Compañia Naviera del Golfo, S.A., a Mexican corporation owned by the Moctezuma Brewery at Orizaba, V.C., and is the same vessel on which arms were shipped from Puerto Mexico to Nicaragua in the year 1926. No special significance can be attached to Sandino travelling on this vessel, which is a small coasting steamer used principally by the owners to transport beer to the various ports along the Mexican coast. ¶ 3. Sandino arrived in Progreso on July 11th, accompanied by the same staff above mentioned, and proceeded the same day to Mérida. ¶ 4. While in Vera Cruz Sandino sent to Europe Sr. José Constantino Gonzalez, to act as his delegate to the Second Congress of the Anti-Imperialistic League which is to be held at Frankfurt, Germany, on July 22, 1929. This delegate sailed from Vera Cruz on the French steamer “Mexique”, and carried with him a letter, or protest, from Sandino addressed to this Congress, which was published in a local Vera Cruz daily, “El Dictámen”, on July 8th, copy of which is attached hereto. ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Lieutenant Colonel, Cavalry, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: Consular Report. ¶ J/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 2489. ¶ Date: July 12, 1929."

 

30.  July 5, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 1.   " ... 1. Sandino arrived in Vera Cruz on June 28, 1929, with his staff, all armed to the teeth.  He had the full intention of coming to Mexico City, and arrangements had been made for a celebration.  Having been informed that he was not to come to Mexico City, he demanded airplanes to take him to Mérida, Yucatán, stating that he dared not travel on an American boat because they would either poison him, or sink the ship so as to get him out of the way.  The Government consented to his delay until the arrival of a French boat, which is expected to sail for Mérida today or tomorrow, from Vera Cruz.  ¶  2. Sandino's physical appearance has created an unfavorable impression here in Mexico.  Small in stature, insignificant in appearance, and with a weak voice.  ¶ 3.  In the press of July 2 Sandino states that his object is to place himself in touch with foreign nations who do not realize that he is still fighting, since Turcios ceased to be his representative.  Dr. Machado was appointed his representative but failed to act satisfactorily; so that now he has appointed Dr. José Zepeda, who resides in Mexico City.  He is publishing a document, sent to the President of Argentina, with copies to all Latin American countries, calling for a general conference for the purpose of securing the indepenence and sovereignty of these nations and to further their friendshp with the United States on a basis of equality.  This conference also to consider the important points in regard to the Nicaraguan Canal; among these, Nicaragua should ... "

 

31.  July 5, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 2.   " ... not sell the rights but retain them for the freedom of the Canal for all nations, and not make the same mistake as in the case of the Panama Canal.  Also the United States should be bound not to intervene in Latin American affairs nor foment revolution.  The above document was sent to Argentina last month.  /s/ "

 

32.  June 28, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City.    " Sandino has arrived in the State of Chiapas, and is en route to Vera Cruz where he is take ship for Yucatan.  ¶  2. The Mexican Government assures the Embassy that the original agreement will be carried out, and that no popular demonstrations will be permitted.  However, Don Julio Sierra, Assistant Secretary of State in Charge of Foreign Relations, in making a statement today, said in an offhand way at the conclusion, that if Sandino did come to Mexico City it would be in a private capacity. ..."

 

33.  June 27, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.    "SANDINO SITUATION. ¶ On the 25th the Legation here received a cablegram from the American Minister in Guatemala stating that the Government had just informed him that the day before officials had picked up Sandino at Morán, the first station on the railway west of the capital, had put him on a train and seen him cross the frontier into Mexico. ¶ I have since ascertained that he was accompanied by four men, although there is no hint yet as to who they were. Yesterday the newspapers here, or rather one of them, published the news. I attach the item, which was not even head-lined. ¶ From information received from various quarters, I believe Sandino will go to Vera Cruz, and not to Mexico City. Two Nicaraguans here, who were with him during the earlier part of his campaign, have told me that he always spoke of going to Merida, in Yucatan. Both these places are centers of radicalism, and he would certainly be welcome in either. ¶ Report No.454. ¶ San José--June 27, 1929. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

 

