1.  September 1, 1932.  "Sandino Situation."  Confidential Intelligence Report, U.S. Electoral Mission, Managua, p. 1.     "NICARAGUA – Political. ¶ 3020(d) ¶ Sandino Situation. ¶ Several unconfirmed reports have been received during the month of activity on behalf of Sandino beyond the borders of Nicaragua. It has been reported that agents of Sandino have been very active in Mexico buying arms and munitions and enlisting recruits. Reports have been received from Honduras of the shipment of arms and ammunition into Nicaragua on a considerable scale. The Nicaraguan press has given more prominence to news regarding Sandino than it has done heretofore. A tendency has been noted to magnify the importance of Sandinism, and by actual assertion and by general implication to make Sandino a major factor in Nicaraguan affairs. He has become more of a political than a military factor. It is currently believed that his forces have been strengthened to an exaggerated degree in arms, munitions and men; and that the apparent cessation of bandit operations in the more populated districts is due to the fact that he has called his groups into the wilds of northern Jinotega and eastern Segovia to organize a big effort designed to frustrate an American supervised presidential election in November. His apparent inactivity joined with a capable propaganda service has tended to further introduce the elements of uncertainty and mystery into the situation and have undoubtedly strengthened his position in the popular mind. All Nicaraguans regardless of party affiliations or station in life who have expressed themselves are unanimous in the opinion that with the withdrawal of the Marines in January, the country will face the certainty of a revolution. Such an atmosphere is extremely favorable to the pretentions of Sandino. Many persons in Nicaragua to whom Sandino has been heretofore a distant quixotic person of no consequence, are beginning to wonder what may be about to happen and are growing more and more uneasy. If a loyal Guardia Nacional under the vigorous and disciplined direction of American officers have just barely contained Sandino for the past two years of incessant guerilla warfare, the average Nicaraguan is under no illusions as to what will likely happen when the Guardia Nacional passes to the control of uncertain native officers. ¶ No information has been received during August that would justify any revision of former estimates as to the strength and equipment of the bandits. It is believed, however, that during the month (August) they have done considerable propaganda work throughout the rural sections of the Segovias and even down in to the rural districts of Leon and Chinandega. In many sections of these districts a loose organization has been formed consisting of “Jueces de Mesta” and local machete groups under the direction of these so-called “Jueces de Mesta”. Such groups are very effective in furnishing information, spreading false reports, and terrorizing the neighborhood. They also give assistance to the larger groups passing through a district by furnishing guides, foraging, etc. It is likely that in many districts, these local groups may cause considerable annoyance during election time. ¶ General police conditions throughout the populous western departments of the country are far from being satisfactory. Robbery and thievery are on the increase, brawls are of increasing frequency and the machete fights that so often accompany these brawls generally end in loss of life or limb. The Guardia Nacional with the greater part of its forces engaged in that part of the country menaced by banditry does not have enough men left to police the thickly populated departments of western Nicaragua with any reasonable degree of adequacy. The country is over-run with criminals due to the appalling inefficiency of the courts, lack of employment, and the scarcity of police. Such conditions are extremely favorable to the activity of the agents of Sandino and those tendencies in Nicaraguan politics which expect to profit by Sandinistas agitation. The potentialities which lie in such a situation during the excitement and intense bitterness aroused by a Nicaraguan presidential campaign are not to be disregarded. . . . "

2.  September 1, 1932.  "Sandino Situation."  Confidential Intelligence Report, U.S. Electoral Mission, Managua, p. 2.     " . . . There has been considerable talk about increased activity by the bandits during registration and voting. It is rumored that support is assured from official or unofficial sources in Mexico, supplying funds and munitions to this end. In this connection, popular gossip is to the effect that the Mexican Government is particularly anxious that on the departure of the American forces after a considerable period of so-called intervention, it shall not appear to other Latin American countries that the situation in Nicaragua has in any way improved by such intervention or that the United States may justly claim any definite benefits resulting to Nicaragua therefrom. ¶ Strong rumors have been received that certain agencies in Nicaragua are striving to bring about a state of confusion throughout the country before the date of the elections such as to make the holding of the elections impossible. This is to be done by increased activity of the bandits and local disorders in conjunction with banditry. Such a movement is said to have support in high government circles. ¶ Sandino has repeatedly stated that he intends to prevent an election in November under American supervision. This announced intention has gained great currency throughout Nicaragua. The United States Electoral Mission has met with a marked unfriendliness on the part of the present government in Nicaragua to its program of supervising the coming presidential elections. These two tendencies while not necessarily mutually supporting, have much the same effect. ¶ The Departments that have experienced operations and raids by Sandino’s groups during the past year total a population, according to 1920 estimates, of 425,000, or more than two thirds of the total population of Nicaragua. We know from the aid and sympathy given these groups in their operations that Sandino has a large body of sympathizers throughout these Departments. The growing fear and uncertainty as to what may happen after the Marines withdraw from Nicaragua in January is going to lead many more who have not heretofore taken any stock in Sandinism, to incline to his side. As a consequence, any show of force which Sandino may make during the coming months will receive a more active and friendly response from the people than he has yet enjoyed. If he undertakes a campaign of terrorism by local groups well scattered over the country, which seems at the moment quite probable, it will be much more difficult to handle than any movement in force which he could likely make. While no positive evidence is at hand that new supplies of arms and ammunition have been run into Nicaragua on any appreciable scale, rumors to that effect have been made the situation may easily grow very serious around registration and election dates. For Sandino it is largely a question of getting arms and ammunition; men he can get in large numbers. ¶ (Confidential Intelligence Report, U.S. Electoral Mission, Managua, Nicaragua, September 1, 1932.)"

3.  September 1, 1932.  Confidential report from Hq. Guardia Nacional, Managua, p. 1.     "NICARAGUA – Political. ¶ 3020(d) ¶ The principal jefes with their groups are still at the point of concentration ordered by Sandino at some point in the Pantasma Valley area or Guapinol. Sandino is still believed to be at this concentration. ¶ A prominent civilian of Nueva Segovia in whom the Guardia has a great deal of confidence, reports on the general situation as follows: ¶ (a)- That the bandits are better organized, larger in numbers, better led, better trained, better equipped and better fighters than ever before. ¶ (b)- That SANDINO has an efficient group of agents throughout the country who keep him well informed regarding guardia movements. ¶ (c)- That SANDINO has a semblance of civil organization in the SEGOVIAS in that he has appointed his own Juezes de Mesta and some of the other minor officials in certain localities. ¶ (d)- That he and many people believe that the present bandit concentration is for the purpose of drawing up a plan of operation in the near future. That their plan is for the various Jefes and their groups to return to their usual haunts and at a specified time for several groups to simultaneously attack from two to four guardia posts in order to deny mutual support. The posts he mentioned as the ones most likely to be attacked are YALI, CONDEGA, DARAILI, PALACAGUINA, ESTELI and PUEBLO NUEVO. ¶ (e)- That the bandits are strong enough in numbers to attempt the above. ¶ (f)- That there are many good reliable people in the various towns of the SEGOVIAS who would gladly fight with the Guardia, if arms were available, in defense of the towns, and that he believed many would be willing to accompany patrols in the field if given their rations. ¶ (g)- That he believes the various bandit jefes, although to a great extent in the game for their own benefit, are nevertheless quite loyal to SANDINO and will obey his orders. ¶ (h)- That the life of any civilian of the SEGOVIAS who has openly assisted the guardia is worth nothing if captured. . . . "

4.  September 1, 1932.  Confidential report from Hq. Guardia Nacional, Managua, p. 2.     " . . . (i)- That in his opinion, the solution of the problem of banditry in the SEGOVIAS is a continuation of the present policy with enough more guardia to do the job properly. He stated the Guardia had done remarkable work but were not strong enough to bring the problem of banditry to a successful conclusion. ¶ The rains have increased considerably and trails are bad and river swallen [swollen?]. ¶ Northern and Central Area patrols are operating aggressively against the bandit concentration in PANTASMA VALLEY area. ¶ ESTIMATE: ¶ The number of contacts in the PANTASMA VALLEY Area established the fact that the bandit concentration is in that vicinity. ¶ Nothing has occurred to change the opinion that the bandits may make demonstration and attack against some guardia posts in Northern or Central areas in the near future. In fact added information, as indicated above, strengthens the belief that it is a probability. The time for these attacks is problematical but may be expected any time from the return of the various groups to their usual haunts to election time. ¶ Small local groups will undoubtedly continue their robbing and money collections in all of the active bandit areas. ¶ The Southern Departments should remain quiet during the week. It is believed the small group which operated in Chontales this past week has been broken up. The maximum effort of the bandits is still expected just prior to or during the coming presidential elections. ¶ (Confidential report from Hq. Guardia Nacional, Managua, Nicaragua, September 1, 1932.)"

