1.  April 17, 1931.  Press Release on Nicaragua, US State Dept.     "DEPARTMENT OF STATE ¶ FOR THE PRESS ¶ APRIL 17, 1931 ¶ Nicaragua ¶ In a telegram received at 7:30 p.m., April 16, the Commander of the U.S.S. ASHEVILLE reported to the Navy Department as follows: “Cathey Wilson and James W. Lloyd en route New Orleans. Roy Kerr and Harry Kerr safe in Puerto Cabezas. Henry Spears left Puerto Cabezas about a month ago, believed to have gone to South America. Have had no communication with Gracias a Dios since bandit attack.” ¶ The following message was sent to the Commander of the Special Service Squadron and was received at 9:40 a.m., April 16: “There is no further news of bandits. Airplane observation showed bandits had left Cape Gracias a Dios.” ¶ The following message sent at 4:00 p.m., April 16, has been received by the Navy Department from the Commander of the U.S.S. ASHEVILLE: “A Marine outpost of the landing force of U.S.S. ASHEVILLE shot and killed a citizen of Nicaragua, who was attempting to enter Puerto Cabezas at night. A full report is being forwarded to Commander, Special Service Squadron, by Marine plane tomorrow.” ¶ At 4:15 p.m., April 16, the Commander of the U.S.S. ASHEVILLE sent the following message to the Navy Department: “No information from Cape Gracias. Radio operator came down here in a boat to avoid bandits. He expects to return tonight and will send information as soon as possible.” ¶ At 4:15 p.m., April 16, the following telegram was sent by the Chief of Naval Operations to the Commander of the Special Service Squadron: “Direct SACRAMENTO proceed Bluefields instead of Puerto Cabezas. Report probable time arrival Bluefields.” ¶ At 5:45 p.m., April 16, the following message was sent by the Commander of the Second Brigade to the Commander of the Special Service Squadron: “Guardia, Bluefields, reports as follows: ‘Benson patrol returned, reporting indications no bandits Wawa Boom, Puerto Cabezas region. Two amphibians cleared Puerto Cabezas for Cape Gracias observation with Darrah passenger. Marston.’ ¶ “Second message: ‘Radio operator Cape Gracias now refugee in Puerto Cabezas states bandits entered town 2:00 p.m., today, and apparently have burned it. Expect report from planes any moment.’ ¶ “U.S.S. ASHEVILLE reports as follows: ‘Captain Johnson reports he and Lieutenant Schrider made patrol over Cape Gracias this afternoon and were fired upon and replied with 14 bombs. Estimate bandit strength 15, casualties unknown. Planes are remaining at Puerto Cabezas until Friday.’” ¶ A telegram sent at 6:00 a.m., April 17, by the Commander of the U.S.S. MEMPHIS reported that the MEMPHIS arrived at Puerto Cabezas. ¶ At 6:30 a.m., April 17, the Commander of the U.S.S. ASHEVILLE reported by telegram that the ASHEVILLE departed from Puerto Cabezas for Cape Gracias a Dios. ¶ In a telegram dated 7:30 a.m., April 17, the Commander of the U.S.S. SACRAMENTO reported to the Navy Department that the SACRAMENTO would arrive at Bluefields, Nicaragua, at 10:00 a.m., April 17."

2.  April 14, 1931.  G-2 Report on the Attack on Puerto Cabezas, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Attack on Puerto Cabezas ¶ On the morning of April 14th we received word of the attack by rebels on Puerto Cabezas. This attack had been expected for some time, at least by local employees of the Standard Fruit Company. The details of the attack will be known by the time this report reaches Washington, but the important thing is that such attacks can now be put over in practically any part of the Republic. This is due to the fact that the recent earthquake has considerably disorganized Government affairs, and naturally all discontented elements will take advantage of the opportunity. Also, through no fault of the Marines the country has been left very weakly guarded. Had the Capital not been destroyed it is probable that the Guardia might have handled the situation, although, as we previously reported, they were very rapidly losing control. ¶ Owing to the withdrawal of so many Marines isolated towns are left with totally inadequate protection. Just about a year ago San Juan del Sur would undoubtedly have been captured had this office not been able to give the Costa Rican authorities information which led to the capture of the ringleaders and of about twenty men who were assembled for the attack. ¶ Under present conditions in Nicaragua it would not be difficult for some one to get to the garrison of one of the larger towns, precipitate an uprising which could easily take over the town, and then it would require an organized campaign to get it back again. ¶ My own opinion is that present conditions have precipitated a situation which can be settled in only two ways - - take over Nicaragua with the strongest kind of a Military Government, by which I mean occupy the country with 5 or 6 cavalry regiments and all the infantry that can be spared, or get out of the country entirely before some serious disaster is suffered at the hands of the rebels. ¶ Report No. 1163 ¶ San José--April 14, 1931 ¶ Source – Personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

3.  April 11, 1931.  G-2 Report on Will Rogers, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "COSTA RICA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2820 – Foreign Writers of Note. ¶ Will Rogers. ¶ Mr. Rogers arrived here by plane from Managua yesterday afternoon and left this morning, also by plane, for Panama and Venezuela. ¶ I asked him concerning newspaper reports that he had flown to Ocotal to have an interview with Sandino and explained that Sandino, while he had achieved a good deal of publicity was nothing but a criminal and murderer of the worst type, and that if a man of the prominence of Will Rogers were to visit him and give it publicity it would be most undesirable. ¶ Mr. Rogers then told me that the Sandino visit resulted from the following circumstances:-- ¶ “For some years I have been good friends with Doctor Pedro J. Zepeda In Mexico City. I left my home last Sunday, flew to El Paso and on Monday flew to Mexico City. I left Mexico City Monday evening by train for Vera Cruz, to get the Pan-American for Nicaragua. Just before the train started Doc, that is Zepeda, came aboard and asked me if it was right that I was going to Nicaragua. I told him it was and he said: I want you to see Sandino. Just then the train started, Doc called through the window to his chauffeur, and then stayed on the train with me for about 50 miles. During this time he told me that he could arrange for me to see Sandino at any time - - in fact he said Hell I’ll come with you now. They wont [won’t] dare to bother me if I am along with you. ¶ “I said hold on - - that’s all right for you, but how about me? I said I am a newspaperman, and I don’t want to land right in the middle of any of your politics. Anywah [Anyway], I didn’t believe Doc could do it - - that is get me through to Sandino.” ¶ Mr. Rogers then asked me whether Zepeda could get him through to Sandino. I told him Zepeda was the only man who COULD do it. Mr. Rogers then said - - ¶ “This is just a scouting trip. I am coming back here later. I saw enough in Nicaragua to know that you couldn’t get to Sandino through that country. When I come back I’ll come in by Honduras and if Doc can fix it I am going to try to have an interview with Sandino.” ¶ In view of what Mr. Rogers will undoubtedly find out during the remainder of his Central American trip I believe that he will not actually give Sandino the enormous prestige that would result from a visit by Will Rogers. ¶ Report No. 1159 ¶ San José--April 11, 1931 ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

4.  April 6, 1931.  G-2 Report on Return of Nicaraguan Emigrados to Costa Rica, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POLITICAL ¶ No. 3700-b – Political Leaders ¶ Return of Nicaraguan Emigrados. ¶ Political enemies of President Moncada took immediate advantage of the destruction of the Capital to return to Nicaragua. From San José Adolfo Ortega Diaz and Norberto Salinas left immediately in a Pan-American plane, as representatives of La Tribuna, a Costa Rican newspaper. From Mexico City Doctor Pedro J. Zepeda also came by plane, bringing some relief supplies. All three of these men preceeded [proceeded] their arrival with threats as to what would happen should Moncada interfere with them. As all occupied somewhat privileged positions under the circumstances, they were not molested, but needless to say just their presence was a source of worry for the President. ¶ Zepeda announced that in view of the disaster Sandino’s operations would be called off, as all Marines and Guardia would be needed for rescue work in Managua. ¶ Report No. 1147 ¶ San José--April 6, 1931 ¶ Source – Personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

5.  February-March 1931.  Press clippings:  Feb 22: "Offers Armistice in Nicaraguan War," New York Times.   March 11: "Sandinistas Claim Five Big Victories," New York Times.   March 28: "U.S. Sympathizers Supplying Sandino," AP.     "OFFERS ARMISTICE IN NICARAGUAN WAR ¶ Sandino’s Representative in Mexico Would ‘Intercede’ When the Marines Leave. ¶ WASHINGTON SPURNS OFFER ¶ Says Fighting Must Stop Anyway and Holds No Faith in Any Promise of Rebel Chief. ¶ MEXICO CITY, Feb. 21 (AP).—An offer to “intercede” in the Nicaraguan guerrilla warfare with the object of putting an immediate halt to fighting there was made here today by Dr. Pedro Zepeda, foreign representative and trusted emissary of the insurgent leader, General Agustino Sandino. ¶ Dr. Zepeda suggested that arrangements be made to cease offensives on both sides. In return for a guarantee against attack in his mountain strongholds he said that he believed Sandino might agree to desist from raids on towns and lines of communications. ¶ Inasmuch as the United States Government has announced its intention of withdrawing the marines from Nicaragua, Dr. Zepeda said, there is no use of prolonging the warfare during the time it takes to accomplish this, Sandino already having indicated that he would lay down his arms when—but not before—all the marines are gone. ¶ He offered to take an airplane to Nicaragua and personally to confer with Sandino on the matter if he were sure it would be favorably received by the Moncado [Moncada] Nicaraguan Government and the American authorities. ¶ Dr. Zepeda said that the insurgents had seven killed and seventeen wounded in fighting thus far this week in the El Tule region, near Ocotal, but asserted that the government forces lost forty dead, while three American Marines and seven members of the Guardia were wound- [wounded] by the insurgents. ¶ A little more than a week ago, he said, the Sandinistas took the town of Somoto but evacuated it after a few hours in the face of an offensive by Marine aviators. One of the planes dropped a bomb on the home of General Camilio Lopez Arias, president of the Nicaraguan Senate, and destroyed it. ¶ “We shoot all our prisoners,” he said. Asked to repeat his statement, he said: “Yes, we shoot them. You think that is horrible. It is. But it is in retaliation for the same kind of treatment. Moncado’s [Moncada’s] men shoot all of our men that they capture.” ¶ Washington Spurns Armistice. ¶ WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 (AP).—American officials said today no agreement for an armistice was necessary to end hostilities between Nicaraguan Government forces and the insurgent forces under Agustino Sandino. ¶ Hostilities would cease, one high official said, the moment the rebels laid down their arms and returned to gainful occupations. No formal arrangement is necessary for such action. The ending of hostilities, it was added, is solely a matter for the insurgents themselves. ¶ Officials here would not look with favor on an agreement subscribed to by Sandino. The State Department holds a previous agreement by him to abide by a settlement designed to end civil strife in Nicaragua. All of the insurgent leaders were said to have abided by the settlement excepting Sandino, despite his written undertaking to do so. ¶ The recent effecting of a plan by Secretary Stimson and President Moncada to press a vigorous campaign against the Sandino forces was regarded as the reason for the offer by Dr. Pedro Zepeda, foreign representative of Sandino, in Mexico City, to “intercede” with a view of ending the fighting. ¶ Bandits Ambush Patrol. ¶ Wireless to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Feb. 21.—Bandits ambushed the National Guard patrol near Somoto today. Details of the fighting are unknown, but two guards are known to have been wounded. ¶ Last night a bandit group ambushed a National Guard patrol under command of Lieutenant McGorkle at Pataste, south of Somoto, according to a report received at headquarters in Managua. The report requested a plane for the transportation of the wounded. A marine plane left early today. ¶ U.S. Sympathizers Supplying Sandino ¶ Arms and Money Are Being Sent Nicaraguan Rebels by Friends Here. ¶ (Associated Press.) ¶ Marine Corps officials said yesterday that followers of Gen. Augustino Sandino, Nicaraguan insurgent chieftain, are being supplied with funds and ammunition from the United States. ¶ Renewed activity since December by the insurgents operating in the [fold in paper] and Honduran border. ¶ SANDINISTAS CLAIM FIVE BIG VICTORIES ¶ Nicaraguan Insurgent’s Agent in Mexico Tells of Killing 150 Guardsmen in Battles. ¶ REPORTS ROUT OF MARINES ¶ His Men Have Captured 2,000 Rifles From Americans, He Asserts—Washington Hears Otherwise. ¶ MEXICO CITY, March 10 (AP).—General Augustio Sandino, the Nicaraguan insurgent, in reports sent here to Pedro Jose Zepeda, his representative in Mexico, says he has won five recent battles with Nicaraguan National Guardsmen, killing 150 of them and that he has captured considerable American military equipment. ¶ The most recent battle, the Sandino headquarters at Segovia reported, was a four-hour engagement on March 1 in which 1,000 mounted Sandinistas captured Daraili, Jinotega Department. The report said that 100 guardsmen were killed and after the town was captured that a relief column under Lieutenant Clark, a United States Marine, was put to flight and all its equipment captured. ¶ In another engagement at El Coyolito, the report said, the guardsmen lost twenty-seven dead and ten wounded, while the Sandinistas lost fourteen dead and twenty-five wounded. The insurgents said they had captured there eighty rifles, ten pistols, two machine guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition. ¶ In another engagement troops led by General Jose Leon Sontos [José León Díaz] defeated a force of National Guardsmen under Captain Williams at Somoto, according to the Sandinistas, and many dead National Guardsmen were left on the field, the insurgents losing five dead and seven wounded. ¶ On Feb. 27 Sandinistas under General Miguel Angel Ortiz [Miguel Angel Ortéz], the report assests [asserts], fought with National Guardsmen at Puebla Nuevo [Pueblo Nuevo] and put them to flight, capturing considerable war material. That same night forces under General Estrada drove guardsmen out of the town of Imaili and captured a flag and medical equipment. ¶ The insurgent general insists that his men now have more than 2,000 American rifles, all of which were captured in battle. ¶ Washington’s Records Differ. ¶ WASHINGTON, March 10 (AP).—The Marine Corps said today its records showed one Nicaraguan National Guardsman and three civilians had been wounded by followers of General Sandino in the last five engagements between guardsmen and revolutionists in Nicaragua. ¶ The record shows estimates of seven Sandinistas killed and thirty-one wounded in the same engagements. Three rebels were captured. ¶ It was explained that all of the reports of rebels killed or wounded were estimates because the Sandinoistas [Sandinistas] carry their killed and wounded off the battlefield while fighting continues."