34.  April 29, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José, p. 1.    "SANDINO SITUATION. ¶ The original Sandino situation, the one which might have kept the United States in trouble with Latin America for years, has ceased to exist. Sandino, as a Latin-American hero fighting the whole power of the United States as represented by the Marines, is finished. The jolt that did his heroic standing the most harm was the reports made by the commanders of Moncada’s three volunteer forces after their first campaign in Nueva Segovia. ¶ Of these three commanders Escamilla is a Mexican, Plata a Honduran, and Flores a Nicaraguan. All three, in separate reports, stated that the appalling destruction in the Segovias had been done, not by the Marines, but by Sandino and his men: that these outrages were senseless and unnecessary and clearly committed by the worst kind of bandits: and finally that since the Chipote fight in December, 1927, SANDINO AND HIS MEN HAD NOT BEEN FIGHTING THE MARINES AT ALL, BUT SIMPLY HARRYING A LOT OF DEFENSELESS PEOPLE OF HIS OWN RACE. There is no doubt that all three commanders were genuinely shocked at the condition of the country which had been occupied by the Sandino element. ¶ New Situation. ¶ Sandino’s original cause has blown up and his original force harried out of existence, but it must be remembered that his great enemy is Moncada and that he now has the discontented elements of a defeated political party to draw on in his war against him. Certainly Moncada will have to continue making every effort to actually kill him, but there is no reason why Marines should be in any way concerned in this, except incidentally, as members of the Guardia. ¶ Finally, Tenorio informs me that as late as March 25th Sandino was still near Murra and with every intention of remaining there as long as he could. Tenorio’s informant was Teresa Villatoros [Teresa Villatoro], who had just left him and come to Tegucigalpa. Teresa also said that the word was being spread that Sandino would begin an active campaign against Moncada in May. This is pure talk, of course. . . . "

 

35.  April 29, 1929.  G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Major Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José, p. 2.    " . . . As a guide for future reference I believe that from now on the United States can consider Sandino as just the possible leader of a revolution against Moncada, should such an unlikely thing ever materialize. ¶ Report No.119. ¶ San José--April 12, 1929. ¶ Evaluation of news from Nicaragua and Tenorio. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

 

36.  January 13, 1928.  G-2 Short Biography of Bandit Leader Sandino, Report No. 223, Clerk Alex A. Cohen, in the absence of the Military Attaché, Costa Rica, p. 1.    "Augusto C. Sandino, the Nicaraguan bandit leader, was born in the village of Niquihomo (sometimes called La Victoria), Nicaragua, the son of Gregorio Sandino and Margarita Calderon.  He is about thirty years of age.  Until 1921 he was entirely unknown.  In the latter year he got into a fight, wounding his adversary in the leg with a pistol shot.  He had to flee Nicaragua and went to Honduras, arriving there about the middle of 1921.  ¶  He obtained employment in the shops of the "Montecristo” sugar mill, near La Ceiba, Honduras.  For the remainder of 1921 he remained in Honduras.  In 1922 he was taken ill with malaria and left Honduras for Guatemala.  He arrived in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, where he worked as a laborer for a short time.  Next he went to Quirigua, Guatemala, where he obtained employment in the shops of the United Fruit Co., remaining there until the beginning of 1923.  He worked his way on an oil tanker from Puerto Barrios to Yucatan, Mexico, where, in Merida, he opened a small shop.  It is here that Sandino commenced to be influenced by socialist ideas.  He remained in Merida for a short while and went to Tampico.  He worked for a short period in the oil fields, thereafter going to Mexico City, where he worked as a mechanic’s helper during the year 1924.  ¶  Early in 1925 he made a trip to Nicaragua.  His father met him at a railroad station near Niquihomo, warning him not to come home as the case against him for wounding his adversary was still pending.  Local political influence had been brought to bear to bring the case up again in case of his return, as Sandino was a Liberal and his adversary had been a Conservative.  Notwithstanding the case against him, however, Sandino with an air of bravado visited his home, remaining there for several days.  ¶  He decided to leave Nicaragua again and, while on his way to the port of Corinto met a person in Leon who offered him employment as mechanic in San Albino mine in Nueva Segovia.  He was at this mine at the time the Chamorro coup took place, in August, 1925.  Sandino then made up a band of followers and commenced a period of guerrilla warfare in order to (in his own words) "avenge the regime of persecutions and terror inflicted by the forces of the Conservative Government."  It is here that his military experience as leader commenced.  He waylaid patrols, took their arms away from them and baffled the Chamorro forces by his elusiveness.  ¶  Upon the establishment of the Sacasa government at Puerto Cabezas Sandino appears upon the scene there, offering his services.  It is understood that at that time General Moncada had no confidence in Sandino and refused to furnish him with guns at the time of the battle of Pearl Lagoon.  Sandino kept insisting that he and his followers be furnished arms and ammunition and finally obtained an order for forty rifles and ammunition, to be turned over to him at Cabo Gracias a Dios.  However, after the battle of Pearl Lagoon Sandino had already picked up a certain number of rifles and ammunition which were left behind by the forces of General Rivers Delgadillo and armed with these rifles he and his followers proceeded to the mouth of the Segovia river, near the Horduras frontier and commenced his march inland. . . ."