5.  August 30, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Reported Movements of Nicaraguan Bandit Group on Patuca River."     "Information has been received from the American Vice Consul in Puerto Castilla that an American by the name of Davis claims that on 23 July, 1932, a band of Sandinistas consisting of about 37 men who were well armed with modern bolt action rifles and sub-machine guns, under Simeon Gonzalez, sacked his farm on the Patuca River near Malapatante, and destroyed all his property. ¶ This band probably came into Honduras for the purpose of carrying arms from the Patuca River section back into Nicaragua. This section is sparsely inhabited, has no police nor military guards and provides a route over which arms could normally pass without interference as there is known to be trails from the Patuca River into Nicaragua. This group, no doubt hearing of the American’s farm, was of the opinion that he might be a possible interference with shipments of arms through that section. ¶ Davis, together with his brother Jim Davis, his son Jay Davis and a man named “Dido”, all claiming to be Americans, and Maddison a Dane formerly worked for a logging company and since that company became defunct cleared a tract of land on the Patuca river and started farming. ¶ The Honduran Government has been advised of the presence in this area of Nicaraguan bandits and of the ease with which arms could be smuggled into Nicaragua via this unprotected and unobserved section. In this connection it was suggested that the policing of the mouth of the Patuca River might be helpful in intercepting any possible shipment by the above route. ¶ COPY FURNISHED: Sec. Brigade USMC, and Guardia, Managua."

6.  August 30, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  Translation of "Operations Bulletin Issued by the Nicaraguan Bandit Sandino," p. 1.     "There follows a translation of a bulletin issued by Sandino, the original signed copy of which was shown to the Naval Attaché. It is believed to be of interest in that Sandino publishes for the benefit of his followers his successes in contacts already reported by the Guardia Nacional of Nicaragua: ¶ NEWS BULLETIN OF THE E.D. de la S.N. de N., (DEFENSIVE ARMY OF THE NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY OF NICARAGUA) CORRESPONDING TO THE MONTH OF JULY: ¶ For the Indo-hispano observers: ¶ In July we were victorious in the following combats: Our forces of the Atlantic Division, under Generals Francisco Estrada and Simon Gonzalez, attacked and took the banana camp “BACKARO”, of the north american [North American] companies in Puerto Cabezas. The enemy stationed in that camp received immediate reinforcements but our boys drove them back also, capturing from them the train, motorcars, ammunition, rifles, and machineguns. The buildings were burned, and the next day a squadron of aeroplanes bombarded our column but one of the planes was shot down. The air bombardment informed the enemy that they were near our forces, with whom they fought a bloody battle which lasted until night fall. We estimate more than 100 casualties of the enemy. One of our boys who died in this fight carried the pouch containing the documents of General Gonzalez, which was lost. ¶ We were informed that 25 amphibians landed in Puerto Cabezas to evacuate the families of north americans [North Americans] residing in that Port; we believe this was a good idea of theirs as the fate awaiting the north americans [North Americans] there is very black. ¶ Also during July on the 14th, our forces under Colonel Ruperto Hernández Roblero and Sergeant Major Francisco García, had a bloody engagement with the enemy at “Los Achotes”, Department of Jinotega, in which three traitor dogs Lieutenants (Nicaraguans) and nine Yankee pirates (Americans) lost their life. Also Colonel Roblero lost some documents in this combat but he captured arms and ammunition. ¶ Also, on July 16th, in “La Rocía”, Department of León, our forces under Colonel Zacarías Padilla, fought a bloody combat in which he captured ammunition and food provisions. Padilla lost a billfold with documents related to his mission. ¶ At the last minute: ¶ Generals Estrada and Gonzalez, Chiefs of the Division of the Atlantic inform us that from the Honduran Mosquitia strong contingents of American troops have crossed into Nicaragua, and that they have their camp in the bannana [banana] plantations of the Yankee companies in Trujillo, which leads them to expect strong encounters from July 20th on. ¶ Now: ¶ In my character of Supreme Chief of the Defensive Army of the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua, manifest to the observers of the continent, that: ¶ (SEE PAGE TWO) . . . "

7.  August 30, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  Translation of "Operations Bulletin Issued by the Nicaraguan Bandit Sandino," p. 2.     " . . . Our Army has respected and will respect the integrity of territorial Honduras; that great fraternity exists between the people of Honduras and our Army; but that: If the Government of Honduras permits the armies of the invaders and of Nicaraguan traitor dogs to cross their territory or encamp in Honduras to facilitate the attacks against our Army, THAT WE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES, which will have to be borne solely by the Government of Honduras. ¶ General Headquarters of the Defensive Army of the National Souvereignty [Sovereignty] of Nicaragua, Las Segovias, Nicaragua, August 5, 1932. ¶ FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY. ¶ (s) A. C. Sandino, ¶ CESAR AUGUSTO SANDINO, ¶ ( Seal ) ¶ Fatherland and liberty. ¶ COPY FURNISHED: Sec. Brig. USMC, and Guardia, Managua."

8.  August 26, 1932.  Military Attaché, San José, Costa Rica.  "Banditry - Sandino."      "G-2 Report. ¶ 2,700. ¶ NICARAGUA (Population & Social) ¶ Subject: Public Order & Safety. ¶ Banditry – Sandino. ¶ Information just received from a reliable informant in Honduras states that one of the Tijerino brothers, as agent for Sandino, recently purchased $14,000.00 worth of ammunition for Sandino in Honduras. This ammunition already has been delivered to Sandino. ¶ “La Noticia” of Managua published a report that General Horacio Portocarrero, Sandino’s presidential candidate, was found to be in Danlí, Honduras. He was called to the capital and sent out of the country to El Salvador via Amapala and La Unión. Manuel Balladares, another suspect of contact with Sandino was informed that if he desired to remain in Honduras he could not leave the city of Tegucigalpa. He thereupon left ostensibly for El Salvador. ¶ Sources: As stated. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G.S., M.A. ¶ From: M.A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 1747 ¶ Date: August 26, 1932."

9.  August 24, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Activities of the Honduran Extraordinary Forces on Nicaraguan Border."     "As result of representations by the American Legation in this city, the Honduran Government is taking certain steps with the object of preventing the smuggling of arms and ammunition to Nicaragua or at least to create the impression that it is doing everything possible along those lines. ¶ Twenty five additional men have been placed under General Plata (the Commandant of Danlí) bringing his force to approximately one hundred men. He has been provided with uniforms and additional equipment including two machine guns. ¶ Having received information that boats on the Gulf of Fonseca have been engaged in smuggling operations, the President of Honduras has directed the government boat stationed at Amapala to exercise vigilance in preventing illicit operations in the vicinity of the Nicaraguan border. ¶ It is believed doubtful if anything of importance will be accomplished in this manner as the only successful proceedure [procedure] would be to capture the arms before leaving Tegucigalpa or other source of origin. This would necessitate the employment of reliable secret agents, which practically do not exist in Honduras, and the hearty conscientious cooperation of all officials, which is next to impossible during the present political campaign. ¶ COPY FURNISHED: Sec. Brig. Guardia Managua"

10.  August 23, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "American Troops Invade Honduras to Attack Sandino," La Prensa, August 20, 1932.      (see below)

11.  August 23, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "American Troops Invade Honduras to Attack Sandino," La Prensa, August 20, 1932.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc:, ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries. ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Following is a translation of an article which appeared in “La Prensa” of August 20, 1932, entitled “American Troops Invade Honduras to Attack Sandino.” ¶ General César Augusto Sandino has just issued a proclamation throughout the whole territory of Nicaragua under his dominion and in rebellion against the Government which is held in power there by the Government of the United States of North America. ¶ In this proclamation reference is made to the tolerance which is being shown in permitting Yankee marines to attack the Sandino insurgents from the Honduras side,- possibly evading the vigilance of the Government of Honduras. ¶ General Sandino states in his proclamation as follows: ¶ “Our Army has respected, and will respect, the territorial integrity of Honduras. There exists great friendship between the people of Honduras and our Army; but if the Government of Honduras permits Yankee invaders and the Nicaraguan dogs of traitors to cross through their territory or set up cantonments in Honduran territory in order to facilitate attacks against our Army, we will not be responsible for the consequences of such tolerance,- but the responsibility will rest solely with the Government of Honduras.” ¶ General Sandino’s proclamation is dated August 5, 1932, at the headquarters of the “Sandinista” rebels, Las Segovias, Nicaragua. ¶ This declaration of General Sandino was made as a result of the report sent to him by Generals Francisco Estrada and J. González to the effect that heavy contingents of American troops had crossed over Honduran territory into Nicaragua and had established their headquarters in a petroleum camp belonging to a Yankee company in Trujillo, in order to attack the rear of the Sandino forces, in view of the defeats which they have been sustaining in their encounters with the Nicaraguan patriots. ¶ (“La Prensa”, August 20, 1932) ¶ Robert E. Cummings ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4109. ¶ Date: August 23, 1932."