6.  March 31, 1931.  G-2 Translation of "Where Sandino Gets His Arms," Excelsior, Mexico City, 29 March 1931, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850: ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations. ¶ SANDINO and Nicaragua. ¶ 1. Forwarded herewith is translation of an article appearing in “Excelsior” of March 29, 1931, being an interview with Dr. Pedro J. Zepeda, Sandino’s representative in Mexico,- entitled “Where Sandino Gets His Arms”. ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry. ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ J/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 3293. ¶ Date: March 31, 1931. . . . "

7.  March 31, 1931.  G-2 Translation of "Where Sandino Gets His Arms," Excelsior, Mexico City, 29 March 1931, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 2.     " . . . Article appearing in “EXCELSIOR” of March 29, 1931. ¶ (Translation) ¶ WHERE SANDINO GETS HIS ARMS. ¶ He does not receive them from the United States, but by force takes them from the Marines. ¶ Emphatic Statement. ¶ Dr. Pedro J. Zepeda says that the rifles are American Army rifles. ¶ With regard to the cabled reports published by “Excelsior” to the effect that the Revolutionary Army of Nicaragua is receiving arms and funds from the United States, Señor don Pedro J. Zepeda, General Representative of General Cesar Augusto Sandino, made the following statements to us yesterday: ¶ “In the section of cables transmitted by the Associated Press there is a message from Washington dated March 27, published in your daily, today’s edition, which says that ‘Marine officers had declared that Sandino’s men are being furnished with money and munitions from the United States.’ They state also that investigations made since December, the month in which the insurgents renewed their activities, revealed the fact that Sandino’s men are well supplied with munitions and arms, including machine guns.” ¶ “In May, 1930, and not in December as stated by the Marine officers in Washington,- military operations were resumed in Nicaragua for the purpose of reconquering our autonomy, and foreign correspondents have approached me on several occasions, endeavoring to obtain data as to our source of military supplies, and in a malevolent and insidious manner insisted in mentioning the names of some Latin-American Governments as sympathizers of our movement and as possible supporters of our armed conflict. I then declared, emphatically, that the only source of our supplies of arms, munitions and machine-guns was from the arsenals themselves of the North American Government, the intermediaries used for securing these supplies and having them transported to our redoubts of the Segovias, being marines themselves, who frequently fall in ambushes and overcome by our soldiers. ¶ “Scarcely twenty days ago I made the definite declaration, through the Associated Press, that if some day the promises of the State Department to withdraw the invading forces from our country, were complied with, I would take great pleasure in inviting a group of correspondents, especially North Americans, to be present when the troops of our heroic General Sandino were disarmed, that they might see for themselves that all the arms in service, as well as the field tents, saddles, pistols, and machine guns, bear the shield of the Government of the United States of North America. ¶ “I am glad that at last the Marine officers admit, even if vaguely, that there is an army unit in Nicaragua, organized and equipped, and that the easy victories credited daily to the invading soldiers are nothing more than inventions to create the impression in the United States that the struggle is nearly over and that the casualties among the American soldiers are not actual and effective. . . . "

8.  March 31, 1931.  G-2 Translation of "Where Sandino Gets His Arms," Excelsior,, Mexico City, 29 March 1931, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 3.     " . . . I wish to take this opportunity to state that my offer of mediation toward terminating the crusade of cruelty and extermination, just now at its full height in Nicaragua, was made from a sentiment of natural humanitarianism, and not through lack of the spirit of sacrifice on the part of Sandino and his men. ¶ “To me personally I think it is distressing that this systematic destruction of our country should continue, and the continuous bombardment of defenceless villages simply because the invaders believe them to be supply bases of our army; the assassination of women and children; but it would seem that the State Department has ordered that this state of things shall go on indefinitely,- and indefinitely we shall continue doing our duty."

9.  March 31, 1931.  Naval Intelligence Report on Nicaraguan Good-will Mission to El Salvador & Guatemala, Also Data On Sandinista Agents, from Agent "G".     "A Nicaraguan Good-will Mission composed of Dr. Julian Irias, Nicaraguan Minister of foreign affairs, with Drs Largaespada and Portocarrero as secretaries attended the inaugural ceremonies at El Salvador 1 March 31 and the beginning of the Presidential period in Guatemala 15 March 31. ¶ Such at least was the ostensible reason for their visit. ¶ It is, however reliably known that the mission secretly gestioned the Salvadoran Government to the end that such government appeal to the Honduran Government to the effect that Honduras give a closer cooperation to Nicaragua in the suppression of banditry. ¶ It is further known that in Guatemala the same proposal was made regarding Honduras and Guatemala. Also that the Guatemalan Government put up 10,000 dollars to buy off Dr. Zepeda (Sandino’s backer and propagandist) in Mexico. Further that such money as needed should also be put up by Guatemala in order to buy off Sandino. This money was later to be paid back by Nicaragua. (The idea being evidently, to counteract pro-Sandino propaganda by having some country other than Nicaragua take steps to get him out of the field.) ¶ The suggestion made to each country were turned down by both Salvador and Guatemala. Dr. Andres Largaespada also asked that Guatemala request the United States to allow Nicaraguan citizens to arm themselves. This question happened to be referred, via a devious route, to the Naval Attaché, who answered: “If you allow Nicaraguan citizens to arm themselves there is no way to keep some of these weapons and ammunition from falling in the hands of the bandits. The answer to that proposition is: No.” – Dr. Largaespada was turned down. ¶ Sandino has a remarkable mental backing both in El Salvador and Guatemala. Certain people have the unshakeable belief that he is a patriot and a hero, and do not wish to be convinced of anything else. ¶ It is reported (believed reliable) that Dr. Jose J. Zamorra (Salvadoran) is a message center for Sandino in El Salvador. That J. Antonio Lacayo (Nicaraguan) is a message carrier. ¶ Aleman Bolaños, well known Guatemalan of Guatemala City had Sandino as his guest for quite a while after Sandino had left Mexico and prior to his return to Nicaragua. ¶ Metal and Plaster of Paris busts of Sandino were freely and openly sold in Guatemala at that time."

10.  March 13, 1931.  G-2 Translation of "Seventy-Four Combats Have Already Taken Place This Year In Nicaragua," Excelsior, Mexico City, 29 March 1931, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850: ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations: ¶ SANDINO AND NICARAGUA. ¶ 1. Forwarded herewith is translation of a recent newspaper article, given to the local press by Dr. Zepeda, Sandino’s representative in Mexico,- entitled “Seventy-four Combats have already taken place this year in Nicaragua” and “Appeal of Dr. Zepeda to the other Latin American countries to put a stop to the invasion of his country.” ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry. ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ J/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No.3266. ¶ Date: March 13, 1931. . . . "

11.  March 13, 1931.  G-2 Translation of "Seventy-Four Combats Have Already Taken Place This Year In Nicaragua," Excelsior, Mexico City, 29 March 1931, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 2.     " . . . (Translation) ¶ ARTICLE APPEARING IN “EXCELSIOR” ¶ March 10, 1931. ¶ SEVENTY-FOUR COMBATS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE THIS YEAR IN NICARAGUA. ¶ The General Representative, Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, appeals to rest of the Continent to put an end to the invasion of his country. ¶ In Nicaragua there have taken place during the first months of 1931 as many combats as there were days. Seventy-four engagements during January, February and the first days of March,- according to Dr. Zepeda, the general representative of the “Ejercito Defensor de la Soberanía de Nicaragua.” ¶ Some of these combats between the Nicaraguan “guerrilleros” and the American marines, have been very bloody ones. Dr. Zepeda’s account is as follows: ¶ “Methodically following the plan of beginning the year with a violent offensive against the invading forces, General Sandino has staged seventy-four combats, increasing in intensity and toll of lives as time passed; and the people of Nicaragua have become convinced of the imperative necessity of giving frank and decided support to the cause of liberty. The latest reports from the general headquarters of the Segovias, indicate that the marines, in their vain zeal to exterminate our army between now and next June,- when the Department of State at Washington has promised to let José María Moncada carry on alone the so-called “pacification”,- have ventured in some cases to offer greater resistence [resistance], with the result that the casualties on both sides have been much greater in number. ¶ “The ‘El Coyolito” battle which took place on February 24, 1931, led by our Col. Juan Valdivia, left us with 14 killed and 25 wounded, the enemy having abandoned on the field 10 wounded and 27 killed, which presumably they were unable to carry off. We also captured 80 American army rifles, 10 regulation pistols, 2 machine guns (dismantled), and 3,000 cartridges. This detachment was commanded by Lieut. Alexander, who escaped miraculously. ¶ “On the same day, February 24th, Gen. José León Díaz’s column attacked and defeated Capt. Williams in the Somoto mountains, with many casualties, number unknown, as our soldiers retreated from the site of the ambuscade before breaking camp, on account of the imminent arrival of a strong column of enemy reinforcements. Our side lost 5 killed and 7 wounded. ¶ “On February 26th another hard-fought encounter took place between the bizarre column of Gen. Miguel Angel Orthez and a detachment of marines stationed in Pueblo Nuevo which were dispersed in the mountain between Jinotega and Matagalpa. In this action there were captured from the enemy 60 rifles, 23 blankets, 14 pistols, 2 cases of hand-grenades, and 1600 cartridges. At nightfall our Gen. Estrada made a surprise attack upon another American detachment in “Imaili”, capturing from the enemy a flag, 2 surgical chests, some medicines, and a quantity of provisions. . . . "

12.  March 13, 1931.  G-2 Translation of "Seventy-Four Combats Have Already Taken Place This Year In Nicaragua," Excelsior, Mexico City, 29 March 1931, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 3.     " . . . On the morning of March 1st a column of 1,000 men, well mounted, with 12 Thompson machine guns and 20 bomb-throwing rifles, attacked and took the town of Daraili, in the Jinotega Department. The fight lasted four hours, but the enemy forces under seige [siege] did not have time to receive any aid, because after the garrison had been completely annihilated, a column commanded by Lieut. Clark, came up, and, finding the town in the hands of our army, tried to avoid fighting, but they were overtaken by a flying column which completely defeated them and they left in the hands of Gen. Salgado all their impedimenta. ¶ The enemy losses in this case were over 100. Our losses were relatively small, but among our killed were 1 colonel, 3 captains, and 1 lieutenant. This combat was commanded by Generals Salgado, Díaz, Blandon, and Hernandez. ¶ “This new phase of the struggle, with so much bloodshed, which will surely grow more violent every day, prompts this General Representative of the Sandino army to appeal again to the other Latin-American countries, to pay no heed to the empty speeches and the parades, of which there will surely be many in the celebration of “Pan American Day” on April 18th,- but to do something more practical for the better understanding and unity of our peoples, and put a stop to the flagrant violation of the rights of a free people which sees its favorite sons fall one by one, while the theories of Abraham Lincoln are heard everywhere, and the democratic principles of George Washington."