 

37.  January 13, 1928.  G-2 Short Biography of Bandit Leader Sandino, Report No. 223, Clerk Alex A. Cohen, in the absence of the Military Attaché, Costa Rica, p. 2.    " . . . After a difficult march, proceeding part of the way up the river in canoes he arrived at Bocay.  Here he arms more men and continues his march inland, shortly thereafter taking Jinotega, the capital of the department by that name.  This occurred about the same time that Moncada was advancing upon Matiguas.  Sandino continued his march inland, burning, looting and pillaging wherever he passed and finally managed to join the Moncada forces.  ¶  The remainder of Sandino’s career, how he refused to lay down his arms after the Stimson-Moncada pact are already known.  ¶  Source:  Daily press and reliable informant."

 

38.  May 10, 1930.  G-2 Report on Gregorio Sandino, Major Thos. T. Handy, Canal Zone.    "HEADQUARTERS PANAMA CANAL DEPARTMENT ¶ Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2. ¶ Quarry Heights, Canal Zone. ¶ May 10, 1930. ¶ Subject: Gregorio Sandino. ¶ To: The Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, ¶ War Department, Washington, D.C. ¶ 1. In connection with report, dated April 4, 1930, forwarded to your office, the following additional information on Gregorio Sandino is forwarded: ¶ 2. On April 29, 1930, Gregorio Sandino, white and America De Sandino, white, both Nicaraguans, who claim to be the father and mother of Sandino, the Nicaraguan revolutionist, sailed from the port of Cristobal for Port Limon, Costa Rica, as first class passengers on the SS Stuyvesant. ¶ 3. During the visit here of the above mentioned individual, he visited several of the medical clinics in Panama City, on account of his wife’s health. ¶ THOS. T. HANDY, ¶ Major, General Staff, ¶ A. C. of S, G-2"

 

39.  April 4, 1930.  G-2 Report on Gregorio Sandino, Major Thos. T. Handy, Canal Zone.    "HEADQUARTERS PANAMA CANAL DEPARTMENT ¶ Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2. ¶ Quarry Heights, Canal Zone. ¶ April 4, 1930. ¶ MEMORANDUM: To The Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, ¶ War Department, Washington, D.C. ¶ Subject: Gregorio Sandino. ¶ The following information in reference Gregorio Sandino is forwarded: ¶ Gregorio Sandino, 61, white, Nicaraguan, occupation farmer, accompanied by his wife America de Sandino, 50, white, Nicaraguan, arrived at Balboa from Corinto, on board the SS HELUAN, March 18, 1930, as first-class passengers. Sandino stated to the boarding officer that he would return to Nicaragua in 15 days. ¶ Sandino and wife registered at the Hotel Centro America on same day they arrived here under the name of GREGORIO AMERICA AND WIFE. He stated to the management of the hotel that he registered under the name of America because he was the father of Sandino, the revolutionist, and did not want any publicity while on the Isthmus; that he was here to enjoy himself and wanted to see some of the interior around Agua Dulce. The management of the Centro America stated that Sandino had had no visitors while stopping there. ¶ On March 22 Sandino called at the Chase National Bank, Panama City, and cabled $200.00 to Socrates Sandino at Merida, Mexico. This transaction went through the Bank of Montreal in Mexico City. Sandino was accompanied by a women [woman], supposedly his wife. He holds a letter of credit issued by the Anglo-South American Bank in Managua; and reported to be for $1200.00. He stated to an employee of the bank that he was the father of Socrates Sandino and of Agusto Sandino, the Nicaraguan revolutionary leader."