12.  August 23, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "The Yankee Troops are being Decimated in Nicaragua," La Prensa, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc:, ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries; ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Following is a translation of an article which appeared in “La Prensa” of August 22, 1932, entitled “The Yankee Troops are being Decimated in Nicaragua:” ¶ The patriots who follow Sandino have fought furiously against the invaders who are supporting Moncada’s spurious government. ¶ During the month of July (1932) there was heavy fighting in the Las Segovias region of Nicaragua, and much bloodshed, where General Cesar Augusto Sandino and his valiant patriots which now number several thousand men, have been fighting against the invasion of the Yankee marines sent by the White House to the support the present Government which has obligated itself to protect the interests created and to be created, in that Central American country. ¶ According to one of the reports sent to Mexico by one of the officers of General Sandino’s staff, in the month of July a number of combats took place which were outstanding for their strategic importance, as well as for the supplies captured and the casualties suffered by the Yankee invaders and the Nicaraguan soldiers paid by the Government allied to the North Americans. ¶ One of the most important combats, which took place early in July, was that in which the insurgent troops commanded by Generals Francisco Estrada and Simón González, attacked and took possession of the banana plantation “Backaro” belonging to a Yankee company established in Puerto Cabezas. ¶ At the beginning of the battle, the Yankees received prompt reinforcements in answer to their call for assistance, as they had been overcome by the patriots; but the latter also overpowered these reinforcements and took possession of the trains by which they had reached the plantation, as well as their automobiles. They also captured numerous rifles, thousands of cartridges and several machine-guns, which the Yankees abandoned in their flight. ¶ When the insurgent patriots seized the banana plantation, all the buildings formerly occupied by employees and laborers had been set afire by the North Americans. ¶ On the following day a fleet of airplanes bombarded Sandino’s column, but the patriots succeeded in bringing down one of the planes. The air bombardment served to locate the enemy which was approaching the insurgent forces and against whom a bloody fight was waged until nightfall. ¶ From: M.A. Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4108. ¶ Date: August 23, 1932. . . . "

13.  August 23, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "The Yankee Troops are being Decimated in Nicaragua," La Prensa, p. 2.     " . . . It is calculated that the Moncada forces, in combination with the Yankee marines, lost a hundred men counting dead and wounded. One of Sandino’s boys, who was killed in the battle, carried the knapsack containing documents belonging to General González. ¶ The general headquarters of the Sandino forces received news that twenty-six American hydroplanes had quartered in Puerto Cabezas for the purpose of taking away the American families living there, because the “Sandinistas” had almost beseiged [besieged] the invaders and their families or co-nationals. ¶ One of the reports received in Mexico states that on the 14th of July the insurgent forces under Colonel Ruperto Hernández Roblero and Sergeant Major Francisco García, held a bloody fight with the enemy in “Los Achotes”, Jintotega Department, in which thee Lieutenants, traitors to the Sandino cause, lost their lives, and nine Yankees. Colonel Roblero himself lost some documents during the battle, but on the other hand he succeeded in seizing arms and ammunition. ¶ Reports also state that on July 16th the Sandino forces commanded by Colonel Zacarías Padilla, staged another bloody battle in “La Rocia”, Department of León, in which they captured a large quantity of ammunition and food supplies. ¶ “La Prensa”, August 22, 1932. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A. Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4108. ¶ Date: August 23, 1932."

14.  August 18, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "Sandino's Intentions," El Nacional, Aug. 17, 1932.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc., ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries; ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Following is translation of an article which appeared in “El Nacional” of August 17, 1932, entitled “Sandino’s Intentions”: ¶ He is willing to abandon the fight, but not until the last American Marine has left. Meanwhile, intends to continue his belligerent attitude, defending Nicaraguan soil. ¶ From correspondence which has reached the principal Central American circles in Mexico, it is learned that Sandino is willing to lay down his arms,- but not, however, until the last American marine leaves. It is well known that Sandino wishes to put an end to the present state of things in Nicaragua, and it is now his firm intention to do this, in view of the attitude of the United States, which has been gradually withdrawing its forces, and it is proposed to completely evacuate the country after the Presidential elections in Nicaragua to be held at the end of this year. ¶ Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, the representative in Mexico of Sandino’s army, has stated to the local press here that he has received several letters from General Sandino, to the above effect, and that everything now indicates that Nicaragua will soon be free from the vigilance to which it has long been subject, but that it will then face a new problem, because when the marines go it is believed that they will leave in power Dr. Sacasa, who is being supported by the predominant forces, for the Presidency of the Republic. Dr. Zepeda adds: ¶ “Consequently, for us the situation is almost the same, but we propose to counteract it by organizing ourselves in a civil capacity and participating, if possible, in the coming elections, in order to substitute Sandino as Presidential Candidate, when he fulfills his promise to lay down his arms.” ¶ The agitation recently noted in Central American circles tends to form a strong united nucleus, morally, toward a solution of the problems which now disturb the country. ¶ “El Nacional”, August 17, 1932. ¶ Robert E. Cummings ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4101. ¶ August 18, 1932."

15.  August 18, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "The New Doctrine of the United States is not Just Toward Nicaragua," press release by the local committee of the Partido Reformador Autonomista de Nicaragua, Excelsior, Aug. 10, 1932, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation ¶ (Secretary Stimson’s Speech.) ¶ 1. Attached hereto is the translation of an article which appeared in the local press of August 10th entitled “The New Doctrine of the United States is not Just Towards Nicaragua”. ¶ 2. This article, given to the press by the local committee of the “Partido Reformador Autonomista de Nicaragua”, is a statement criticizing the speech made by Mr. Stimson, Secretary of State, recently, before the Committee on Foreign Relations, in New York City. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4095. ¶ Date: August 12, 1932. . . . "

16.  August 18, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "The New Doctrine of the United States is not Just Toward Nicaragua," press release by the local committee of the Partido Reformador Autonomista de Nicaragua, Excelsior, Aug. 10, 1932, p. 2.     " . . . (Translation[)] ¶ Article appearing in “EXCELSIOR” of August 10, 1932. Mexico City. ¶ THE NEW DOCTRINE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT JUST TOWARDS NICARAGUA. ¶ Under the pretext of protecting its nationals, the Washington Government has subjugated Nicaragua. ¶ The Committee of the “Partido Reformador Autonomista de Nicaragua”, in this Capital, makes the following statements in regard to the new pacifist doctrine announced by Mr. Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of State of the United States: ¶ “The ‘Comite del Partido Renovador Autonomista’ which forms the civil wing of the ‘Ejercito Defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua’, and which is composed in Mexico of professionals, newspaper correspondents, students, and workmen, cannot allow to pass unnoticed the speech made yesterday (August 9, 1932) by Secretary Stimson before the Committee on Foreign Relations, in New York City, and in which speech he condemnd [condemned], substantially, the attitude of nations which conceal an imperialistic policy beneath the mask of protection of its nationals, and predicts that such nations will soon have to unmask themselves. ¶ “These expressions, voiced by the high functionary of the United States, naturally have caused us profound surprise, but at the same time we take this opportunity to remind Colonel Stimson that, when he was acting as the personal representative of President Coolidge, in 1926, he came to Nicaragua to impose peace with the guns of his cruisers and under the pretext of ‘protecting the lives and property of his co-nationals’,- that is to say, with identically the same arguments that are now invoked as the fundamental cause of his condemnatory discourse. ¶ “Colonel Stimson also declares war to be a crime, and we would like to ask him what name he gives to the operations of the American marines in the territory of Nicaragua, where they daily make use of asphyxiating gases and all the explosives condemned in modern warfare, in the defenceless villages of my country, whose only blame is serving as a refuge for the defenders of the autonomy of our fatherland. ¶ “The new doctrine enunciated by the Latin-American peoples, and amply approved by the Government of the United States, announces that conquest by arms, of territories and concessions, must be declared absolutely invalid in the eyes . . . "

17.  August 18, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "The New Doctrine of the United States is not Just Toward Nicaragua," press release by the local committee of the Partido Reformador Autonomista de Nicaragua, Excelsior, Aug. 10, 1932, p. 3.   " . . . of International Law. We are interested in knowing from Colonel Stimson if this new doctrine applies to the Canal Treaty which the United States wrested from the defenceless people of Nicaragua, while the American marines were assassinating the companions of General Benjamin F. Zeledon in the battle of Masaya and took prisoner General Luís Mena, to be interned, without ant [any] right whatever, in a dungeon of the zone of the Canal. ¶ “ ‘Moral reprobation, when converted into reprobation of the whole world, takes on a character hitherto unknown’, states Colonel Stimson. Nevertheless, that moral denouncement of the world, which he proclaims as stigma for other continents, has not been sufficient to convince him that justice should be done in the case of Nicaragua, and that we who defend the right to live free and without tutelage, are deserving of a more respectful treatment than has generally been accorded to men identified with General Augusto César Sandino. ¶ “We would like to know if this time Colonel Stimson has completely forgotten Nicaragua, and his mission in the year 1926, as well as the long period of suffering caused by the armed and bloody intervention maintained in our country; as otherwise, he would certainly have ordered the evacuation of our territory, now under the iron heel of intervention,- and he would not have permitted that Admiral Woodward, with dictatorial powers which place in doubt the sincerity of the doctrine announced by Mr. Stimson, should now be serving in Nicaragua, trampling all the laws and rights of Nicaraguans, who have declared their wish to be free at any cost. ¶ “Pedro José Zepéda, ¶ “Secretary of the Interior”. ¶ “Horacio Espinosa, ¶ “Secretary of Relations”. ¶ “Victor Manuel Mercado, ¶ “Secretary of the Treasury”. ¶ “J. C. Gonzalez, ¶ “Secretary of (“Actas”) Records.”"