13.  January 4-5, 1931.  "Nicaraguans Wound 2 Marines In Clash," and "Nicaragua Orders Cadets Out Against Bandits; Rebels Being Armed From Unknown Sources," New York Times.     "NICARAGUANS WOUND 2 MARINES IN CLASH ¶ Bandits Try to Ambush Patrol Hunting Them After Killing of Eight Americans. ¶ MIDNIGHT ATTACK IS MADE ¶ Outlaws Are Driven Off and New Detail Goes in Pursuit—Guard Reports Fights. ¶ Special Cable to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Jan. 3.—Two more United States marines were wounded in a clash with bandits early today. ¶ They were shot down in what appears to have been an attempt of 150 outlaws to ambush the marine patrol of fifty men scouring the jungle for the band that killed eight marines Wednesday. ¶ The two men were brought to Managua by plane this morning. One of them, James Robert Earnhardt, was hit in the spine and is seriously injured. His nearest relative is his mother, Mrs. Sarah Earnhardt, of Concord, N. C. The other man is David Monroe Kirkendale, who probably will recover. His nearest relative is Walter Carlson of Chicago. ¶ The patrol, fifty men under command of Captain Ernest L. Russell, established contact with the bandits south of Ocotal, between Totogalpa and Ocotal. The bandits had made a demonstration at the eastern outskirts of Ocotal, Nueva Segovia, about 11 o’clock last night. Several shots were fired into the town and bombs exploded near the outskirts, but the bandits made no effort to enter the town and no casualties were sustained by the inhabitants or the marines. ¶ The commanding officer at Ocotal, Major Dearing, reported by radio at 1:30 A. M. today that everything was quiet. ¶ The marine patrol under Captain Russell, returning to Ocotal from Palacaguina, established contact with the bandits, estimated at 150 men, at about 1 o’clock this morning. The strong marine detachment drove the bandits from their ambuscade and continued to Ocotal. ¶ Second Patrol Goes Out. ¶ Another marine patrol left Ocotal at daybreak today to reconnoitre the scene, try to regain contact with the bandits and ascertain the number of bandit casualties. The identity of the bandit leader is not definitely known, but he is thought to be a Sandino chieftain, Miguel Ortiz [Miguel Angel Ortéz]. ¶ The commanding officer reported this morning that all telegraph lines leading from Ocotal were down and that communication was being maintained by radio between Managua and Ocotal. ¶ The Nicaraguan National Guard reports that the bandit group is thought to be the same that ambushed and killed a party of marines Wednesday and attacked a guard barracks on Jan. 1 at 5 A. M., first with rifle shots, then threw bombs, whereupon the guard and armed civilians returned the fire, and the bandits were driven off in the direction of Palacaguina. ¶ The National Guard also reports a contact yesterday between ten guardsmen under command of Lieutenant Pulver and a bandit force estimated at 150 at Cacao, Northwest Chaquitillo. The bandits were entrenched behind stone walls. The fight had lasted an hour when a patrol of eighteen guardsmen under command of Lieutenant Kerns joined the Pulver patrol and drove the bandits from their position. Two bandits are known to have been killed. ¶ Lieutenant Navarrete, with seventeen guardsmen, poined [joined?] the other two patrols after the contact and continued the pursuit north. ¶ The present bandit strength is estimated at 600, including all parts of the northern provinces. The increase in banditry is attributed to the influence of Sandino propaganda, the lack of work in the northern provinces and the forcing of men to join the bandits. Also the beginning of the coffee season entices bandit groups to endeavor to exact tribute from the large coffee growers. ¶ Bodies to Be Brought Home. ¶ WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (AP).—The bodies of the eight marines killed in Nicaragua Wednesday will arrive in this country on Friday, Jan. 30. ¶ Marine officials today said the U. S. S. Vega, a cargo ship, would convey the bodies of seven to Hampton Roads, Va., while the body of Sergeant Arthur M. Palrang will be taken to San Francisco on the army transport Chateau Thierry. ¶ Privates Joseph A. Harbaugh of Washington, Pa., and Lambert Bush of Bay Minett, Ala., will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, while the other bodies will be sent to their home addresses. Sergeant Palrang lived at Fort Lyon, Co. The other five were Privates Irving W. Aron of Brooklyn; Edward Elliott of Des Moines, Iowa; Frank Kosieradski of Buffalso [Buffalo], Richard J. Litz of Indianapolis and Joseph A. McCarthy of Chillicothe, Mo. ¶ Nicaragua Orders Cadets Out Against Bandits; Rebels Being Armed From Unknown Sources ¶ By Tropical Radio to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Jan. 4.—In order to throw every available force into the field against the bandits, National Guard headquarters announced today that they are sending to Ocotal early this week thirty-seven Nicaraguan cadets who have been in training at the cadet school. This detachment will be accompanied by three Americans and one Nicaraguan officer. ¶ Marine headquarters report that the condition of Private Earnhardt, who was wounded early yesterday, is extremely serious. The doctors believe his chances for recovery are slight. The other three wounded men probably will recover. ¶ Earnhardt was wounded in a skirmish between bandits and the patrol under Ernest L. Russel, which went in pursuit of the band that killed eight marines Wednesday. ¶ National Guard headquarters report that in the month of December guardsmen had fourteen contacts with outlaws, in which one Nicaraguan Guard was killed and one wounded, while bandit casualties amounted to twenty-three killed, four wounded and six captured. ¶ For economic reasons the National Guard has been gradually reduced from 2,200 on Nov. 1 to 1,850. It is understood that this process of gradual reduction will continue until the force numbers 1,650, this reduction being made without materially affecting the oumber [number] actually operating against bandits. ¶ It is generally thought that the present bandit activity is due to an effort by Augusto Sandino to unite all outlaw groups. A plentiful supply of ammunition apparently is now available for their use, judging from recent contacts, which seems to indicate that the outlaws have received aid from some undetermined source. Rumor places this source outside of Nicaragua. Rumor also has it that orders have been issued to the outlaws to make special efforts to fire at American officers."

14.  January 5-6, 1931.  "Nicaraguans Want Marines Retained," New York Times, and "Service Men Impatient With Nicaragua Policy," Washington News.     "NICARAGUANS WANT MARINES RETAINED ¶ President Moncada Believes Withdrawal Now Would Be ‘Unwise.’ ¶ SENATE SEEKS FACTS ¶ Managua, Nicaragua, Jan. 5 (A.P.). President Jose Moncada of Nicaragua believes it would be unwise to withdraw American Marines from the country at this time, he told the Associated Press today. The president said he would like, however, to insure additional cooperation of Nicaraguans with the Marines in an effort to stamp out banditry. ¶ “We have many patriotic Nicaraguans,” he said, “who would offer their services and peculiar knowledge to give such cooperation in an effort to bring about lasting peace in the bandit-infested regions” ¶ The country, at the moment, he said, has no funds with which to increase the strength of the national guard, but efforts are being made to obtain a loan of $1,000,000 from the national bank. Part of this sum would be used in the campaign against the bandits and in constructing highways to open up the northern department, where their activities are most pronounced. ¶ (Associated Press.) ¶ New attempts to force the withdrawal of Marines from Nicaragua, where eight were killed last week, were initiated yesterday in the Senate. ¶ A resolution by Senator Johson [Johnson], of California, the ranking Republican on the foreign relations committee, requesting the Secretary of State to transmit to the Senate copies of all communications and documents relating to the landing and maintenance of the Marines in Nicaragua since, 1924, was adopted without debate. ¶ Senator King (Democrat), Utah, at the same time offered a resolution requesting the immediate withdrawal of all Marines from Nicaragua. His motion was left upon the table, subject to call at any time. ¶ “I just want to ascertain the facts, first,” said Senator Johnson later in explanation of his resolution. “I think it well that we give a little concern to our own continent and our own boys at this time when some are so concerned about the troubles of Europe.” ¶ State Department officials indicated last night that all those papers would be sent to the Senate which are not incompatible with public interest if they were published. This is the same position taken by President Hoover and Secretary Stimson last year when the Senate asked for the papers relating to the London naval treaty negotiations. ¶ Several unsuccessful attempts have been made in the last four years in the Senate to force the withdrawal of Marines from Nicaragua. President Coolidge insisted that the troops be maintained there three years ago for the general election. Since that time they have been withdrawn gradually. ¶ The United States had already indicated to Nicaragua that it would not supervise elections in that country after the one next year. Supervision for the election in 1928 and next year’s was agreed to in an exchange of letters between the two countries. ¶ The duties of the Marines in Nicaragua were summarized by the Secretary as guarding the American Legation, training the national guard of Nicaragua and protecting American lives and property. ¶ Lima, Peru, Jan. 5 (A.P.).—The newspaper El Comercio in an editorial today voiced sharp criticism of the American policy of intervention in Nicaragua, declaring it mistaken and unlikely to do any good service for pan-Americanism and international justice. ¶ The editorial lauded the attitude of the United States senators who have demanded the withdrawal of American Marines from Nicaragua ended by praising the followers of Gen. Sandino, whom it calls “Liberty’s soldiers.” ¶ Service Men Impatient With Nicaraguan Policy ¶ All U. S. Marines Should Be Brought Home or More Should Be Sent to Finish Job, Is Prevailing Sentiment ¶ By WILLIAM PHILIP SIMMS ¶ Either every Marine should be brought home from Nicaragua, or enough should be sent down there to do the job assigned to them. ¶ This expresses but mildly the sentiment I find in service circles here, following the killing of eight and the wounding of four Marines in the fighting which has flared up again in the little Central American republic. ¶ If Washington intends to occupy Nicaragua until it is pacified, these observers feel, the Administration should forget politics and take the necessary steps to accomplish the task in a way which will be better for the national prestige and better for the Nicaraguans themselves. ¶ Face Hopeless Job ¶ If it does not intend to do these things, the forces of occupation should be brought home as quickly as possible. ¶ As matters now stand, the Marines are facing a hopeless job. It will take a generation of them to get anywhere. Irregular warfare such as cost the lives of a detachment of men on New Year’s Eve will go on, American prestige will dwindle, and Latin American criticism of our policy will grow constantly more bitter. ¶ Despite official reports that more than 1000 Marines are now in Nicaragua, I am reliably informed that actually there are only about 700. What with the work of training the native constabulary, paper work at headquarters, keeping up supply service, communications and whatnot, inevitable in such an expedition, it is said that not more than 200 or so are available for fighting. ¶ Country Impassable ¶ The Marines are stationed at four or five outposts in the jungles of the interior, subject to attack at any moment. The country is well nigh impassable, save along faintly marked trails thru the tangled growths. Patrols are constantly on the move, however, being absent two or three weeks at a time. ¶ It was such a detail as this that was ambushed near Ocotal on New Year’s Eve. They walked into a carefully prepared ambush and never had a chance from the beginning. ¶ From the two survivors, both severely wounded, it was learned that at least 300 guerillas were in the deadly circle. Each side had two machine guns, but every time the Americans tried to use their weapons they were sniped. The Marine’s machine guns, with ammunition, were captured by the natives and sooner or later will be turned on other Americans. ¶ Lasting Peace Far Off ¶ There is no such thing as a rebel “army” in Nicaragua. Those who killed the eight Marines are believed to live in the region and to have dispersed to their farms after the fighting was over. The relief force, brought to the scene by a friendly native, found only peaceful farmers working on their land. ¶ Nicaragua will never see lasting peace, Marines or no Marines, until roads are built from coast to coast and border to border, according to officers who have seen service there. For several months out of every year the only way to get from one side of the country to the other is to take a steamer all the way round, via the Panama Canal. Bandits are able to prey on the inhabitants of the interior at will, because there is no way to get at them, and any politico with any personality at all can impress natives into service and put a full-fledged revolution in the field before the government can get within a month’s march of him. ¶ Deplore Pussyfooting ¶ Nicaragua needs roads, schools, sanitation and civil training and unless the United States is prepared to lend her a hand to get these things, observers declare, it should recall its forces. For this officials here say there is no authority, but others reply that there is no authority for the permanent occupation of the country and the war which is now being waged. ¶ Rightly or wrongly, service men both in Nicaragua and the National Capital say Washington has intervened in the Central American republic. Therefore, they urge, for the sake of the Nicaraguans themselves, for the sake of the American boys who make up the forces of occupation, and for the sake of American prestige the world over, America should quit pussyfooting or get out."

15.  January 7 & 14.  Press clippings:  "Threatens To Burn Nicaraguan Towns — Sandino Writes Mexican Agent — He Must Destroy Country To Save It From Us" (Jan 7), "Nicaraguans Win 3 Rebel Clashes" (Jan 7), and "Nicaragua President Lauds Marines For Aid" (Jan 13), New York Times.     "THREATENS TO BURN NICARAGUAN TOWNS ¶ Sandino Writes Mexican Agent He Must Destroy Country to Save It From Us. ¶ GUARD IN FOUR NEW FIGHTS ¶ Representative Cochran, Urging Better Pensions, Says 200 Marines Have Been Killed Altogether. ¶ MEXICO CITY, Jan.6 (AP).—Representatives of Agusto Sandino, Nicaraguan insurgent chief, made public today a letter from Sandino, said to have been written at his headquarters, El Chipoton, and smuggled into Mexico by way of San Salvador, in which he says: ¶ In order to save Nicaragua it is necessary to destroy it. ¶ We have sent final orders to burn the cities of our republic, because if the invading assassin, destroying our national autonomy, is going to rob us of our homeland, at least he will have to rebuild it over the ashes of our bodies. ¶ Good wishes to the people that regard without fear our destruction. Fatherland and liberty. ¶ A. C. SANDINO. ¶ José Constantino Gonzales, who calls himself secretary in Mexico to Sandino, also made public a telegram which he said had been sent to Senators King and Borah in Washington. The telegram said: ¶ “Withdrawal of marines should be last act of the twenty-years-long drama of intervention of Nicaragua. Latin America repudiates American military intervention. I assure you that Sandino would lay down arms and our country would be completely and automatically pacified if the marines are withdrawn. Sandino and his followers are only defending Nicaragua’s autonomy. We do not demand the withdrawal of the marines as a favor but as an act of undeniable and impending justice.” ¶ Native Troops in Clashes. ¶ MANAGUA, Jan. 6 (AP).—Patrols of the Nicaraguan National Guard, commanded by officers detached from the United States marines, have fought several engagements with insurgent forces in the densely wooded country between Totogalpa and Ocotal within the last few days, it was reported here today. ¶ The engagements were in the same district where eight marines were killed and four wounded in two battles last week. The insurgents were all declared to be followers of Sandino. ¶ One of the patrols, under Lieutenant J. MacDonald, battled with a group of 100 insurgents near Licory, killing three. One member of the patrol was slightly wounded. ¶ Yesterday evening another patrol fought a running engagement with an insurgent group near Chipote. One of the insurgents was killed, but there were no casualties among the guardsmen. ¶ Captain R. E. Forsyth, commanding a patrol from Ocotal, reported the destruction of two insurgent camps. Thirty-six cadets of the National Military Academy left here yesterday by airplane under the command of Captain Edward Trumbull for service in the northern area. ¶ James Robert Earnhardt of Concord, N. C., who was wounded in a battle on Jan. 3, was still in a serious condition today, and physicians doubted if he would recover. Mack Hutcherson of Shreveport, La., Frank Austin Jackson of Lawrenceville, Ga., and David M. Kirkendall of Chicago, who were also wounded, are expected to recover. ¶ NICARAGUANS WIN 3 REBEL CLASHES ¶ Patrols Commanded by Marines Rout Sandino Bands ¶ FOUR INSURGENTS KILLED ¶ One Wounded American May Die; Three Others Recovering ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Jan. 6 (A. P.)—Patrols of the Nicaraguan National Guard, commanded by officers detached from the United States marines, have fought several engagements with insurgent forces in the densely wooded country between Totagalpa and Ocotal within the last few days, it was announced here today. ¶ The engagements were in the same district where eight American marines were killed and four wounded in two battles last week. The insurgents were all declared to be followers of Augustino Sandino. ¶ One of the patrols, under Lieut. J. MacDonald, battled a group of 100 insurgents near Licoroy, killing three. One member of the patrol was slightly wounded. ¶ Yesterday evening another patrol fought a running engagement with an insurgent group near Chipote. One insurgent was killed, but there were no casualties among the guardsmen. ¶ Capt. R. E. Forsyth, commanding a patrol from Ocotal, reported the destruction of two insurgent camps. Thirty-six cadets of the National Military Academy left here yetserday [yesterday] by airplane under the command of Capt. Edward Trumbull for service in the northern area. ¶ James Robert Earnhardt of Concord, N. C., who was wounded in a battle Jan. 3 was still in a serious condition today and physicians doubted he will recover. Mack Hutcherson of Shreveport, La., Frank Austin Jackson of Lawrenceville, Ga., and David M. Kirkendall of Chicago, who were also wounded, are expected to recover. ¶ Destruction of All Nicaragua, Vowed by Sandino ¶ MEXICO CITY, Jan. 6 (A. P.)—Representatives of Augustino Sandino, Nicaraguan insurgent chief, today made public a letter from Sandino, said to have been written at his headquarters, El Chipoton, and smuggled into Mexico by way of San Salvador, in which he says: ¶ “In order to save Nicaragua it is necessary to destroy it. ¶ “We have sent final orders to burn the cities of our republic, because if the invading assasin [assassin], destroying our national autonomy, is going to rob us of our homeland, at least he will have to rebuild it over the ashes of our bodies. ¶ “Good wishes to the pople [people] that regard without fear our destruction. Fatherland and liberty. A. C. CANDINO [SANDINO].” ¶ Jose Constantino Gonzalez, who calls himself secretary in Mexico to Sandino, also made public a telegram which he said had been sent to Senators King and Borah in Washington. The telegram said: ¶ “Withdrawal of marines should be the last act of the twenty years long drama of intervention in Nicaragua. Latin America repudiates American military intervention. I assure you that Sandino would lay down arms and our country would be completely and automatically pacified if the marines are withdrawn. Sandino and his followers are only defending Nicaragua’s autonomy. We do not demand the withdrawal of the marines as a favor but as an act of undeniable and impending justice.” ¶ NICARAGUA PRESIDENT LAUDS MARINES FOR AID ¶ But Moncada Realizes Nation’s Duty to End Banditry Without Additional Help From Us. ¶ By Cable to the Editor of THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Jan. 13.—I am offering no objection to the marines remaining in Nicaragua, because they have worked sincerely and arduously to secure liberty and order within my country. For this the Nicaraguans must be grateful. But I feel that we, the Nicaraguans, are obligated to wage war against the bandits. ¶ In regard to the necessity for more marine officers and medical officers, I do not desire to see more American marines killed and to witness the sending of their bodies to the United States. Ambuscades similar to the one at Las Cruces, where the marines were recently killed, results in loss of prestige for the United States and even more for Nicaragua. ¶ We, the Nicaraguans, are obliged to restore peace to our country [unreadable] stanch the blood of our wounded. The American marines will be able to guard the cities of the north and probably some other towns of the interior, protecting the foreign and national interests that are in such cities while the guard is suppressing banditry. ¶ I have experienced and feel a profound sadness for the marines who perished in the last ambuscade of the Sandinistas. They fell in a land with which they were unfamiliar. Indeed, they were actually assassinated and did not succumb in a real and honest fight. ¶ We have pledged our determination and our heart blood to avoid similar fatalities, and we desire a change of tactical policy that will result in meeting the bandits in actual mountain warfare and opposing them with the same methods as they themselves use. ¶ J. M. MONCADA, ¶ President of Nicaragua."