 

40.  March 28, 1930.  Confidential G-2 Intelligence Report on Mr. & Mrs. Gregorio Sandino, Major D. Peck, USMC, Special Service Squadron, Balboa, C.Z.    "Mr. and Mrs. Gregorio Sandino are staying in Panama City at the Hotel Centro America, 149 Avenue Central. This is a small third rate hotel. ¶ Mr. Gregorio Sandino claims to be the father of Socrates Sandino, who, according to Gregorio, is the brother of General Sandino. ¶ Gregorio has a letter of credit for about $1200.00 from the Anglo South American Bank of Managua, Nicaragua. ¶ On March 22, 1930, Gregorio cabled $200.00 to Socrates Sandino, Merida, Mexico. ¶ Gregorio is small, moderately thick set, wears glasses, has yellowish skin, and a thin drooping moustache. He is poorly dressed. Mrs. Gregorio Sandino is a dowdy squat woman who appears half Indian."

 

41.  March 21, 1930.  Confidential G-2 Report on Activities of Nicaraguan Aviators, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 1.    "March 21, 1930. ¶ No.- 2820. ¶ Subject: Activities of Nicaraguan Aviators. ¶ To: A. C. of S., G-2 ¶ 1. Your “Confidential” letter of February 27th (G-2/2657-P-241), has been duly received. ¶ 2. Investigations are being made in regard to the aviators reported to be from Mexico or now living in Mexico. So far as is known at present, none of the aviators mentioned in the attached correspondence from the Navy Department are connected with present or proposed activities in Nicaragua. ¶ 3. Attention is invited to “Secret” report No. 2783, dated February 28, 1930, subject “Activities of Sandino in Mexico City, etc.” regarding an order that had been placed by a firm in Mérida, Yucatán, for a 300 HP airplane, which might have been intended for the use of Sandino. Since that time it has been learned that Sr. Montes (the firm referred to), as well as his several sons, are very wealthy and responsible citizens of Mérida. The elder Montes was educated in the United States, and is known to business circles here as a man of excellent character and reputation. People who know him very well say that there is no possibility of him or any of his immediate family being connected with Sandino activities. I understand the plane was purchased and is being used personally by Sr. Montes. Newspapers report that he recently flew to Mexico City with a pilot named Garibaldi, who may be the same man mentioned in the correspondence forwarded to this office. . . . "

 

42.  March 21, 1930.  Confidential G-2 Report on Activities of Nicaraguan Aviators, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 2.    " . . . 4. There is no evidence in this office which would lead one to believe that Sandino had received material support from the Mexican Government or had been able to collect any considerable sum of money. The probabilities are that the Mexican Government is “nursing him along” just in case they might need him later for propaganda purposes. While Sandino held conferences with General Calles and Portes Gil, there is no reason to believe that he has been received by President Ortiz Rubio, or been particularly encouraged by any prominent official of the new Administration. ¶ 5. With reference to the Anti-Imperialistic League, their activities in Mexico have been so slight in the past year or more that no one seems to know very much about them. Inquiries are now being made to ascertain who the leaders are, and what if any, activities they have been engaged in recently. In the past year it is not recalled that they have even been mentioned in the press. ¶ 6. From personal knowledge of the situation in Nicaragua, I am inclined to agree with the Confidential Memorandum of Major Rowell, U.S.M.C. dated January 28, 1930. No airplane operations could be conducted from the territory then occupied by Sandino and the rebels, and it is understood that this territory has not been extended subsequently. There is a bare possibility that airplanes might operate from Guatemala or Costa Rican territory, but it is doubted that either of these countries would involve themselves in such an enterprise. ¶ 7. While Sandino made overtures to certain aviators while here, as contained in my reports, there is no indication that the men so approached have committed themselves to any definite enterprise. They were not of a type to successfully conduct military or any other operations on an extended scale. ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ J/p"

 