18.  August 8, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  "Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation (Hernandez' Letters)," p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ (Hernandez’ Letters) ¶ 1. Reference is made to Report 4026, July 12; 4050, July 22; 4058, July 28; and 4068, August 2d; all 3850-a,- same subject as above. ¶ 2. There is now forwarded herewith memorandum of a conversation which Ambassador Clark had with Minister of Foreign Affairs Tellez, on August 3rd, regarding a series of letters which the Ambassador has received from José Hernández containing certain information which he claims to have regarding alleged shipments of arms and ammunition from Mexico City to Nicaragua. ¶ 3. As will be noted from the attached memorandum, Minister Tellez stated that he could assure the Ambassador officially that the Mexican Government was in no way concerned in supplying arms and ammunition to Sandino and that he doubted very much that any officer (“oficial”) was trafficking in such supplies. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4082. ¶ Date: Aug. 8, 1932. . . . "

19.  August 8, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  "Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation (Hernandez' Letters)," p. 2:   México, August 3, 1932.  Memorandum of Conversation, the Ambassador J. R. Clark with Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs Téllez.      " . . . C O P Y ¶ MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION ¶ THE AMBASSADOR ¶ México, August 3, 1932 ¶ with Minister of Foreign Affairs Téllez. ¶ On the way to and from Cuernavaca today, to pay a visit of respect to General Calles, I had the following conversation with Minister Téllez, who took me over and acted as my interpreter in my conversation with the General. ¶ I told the Minister that we had received several letters from a man who stated he was in the Mexican army, telling us that arms and ammunition were being smuggled out of Mexico for Sandino. I said I had merely forwarded these to the Department of State; that we had made no acknowledgment of them to the man, and I had received no instructions regarding the reports. I added that recently the man had called at the Consulate in Veracruz and had made various specific statements regarding these shipments, and had asked for money. I said I thought the latter was the real point in the whole activity. ¶ The Minister stated that he doubted very much whether any official even was trafficking in ammunitions and arms, and that he could absolutely assure me officially that the Government was in no way concerned in supplying arms and ammunition to Sandino. The Minister repeated this to me twice. ¶ J.R.C."

20.  August 2, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  "Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation" [Hernandez' Letters], p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, Etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Reference is made to Reports Nos. 4026, 4050 and 4058 (all 3850-a) dated respectively July 12, July 22, and July 28, 1932. ¶ 2. Attached hereto is copy of a letter dated July 27, 1932, addressed to Ambassador Clark by the American Vice Consul at Vera Cruz, V.C., Mr. William Karnes. ¶ 3. As will be noted, this letter states that José Hernández presented himself at the American Consulate in Vera Cruz on July 27th and described the manner in which, as he alleges, arms and ammunition were being smuggled out of Mexico to San Salvador for Sandino’s forces. ¶ 4. Hernández it seems accuses General José Mendivil Talamante, the commanding officer of the 35th Infantry Battalion in Tapachula, and other officers and soldiers of the same battalion, of being involved in the smuggling; and he also states that Mexican citizens have been recruited for service in Sandino’s army; and that one of Sandino’s generals by the name of Morales came to Tapachula several weeks ago with letters for General Calles, and that General Mendivil Talamante detailed Captain Quintana of the 35th Bn., to bring these documents to General Calles in Mexico City. ¶ 5. Vice Consul Karnes states in his letter that Hernández’ object in furnishing this information was to obtain money from the American Embassy. ¶ 6. Even if Hernández’ statements are true, the Acting M/A doubts very much if the Mexican Government has any knowledge or connection with this smuggling of arms. If such activities are being carried on, it is the belief of this office that General Mendivil Talamante and his officers are engaging in them for personal profit, without the knowledge or consent of the Mexican Government. ¶ 7. Neither this office nor the Ambassador intend corresponding with Hernández or remunerating him for his information. ¶ 8. Ambassador Clark has stated to this office that he does not intend to take this matter up with the Mexican Government for the present. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4068. ¶ Date: August 2, 1932. . . . "

21.  August 2, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  "Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation" [Hernandez' Letters], p. 2:   July 27, 1932.  William Karnes, American Vice-Consul, Veracruz, Mexico, to the Honorable J. Reuben Clark, Jr., American Ambassador, Mexico City.      " . . . C O P Y ¶ CONFIDENTIAL ¶ AMERICAN CONSULAR SERVICE ¶ Veracruz, Mexico, July 27, 1932. ¶ The Honorable ¶ J. Reuben Clark, Jr., ¶ American Ambassador, ¶ Mexico City, Mexico. ¶ Sir: ¶ I have the honor to refer to Mr. Stanley Hawks’ letter dated July 6, 1932, relative to three letters the Embassy had received from a person signing himself as José Hernández, who claimed to be a member of the Mexican Army stationed at Tapachula, Chiapas, and in which he purported to have information concerning the plans for the shipment of arms and ammunition from Mexico to Nicaragua. ¶ Mr. José Hernández presented himself in this Consulate today, July 27th. 1932 at 11:00 A.M. and stated that he had arrived at Veracruz from Tapachula yesterday on a train carrying the household effects and automobile of General Lucas Gonzalez. He claims to be a corporal in the Mexican army in the 35th. Battallion [Battalion] commanded by General José Mendivil Talamante stationed at Tapachula, Chiapas. He also claims that he came to Veracruz under a permit which expires August 15th. 1932. He wishes the strictest confidence kept concerning his revelations since the act he is committing is tantamount to treason and he is in fear of the death penalty. ¶ Mr. Hernández states that the arms arrive at the ranch of General Mendivil which is situated a few kilometers from Tapachula. He claims that these arms and munitions come originally from the city of Mexico and are then transported by a sargent [sergeant?] and by Hernández himself by means of trucks to the frontier town of Unión Juarez on the Mexico-Guatemala border. From this point the munitions are taken across the border in sacks of tobacco or dry shrimps, one thousand cartridges being included in each sack. There the munitions are delivered to Guatemalan subjects who carry them through the country and ship them by rail to San Salvador. ¶ Hernández further states that General Juan Colindres of Sandino’s forces has recently recruited Mexican citizens for service in the latter’s army. The last shipment of recruits consisted of seventy and went forward in a fishing boat carrying at the same time arms and ammunition. ¶ Hernández also claims that one of Sandino’s Generals by the name of Morales came to Tapachula about twenty days ago with letters for General Calles and that General Mendivil immediately sent Captain Quintana of his forces to take these documents to General Calles in Mexico City. ¶ Mexican Army rifles have also been sent across the border according to Hernández. These are of the Mausser [Mauser] type manufactured in Oviedo, Spain. With respect to the cartridges Hernandez says that they do not have any distinctive marks, but that they are made by the Fabrica Nacional de Cartuchos in Mexico City. . . . "

22.  August 2, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  "Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation" [Hernandez' Letters], p. 3:   July 27, 1932.  William Karnes, American Vice-Consul, Veracruz, Mexico, to the Honorable J. Reuben Clark, Jr., American Ambassador, Mexico City.      " . . . Hernandez further says that within fifteen days General Francisco Diaz Hernandez a former Mexican General who has joined the Sandino forces, will take another shipment of men and armaments across the border. He is now in Tampico recruiting men for this purpose. ¶ He also claims to have seen photographs of Lieutenant Juan Castro Figueroa of the Mexican 35th. Battallion [Battalion] taken with General Sandino to whom he had brought arms and munitions from Puerto Mexico some two months ago. These arms had been shipped from Puerto Mexico and consisted of 100 cases of one thousand cartridges each. Lieutenant Figueroa was escorted by twenty men on this mission to whom Sandino paid $25.00 U.S.Cy. each. None of the individuals of the expedition wore uniforms. ¶ Mr. Hernandez reason for coming to Veracruz was to obtain money for the information contained in this letter and he hoped that someone from the Embassy might be named to accompany him to Tapachula to see for himself the activities that are going on there. This office gave him no encouragement in these plans. In fact, it told him that was very unlikely that the Government of the United States would care to pay any money for this information. However, if the Embassy feels different about this manner, this office will be glad to communicate with Mr. Hernández. ¶ Respectfully yours, ¶ (Signed) William Karnes ¶ American Vice Consul"