16.  ca. January 7, 1931.  "Sandino Threats To Fire Country Worry Planters," unidentified newspaper.     "Sandino Threats To Fire Country Worry Planters ¶ Nicaraguans Fear Incendiary Attempt Because of Dry Condition of Their Fields ¶ Bandit Hides in Mountains ¶ Headquarters Believed To Be in an Unexplored Region ¶ By E. Bruguiere ¶ General Augustine C. Sandino, Nicaraguan bandit leader, made public this month another of his now frequent threats against the United States Marines. The letter, given to the press by Jose Gonzales, secretary in Mexico to Sandino, stated that in order to save Nicaragua he, Sandino, must destroy the country by fire and that this would be done by burning its towns and cities. Whether the threat is to be taken seriously is problematic, though the recent killing of eight United States Marines would appear to give it weight. ¶ This is not the first time this threat has been made. On March 18, 1929, there appeared in a daily paper in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the following signed statement by Sandino: “We are preparing a sort of incendiary bomb composed of ingredients of such naturalness that it explodes after it has been raining fifteen minutes; and with them we will burn the houses in the towns where are our enemies (Marines).” ¶ Whether the description of the “bomb” is intentionally vague or the threat is a hollow one, it is difficult to say. In Nicaragua, particularly on the west coast and in the north, where Sandino operates, practically all buildings are of tile-roofed adobe or mud and are almost fireproof. ¶ However, the second letter created considerable anxiety among owners of grain fields and pasture lands. The fields were then comparatively dry and the fear was that these bombs would be used to ignite them. ¶ Bandits Well Equipped ¶ As Guardia headquarters in Nicaragua have reported that the bandits now in the field appear to be well equipped and have ample ammunition it is not amiss to suppose that Sandino plans a concentrated movement in the near future. Nor is there room for doubt that he is receiving outside aid. It is popularly believed in Nicaragua that this aid is derived in Mexico, where Sandino spends most of his time when not in Nicaragua or near its border in Honduras. The fact that he is considered something of a hero and patriot in Mexico and that Nicaragua and Mexico have for many years evinced an antagonistic attitude for each other, lend credence to the belief. ¶ All correspondence from Sandino since 1929 has been dated from El Chipoton, Nicaragua, which is given as the location of the Sandinistan headquarters. His former headquarters was at El Chipote, a name for which he himself gave to a large mountain adjoining the Division de Aguas range. While El Chipote was claimed by Sandino to be impregnable, its greatest impregnability lay in the fact that no one knew where it was. Not until January, 1928, was it discovered to be midway as a crow flies between the marine garrisons at Quilali and San Albino. After that, with the aid of bombing planes, little time was lost in driving the bandit forces from their stronghold. ¶ Region Guarded by Mountains ¶ Like El Chipote, Chipoton is believed to be his own designation for one of the mountains in the northern section of the Department of Jinotega, somewhere in the triangle formed by the Wamblan and Tuna Vaki Rivers. That is completely unknown and unmapped territory inhabited principally by Carib and Mosquito Indians. Because of towering mountains and forested valleys and the absence of any sort of trails, it is the most inaccessible part of the country. Because the Guardia lacks sufficient funds and personnel no expedition has explored this area. At present all available men are being used for police routine in the cities and to hold the more important towns and highways against bandit marauders. ¶ Operating in the northern area at present are the bands of Pedro Altimirano (“Pedron”), of about 150 men; Miguel Ortez, of about 100; the sixty under Salgado, and a small group, not very active of late, headed by Blandon. While there are a great many smaller groups, they are considered relatively unimportant. ¶ Although Sandino claims that all of the bands operate under his orders, it has been reported that they consider themselves independent. Certainly their movements during the last year have had little appearance of unified action. Nevertheless, in the wake of their marches there has recently been a great amount of verbal and printed propaganda found showing that Sandino is making a strong attempt to reorganize for another drive."

17.  ca. January 7, 1931.  "Sandino Threats To Fire Country Worry Planters," unidentified newspaper.     Close-up of above.

18.  February 2 & 7, "Marines to Reduce Nicaraguan Duties," "Marines to Garrison Nicaraguan Towns," and "Banditry in Nicaragua Said To Be Increasing," New York Times, and "Marines Rushed As Nicaraguan Bandits Gather," New York Tribune.     "MARINES TO REDUCE NICARAGUAN DUTIES ¶ Stimson, Framing New Policy, Will Turn Over Defense of the Country to Native Troops. ¶ OUR FORCES WILL REMAIN ¶ They Will Be Stationed at Strategic Points for “Moral Effect”—Secretary to Inform Senate. ¶ Special to The New York Times. ¶ WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.—What is called a new policy in Nicaragua has been worked out by Secretary Stimson and will soon be made public, the Secretary announced today, after concluding conferences with Matthew E. Hanna, American Minister to Nicaragua, and Brig. Gen. Douglas C. McDougal, commander of the National Guard in that country. ¶ The policy is expected to provide for the Nicaraguan National Guard’s taking over the police powers throughout the republic, a function it exercises at present only in the bandit country of Northern Nicaragua, with American Marines retained as supporting forces, in relative inactivity. ¶ Secretary Stimson will probably communicate the details of the new arrangement to the Foreign Relations Committee, when, in response to a resolution introduced by Senator Johnson of California and adopted by the Senate, he will submit to the committee documents bearing upon the status of the Marines in Nicaragua. Mr. Stimson will be prepared at that time to discuss American policy in Nicaragua in explanation of the various points contained in the documents. ¶ There is no indication that the Marine force will be either increased or decreased for the present, the plans calling for it to be distributed at strategic points such as Managua, Ocotal, Leon, Chinendega [Chinandega], Matagalpa and Bluefields, where its presence will be primarily for moral effect. In event of an emergency, however, the Marines would be used in active operations. ¶ This situation is expected to continue at least until a definite decision is reached concering [concerning] the building of the projected Nicaraguan canal, but that question was said today not to enter directlyl [directly] in to the new policy. ¶ Other reports that a big drive was being planned against Sandino bandits in Northern Nicaragua were denied. Marine officers pointed out that such an operation was impossible in the jungle country. ¶ At present there are 178 marine officers and twenty-nine naval medical officers with the National Guard who will be retained for the purposes of assisting in the training and the development of that organization. In addition there are in Nicaragua 136 officers and 1,410 enlisted men of the marines. This compares with the high point of 276 officers and 5,106 enlisted marines in July, 1928. ¶ The National Guard, in addition to the 207 marine and naval officers, consists of 1,865 Nicaraguans. The aim of the United States when it encouraged the development of this force was for it to reach a strength of 2,500 men. ¶ The Nicaraguan Congress, however, inserted in the Tipitata [Tipitapa] agreement, which was concluded by Mr. Stimson, as special emissary of President Coolidge, in 1928, as a means for bringing the revolution to an end, a provision that the guard should not exceed ninety-three commissioned officers and 1,134 enlisted men. The cost per year was limited to $698,132. ¶ The United States never accepted this arrangement, although it is contained in the agreement, and the limits have always been exceeded, the cost in 1928-29 being more than $1,000,000. ¶ It s [It is] the element of cost which has prevented the guard being developed more rapidly, inasmuch as Nicaragua has been affected by the world-wide economic depression. ¶ As a result of Mr. Stimson’s recent conferences, Nicaragua is to obtain a credit of approximately $1,000,000 in New York, which will be used for the guard and for the construction of public works. ¶ The latter, it is estimated, will give employment to natives who otherwise might turn to banditry for a livelihood, while President Moncada has always believed that his country could be developed only through the building of adequate public roads and railroads. ¶ General McDougal is not to return to Nicaragua, having completed his tour of duty. He will probably be assigned to marine headquarters here, while the guard will be commanded by Lieut. Col. Calvin B. Matthews, who at present is in acting command of that force. The marines in Nicaragua are commanded by Colonel Frederick L. Bradman. ¶ A joint funeral service was held at Arlington National Cemetery today for Privates Lambert Bush of Minette, Ala., and Joseph A. Harbaugh of Washington, Pa., who were killed when a marine detachment was ambushed by bandits on Dec. 31, 1930, near Achuapa, Nicaragua. ¶ The bodies of the six other marines who were killed in the same action have been sent to their homes for burial. ¶ MARINES TO GARRISON NICARAGUAN TOWNS ¶ By Tropical Radio to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Feb. 6.—United States Marines, in accordance with the policy of supporting the Nicaraguan National Guard, will garrison today the towns of Pueblo Nuevo and Somoto in the Department of Nuevo Segovia, where a strong bandit attack is expected at any moment. ¶ As peaceful conditions continue in the northern provinces, National Guard officials regard the situation as the calm before a storm. Reports through official channels late last night stated that a large bandit concentration was taking place between Somoto and Pueblo Nuevo, including five groups under command of the leaders Ortez, Diez, Salgado, Cerda and Alfaro. The reports requested marine aid in these two towns. ¶ Early this morning two patrols of marines were despatched from Ocotal, and they will garrison the two towns, thus relieving and supporting the guard forces, who can now patrol the surrounding territory, the National Guard garrison being insufficient for both garrisoning and patrolling. ¶ The reports stated the bandit groups were reported as having received a fresh supply of ammunition and materials and that bandit recruiting was progressing rapidly. It was thought the bandits would attempt to raid the towns during the next forty-eight hours. ¶ A Marine Corps aviation unit is prepared to render assistance if necessary. ¶ National Guard Headquarters reported that Lieutenant Clark, with […] ¶ Marines Rushed As Nicaraguan Bandits Gather ¶ Outlaw Attack Expected in 48 Hours; National Guard in Skirmish, One Rebel Slain ¶ Cuba to Readmit Editor ¶ Wilford May Publish Havana ‘Amerian,’ Order Says ¶ By The United Press ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Feb. 6.—Two patrols of United States marines were rushed from Octobal [Ocotal?] to Pueblo Nuevo and Somoto today, where National Guard officers expect a strong bandit attack within forty-eight hours. A large bandit concentration is taking place between Somoto and Pueblo Nuevo under the direction of outlaw chiefs Ortez, Diaz, Salgado, Cerda and Alfaro, according to official reports. The reports stated that the bandits had received a fresh supply of ammunition and were rapidly recruiting followers. ¶ The two marine corps patrols will relieve the Nicaraguan National Guardsmen stationed at Pueblo Nuevo and Somoto, the latter taking the field against the bandits. Lieutenant Clark, comanding [commanding] a National Guard patrol at Condega, reported a skirmish at 2 o’clock this morning with an unknown number of bandits headed by a Sandino chieftain, Pedro Blandon, near San Geronimo. At least one bandit was killed and another wounded, according to reports brought here by a natice [native] runner. ¶ BANDITRY IN NICARAGUA SAID TO BE INCREASING ¶ Outlaws Have Mysterious Source of Supplies—Washington Aid Seen as Necessary. ¶ Special Correspondence, THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ PANAMA CITY, Feb. 1.—Some of the Americans resident in Nicaragua and familiar with present conditions are not optimistic of the possibility of early withdrawal of United States marines from that country. It is asserted that the bandit situation is as bad at present and possibly worse than it was three years ago when the marines entered the country to restore peace. ¶ One of the mysteries of the situation is the source of supply of arms and munitions for the bandits, many of whom are well armed with modern rifles and machine guns. It does not seem possible for them to live off the country in which they are operating and there must be a source of commissary supplies as well as of munitions. It seems to be apparent that many of the residents of the districts in which the bandits operate are either in sympathy with them or are thoroughly cowed, and it is charged that when bandits are caught the civil courts sometimes turn them loose in a short time. ¶ On the other hand the National Guard has a difficult task to manage on the small pay and allowance for rations received, especially in sections where crops have been a failure or where cultivation is restricted due to the presence of bandits. Recently the personnel of the guard was reduced and at the same time their ration allowance was cut from 25 to 20 cents a day. Their allowance for clothing is only three-quarters of a cent a day and their pay is only $12 a month. This apparently does not make service in the guard very attractive and does not hold the best class of guardsmen. ¶ It is said that it will take years to build up the National Guard, even if funds are available, and doubt is expressed if they will ever be able to clean up the country without the support of Washington and the leadership of American officers."