43.  March 10, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report No. 2797 on C. A. Sandino, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 1.    "G-2 Report ¶ MEXICO ¶ SUBJECT: C. A. Sandino. ¶ 1. The following significant information was received today by the M/A from a reliable American, with reference to Sandino. ¶ 2. This American is an old friend of General Mora who has recently become Chief of the Presidential Staff. He used his influence with General Mora to have placed on the Presidential Staff a young officer in whom he is very much interested. Last week this officer told the American that he had been going over the archives of the Presidential Staff and was surprised to find an ‘expediente’ (file) on Sandino. ¶ 3. It appears that Dr. Zepeda, the representative of Sandino in Mexico, had written a letter last September to the President calling his attention to the fact that certain money promised for Sandino had not been paid. The President directed the payment made through the Treasury Department and charged to “War Expenses”. Between September 12th and 19th, 1929, $4,000 pesos was paid to Sandino, through Dr. Zepeda, out of the above-mentioned funds. ¶ 4. Also, Government passes for transportation from and to Mérida, were issued for Sandino and two of his staff. ¶ 5. The officer stated that there had been no correspondence since September 19th, but that ordinarily this matter would not have appeared in the records of the Presidential Staff had it not been for the personal letter from Dr. Zepeda to President Portes Gil. So far as the above-mentioned officer knows, no payments have been made since the inauguration of President Ortiz Rubio,- at least none are shown in the records of the Presidential Staff. ¶ 6. The above information needs no comment as it indicates quite clearly that heretofore payments have been made to Sandino through the War Department and Treasury, by direction of the President. ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ J/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 2797. ¶ Date: March 10, 1930."

 

44.  February 28, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930, Report No. 2783, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 1.    "G-2 Report ¶ MEXICO ¶ SUBJECT: Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930. ¶ 1. Reference is made to Secret Report No. 2776 dated February 21, 1930, and to earlier reports, on the above subject. ¶ 2. Further and final reports of the special agent on Sandino’s activities in Mexico City are forwarded attached hereto. ¶ 3. Sandino left Mexico City on Saturday, February 22, 1930, for Mérida via Vera Cruz. He went to Vera Cruz by train, and as reported left by plane for Mérida but was not on board when it arrived at Mérida, according to information received from the American Consul at Progreso, Yucatán. ¶ 4. Attention is invited to a report of the State Department (despatch No.984) dated February 20, 1930, addressed to the Chargé d’affaires here, covering a conversation between the Minister of Nicaragua in Washington and the Chief of the Division of Latin American Affairs, to the effect that an order had been placed for the purchase of a 300 horsepower military airplane, by a firm in Mérida, Yucatán. The presumption is that this plane is intended for Sandino. ¶ 5. From another source of information it is reported that Sandino visited Calles about two weeks ago and was with him for more than two hours. The results of this conference are not known, but the most reliable information is to the effect that Calles stated that he “will do nothing to hamper any activities started in Mexico to aid Sandino”. ¶ The reliability of this information is doubtful. ¶ 6. So far as can be learned, no large sums of money were received by Sandino while here. He has approached aviation officers, and ex-General Juan Merigo and ex-General Arvízu, as well as ex-General Claudio Fox. The latter declined to consider his plan for going to Nicaragua, but the other two are said to have looked upon it favorably. Both have been eliminated from the Army and are in financial straits. If Sandino has any money to pay them, or assurance of loot, they would probably accompany him. . . ."

 

45.  February 28, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930, Report No. 2783, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 2.    " . . . Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, ¶ February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, 1930. ¶ The special agent reports Sandino’s movements on the above dates as follows: ¶ February 20: ¶ “Spent the day as usual. ¶ Everyone seems worried over the intervention of the Mexico City police, and their reserve increases every day. Martí told me that Esteban Pavletich, the Peruvian writer, member of Sandino’s staff,, who disappeared some days ago, is under arrest in the local garrison. He also told me that no one had been allowed to talk with Pavletich, notwithstanding Sandino’s personal efforts to secure this. ¶ Sandino promised to give important information tomorrow; unable to do so today as he had an appointment and had to leave. ¶ Regarding the date of their departure, they tell me they are making their final preparations. It is my opinion that they are only waiting to collect the sum of twenty-five thousand pesos, necessary for their travelling expenses. I have noticed that none of Sandino’s staff have lacked money while they have been in Mexico City. ¶ January 21st: ¶ “Sandino remained in his Balderas St. lodgings nearly all the morning. He then went out with Gen. Estrada and others of his staff, and had not returned at 8 p.m. I understand they went out to say good-bye to their friends and arrange some pending details, as Paredes told me they expect to leave tomorrow night for Vera Cruz. ¶ During my conversation with Paredes he told me that while he was under arrest for three days in the local garrison he ate absolutely nothing on account of the wretched food that was offered him. ¶ February 22d. ¶ “Sandino stayed in his lodgings until 1 p.m., when he went out for lunch. He gave me an appointment for 4 p.m., but when I arrived at that hour I was told that Sandino and his aides had left at 3:30 in an automobile taking their luggage with them, but it was not known by my informant, the young lady in charge of Dr. Zepeda’s office, whether they had left for Vera Cruz or for some other point. I immediately tried to locate Dr. Zepeda, but without success. ¶ Sandino had told me that they would leave for Vera Cruz today, and there embark for Mérida, but since the train for Vera Cruz leaves Mexico City at 8:25 p.m. I cannot understand their leaving their lodgings when they did. I was informed in the offices of Mexican Aviation Co. that no airplane left for Mérida in the afternoon, but that one had left in the morning for that port. They did not know whether Sandino had reserved passage for any of the ports which they touch. ¶ I understand that the International Red Cross have petitioned the Government for the immediate release of Esteban Pavletich, one of Sandino’s aides. ¶ (Later) I have just been informed that Sandino and all his aides left for Vera Cruz at 5 p.m. on board the Interoceanic Ry. ¶ Gen. Sandino left instructions with Zepeda to allow me to see his personal files. . . . "