23.  July 28, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Sandino and the Nicaraguan Situation - Misc. Intelligence Reports.     "JUAN GREGORIO COLINDRES – June 2 – Reported in his headquarters camp at Malacate Mountain, Honduras, reorganizing and preparing for future operations. (Hq. Guardia Nacional, Managua, Nicaragua, July 1, 1932.) ¶ June 6 – One of Jefes of group of 25 bandits with which contact was had west of Yali, at coordinates (224-332). Reported later to be in camp on Malacate Mountain (212-412), and supposedly in charge of recruiting, securing of ammunition, and communications to and from Sandino’s camp. (Hq. 2d Marine Brigade, Managua, Nicaragua, July 1, 1932.) ¶ It is believed the bandits (Sandino’s forces) are conserving their present supply of ammunition and endeavoring to obtain more in preparation for extensive operations at a later date (probably August). (Hq. Guardia Nacional, Managua, Nicaragua, July 1, 1932.) ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4058. ¶ Date: July 28, 1932."

24.  July 28, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "still another letter from José Hernández addressed to the Ambassador," p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ The Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Reference is made to Reports 4026 of July 12, 1932, and 4050 of July 22, 1932, both 3850-a, same subject as above; and in connection therewith there is now forwarded translation of still another letter from José Hernández addressed to the Ambassador. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4058. ¶ Date: July 28, 1932. . . . "

25.  July 28, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "still another letter from José Hernández addressed to the Ambassador," p. 2:  July 21, 1932.  José Hernández, Tapachula, Chiapas, to Mr. J. Reuben Clark, Mexico, D.F.     " . . . (Translation) ¶ Tapachula, Chis. ¶ July 21, 1932. ¶ Mr. ¶ J. Reuben Clark, ¶ Mexico, D.F. ¶ Esteemed Sir: ¶ Since I was unable to leave here for Mexico City or Veracruz because I did not have the money for the trip owing to the illness of my family and it is very urgent that I speak to you personally, but now that it is possible with the transfer of General Lucas González to Veracruz I spoke to him and I am leaving for Veracruz for I wish to speak to you. On the 15th of next next month the first of my two months’ leave will have terminated and in order that you may be informed of the shipment of ammunition leaving Union Juarez, Chiapas, for Honduras, via Tlaltenango, Guatemala, and in order that you may know of the entire movement, General José Mendivil Talamante recently was with Colonel Juan Altamirano of the Sandino forces on a ranch belonging to General Mendivil. I learned that he brought with him many letters which General Mendivil sent to Mexico by Captain Quintana to be delivered personally to General Calles immediately upon his arrival from the United States. They say that they have the support of the Presidents of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. And there are other matters about which I wish to speak to you person. Since I am a soldier of the 35th Battalion, when my leave expires I shall be unable to leave the City and I wish to speak to you personally. ¶ (Signed) JOSÉ HERNANDEZ"

26.  July 22, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "A Message for General Moncada," Excelsior, July 19, 1932, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Forwarded herewith is translation of an article which appeared in “EXCELSIOR” of July 19, 1932, entitled “A Message for General Moncada”. ¶ 2. Also, in connection with Report No.4026 (3850-a) of July 12, 1932, there is attached hereto, for the information of G-2, translation of another letter addressed to the Ambassador by José Hernández who claims to be a Mexican soldier stationed with the 35th Infantry Battalion, in Tapachula, Chiapas. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No.40.50. ¶ Date: July 22, 1932. . . . "

27.  July 22, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "A Message for General Moncada," Excelsior, July 19, 1932, p. 2.     " . . . (New item – EXCELSIOR – July 19, 1932[)] ¶ (Translation) ¶ A MESSAGE FOR GENERAL MONCADA ¶ Nicaraguans residing here wish to confirm a decree ¶ Many will make the trip ¶ If the Dictator of Nicaragua is sincere, they may be able to develop political activities ¶ The Group of Nicaraguan Autonomists, who support the attitude of General Augusto Cesar Sandino, who is defending the integrity of his fatherland, in a meeting held last evening at No. 22 Versalles street, decided to send to Mr. José Maria Moncada a message in view of the publication in the press yesterday of a telegram from Managua, in which it is assured that the Government of that country has signed a decree of general amnesty, which seeks to favor, principally, the political expatriates as well as friends and representative of General Sandino in Mexico. The message reads as follows: ¶ “General Moncada, Managua. ¶ Press reported today that you had signed a decree of amnesty including autonomist elements identified with General Sandino. The Nicaraguan autonomists are interested in knowing if you are disposed to recognize, within your jurisdiction, the rights that they have as citizens to maintain the political ideas that they have always upheld and will continue to uphold without surrender. If so, please order Consulate to issue passports and safe-conducts which may be solicited of it for return to the Fatherland. ¶ HORACIO ESPINOSA, Secretary of the Exterior.” ¶ This committee is composed of the best elements of the Nicaraguan Colony in this City, and the Board of Directors consists of Doctor Pedro José Zepeda, Secretary of the Interior; Horacio Espinosa, Secretary of the Exterior; Lic. Victor M. Mercado and Sr. José C. Gonzalez, Recording Secretary. ¶ In Central American circles in this Capital the unexplainable attitude of Moncada has been much discussed, his change of attitude being attributed to the fact that the entire populace is opposed to his government and in favor of a change of government (régimen) in that country."

28.  July 21, 1932.  José Hernández, Tapachula, Chiapas, to the Ambassador of the United States of America, J. Reuben Clark, México, D.F.     "(Translation) ¶ Tapachula, Chis. July 13, 1932 ¶ The Ambassador of the United States of America, ¶ J. Reuben Clark, ¶ Mexico, D.F. ¶ Esteemed Sir: ¶ As I have been unable to leave here for that City or for Puerto Mexico, owing, in the first place, to the illness of my wife and, in the second place, to the fact that after the expenses of the illness I did not have enough money for the trip, I am writing you the following very interesting information: Mr. Juan G. Colindres, who claims to be a General of the Liberating Army of Nicaragua, was in this City and conferred with General Lucas Gonzalez, Chief of (Military) operations in the State, and with a man from Mexico, a representative of a Doctor Pedro Zepeda. The arms and ammunition are being sent to Guatemala and Honduras in accord with the authorities of certain Republics. It is therefore important that I speak with you personally. I only await the receipt of some money that I am expecting to depart for Mexico City or Puerto Mexico, it being very important (that I do so) before the end of this month. ¶ Respectfully yours, ¶ (Signed) JOSE HERNANDEZ"

29.  July 28, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "Patriotic Sentiment has been Greatly Revived in Nicaragua," Excelsior, July 15, 1932, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL. ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Forwarded herewith is translation of a recent article appearing in “EXCELSIOR” of July 15, 1932, entitled “Patriotic Sentiment has been Greatly Revived in Nicaragua”. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL, ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: Press. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4041. ¶ Date: July 15, 1932. . . . "

30.  July 28, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of "Patriotic Sentiment has been Greatly Revived in Nicaragua," Excelsior, July 15, 1932, p. 2.     " . . . (TRANSLATION) ¶ PATRIOTIC SENTIMENT HAS BEEN GREATLY REVIVED IN NICARAGUA ¶ Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, general representative of the “Ejercito Defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua”, in a brief interview given to a reporter of EXCELSIOR, stated that the patriotic conscience of his country was awakened now more than ever because of the anarchy among the public authorities; and he added: ¶ “While the aspirants to the Presidency, Argüello, Sacasa, Espinosa, and others, are engaged in an ignoble, cringing struggle to obtain from the Interventionist power the favor of figuring in the shameful farce which it is proposed to carry out next November, the true Nicaraguans of all social classes, from the University student down to the modest and simple laborer, are preparing to effectively cooperate in the complete liberation of the Fatherland. ¶ “The latest news items reveal the present condition in the interior of my unfortunate country. Young men in the streets, unmindful of consequences, shout “Vivas’ to General Sandino and his Army, and the soldiers of the Invader are inadequate in number to repress the rebellious outbreaks of the popular masses, while men everywhere are leaving the National Guard (which was created as a prop to the spurious Government lying like a larva in the great pustule which the intervention has created, to hatch other Moncadas in compact and organized groups), and swelling the ranks of our Army. The latest patriotic gesture of this sort occurred a few days ago when Lieutenant of the Guard, Roberto González Parrales, second in command of the detachment stationed in San Isidro, six miles from Esteli, after capturing J.H. Smenler, the commander of the Sector, a Captain of the North American Marines, had him shot, and took all his soldiers to General Sandino to whom he also delivered his whole war arsenal, which included six machineguns, 14,000 cartridges, a bomb-thrower, and a large quantity of regulation rifles and pistols. ¶ “Lieutenant González is a young man only twenty years old, from one of the best families of Diriamba, who, with a group of ‘aguiluchos’ (eaglets), has just graduated from the Military Academy of Managua. ¶ “Naturally a price has been placed upon his head, but the invaders do not dare to get close enough to him to snatch him from the redoubts of our Army.” ¶ (EXCELSIOR, July 15, 1932)"