19.  February 12-17, 1931.  Press clippings: "Nicaraguan Rebels Get Modern Arms" (Feb 12), and "Sandino Will Quit As Marines Leave" (Feb 15), The Washington Post, and "Nicaraguan Insurgents Defeat National Guard" (Feb 17), Baltimore Sun.     "NICARAGUAN REBELS GET MODERN ARMS ¶ Good Supply of Ammunition Also Causes Concern to U. S. Officials. ¶ SOURCE IS NOT KNOWN ¶ (Associated Press.) ¶ Already concerned over the resumption of insurgent activities in Nicaragua, officials here and in the Latin-American republic have been presented with another disturbing element by an increase in the outlaws’ supplies of arms and ammunition. ¶ Officially described as “one of the most disturbing aspects of the present situation” in Nicaragua, the appearance of modern automatic weapons and an apparent good supply of ammunition in the hands of the insurgents. This development is declared to be a complete mystery to American authorities. ¶ The source of the increase, they said, was “not definitely known.” ¶ The supplies include machine guns, as indicated by recent encounters with United States Marines stationed in the republic. This was declared by officials to be in distinct contrast with their previous situation when they were understood to be short of weapons and ammunition. ¶ Secretary Stimson appeared last night to be the single high Government official to whom the others looked for any comments on the Nicaraguan situation. ¶ The Secretary has indicated he expected to make a statement on American military policy with regard to Nicaragua if called upon for testimony by the Senate foreign relations committee. ¶ He said yesterday, however, he had not been asked to appear. In the event he is not summoned, Stimson said he would forward to the Senate the State Department documents on the relation of the United States with Nicaragua asked for in a resolution by Senator Johnson (Republican), California. ¶ A new element in relations between the two nations, in the form of the survey—now being made—for the proposed Atlantic-to-Pacific canal across Nicaragua, has resulted in considerable speculation in unofficial circles as to the nature of the statement on military policy which the Secretary contemplated before the Senate committee. ¶ The general belief was that it would include some plan for the final extermination of the insurgent forces. Secretary Hurley, whose War Department Engineering Corps is making the canal survey, has made known that the engineers have not been troubled by them. ¶ The insurgent menace is considered by officials here to be an important factor for consideration in the event work on a canal should eventually begin. It was believed any plan advanced for their extermination would contemplate a campaign by the Nicaraguan National Guard and not by Marines, who assist in training and officering the local forces. ¶ As a former Secretary of War, Stimson has been able to consider the Nicaraguan situation from more of a military viewpoint than have his recent predecessors. ¶ Although considered an authority on Nicaraguan and colonial matters himself, the Secretary recently summoned to Washington the two Government officers more intimately acquainted with the situation than any others, American Minister Matthew E. Hanna at Manacua [Managua] and Brig. Gen. Douglas McDougal, who has been in charge of the Marine contingent in the republic. ¶ The Secretary sought extensive information from these officers on all phases of conditions in the republic with a view to meeting any situation which might arise. ¶ Nicaraguan Insurgents Defeat National Guard ¶ Occupy Town And Radio Station. Constabulary Sends Appeal For Help ¶ Colon, Canal Zone, Feb. 16 (AP)—Reports were heard today that Nicaraguan insurgents had overpowered a detachment of Nicaraguan National Guardsmen in the town of Gracias a Dios and captured the place, seizing its radio station. ¶ The United Fruit steamer Nicaro, cruising in Nicaraguan waters, was reported to have received an urgent message from Captain Stent, commanding the guardsmen, who asked that soldiers be sent to recapture the place. ¶ Gracias a Dios is on the extreme northeastern point of Nicaragua. ¶ SANDINO WILL QUIT AS MARINES LEAVE ¶ Nicaraguan Rebel Promises to Stop Fire Only When All Troops Withdraw. ¶ URGES EARLY DEPARTURE ¶ Mexico City, Feb. 14 (A.P.).—Gen. Augustino Sandino’s Mexico City representative promised today the noted Nicaraguan insurgent would lay down his arms as soon as the last United States Marine was out of his country, but until then would continue fighting. ¶ At the same time the representative, Dr. Pedro Jose Zepeda, sent a message on behalf of Sandino to American Ambassador J. Reuben Clark, urging that the latter ask his Government to withdraw the Marines immediately. Zepeda promised the Sandinistas would cease fighting at the same time. ¶ Zepeda also suggested that a commission of Americans and Nicaraguans, with a neutral umpire, be appointed to discuss the revision of existing treaties, which he called “incompatible with Nicaragua’s honor and decorum.” ¶ Fear Is Expressed. ¶ Managua, Nicaragua, Feb. 14 (A.P.). Prominent figures who were interviewed tonight on the plan to withdraw United States marines from Nicaragua expressed fear that insurgent activities would flare anew in the north if the retirement were made too speedily. ¶ “Retirement of the United States marines,” said Enoc Aguado, vice president of Nicaragua, “whose permanence here has been a factor of order and tranquility, can have fatal consequences if it is not done methodically and gradually. ¶ “The patriotism of political parties will be placed to a test and their future acts will demonstrate whether the presence of United States marines is indispensable for the maintenance of order. The United States, by withdrawing the marines, clearly shows its intentions for Nicaragua have been only to cooperate and sustain peace, without which progress is not possible.” ¶ Former President Adolfo Diaz, now head of the Conservative party, commented as follows: ¶ American Is Hopeful. ¶ “Under no consideration should the Marines be retired, bit if this is being planned it should not be done until the northern section is completely pacified—and then only with gradual slowness, leaving an American legation guard.” ¶ Irving A. Lindberg, American collector of Nicaraguan customs, said he hoped the plan would arrange for gradual withdrawing in keeping with the strengthening of the National Guard so that the government might be able to cope with the situation in the northern sector. ¶ Outside of publishing the statement last night of President Jose Moncada, which said the withdrawal plan was “an eloquent demonstration that the United States came to Nicaragua only to help it solve grave problems,” the local newspapers have published nothing else regarding the Marine plan."

20.  February 8 & 15, 1931.  G-2 Translations of "All Educators Of America Are With Sandino," Excelsior, Feb 8, and "As Long As There Remains A Single American Marine In His Country, Sandino Will Fight," El Universal, Feb. 15, Capt. Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850: ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT Foreign Relations: ¶ C. A. SANDINO, and Nicaragua. ¶ 1. Forwarded herewith are translations of two recent newspaper articles, given to the local press by Dr. Zepeda, the representative of Sandino, as follows: ¶ From “Excelsior” of Feb. 8/31 – “All Educators of America are with Sandino.” ¶ From “El Universal” – of Feb. 16/31 – “As Long as there remains a single American Marine in his country, Sandino will fight.” ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Capt., Infty., DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As indicated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 3242. ¶ Date: Feb. 17, 1931."

21.  February 8 & 15, 1931.  G-2 Translations of "All Educators Of America Are With Sandino," Excelsior, Feb 8, and "As Long As There Remains A Single American Marine In His Country, Sandino Will Fight," El Universal, Feb. 15, Capt. Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 2.      "(Translation.) ¶ Article appearing in “EXCELSIOR” ¶ February 8, 1931. ¶ All Educators of America are with Sandino. ¶ The Spanish-American Students’ Congress addresses José María Moncada. ¶ Dr. Pedro J. Zepeda, general representative of the “Ejercito Defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua” has sent us copy of a letter which the Primer Congreso Iberoamericano de Estudiantes addressed to Sr. José María Moncada who arbitrarily directs the destinies of the sister Republic, where General Sandino at the head of a handful of brave followers, maintains armed protest against the intervention of the United States. ¶ Said letter reads as follows: ¶ “Señor don José María Moncada.- ¶ President of the Republic of Nicaragua, ¶ Managua, Nicaragua. ¶ I take pleasure in addressing you in order to transcribe, below, one of the resolutions passed by the first Congreso Iberoamericano de Estudiantes, relating to your Government. ¶ ‘The First Congreso Iberoamericano de Estudiantes declares its adhesion (adherence) to the anti-imperialistic cause which, with arms in hand, is being defended by General Augusto César Sandino, chief of the Ejercito Defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua. IT LIKEWISE EXPRESSES ITS REPUGNANCE TOWARD GOVERNORS WHO, LIKE JOSÉ MARÍA MONCADA, HAVE SOLD THEIR COUNTRY.’ ¶ Upon transmitting to you this resolution I comply with the instruction of said Congress. ¶ Mexico, D.F., January 31, 1931. ¶ Secretary General: ¶ Efrain Escamilla M. ¶ With copy to General Augusto César Sandino.” ¶ (Translation) ¶ Article appearing in “EL UNIVERSAL” ¶ February 15, 1931. ¶ As long as there remains a single American Marine in his country, Sandino will fight. ¶ Statement of Sandino’s Representative in Mexico. ¶ Secretary Stimson’s Plan does not Solve the Conflict. ¶ Secretary Stimson’s plan for the withdrawal of the United States Marines from Nicaragua will not produce the immediate pacification of that country, according to Dr. José Zepeda, General Sandino’s representative in Mexico. ¶ Sandino is disposed to continue fighting until the last of the marines has left the country, says Zepeda; . . . "

22.  February 8 & 15, 1931.  G-2 Translations of "All Educators Of America Are With Sandino," Excelsior, Feb 8, and "As Long As There Remains A Single American Marine In His Country, Sandino Will Fight," El Universal, Feb. 15, Capt. Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City, p. 3.      " . . . therefore the gradual withdrawal of the armed forces of the United States signifies that guerrilla warfare will continue at least another year longer. ¶ Dr. Zepeda, who is frequently mentioned as possible President of Nicaragua, said that the Moncada Government in Managua will have nothing to do with Sandino if all the marines leave the country. Sandino, Zepeda declares, is willing to lend his support to the Moncada Government, or to any other administration that does not have the protection of foreign troops, and follows a nationalistic policy. ¶ Denying the popular supposition that Sandino has presidential aspirations, Zepeda said that he was authorized to make the solemn promise that if the marines are withdrawn, Sandino will disarm his forces and leave Nicaragua, or will live there but retired to private life. ¶ Zepeda also denied that Sandino is influenced by anti-American prejudices. “We have nothing against the people of the United States”, he said. “In fighting against the marines we are only doing what the American people would do if a foreign power occupied their country.” ¶ He added that the Sandinistas respected the lives of American citizens, as well as their properties, when the campaign started. “But later, the State Department declared that the marines had invaded Nicaragua for the purpose of protecting the lives and properties of American citizens, in view of which we proposed to prove that the marines were not in condition to do so.” ¶ He also said that Sandino could not prevent the United States from taking a strip of Nicaragua to construct a canal, but declared that in exchange for those lands Nicaragua considered it just to demand sufficient money to cover their national debt and regain control of the railways, the customs houses and national banks, and also to reconstruct the territory which, he said, had been destroyed by the bombing planes of the navy. ¶ According to a treaty accepted by Adolfo Díaz, who at that time was President of the country, Nicaragua agreed to cede a strip of land for the construction of the canal to the United States, in exchange for $3,000,000. (U.S. Cy.), said Zepeda,- “I remember that the treaty was submitted to the consideration of the Nicaraguan Congress in English, and no one in the Congress understood that language. Guards were stationed around the Congress building while the treaty was being discussed, and no one was permitted to approach it.” ¶ Zepeda also stated that Mexico had absolutely nothing to do with the mysterious source of supply of munitions in the hands of the Sandinistas. “They are seized from the American marines and from the National Guard of Nicaragua, so when Sandino finally surrenders his arms it will be seen that they all bear the stamp of the American Army.” ¶ Finally, Dr. Zepeda suggested that the State Department reconsider its resolution to leave a force of marines in Nicaragua until the 1932 elections are held, and repeated his promise that Sandino would lay down his arms as soon as the last marine had left the country."

23.  February 13, 1931.  Press Release, US State Dept, p. 1.     [Handwritten note paper-clipped to translation: "Marines in Nic - Feb 14 / 31. 143 Officers, 1274 men = 1417"  See document no. 24, below.]

24.  February 13, 1931.  Press Release, US State Dept, p. 2.     "DEPARTMENT OF STATE ¶ FOR THE PRESS ¶ FEBRUARY 13, 1931 ¶ Nicaragua ¶ At the recent conferences held by the Secretary of State with Minister Hanna, the American Minister to Nicaragua, Colonel McDougal of the Marine Corps, who has been commanding the Nicaraguan National Guard, and Major General McCoy, who supervised the Nicaraguan elections in 1928, a definite plan for the future has been arrived at which has been accepted by President Moncada of Nicaragua. Under this plan the Nicaraguan National Guard is to be increased by approximately 500 men to be used exclusively in the bandit area, and the necessary financial arrangements for this increase of force have been made by the Nicaraguan Government. ¶ By this increase of the Nicaraguan National Guard it will be possible to withdraw from Nicaragua all of the Marine Brigade who are now on combatant duty probably by June next, leaving in Nicaragua only the Marines who are still engaged in instruction in the Nicaraguan National Guard and an instruction battalion to support such instruction and an aviation section which is being used for the present to carry supplies in the bandit provinces which are entirely without roads. This means that by June next the total force of Marines in Nicaragua will have been reduced from over 5,000 men, which was the size of the force in January, 1929, to probably not over 500 men. The Nicaraguan Government by this arrangement has also secured funds to increase the school in which Nicaraguan officers are being trained to completely replace the Marines now officering the National Guard. ¶ In addition to this the Nicaraguan Government has obtained further funds which it has agreed to spend in the construction of long needed roads and trails in the bandit provinces. These roads will greatly facilitate the future work of its National Guard in that area and make it much more effective and protective to the surrounding country. The Department feels that the foregoing steps will greatly expedite the completion of the task of this Government in instructing the National Guard of Nicaragua, and that they have paved the way for the ultimate removal of all of the Marines forces from Nicaragua immediately after the election of 1932."