 

46.  February 28, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City on February 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 1930, Report No. 2783, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 3.    " . . . February 23rd: ¶ “I have been both to Dr. Zepeda’s home in Lomas de Chapultepec and to his Balderas St. office, and have not been able to see him; they always tell me he is out. I shall try again tomorrow. ¶ February 24th: ¶ “Same luck today; Dr. Zepeda has not been at his office all day, nor at his home. At 8:30 p.m., the last time I went to Balderas St. the young lady in charge of his office said she was surprised that he had not come, as he always attended to patients between 6 and 8 p.m. ¶ “In the offices of ‘La Prensa’ they have no news of the arrival of Sandino at Vera Cruz or at Mérida, but said a telegram had been received from the Congress Estudiantil (Students’ Congress) of Monterrey (Mexico) asking President Ortiz Rubio to immediately withdraw recognition of General Moncada’s Government in Nicaragua. They told me that said Congress had received a letter from Sandino informing them of his campaign against ‘Yankee imperialism’ and that he trusted in the youth of Latin America for the triumph of Latin American ideals; that when that letter was received it evoked great applause. ¶ The young lady in Dr. Zepeda’s office refuses to give any information, simply saying she knows nothing. ¶ From all the foregoing Sandino’s trip to Vera Cruz would seem doubtful; possibly instead of going there he is headed for Central America.” ¶ February 25th: “It has been absolutely impossible to locate Dr. Zepeda. He has not been to his office all day, and they always tell me at his home that he is not in. Neither have I been able to talk with General De Nogales, who is still stopping at the Hotel Regis, although never in. However, I was able to learn that the reporter on the “Prensa”, in Vera Cruz, called their office here and said that General Sandino, accompanied by some of his friends, had left Vera Cruz on board a train for Jalapa (State of Vera Cruz), without stating the object of his trip. However, it is probable that he is going to confer with Governor Tejeda of that State. ¶ February 26th: ¶ “Not until today was I able to interview Dr. Zepeda, who categorically denies that Sandino went to Jalapa, but says ‘the reporters are seeing Moors with lances”. (According to information received by the ‘Prensa’ reporter, Sandino actually went to Jalapa.) ¶ Zepeda says Sandino will remain some days in Vera Cruz before going on to Mérida. When I asked him if Sandino would go to Nicaragua he replied that he couldn’t tell me. He also said that Sandino had left instructions to let me see his personal files."

 