31.  July 12, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Letters of José Hernández on arms shipments to Sandino, p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Attached hereto are forwarded, for the information of G-2, translations of three letters recently written to Ambassador Clark by one José Hernández who states he is a Mexican soldier stationed with the 35th Infantry Battalion in Tapachula, Chiapas. Hernández claims in his letters that a plan is being fomented in Tapachula, with the connivance of certain Mexican authorities, to send an expedition of two or three thousand men to Nicaragua, with a shipment of arms and ammunition, to aid Sandino. ¶ 2. Nothing is known of this soldier, nor have reports of any such expedition or shipment of arms been received by this office. It is probably just a scheme hatched by Hernández to obtain money from the American Embassy to pay his passage to Mexico City. ¶ 3. Ambassador Clark has made no reply to these letters. ¶ Robert E. Cummings ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4026 ¶ Date: July 12, 1932. . . . "

32.  July 12, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Letters of José Hernández on arms shipments to Sandino, p. 2:   José Hernández, Tapachula, Chiapas, to the Ambassador of the United States of America, J. Reuben Clark, México, D.F., May 28, 1932.     " . . . (Translation) ¶ Tapachula, Chiapas, ¶ May 28, 1932. ¶ The Ambassador of the U.S.A. ¶ México, D.F. ¶ Esteemed Sir: ¶ Although I have not the honor of your acquaintance, (I am writing) to see if it is possible to prevent the bloodshed which with the aid of our principal commanders it is planned to carry out in the Republic of Nicaragua. An expedition is being organized to consist of about from 2,000 to 3,000 men to reinforce General Sandino. I belong to the 35th Battalion which is garrisoned in this City but I plan to request leave for one month to go to speak with you personally. About the beginning of next month I shall be in Mexico City, only I am sending you this communication in order that I may have no difficulty in speaking with you for I have to return immediately to this City and I shall tell you personally where they contemplate entering Nicaragua and the officers who are going with the Nicaraguans. I beg of you to say nothing until I have spoken with you. ¶ Respectfully, ¶ (Signed) José Hernández. . . . "

33.  July 12, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Letters of José Hernández on arms shipments to Sandino, p. 3:   José Hernández, Tapachula, Chiapas, to the Ambassador of the United States of America, J. Reuben Clark, México, D.F., June 6, 1932.     " . . . (Translation) ¶ Tapachula, Chiapas, ¶ June 6, 1932. ¶ The Ambassador of the U.S.A. ¶ J. Reuben Clark, ¶ México, D.F. ¶ With reference to my letter of last month and to my message contained therein, I have requested a month’s leave and am expecting a reply soon from the Ministry of War. As soon as it arrives I shall leave for that City and will be there about the 15th of the month(.) On the first instant, 15,000 rounds of ammunition for 7 m/m Mauser rifles were shipped. Several people who came here from Nicaragua have left for Mexico to talk with General Calles and they have not returned. I believe they went to arrange about some machine guns but I am not sure. Anyway, I shall tell you how they take out the ammunition and the crossing point in Guatemala. ¶ Respectfully yours, ¶ (Signed) José Hernández . . . "

34.  July 12, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Letters of José Hernández on arms shipments to Sandino, p. 4:   José Hernández, Tapachula, Chiapas, to the Ambassador of the United States of America, J. Reuben Clark, México, D.F., June 24, 1932.     "(Translation) ¶ Tapachula, Chis., ¶ June 24, 1932. ¶ Mr. ¶ J. Reuben Clark, ¶ Dear Sir: ¶ Tomorrow I leave for the port of Minatitlán or Puerto Mexico, Veracruz, at whichever place there is an American Consulate, as I was granted permission, but having no funds to get me there, I want you to do me the favor of communicating with the Consul in Puerto Mexico in order that I may take up the matter with him, for if you wish me to speak with you personally you will have to pay the expense of my trip, as I have no money. ¶ It is very important that I speak with you, because 200 rifles and 150,000 rounds of ammunition are about to be shipped. They are on a ranch owned by General Mendivil near the port (barra) from which they are to be shipped, for the ranch is not more than half a league, or about 2 kilometers, from this port. They are awaiting the return of the persons who went to Mexico to speak with General Calles, before they are shipped, and they are removing them from the cases in which they were packed marked “National Army” (“Ejercito Nacional”), and putting them into others brought from Mexico as if for preserves. ¶ I understand that those who went to speak with General Calles went to Pachuca to get 100 cases of dynamite. General Calles and General Amaro are aiding them. It is said that they are in a hurry because they want to do something before the elections to be held in Nicaragua, because of those who came, three remained here and one of them told me everything. ¶ That is why I wish to speak to you, to tell you everything, in order that you (plural form) may catch them the day they embark (“el día que salgan”). So I leave tomorrow. ¶ Respectfully, ¶ (Signed) José Hernández ¶ If I have sufficient money to get to Veracruz, I shall arrive there, and if not (I shall go) to Puerto Mexico where there is an American Consulate. ¶ This makes the third letter I have written to you."

35.  August 19, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Reported Shipments of Arms and Ammunition to Sandino," p. 1.     "Recently reliable information was received in this office to the effect that agents of Sandino in Tegucigalpa were negotiating the purchase of arms and ammunition from San Salvador to be sent to Nicaragua; also that large amounts of Cordobas (Nicaraguan currency) were being circulated in Tegucigalpa and sold at a discount, not withstanding the fact that it is at a par with United States currency in Nicaragua, which act appeared to be suspicious. ¶ An investigation made by this office revealed the following apparent facts: That on August 12, 1932, large shipments were removed from Tegucigalpa and forwarded in the direction of the Nicaraguan frontier; it has been reliably reported that they were shipments of arms and ammunition intended for Sandino, and that further shipments on a lesser scale were sent out yesterday. It was further revealed that Toribio Tijerino (suspected of having connections with Sandino) and Alfonso Irias of Danlí (known to have had previous dealings with Sandino) were directly responsible for these shipments. The first and larger of the two shipments was said to contain sixty rifles and 60,000 rounds of ammunition for them; the latter was of 10 pistols caliber .45 and 4,000 odd rounds of ammunition for same, with smaller quantities of lesser caliber pistol ammunition. ¶ It is possible that some of the Nicaraguan currency which was circulated in Tegucigalpa and said to come from Sandino was money recently paid by the family of a Nicaraguan who was being held captive by Sandino, Enrique Sanchez S., as ransom for his release and the following numbers were taken: denominations of 10.00 cordobas Nos. A864157 and A847162; denominations of 5.00 cordobas Nos. 119926, 135660 and 141075; in view of the possibility that the Bank of Nicaragua may have a record of the paid to his family, which it is understood was received from the branch bank of Leon, Nicaragua. It is further reported that additional arms, namely 30 submachine guns and a large quantity of ammunition, have been ordered through the firm Huber Brothers of San Salvador and they are to come via Amapala in the latter part of this month. ¶ These reports have been revealed to the Government of Honduras by this Legation with a view to aiding them in capturing these shipments in Honduras. ¶ Further and more extensive investigations are being made by this office with a view to obtaining positive information which would enable the Government to effect the arrest of the individuals in this reported illicit traffic of arms which, however, is made impossible without positive proofs in view of the extreme leniency of the laws in the case of Honduran citizens. The two individuals named in the second paragraph are both citizens of Honduras, Tijerino is Nicaraguan by birth but is a naturalized Honduran citizen and Irias is a [stamp in the way of text] Honduran. ¶ (See page two--) ¶ COPY FURNISHED: Comsperon – Sec. Brig. USMC – Guardia Nacional, Managua. . . . "