25.  February 6, 1931.  G-2 Report on Bandit Situation in Nicaragua, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Bandit Situation ¶ The situation in Northern Nicaragua is now more serious than it was even during the 1928 campaign of Sandino. Three towns, Matiguas, Somoto and Palacaguina, have been attacked by bandits during the last few months, something which did not occur during the Sandino uprising. The groups of bandits are very much larger than they have ever been before, and there is some indication that the Guardia is losing control of the situation. The Government of Honduras has entirely failed to cooperate, with the result that the bandits can organize unmolested in Honduras, cross into Nicaragua and remain there as long as their supplies last, and then return to Honduras. ¶ Although Sandino appears to be an unimportant factor, nevertheless his old organization has been revived. The route followed by messengers is again what it was in 1928. The last known agent between the outside and Sandino is again José Idiaquez in Cifuentes. Mr. Henry Lepidus, who is here as a reporter for the Saint Louis Post Dispatch, was in Cifuentes about two months ago. He informs me that he talked to Idiaquez, and that the latter admitted being the agent, so far as mail was concerned. However, he stated that supplies and arms obtained in Honduras went to Sandino by another route, which he (Idiaquez) did not know. Sandino has again adopted the policy of one way communication, and is never seen by any of his own men. ¶ The large increase in the number of the bandits is attributed to the fact that a great many discontented Liberals have taken to the hills, in the hope of driving Moncada out of office. There is also considerable dissatisfaction in the Guardia over the fact that their ration allowance has been out to 20 cents a day and their clothing allowance to 4 cents a day. President Moncada hopes to arrange a loan which will enable him to again pay proper salaries to the Guardia and to increase its strength by several hundred men. ¶ Report No. 1083 ¶ San José--February 6, 1931 ¶ Source – Evaluation of information from various sources. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

26.  February 6, 1931.  G-2 Report on Plans For Volunteeer Force in Nicaragua, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     xNICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Plans for Volunteer Force ¶ General Augusto J. Caldera has been relieved as Nicaraguan Minister to Honduras and appointed Comandante of the Port of Corinto. It is believed that he was brought back to take command of a volunteer force which the Government is said to be anxious to organize for service in the Northern Departments. Considering the seriousness of the bandit situation it is likely that the Government will soon organize such a force, which will probably be under the command of General Anastacio Somoza, who seems to be most popular with newspapers and other people. The names of two other generals have been mentioned as possible commanders either of the entire force or of the larger columns. These are General Camilo Lopez Irías and General Juan Simón Padilla. General Alejandro Pasos has for some time been listing reliable men willing to serve as volunteers in case of need. He has about 50 names and when he gets 200 he intends to ask President Moncada for authority to organize the force and take the field. ¶ The primary motive in the case of President Moncada and these generals is a genuine desire to annihilate the bandits in Northern Nicaragua. However, there is a secondary motive which the newspapers have not hesitated to state. The organization of volunteer forces would be an indirect slap at the United States, as newspapers point out that the Guardia Nacional is headed by Americans, that it has now been in existence several years, that it is a very costly body, and that it has shown itself entirely unable to handle the bandit situation. ¶ Report No. 1084 ¶ San José--February 6, 1931 ¶ Source – Newspapers and personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

27.  February 5, 1931.  G-2 Report on Recent Marine Activities in Nicaragua, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Recent Marine Activities. ¶ Owing to the frequency with which telegraph communication has been interrupted by bandits, the Marines have established radio stations in the following towns of the Northern area:- ¶ Ocotal ¶ Santa Maria (Near Honduran Frontier) ¶ Jalapa ¶ San Juan de Telpaneca ¶ Telpaneca ¶ Quilali ¶ Apali ¶ The last named is a very small town, but near it is the closest landing field to the bandit area and consequently it is important to have radio communication with this field. ¶ The largest Marine Garrisons are now Managua, Ocotal, and Apali. There are two hundred Marines in Ocotal, and ninety-five in Apali, this large garrison being for the protection of the landing field. ¶ Report No. 1081 ¶ San José--February 5, 1931 ¶ Source – Newspapers. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

28.  February 3, 1931.  Secret G-2 Report on Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation, Copy of a report of C. W. Martin of the Los Angeles Times (Mexico City, Jan 29), Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850: ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations: ¶ SANDINO and Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. There is forwarded herewith copy of a report sent to the Los Angeles Times on January 29, 1931, by Mr. C. W. Martin, its staff correspondent, now in Mexico City. Mr. Martin seemed rather favorably disposed toward the Zepeda propaganda. ¶ 2. Mr. Martin is with an expedition financed by a group of California newspapers to make a trop by automobile from Mexico City to Guatemala. They propose to go from Oaxaca to Tehuantepec.- So far as known, this trip has never been made heretofore by any wheeled vehicle. It normally takes four days by horseback. ¶ 3. Apparently Mr. Martin intends to have an interview with Sandino, and is provided with letters from Dr. Zepeda to assist in this enterprise. Neither Martin nor any of his companions have asked for any letters to our Legations in Nicaragua or Guatemala. Mr. Martin carries a card as “Agent of the O.N.I.”, previously operating in China. His card indicates that he is staff correspondent of the Los Angeles Times. . . . ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As indicated. ¶ J/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 3226. ¶ Date: Feb. 3, 1931."

29.  February 3, 1931.  Secret G-2 Report on Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation, Copy of a report of C. W. Martin of the Los Angeles Times (Mexico City, Jan 29), Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 2.     " . . . (Copy of a report of C. W. Martin, sent to the “Los Angeles Times”, of which paper he is a staff correspondent.) ¶ “Mexico City, January 29, 1931. ¶ “Bitter and unrelenting guerrilla warfare against the military forces of the United States stationed in Nicaragua will be continued by the hidden army of General Augusto Cesar Sandino until the last American Marine has left the Central American republic, and other conditions have been met. ¶ “That is the substance of the order of Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, official representative of General Sandino. Dr. Zepeda is living in Mexico City and is recognized as the power behind Sandino and his declaration was made, not in the form of an opinion, but rather as a statement of the orders given to the Nicaraguan insurgents. ¶ “ ‘General Sandino and his men are fighting for exactly the same things that are dear to the citizens of any country. The situation in Nicaragua is simply another example of the strong oppressing the weak’, Dr. Zepeda said. ¶ “ ‘I believe that all of the trouble in Nicaragua is due to American misunderstanding of our problems. If the United States would send a representative who would be like former Ambassador Morrow, I am sure that hostilities would end within a week. During the past three or four years the United States and Mexico have become good friends, and all of us know that this has come about through the good offices of Ambassador Morrow. ¶ “ ‘The people of Nicaragua want friendly relations with the people of the United States, but until American oppression has been removed, we will fight to the last man.’ ¶ “Dr. Zepeda explained that the first complaint against the United States had its inception in the issue of Nicaragua bonds, the payment of which was guaranteed by the United States State Department. ¶ “ ‘Payment of interest and principal on these bonds was defaulted’, Dr. Zepeda continued, ‘and then American officials were sent to take charge of Nicaraguan custom house receipts to insure the payments. The Marines went with them. But that is a very flimsy excuse now for the retention of the Marines in Nicaragua. There now remains less than $1,000,000 to be paid on those bonds and that sum would be paid within forty-eight hours by public subscription, if we had the guarantee of national freedom. ¶ “ ‘Our greatest complaint is against the manner of execution of the Nicaragua Canal Treaty and against its provisions. The treaty was made secretly in 1914 and was submitted only in English to the Nicaraguan legislature. The contents of the treaty were not made public until 1917 and for those three years the people of Nicaragua were told that no treaty existed. ¶ “ ‘Personally, I would be decidedly opposed to selling an inch of our national territory, but inasmuch as Nicaragua can never be strong enough to resist the construction of the canal, then in all fairness, we . . . "

30.  February 3, 1931.  Secret G-2 Report on Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation, Copy of a report of C. W. Martin of the Los Angeles Times (Mexico City, Jan 29), Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 3.     " . . . believe that Nicaragua should have some part in the construction, administration, and a share of the revenue when it is completed. ¶ “ ‘We want in addition, national freedom. President Moncada has repeatedly said that if the Marines are withdrawn, he will resign the next day, -- a clear indication that he is not the representative of the people. ¶ “However, our last thought is to destroy our country or to continue fighting without necessity. If the United States would guarantee the independence of Nicaragua, withdraw its military forces and give us a new and equitable Canal Treaty, we would even support the government of Moncada or anyone that was the legal head of the government. ¶ “ ‘That is the answer to the question now raised in the American Congress, “Why are the Marines in Nicaragua?”, and I am going to add that it is the answer to the question “Why are American boys shot down who do not know why they are fighting?”. We do not want to kill them, nor do we want to see our own men killed, but we cannot give up, submit to intolerable conditions and see our country enslaved.’ ¶ “Dr. Zepeda, who is practising [practicing] as a physician and surgeon, has made his home in Mexico City for fourteen years. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and holds honor degrees from several other universities. ¶ “He told a dramatic story of the discovery of the contents of the United States-Nicaragua Canal Treaty and said that he was able to secure a certified copy of the paper in Washington, D.C., through his friendship with the Nicaraguan Minister. ¶ “ ‘The publication of the document created a scandal throughout all of Latin America’, Dr. Zepeda added, ‘and the criticism and bitterness has not ended to this day’. ¶ “General Sandino and his army can continue their fight against the Marines indefinitely, Dr. Zepeda believes. He said the men were broken up into small units of not more than 200 and these in turn were given a small area to patrol. ¶ “With rations of corn, bananas and sugar cane, the Sandino troops remain hidden in the jungles, to appear suddenly for an attack and as suddenly to slip back into the dense tropical growth. Sick and wounded are cared for in hidden camps and from time to time men whose usefulness has ended as the result of wounds are sent home and new recruits take their places. Dr. Zepeda declared that Sandino daily refuses dozens of men who are anxious to join his forces. ¶ “ ‘Many Americans suppose that General Sandino and his men represent only the minority of Nicaraguan opinion’, Dr. Zepeda said, ‘but I am sure that if they will think a little, they will find they are mistaken. First of all, it is very natural for all the people to resent the presence of Marines in the country, and the fact that so many men are able to continue their warfare in all parts of the country should be an indication of the general feeling. ¶ “ ‘Even the National Guard, officered by Marine officers, is not loyal to the Moncada government. My reports show that fully half of the machine guns, ammunition and equipment which General Sandino has, has come to him through the men of the National Guard.’ . . . "

31.  February 3, 1931.  Secret G-2 Report on Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation, Copy of a report of C. W. Martin of the Los Angeles Times (Mexico City, Jan 29), Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 4.     " . . . “Dr. Zepeda has promised that the caravan of the Automobile Club of Southern California, due to leave Mexico City in a few days on an expedition to survey the proposed international Pacific Highway, will pass through Nicaragua without encountering resistance from the troops of the insurgents. He said the party could enter Nicaragua by either of two roads, but added that these roads were guarded by large forces of Sandino rebels. ¶ “Many of the statements made by Dr. Zepeda are similar to those of José Constantino Gonzalez, General Sandino’s secretary, who recently arrived in Mexico City from Nicaragua. Gonzalez came to the Mexican capital for a conference with Dr. Zepeda, and was even more outspoken than the physician in his declaration that the Central American rebels would continue their fight until American forces are withdrawn. ¶ “ ‘We shall carry on the strife to an incredible ferocity’, Gonzalez said, ‘and we shall keep up a bloody war in the Segovias and in the rest of the country where our men are willing to act. We shall set fire to towns occupied by the Marines, and the drama of death shall continue to reign. ¶ “ ‘If the Marines retire, we shall not fight another day. Nicaragua will be in peace automatically and the North American people, through their highest representatives, would in that way give a true demonstration of justice and respect for other countries, and the phrase of the Father of North American Independence would be effective: “Destiny has made us neighbors, let mutual respect make us brothers”.’"

32.  January 23, 1931.  G-2 Report on Bandit Conditions in Nicaragua, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Bandit Conditions in Nicaragua. ¶ As a result of the ambush of American Marines North of Ocotal, and by arrangement with the head of the Guardia Nacional, the policy has been adopted of using only members of the Guardia against the bandits in the Northern Departments. At the present time a few Guardia officers in the disturbed area are Marines but they will be withdrawn as soon as Nicaraguan officers are available. President Moncada, in a message to the Press, stated that this was done on account of the resentment produced in the United States by Marines being killed in Nicaragua. A secondary reason was that Sandino propagandists would no longer have a pretext for stating that Nicaraguans were being killed by American Marines. ¶ It is apparent that the bandits have a definite source of supply of arms, particularly rifles, as most rifles recently captured are new, high-power guns, but with no marks at all. In other words it seems clear that these rifles are made especially for use under such conditions as in Nicaragua. The Guardia Nacional is investigating, but so far has no hint as to the source of these rifles. I believe that the only possible source is Mexico. ¶ The most recent bandit activity has been in the area near Telpaneca, where a patrol under Lieutenant Broderick had two fights on the 12th of this month. One bandit was killed, three wounded, two captured and several large bandit camps and stores of provisions were destroyed. ¶ Report No. 1065 ¶ San José--January 23, 1931 ¶ Source – Newspapers and Nicaraguan Legation. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

33.  January 12, 1931.  Confidential Naval Intelligence Report on Sandino, Report of Conversation Overheard by Reliable Informant.     "One, Arturo Rovelo, who spent one night in Tegucigalpa and thereafter headed for Salvador, was heard by reliable informant to state as follows: ¶ That he was present, near Matagalpa, when Sandino told his men he and five others were going to Cabo Gracias a Dios to receive an arms and ammunition shipment. That he (Arturo Rovelo) did not believe this but thought the six were headed back to Mexico. That Sandino and five others left the Segovias and that he (Rovelo) thereupon shoved off on his own. ¶ NOTE:- Computed; - The time since Rovelo was in Tegucigalpa plus the time required to travel from Matagalpa, would put Sandino’s departure date as roughly about 28 to 31 December. ¶ Rovelo did not mention the names of the five who accompanied Sandino. ¶ Rovelo is unknown to the Naval Attaché either personally or by reputation. ¶ The informant is, and believed thoroughly reliable."