47.  February 19, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City.    "C. A. Sandino. ¶ The special agent reports Sandino’s movements on February 19, 1930, as follows: ¶ “The Sandino group still expect to leave Mexico City at any moment. ¶ At seven o’clock this evening Sandino was in conference with a man whose name I could not learn; but he has made an appointment for me to call at noon tomorrow (Feb. 20) for a long talk. ¶ I learned today that at the dinner given recently to Sandino by the lawyer Isidro Fabela, an incident occurred which made Sandino very angry with Fabela. General Estrada tells me that this dinner was a ‘frame-up’ with the object of finding out Sandino’s intentions and plans. That at this dinner there was present a man named Moreno, an American, with whom Sandino had had some altercations in Nicaragua; that when Sandino found out what was up, he became furious and left the place. ¶ They tell me that Fabela was once the Mexican Ambassador at Washington, and that Moreno is well known in Central America through his exploits in favor of Wall Street bankers. ¶ General Estrada also told me that Paredes was released this afternoon from custody of the authorities, and presented himself to Sandino at six o’clock to report how he had been treated. ¶ Paredes says he was first taken to the Jefatura of Operations, and later transferred to the Guarnición de la Plaza (Garrison). That at the latter place they questioned him as to whether he was a communist and if he knew anybody on the list of persons they showed him; but all the names were unknown to him. That during the time he was under arrest they gave him very bad food to eat, but did not submit him to torture. ¶ Paredes says that while he was detained in the Garrison he made efforts to learn if Pavletich was also there, but could not locate him. Therefore Pavletich’s whereabouts continues a profound mystery, although Sandino’s friends suspect that he is under arrest at the Garrison."

 

48.  February 19, 1930.  G-2 Report on Sandino Situation, Report No. 667, Major Fred. T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.    "SANDINO SITUATION ¶ Press reports from Mexico City state that Sandino is preparing to leave Yucatan for an unknown destination. It is stated that he is much alarmed over the unexplained disappearance of two of his Staff. The report says that some days ago he sent José de Paredes, a Mexican who has been his Secretary, on a mission to Mexico City and that nothing has been heard of him since. Esteban Pavletvich, a Communist Agent in Mexico, and closely identified with Sandino, is said also to have disappeared recently under misterious [mysterious] circumstances. ¶ Both these men are probably in the hands of the authorities, according to other newspaper reports, but Sandino is said to be very suspicious on account of the previous disappearance of Agustín Martí, which was not taken seriously until the other two members of his Staff failed to return. Pavletvich is generally known as Esteban Castillo, and poses as a Colombian Poet and Writer. ¶ Report No. 667 ¶ San José--February 19, 1930 ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

 

49.  February 19, 1930.  Secret G-2 Report on Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, February 16, 17, and 18, 1930, Lt. Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, Mexico City.    "G-2 Report ¶ MEXICO ¶ SUBJECT: Activities of C. A. Sandino in Mexico City, February 16, 17, and 18, 1930. ¶ 1. Reference is made to report No. 2765, dated February 18, 1930, and to earlier reports, on the above subject. ¶ 2. The special agent reports Sandino’s movements on February 16, 17 and 18, 1930, as follows: ¶ February 16: ¶ “Nothing of importance. Nothing is known as to the whereabouts of the missing man, Pavletich. They are distrustful, and uncommunicative. This evening they went to their secret meeting, as usual.” ¶ February 17: ¶ “During the forenoon nothing of importance. ¶ At six o’clock this afternoon I was able to have a moment’s talk with Sandino, who told me that yesterday another member of his staff had disappeared mysteriously,- Capt. José De Paredes, a Mexican and an old comrade of his, since Paredes was one of the number who fought against the Americans in Nicaragua. ¶ Up to now nothing is known as to the whereabouts of either Paredes, nor of Pavletich, the Peruvian writer who was arrested on the 13th inst. ¶ Sandino told me personally that Col. Agustin Martí was arrested, and placed at liberty after being subjected to an interrogatory by the police authorities, as to whether the Sandino group had any relations with the Russian Minister, Makar, etc. ¶ Sandino appears much concerned regarding these two missing men. He said ‘Fortunately they were not armed, as otherwise there might be serious consequences.’. He also remarked that he wouldn’t be surprised if he were shot one of these days, when going round a corner. ¶ I asked him if he still expected to leave soon, and he replied that all depends upon circumstances.” ¶ February 18: ¶ “Sandino spent the day receiving friends, at Balderas 24. ¶ Gen. Estrada told me that Paredes had been located, at the local Garrison, where he was still in custody. ¶ Nothing had been learned of Pavletich, but they suspect he is also being held at the said Garrison. ¶ Not known yet, when Sandino will leave,- always answering that ‘it depends upon circumstances’. ¶ I understand Sandino is taking steps to have Paredes released.” ¶ J/p ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ From M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No.2771. ¶ Date: Feb. 19, 1930."

United States National Archives, Record Group 165, Entry 77, Box 2653.

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