36.  August 19, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Reported Shipments of Arms and Ammunition to Sandino," p. 2.     " . . . It is a known fact that Tijerino had in his possession a large number of recent photographs of Sandino, his wife, and bandit groups; one of these photographs was seen by a member of this office. Also a reliable report indicates that Manuel Balladares, (See Naval Attaché report 72-32, dated 15 July, 1932), sent a telegram to Tijerino in which although indirect the statements indicate that he is connected with some new movement in Nicaragua. Balladares is still in San Salvador but he indicated in the telegram that he intends to go to Nicaragua soon. ¶ At the request of the American Minister in Tegucigalpa, the Naval Attaché, accompanied by Mr. Higgins, third secretary of the legation, proceeded to Danlí on August 16th [or 18th?], to inform General Plata, newly appointed Commandant of that place of the reported movement of arms and ammunition and to ascertain his accomplishments since taking over his new duties. ¶ Although considerably handicapped by the lack of funds, General Plata is believed to be doing everything in his power to prevent arms shipments to Nicaragua and the smuggling of stollen [stolen] mules and other contraband from Nicaragua to Honduras. However, his force is small, dismounted and poorly equipped, having only obsolete arms and no automatic weaposn [weapons]. During the visit Dr. Alejandro Cerda, a Nicaraguan resident in Danlí, presented himself and disclosed certain information which checked fairly well with that obtained in Tegucigalpa. Cerda has furnished this office with much information, a certain part of which has been useful but he has never been trusted as the loyal, conscientious government official as he would like to appear to the Naval Attaché. In fact a report believed to be reliable indicates that Cerda brought the above money from Danlí to Tegucigalpa and Plata with whom Cerda is friendly was advised not to place too much confidence in Cerda’s reports as he knows too much about the movements of Sandino to be the absolute neutral that he trys [tries] to appear."

37.  July 22, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Reestablishment of Extraordinary Forces on the Nicaraguan Border," p. 1.     "Due to representations of the American Legation at Tegucigalpa, the President of Honduras, on 16 [or 18?] July 1932, signified his willingness to take certain steps to improve conditions on the Nicaraguan border relative to alledged [alleged] activities of Nicaraguan bandits and Sandino sympathizers in that vicinity. ¶ The following action was suggested by the American Legation: ¶ PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL: ¶ 1st. Reestablishment of the expeditionary force in the zone of the Nicaraguan border under the command of General Alejandro Plata with an effective strength of at least fifty men. ¶ 2nd. Again placing all local commandants and sub-commandants of the frontier including the commandant of Danlí under the orders of General Plata for the persecution and capture of bandits and revolutionists against the Government of Nicaragua who enter Honduras. ¶ 3rd. Cause the searching of all suspicious persons who cross the frontier for arms and documents or anything which may indicate that they are bandits or are engaged in helping the bandits, confiscating their arms and “reconcentrating” them according to No. 4. ¶ 4th. “Reconcentrate” in Tegucigalpa all persons, either Central Americans or foreigners, who are bandits or are furnishing arms or ammunition to the bandits. ¶ 5th. Replacing the commandant of Danlí, Colonel Emilio Valle, and the sub-commandant of Las Manos, Colonel Roberto Aleman U., and the collector of revenue at Yuscarán (El Paraiso) Señor Alejandro Paz, with officers who will effectively cooperate with General Plata in the suppression of banditry. ¶ The President stated that he was desirous of placing a large force on the border but the depleted condition of the National Treasury prevented the appropriation of special funds for this purpose. However he promised to comply with the suggestions in the following manner: ¶ 1st. The Executive will discontinue at a sacrifice to the localities which they protect, five small posts in order to establish a moving patrol under General Alejandro Plata who will be relieved as Military Commander at Marcala; which patrol will resume its former duties as a Nicaraguan frontier guard, and will be composed of the number of soldiers corresponding to the five small posts thus discontinued, as the budget does not permit the creation of the force referred to in the memorandum. ¶ (Continued on page [fold in paper] ¶ COPY FURNISHED: Comsperon / SecBrig USMC. . . . "

38.  July 22, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Reestablishment of Extraordinary Forces on the Nicaraguan Border," p. 2.     " . . . 2nd. The commandant of Danlí cannot be nor has ever been under the orders of General Plata because the law forbids it since it clearly establishes to the contrary: to wit, that Chiefs of military expeditions are under the orders of the commandants of the jurisdiction in which they may find themselves. ¶ 3rd. Orders will be given for searching all suspicious persons who cross the Nicaraguan frontier, taking away from them arms, documents, or anything else which may indicate that they are bandits or are helping the bandits. ¶ 4th. The appropriate orders will be given to “reconcentrate” at Tegucigalpa all Central Americans or foreigners who are bandits or are furnishing arms or ammunition to the bandits. ¶ 5th. Orders have been given to replace the sub-commandant of Las Manos, Colonel Roberto Aleman U., The collector of revenues of the Department of El Paraíso, as well as all collectors of the Republic belong to the Finance Department and not to the War Department and consequently that collector would have nothing to do with the military activities of General Plata. On the other hand the commandant of El Paraiso cannot be subordinate to General Plata because the former has departmental jurisdiction and even if the administrator had military rank, his rank would be superior to that of an expeditionary chief who is an official of lower rank. Steps will be taken to transfer to another department the commandant of Danlí, Colonel Emilio Valle. ¶ 6th. The Government of Honduras, which has always complied with the Pacts of Washington of 1923, and with its international obligations during the present administration, is continuing and will continue to comply with them as far as permitted by legal limitations and a restricted budget such as that which will be effective from August 1st, and which is more limited than the present budget or anyprevious [any previous] budgets for many years. ¶ In compliance with orders of the President, General Plata was relieved as Commandant of Marcala, which position he had held for a period of six months, and directed to report to Tegucigalpa, preliminary to his assuming command of a Special Expeditionary force of approximately 25 men obtained from discontinued posts of rural guards. General Plata while serving as Commander of Marcala received a salary of 150.00 Lempiras per month but Plata was informed by the Secretary of War that his new position, supposedly an advancement, would pay 90.00 Lempiras, a reduction in salary instead of advancement. When this fact was brought to the attention of President Colindres he stated that the budget prohibited paying General Plata any greater amount but agreed to appoint General Plata Commandant of Danlí with special powers to cover other localities along the border, but not to designate him as commander of a special border patrol. ¶ (Continued on page three . . . "

39.  July 22, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Reestablishment of Extraordinary Forces on the Nicaraguan Border," p. 3.     " . . . The twenty-five men originally intended for the border patrol are to be added to the garrison at Danlí to provide additional men for patrol duty. ¶ This latter appointment meets with the approval of the American Legation. ¶ COPY FURNISHED: Comsperon / Sec. Brigade, USMC, Managua"

40.  July 15, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Political Activities of Nicaraguans Residing in Honduras."     "(COPY) ¶ N/A, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, July 15, 1932. Serial No. 72-32. File No.A8. ¶ Source of Information reliable. ¶ Subject ¶ NICARAGUA ¶ Miscellaneous Intelligence. ¶ C O N F I D E N T I A L ¶ POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF NICARAGUANS RESIDING IN HONDURAS. ¶ On June 18th, Manuel Balladares wrote to Colonel Price of the Electoral Mission in Nicaragua, making certain declarations against President Moncada and expressing a desire to go to Managua and confer with the Mission. Balladares received no reply from Colonel Price. ¶ On June 25th, Manuel Balladares and four other Nicaraguans, namely Alberto Gamez, Toribio Tijerino, Manuel Lacayo and Fernando Larios, called on the President of Honduras to propose a Central American Conference (Congreso Unido de Centro America) for the purpose of settling all Central American problems among themselves without taking them to Washington. The question of an agreement with Sandino would be one of such problems. This Conference would be a permanent body to meet annually and all five republics would be invited to send a delegation. They maintained that it was backed by President Ubico of Guatemala, and that one of its first officials [official] acts would be a request that the intervention in Nicaragua terminate immediately. The President declined to take any interest in the proposal. ¶ On the same day Balladares obtained permission from the Honduran Government and left for his hacienda on the Nicaraguan frontier in company with the Alcalde of Tegucigalpa, Jose Maria Casco. This visit was for the purpose of selling cattle to Casco. ¶ Upon his return to Tegucigalpa, no doubt discouraged by the fact that he found interest in his movement lacking and that he was ignored on all sides, Balladares obtained a loan on the strength of his sale to Casco and on July 9th, left for Salvador. Balladares stated that his reason for visiting Salvador was to confer with Gen. Horacio Portacarraro, obtain certain Sandinista credentials alleged to be in Portacarraro’s possession, and with these papers force the Electoral Mission to listen to him. ¶ The investigations of this office have disclosed that the fabulous amounts of arms and ammunition which Balladares claims to have in his possession are probably his own inventions and intended to add to his importance and that of his activities, and thus strengthen the bluff he is making."