34.  January 6, 1931.  G-2 Report on Recent Bandit Activities in Nicaragua, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Recent Bandit Activities. ¶ During December the bandits were fairly active, but appeared to be in much smaller groups than they have been for some months. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that they were scattered for the purpose of collecting provisions. On December 20th a Guardia patrol under Lieutenant Lee encountered bandits near El Trocadero, in the Department of Jinotega. On December 22nd the garrison of San Juan Telpaneca had an encounter near that town, in which they captured four bandits and wounded several others. ¶ The most serious feature which has appeared in some time is the enormous flood of Sandino propaganda resulting from the recent killing of a Sergeant and several other Marines in an ambush North of Ocotal. ¶ There is never any publicity when members of the Guardia are killed in fights with bandits, and the Sandinista element do not claim these as fights with Sandino’s men. But when a marine is killed, the propagandists always insist that the fight was with Sandino. The recent occasion referred to above, was reflected within two days in Buenos Aires, where a long pro-Sandino editorial appeared in El Comercio, one of the leading newspapers. ¶ The one way to stop this propaganda is to not let marines be killed, in other words let the Guardia alone handle the bandit situation. It will be remembered that the thing Tenorio said was most important when he returned from Sandino’s camp, was not to keep the marines in any locality where they might have contact with Sandino’s forces, but to use only the Guardia. ¶ Report No. 1034 ¶ San José--January 6, 1931 ¶ Source – Newspapers and personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

35.  December 18, 1930.  G-2 Report on Shipment of Arms, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "COSTA RICA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Shipment of Arms. ¶ On December 4th the Ministry of War in Nicaragua informed their Legation here that a shipment of rifles had been taken from Rivas toward the South and presumably into Costa Rica. A few days later information was obtained that these cases of arms were addressed to Fabio Guerra, a Nicaraguan who has lived in Puntarenas for some years. The rifles never showed up in Puntarenas, but about that time León Guerra, a brother of the addressee, went to Liberia, and probably further North. ¶ Owing to the fact that the Guerra brothers were Nicaraguans, the Nicaraguan Legation here thinks that these arms were merely sent out of the country to prevent their being found and seized by the Guardia. There is no evidence that they were intended for any movement in Costa Rica. It is probable that sooner or later these rifles will be located by the Costa Rican authorities. ¶ Report No. 1013 ¶ San José--December 18, 1930 ¶ Source – Nicaraguan Legation. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

36.  December 11, 1930.  G-2 Report on Nicaraguan Bandit Situation, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Bandit Situation. ¶ With the beginning of the dry season in Nicaragua there was an immediate reappearance of bandit activities. This conforms to what was stated in a recent report would probably happen. The bandits, being able to move over the trails unhampered by weather were able to get together into bands for the purpose of getting something to eat. ¶ However, the Guardia had evidently forseen [foreseen] this and made careful plans, as a result of which the two principal bands were located and attacked almost immediately upon forming and were thoroughly scattered. ¶ Early in November a Guardia patrol located the band headed by Diaz Leytón, which had been operating in the vicinity of Telica. This bandit was the asassin [assassin] who killed Colonel Lopez y Lopez, Governor of Esteli, several months ago. In the fight which took place near Telica, Diaz Leytón was killed, as well as six other bandits, and the Guardia had a Sergeant killed and another mortally wounded. ¶ About the same time a patrol under Lieutenants Kerns and White located Altamirano’s band in the Peña Blanca area. In this fight the bandits had 14 men killed, a large number wounded, and their camp destroyed. The Guardia had a Sergeant killed and a private wounded. ¶ Report No. 1004 ¶ San José--December 11, 1930 ¶ Source – Newspapers and Personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

37.  December 3, 1930. G-2 Report on Nicaraguan Emigrados in Costa Rica, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "(COPY) ¶ (2657-P-241) ¶ 235 ¶ NICARAGUA ¶ POLITICAL ¶ No. 3700-b – Political Leaders. ¶ Nicaraguan Emigrados in Costa Rica. ¶ About a week ago Toribio Tijerino arrived in San Jose and is here now. He arrived so quietly that his presence was not known until yesterday. He states that he came from Salvador by plane with the intention of landing at Managua and remaining in Nicaragua, to attend to his personal business affairs. When the plane landed it was met by a representative of the President who ordered Tijerino to continue on to some other Republic. As the latter had no visa for Costa Rica, Panama, or any country in South America, the plane was held until the Costa Rican Consul in Managua could reach the landing field. He there gave Tijerino a visa permitting him to enter Costa Rica. ¶ With his arrival the group of Nicaraguan Emigrados residing here is headed by the four worst of the lot, namely:- ¶ Solomon de la Selva ¶ Adolfo Ortega Diaz ¶ Guillermo Lacayo ¶ Toribio Tijerino ¶ Tijerino is very resentful at not being permitted to enter Nicaragua. However, he does not know that the Government has discovered that he was the man who buried arms and ammunition near Murra which were Sandino’s source of supply. These arms were bought in Honduras by Tijerino for the Sacasa Revolution, and what the Liberals resent is not the fact that Tijerino could not get the arms to Moncada’s forces in time, but the fact that he never notified the Liberal leaders that these arms had been buried and were being used by the Sandino forces. ¶ About a week ago President Moncada’s Private Secretary notified the Nicaraguan Minister here that a shipment of arms had been taken from the vicinity of Rivas across the border into Costa Rica. These arms were addressed to Fabio Guerra, a Nicaraguan who lives in Puntarenas. It is believed that Tijerino had something to do with the acquiring of these arms. ¶ Report No. 993, San Jose, December 3, 1930; Source, personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, Lieut. Col., F.A., ¶ M.A."

38.  December 3, 1930.  G-2 Report on Recurrence of Bandit Activities in Nicaragua, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Recurrence of Bandit Activities. ¶ The last few days of October produced a sudden but not unexpected increase in bandit activities. These were clearly an effort to interfere with the elections in certain places, with the idea of invalidating them. ¶ On the morning of election day a strong group attacked San Rafael del Norte, but were easily driven off by the Guardia, and two combat patrols which were sent after them pursued them throughout the day. Neither patrol made contact but they made it certain that the group would have no time to interfere with anybbdy [anybody]. ¶ On October 31st a group of about 40 men attacked a small town called Cuidad Antigua [Ciudad Antigua], near Quilali. They took the town and did some looting, but Guardia patrols were sent after them from two directions, and one of them had an encounter with the group. The bandits were scattered, losing two men killed, and practically all the loot from Cuidad Antigua [Ciudad Antigua] was recovered. ¶ It is probable that bandits will renew their activities during the first two or three weeks of the dry season, in order to get food. After this Guardia patrols will be able to move freely and the bandits will have no chance to remain in the field in groups until the next rainy season begins. ¶ Report No. 996 ¶ San José--December 3, 1930 ¶ Source – Newspapers and Nicaraguan Legation. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lieut. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

39.  November 27, 1930.  Confidential G-2 Report on "General" Rafael de Nogales and C. A. Sandino, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850: ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations: ¶ “General” Rafael de Nogales: ¶ C. A. SANDINO. ¶ 1. In forwarding the attached copy of letter from Mr. Otto Holstein of Mexico City (formerly Major, MID Res.) regarding Rafael de Nogales, G-2 is advised that this office has a collection of clippings covering daily instalments of a book entitled “El Saqueo de Nicaragua”, by Nogales. These instalments were published by “La Prensa” of this city in November of last year, in Spanish, being translated from the English. The book itself, “The Looting of Nicaragua” is in Ebglish [English]. ¶ The “Prensa” articles carried a prologue by Dr. Pedro J. Zepeda, Sandino’s representative in Mexico. The articles, after covering four or five chapters of the book, stopped suddenly, without explanation. ¶ If G-2 desires this file of clippings, it will be forwarded, upon indication. ¶ 2. There are also forwarded herewith translations of two recent articles which appeared in “La Prensa” on November 12 and 20, 1930, respectively, entitled “Sandista [Sandinista] Activities”, and “Yankee Marines in Nicaragua daily sustaining losses”. ¶ Gordon Johnston, ¶ Colonel, Cavalry, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ J/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No.3154. ¶ Date: Nov. 27, 1930. . . . "

40.  November 27, 1930.  Confidential G-2 Report on "General" Rafael de Nogales and C. A. Sandino, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 2.     " . . . COPY ¶ Apartado 1833 ¶ Mexico City, D.F. ¶ CONFIDENTIAL ¶ November 24, 1930. ¶ Colonel Gordon Johnston, ¶ Cavalry, United States Army, ¶ Military Attaché, ¶ Mexico, D.F. ¶ My dear Colonel: ¶ I came by a bit of information which, if not already known to G-2, should, it occurs to me, be communicated to that section of the General Staff. ¶ You have yourself probably read occasionally of one “Division General” Rafael Nogales, a Venezuelan who advertises himself quite extensively in the United States as a late General in the Turkish Army during the World War. Nogales has succeeded in insinuating himself into certain circles in the United States and in Latin America. I have seen him at the Explorers’ Club in New York, and while I cannot say definitely whether or not he is actually a member I do know that he receives his mail, or a part of it, there, and that he is very much in evidence there as well as at other Clubs and in other circles. He has even been to Mexico and has had much to say both here and in the United States about the United States Government’s activities in Nicaragua. For some reason our people appear to ignore his propaganda and he appears to be able to go on criticising [criticizing] and airing his stupid opinions. ¶ I have a very good friend in Washington in the person of His Excellency, Ahmed Mouhtar Bey, Turkish Ambassador to the United States and I have for a long time suspicioned Nogales’ accounts of his own prowess and recently wrote to Mouhtar Bey who has given me the following in the form of a confidential memorandum: ¶ “As for Mr. Rafael Nogales, he never had the title of ‘General’ and although he once served in the Turkish Army, I do not believe that he ever had a higher grade than the one of Captain and I do not believe that he has the importance that he would care to have.” ¶ This man Nogales, in a few words, is a fourflusher of the worst kind; he has much to say about American “Imperialism” and is constantly –when he isn’t talking about his own imaginary exploits- stirring up anti-American sentiment while residing in and enjoying the hospitality of our country. He has even succeeded in insinuating himself into the pages of “Who’s Who in America”. ¶ Respectfully yours, ¶ OTTO HOLSTEIN. . . . "

41.  November 27, 1930.  Confidential G-2 Report on "General" Rafael de Nogales and C. A. Sandino, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 3.     " . . . (Translation) ¶ (Article appearing in “La Prensa” of November 12, 1930) ¶ “SANDISTA [SANDINISTA] ACTIVITIES. ¶ Heavy fighting in Ias. ¶ Augusto Sandino returns to the head of his troops. ¶ The North American marines have suffered serious losses in recent encounters with the rebels. ¶ Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, General Representative of the “Ejercito Defensor de la Soberania Nacional de Nicaragua”, has delivered the following bulletin: ¶ “Completely recovered from the wounds he received in an action against the North American marines, General Augusto Cesar Sandino, Supreme Chief of our heroic Army, has taken direct command of his troops and has intensified the campaign, which has now taken a more favorable turn, as the rainy season is on in full, protecting the movements of our columns. ¶ “During the time General Sandino was recovering from his wound, the army units under Generals Altamirano, Orthez, Irías and Blandón fought stubbornly against the invading forces, but under the skilful [skillful] direction of the Supreme Chief, The following battles took place: ¶ “1st. The combined forces of the expeditionary commanders, Generals Pedro Antonio Irías and Miguel Angel Orthez fought an engagement in the town of Independencia, Department of Jinotega. The enemy casualties were 60, dead and wounded, while our side captured 75 rifles, Springfields, 3,000 cartridges, and 2 surgery outfits, as well as abundant provisions. Our casualties were: 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 captain, and 12 soldiers, killed; 5 officers and 10 soldiers wounded. ¶ “2nd. Three days later, in “La Soledad” the enemy surprised one of our flying columns, and after a desperate fight our forces were defeated, having lost in retreat ammunition and horses. ¶ “3rd. A column of over 100 American marines attacked the house of our General Pedro Altamirano’s family, and upon attempting to capture some of the family, firing took place and Pedro and Victorina, children of the General, were killed, as also a daughter in law and a five year old granddaughter. Melesio, another of General Altamirano’s younger children was also gravely injured and it is feared he will not live. Aid coming from one of our detachments compelled the invaders to retreat, leaving on the field 7 dead and 3 wounded. ¶ “4th. On the 23d of October Col. Perfecto Chavarria, on the ranch “La Pavesa” laid an ambush for the enemy, wounding many and compelling them to a precipitate flight. Col. Chavarria furnished the enemy food supplies and medicines. ¶ “5th. Two days later the forces of Col. Fulgencio Hernández Báez compelled the enemy to fight along the River Ducuale between the towns of Palacaguina and Condega. As in nearly all instances, our men chose the location most favorable as to terrain. As our attack surprised the enemy, they offered almost no resistence [resistance]; however, they lost 3 killed, and 5 national guards killed; and 25 enemy wounded were taken from the field. Arms, raincoats, etc. were also captured. ¶ “In the latest communication received, a bloody fight is now going on in Ias, on the banks of the Rio Grande; results will be reported as soon as details have been received. . . . "

42.  November 27, 1930.  Confidential G-2 Report on "General" Rafael de Nogales and C. A. Sandino, Col. Gordon Johnston, Military Attaché, p. 4.     " . . . Article appearing in “La Prensa” of November 20, 1930. ¶ “Yankee Marines suffering daily losses in Nicaragua. ¶ If Moncada is reelected, another revolution will take place. ¶ Burning of Fincas. ¶ The Sandinistas are destroying the redoubts from which the Americans carry on espionage. ¶ The rapidly growing movement of the Nicaraguans in fighting the Yankee invaders and President Moncada, who is only an instrument of the Washington government, has already alarmed the Moncada Government which now for the first time gives the title of ‘rebels’ to those fighting under Sandino, formerly called Bandits, criminals, etc. ¶ In an official decree signed by President Moncada and all his Ministers, the title of ‘rebels’ is conceded to the Nicaraguans in arms, as follows: ¶ “Considering: That the Departments of Nueva Segovia, Jinotega, Estelí and Metagalpa [Matagalpa], continue in the same abnormal circumstances of rebellion maintained by armed bands; and that it is a duty of the Executive Power to guard the public peace and safety threatened in those sections, it becomes necessary to declare those Departments in a state of seige [siege].” ¶ The forces of General Sandino have, since the first of this month, entered into open activity, and since the seige [siege] and taking of Matiguas the Yankees have not been allowed a day’s rest, and have sustained many losses, as well as the National Guard who still insist in fighting against their countrymen[.] ¶ Lieutenant White, at the head of a column of Yankee marines, was defeated in El Guapotal, Department of Jinotega, by 200 Sandinistas, perfectly armed. Lieut. White was wounded and died the following day. ¶ The rebellion has already extended from Nuevo Segovia westward, as groups of Sandinistas have appeared in the León zone. In Las Mercedes the Sandinistas defeated the National Guard under command of sergeant Nicolás Díaz, several guards being wounded and 2 killed. ¶ In the same western region another group of Sandinistas attacked and defeated another column of the National Guard in El Cocotón, the Guards sustaining several losses. ¶ The column under Lieutenant Kearns, which was beseiged [besieged] by the Sandinistas after the defeat of Lieut. White, was located by the Yankee aviators who sent reinforcements to protect them. ¶ In Coyolar, jurisdiction of Yalí, Department of Jinotega, the Sandinista column under General Pedro Blandón occupied the finca of Sr. Inocencio Castro, a spy of the Yankees, who was killing in defending himself. ¶ Another Yankee lieutenant named Trogle was killed by the Sandinistas. ¶ The hacienda “La Constancia” owned by Sr. Enrique Frewin, who has also been acting as a spy for the Yankees, was seized and burned by Sandinistas; and in Quilalo, which they also took, several employees of General Moncada’s government, who had shown themselves hostile, were shot. ¶ Moncada wishes to continue two years more in power. ¶ The discontent throughout Nicaragua has grown on account of the intention of Moncada to perpetuate himself in power and has already prepared a project of amendments to the Constitution, among others, that of extending the Presidential period to six years, instead of four as at present. ¶ This plan of Moncada has produced general indignation even among the liberal elements themselves who support him, and several outstanding personalities are opposing this project, which, if allowed to be carried out, will carry Nicaragua into another revolution within a short time."

43.  November 26, 1930.  G-2 Report on Capture of Newspaper Correspondent (St. Louis Post-Dispatch Special Correspondent Henry Lepidus), Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Capture of Newspaper Correspondent. ¶ About three months ago the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch sent Mr. Henry Lepidus as special correspondent to Nicaragua. He is one of their best men and was to make a general survey of the bandit situation and of the survey work for the Nicaragua Canal. ¶ He spent several weeks in Matagalpa and then, after having written a number of letters to Pedro Altamirano, he started for Jinotega. Before he left he informed the Marines that he had received no replies to any of the letters he had sent out. ¶ Lepidus disappeared for three weeks, at least he did not appear in Jinotega and the Marines had no word from him. He recently returned to Matagalpa, where he reported that enroute to Jinotega he had been captured by a group of bandits. He was wearing a khaki suit, was therefore mistaken for a marine, and would have been killed had not Altamirano himself arrived at the bandit camp. Lepidus states that he was finally able to convince the bandit leader that he was a newspaper man whose sole object was to get data for his newspaper. He was released without being harmed. Lepidus states that he secured most unexpected information from Altamirano, but the nature of this is not yet known. ¶ Report No. 984 ¶ San José--November 26, 1930 ¶ Source – Nicaraguan Legation. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lt. Col., F.A. ¶ M.A."

44.  November 14, 1930.  "Martial Law Decreed in Nicaragua Again," New York Times.     "MARTIAL LAW DECREED IN NICARAGUA AGAIN ¶ Renewed in Four Departments to Curb Bandits—Marine Sergeant Killed in Action. ¶ Wireless to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Nov. 13.—President Moncada today issued a decree re-establishing martial law in the departments of Esteri [Estelí], Neuvo Segovia [Nueva Segovia], Jinotega and Matagalpa. ¶ Those departments were under martial law from Jan. 9, 1929, to July 8, 1930, at which time it was raised to insure free elections. It has been re-established to protect lives and property from the bandits operating in the territory. ¶ Special to The New York Times. ¶ WASHINGTON, Nov. 13.—The Navy Department announced today that Sergeant Russell White of the Marines, who was serving with the Nicaraguan National Guard, had been killed in action with bandits at Guapinol in the province of Leon. ¶ Sergeant White was shot in the right lung. A patrol which sought to bring his body out of the bandit area was unable to do so, and the body was buried near the spot where the action was fought. ¶ Colonel D. C. McDougal of the Marines, who is in command of the Nicaraguan guard, wired the department that searching patrols were looking for but had not yet located the patrol which endeavored to bring out the body. ¶ Sergeant White was a native of Cambridge, Mass., his nearest of kin being an aunt, Miss Mary Mason of of 14 Centre Street, that city. ¶ MEXICO CITY, Nov. 13 (AP).—Representatives of the Nicaraguan insurgent chieftain, Agustino Sandino, today that Pedro Jr. and Victoriano Altamirano, sons of Sandino’s principal aide, Pedro Altamirano, had been killed in a fight with United States marines. ¶ Another son, Melecio, was said to have been severely wounded in the encounter, which centred about the Altamirano homestead. Sandino himself was said to have recovered from recent wounds and to have reassumed charge of his men."

45.  November 10, 1930.  G-2 Report on Socrates Sandino, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "COSTA RICA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2900-c – Foreign Propaganda ¶ Socrates Sandino. ¶ Ceferino, or Socrates, Sandino, who was denied admittance to Costa Rica two weeks ago, proceeded to Panama. There he stated that he wanted to continue to Peru. He admitted that he had no friends in Peru and no money to pay his way. As he had only $35.00, of which he owed $30.00 to the steamship company, he was held in Balboa Jail as likely to become a public charge. ¶ After careful investigation, it was decided to return him to Salvador, from which country he had started on his trip. He was deported from Panama on November 8th, with destination La Union, Salvador. ¶ Report No. 969 ¶ San José--November 10, 1930 ¶ Source – Zone Police ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Lt. Col., G. S. ¶ M. A."

46.  October 30, 1930.  G-2 Report on Bandit Situation in Nicaragua, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "NICARAGUA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2700 – Public Order and Safety. ¶ Bandit Situation. ¶ There remain now three small groups of bandits, whose chiefs are Miguel Angel Ortez, Pedro Blandon, and Carlos Salgado. These groups are now definitely restricted to limited areas, widely separated from each other. The group headed by Ortez is in Valle de Colon, Blandon operates in the mountanous [mountainous] area North of Ocotal, and Salgado is along the Western part of the Coco river. The Guardia Nacional is in full control of the situation, but is not active at the present time, which is the height of the rainy season. They will not be able to do much until the end of November. ¶ Both Sandino and Altamirano have apparently been eliminated as factors in the situation. The bandit groups will have a short breathing spell as a result of the rainy weather, combined with fog and clouds, which prevents airplane observation over the bandit area. ¶ Report No. 961 ¶ San José--October 30, 1930 ¶ Source – Nicaraguan Legation. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

47.  November 8, 1930.  "Nicaragua Bandits Kill 6 Guardsmen," New York Times.     "NICARAGUA BANDITS KILL 5 GUARDSMEN ¶ Five Other Troopers Flee When Ammunition Gives Out in Battle With 200. ¶ PLANES BOMB ATTACKERS ¶ United States Marine Corps Fliers Discover Burned Barrack and Take Up Chase in Air. ¶ Wireless to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Nov. 7.—United States Marine Corps planes, while making a reconnoissance [reconnaissance] of the Matiguas area today, discovered that the National Guard barracks there had been burned by bandits. The planes trailed the bandits and bombed a group of ten. The others had scattered. ¶ Reports received by National Guard headquarters indicate that a bandit group under the leaders Altamarino, Peralta and Blandon, attacked the National Guard post at Matiguas, in the Department of Matagalpa, at 4 P. M. on Wednesday. The bandit force numbered about 200 and attacked from all sides. There were ten National Guardsmen stationed at Matiguas. ¶ The attack lasted until 10 P. M., when the ammunition of the guardsmen was exhausted. Five guards were killed and the remaining five escaped, arriving at Muymuy, a larger guard post, yesterday at 1 o’clock. The Matiguas post is under command of Sergeant Bustamente, a Nicaraguan. ¶ On reconnoissance [reconnaissance] today marine planes noted the ruins of barracks and other buildings the bandits had burned. They dropped notes in Spanish asking the inhabitants to place on the ground two sticks in the form of a cross if the town was Matiguas. The inhabitants answered in the affirmative. The fliers next asked the Matiguans to place sticks in the form of a cross if bandits had attacked them and if so to place three sticks in the form of an arrow pointing in the direction in which the bandits had retired. ¶ The Matiguans placed sticks pointing toward the north. The marine planes searched the vicinity at a low altitude, finally locating a bandit group numbering ten about ten miles north of Matiguas. Several of the bandits had red plumes in their hats. ¶ The planes bombed the group, which immediately scattered in the jungle. The fliers dropped fifteen bombs where the bandits had disappeared and spattered the jungle with machine-gun fire. ¶ Lieutenant Young and Staff Sergeant Williams, pilots of the planes, displayed courage and ability in flying low over the jungle. It is thought that few of the bandit group escaped. The remainder of the 200 had dispersed. ¶ National Guard headquarters reports that a judge and other prominent citizens of Matiguas credit the National Guardsmen with putting up an excellent fight and not leaving until their ammunition was exhausted. The official guard statement says: ¶ “With tremendous, unequal and overwhelming odds against them, it is considered that the guards at Matiguas did remarkably well to hold off an organized force of 200 for six hours.” ¶ The Department Matagalpa is commanded by Captain D. A. Stafford, United States Marine Corps. A large patrol of National Guardsmen and marines have left to trail the bandits."

48.  October 30, 1930.  Summary of Intelligence on Brother of Sandino [Sócrates Sandino] Held by Local Quarantine Officials, Panama Canal Dept.     "Brother of Sandino Held by Local Quarantine Officials. ¶ Socrates Sandino, younger brother of Cesar Augusto Sandino, the chief of the Nicaraguan rebels, arrived at Balboa on October 27, 1930, on the S.S. Acajutla, and is now being held by quarantine officials. ¶ Sandino boarded the Acajutla as a third class passenger at La Union, Salvador, under the name of Santos Salazar, on a passport issued by the Costa Rican Consul General in Vera Cruz, Mexico, October 7, and bearing visa for Costa Rica by the Peruvian Consul at La Union, October 22, 1930. The Peruvian Consul was acting for the Costa Rican Consul at the latter place. ¶ Sandino’s destination was Puntarenas, where he was refused permission to land by the Costa Rican authorities on the ground that his passport was a forgery. He then continued aboard the Acajutla to Balboa, where he is being detained. He first stated that he wanted to go to Peru on the first available ship, but afterwards said that he desired to go to Barranquilla, Colombia, but that the Colombian Consul in Panama had refused to visa his passport. He only had $30 which is being held by the steamship company for his passage from Puntarenas to Balboa, but claims that he can procure further funds locally. ¶ The local press reports that Sandino was living in Brooklyn, New York, when his brother first leaped into the headlines a few years ago. He promptly interested many benevolently inclined persons in contributing to a hospital fund for wounded revolutionists. How much of this fund actually reached those for whom it was intended has not been ascertained. More recently he has been living in Mexico and Honduras, where he is known as a propagandist. It is alleged that he left Honduras under pressure on account of his political activity. ¶ Sandino has in his possession a Nicaraguan passport issued by the Nicaraguan Consul General in New York May 4, 1928, to travel in Mexico, South America and Europe. ¶ (Summary of Intelligence, Panama Canal Dept., October 30, 1930.)"

49.  October 29, 1930.  G-2 Report on Sócrates Sandino, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "COSTA RICA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2900-c – Foreign Propaganda. ¶ Socrates Sandino ¶ When this man attempted to gain entry into the country via Puntarenas it was discovered that he was traveling under a Costa Rican passport, issued by a Costa Rican Consul in Mexico. The Nicaraguan Minister, Mr. Hazera, immediately sent a formal complaint to the Foreign Office concerning the matter, stating that Sandino was a Nicaraguan citizen. The Government is much embarrassed by the situation, and the Foreign Office has indicated to the Mexican Legation here it is surprised that Mexican officials so readily permitted Sandino to travel under this passport, as he has been well-known to them for nearly four years. The incident amounts to nothing, but all those concerned are fully aware that it is at bottom, another indication that the good faith of the Mexican Government, in matters connected with Central America, cannot be taken for granted. ¶ Report No. 960 ¶ San José--October 29, 1930 ¶ Source – Mr. Hazera. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

50.  October 27, 1930.  G-2 Report on Sócrates Sandino, Lt. Col. Fred T. Cruse, Military Attaché, San José.     "COSTA RICA ¶ POPULATION & SOCIAL ¶ No. 2900-c – Foreign Propaganda. ¶ Socrates Sandino. ¶ On October 25th, Socrates Sandino arrived at Puntarenas on the S. S. Acajutla, coming from Salvador. It will be remembered that in a previous report his activities in Salvador were mentioned, as also the fact that he might be an imposter. Apparently he is not. Although he was traveling under the name of Santos Salazar, he was recognized when the steamer stopped at Corinto, and the Nicaraguan Minister here was informed of his projected arrival. ¶ Sandino was denied admittance by the Costa Rican authorities, and was forced to continue on the same boat to Panama. The Legation here advised the authorities in Panama. ¶ I believe it certain that Sandino was coming to San José to try to get money from Guillermo Lacayo. ¶ Report No. 955 ¶ San José--October 27, 1930 ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."