41.  July 1932.  Press clippings:  "Sandino Gets $20,000 Ransome for Captive," New York Times, July 22, 1932.   "American Aid to Nicaragua Cost 45 Lives," Washington Herald, July 22, 1932.   "Fight in Nicaragua Stirs Washington - One Guardsman in Patrol Led by marines, Is Killed in Clash With 200 Rebels - Plantations in Peril - Rebels Coming Nearer to Them and More Protection Is Asked to Save Them," New York Times, July 28, 1932.     "SANDINO GETS $20,000 RANSOM FOR CAPTIVE ¶ Nicaraguan Rebels Kill Eight in Raids—Three Clashes With National Guard. ¶ Special Cable to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, July 21.—Enrique Fernando Sanchez Salinas, a member of a prominent Leon family, who had been held captive six weeks by Sandinistas, arrived in Managua yesterday from the northern department. ¶ Sanchez was captured by the Sandino chieftain, Juan Umanzor, and held for a ransom said to be $20,000. He was taken from the plantation near Leon to Sandino’s camp, a journey requiring twenty-seven days afoot and on horseback over the most difficult country. ¶ Sandino, according to Señor Sanchez, asked why the ransom had not been paid. Señor Sanchez replied it had already been paid. The ransom arrived the following day and Señor Sanchez was released. He arrived under escort from Paso Real thirteen days later. ¶ Señor Sanchez said he had no idea of the location of Sandino’s camp except that it was in the mountains of Northern Nicaragua. ¶ National Guard headquarters report that on July 17 a group of rebels thought to be under the leaders Irias and Mairena sacked two stores at Panamerica and Morazan, along the Rio Grande in the department of Rio Grande on the east coast. Three British and five Nicaraguan employes [employees] of the stores were killed, and merchandise of considerable value was taken. ¶ National Guard patrols started in pursuit of the irregulars, and contact was made with one rebel group yesterday and loot from one of the stores was recovered. ¶ On July 17 eleven National Guardsmen, led by Lieutenant Walter J. Stone, engaged forty rebels near Panamerica. After brisk fighting, the rebels fled, leaving two dead. There were no guard casualties. ¶ Lieutenant Sidney M. Ragsdale, with a patrol of twenty-seven men, made two surprise attacks on rebels on July 17 and 18 at Las Sandillas and Quiataco. Two rebels were wounded in the first clash and three in the second. There were no guard casualties. ¶ AMERICAN AID TO NICARAGUA COST 45 LIVES ¶ Marines to Return Home After Elections; Guard Soon Able to Take Command ¶ American occupation of Nicaragua has cost the lives of 45 Marines, the State Department announced yesterday in a detailed report of relations since 1926, when President Coolidge sent troops there to protect American interests. ¶ As a result of this occupation, it was stated, banditry has been largely suppressed and order restored in the various provinces. There have been few outbreaks of any consequence in recent months and, with the force of Marines now on duty, it will be easy to conduct an orderly election next November, it was stated. ¶ The Guardia Nacional has been trained by the Marines to a point of efficiency which will enable the Marines to retire after the election, the report said. The higher commands are held by U. S. Marines, but will be surrendered to the natives after the election. ¶ FIGHT IN NICARAGUA STIRS WASHINGTON ¶ One Guardsman, in Patrol Led by Marines, Is Killed in Clash With 200 Rebels. ¶ PLANTATIONS IN PERIL ¶ Rebels Coming Nearer to Them and More Protection Is Asked to Save Them. ¶ By Tropical Radio to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, July 27.—Two hundred rebels led by Chieftains Juan Gregorio Colindres and Juan Pablo Umanzor attacked a small patrol of Nicaraguan guardsmen near Pavonia, north of Yali, yesterday killing one guardsman and wounding three. The guard patrol was commanded by Lieutenants Cecil D. Snyder of Houston, Texas, and Lyman F. Wariston of Springfield, Mo. ¶ The engagement was bitterly fought, lasting a half-hour. The guardsmen then returned to Yali to obtain reinforcements and ammunition and later pursued the rebels to the frontier. The rebel casualties are not known to headquarters. ¶ The guards report the rebels were well armed with automatic weapons. ¶ An Italian coffee planter near Matagalpa has advised the Italian Chargé d’Affaires that the rebels are coming nearer to the plantations and he fears that unless more protection is given he will have to abandon his. ¶ WASHINGTON, July 27 (AP).—The Navy Department today was watching the Nicaraguan situation closely after reports of a fierce engagements between insurgents and a guard patrol led by Marine Corps officers. ¶ The fight yesterday, one of a series during the past few weeks, took place about twenty-five miles south of Ocotal and so determined was the resistance of about 200 insurgents that the patrol retired for more ammunition. ¶ The report of the engagement to the Navy Department said the insurgents were entrenched and were armed with rifle grenades and bombs in addition to small arms. ¶ There was no data available on insurgent casualties, the report said, adding that other Guard patrols were advancing on the band."

42.  July 5, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of article in La Prensa, July 3, 1932, of "bulletin received from the Sandino headquarters in Nicaragua by Dr. Zepeda, General Representative of the 'Defense of the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua' Army," p. 1.     "G-2 Report ¶ 3850-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Forwarded herewith is translation of an article appearing in “La Prensa” of July 3, 1932, purporting to be a bulletin received from the Sandino headquarters in Nicaragua, by Dr. Zepeda, General Representative of the “Defense of the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua” Army. ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ C/p ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 4013. ¶ Date: July 5, 1932."

43.  July 5, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of article in La Prensa, July 3, 1932, of "bulletin received from the Sandino headquarters in Nicaragua by Dr. Zepeda, General Representative of the 'Defense of the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua' Army," p. 2.     "(Translation[)] ¶ ARTICLE FROM “LA PRENSA” of July 3, 1932. ¶ Sandino inflicts serious defeats on the American Marines. ¶ In nearly all the combats, Nicaraguan bandits captured quantities of arms, munitions, machine guns, and hand-grenades. ¶ Dr. Pedro José Zepeda, General Representative of the “Ejercito Defensor de la Soberanía Nacional de Nicaragua”, has turned over to us for publication the following bulletin which he received direct from the headquarters of the Army in the Segovias: ¶ “We were right when we said previously that the enemy itself would publish reports regarding our military movements, and those reports are the best evidence of the losses in arms and men which they are constantly suffering, through their international policy in Nicaragua. ¶ “On May 4th of this year the ex-guards belonging to the enemy forces in Kizalaya [Kisalaya], on the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua, rebelled against the Yankee filibusters who commanded them. In order to carry out the plan entrusted to them, they killed Lieut. Charles Lebosque [Levonski], American, and wounded 2nd. Lieut. Charles Rayo. As the spoils of this uprising, our Army received the following: ¶ 21 Springfield and Lewis rifles, among them, some bomb-throwers; ¶ 21 grenades; ¶ 1 Thompson machine-gun with 1,600 rounds of Lewis ammunition. ¶ This was all delivered by the ex-guards Sebastian Jiménez, Felipe Briseño, Francisco López and Aurelio Flores, who are now in the service of our Army. The arms were received by General Estrada, General Morales, and Colonel Socrates Sandino. ¶ “On May 11th three artillerymen of the enemy detachments came over to our ranks, with their respective equipment consisting of 1 Brownie [Browning?] machine-gun, and 2 Thompson machine-guns, with their ammunition, hand bombs, and Springfield rifle ammunition. These artillerymen were Antonio Garcia, Balvino Hoyos, and Antonio Cornejo. The supplies were received by General Colindres. ¶ On May 15th Capt. Heriberto Reyes led a bloody fight against the enemy, lasting three hours, in San Lucas jurisdiction, of Ocotal. In this fight 30 traitors perished, and 1 of the pirates who commanded them. On our side, we . . . "

44.  July 5, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of article in La Prensa, July 3, 1932, of "bulletin received from the Sandino headquarters in Nicaragua by Dr. Zepeda, General Representative of the 'Defense of the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua' Army," p. 3.     " . . . On June 1st Colonel Salgado led another bloody attack on the enemy, in Ciudad Antigua, in which we lost Federico Tercio, of San Marcos de Colón, Honduras. ¶ “On the same date General Colindres attacked the enemy in Los Bellorín, the fight lasting three hours. The enemy left 36 killed on the field, and supplies consisting of 14 woolen blankets, 3 capes, etc., and a field tent. On our side we lost Juan Pablo Bellorín, the owner of the ranch on which the fights took place. ¶ “To sum up the foregoing, we lost during the fights in the month of May, 10 killed and 4 wounded. The enemy losses were 131 killed and 30 wounded. And we captured from the enemy a total of 39 rifles, 7 machine-guns, 32 bombs, 18,740 cartridges, and 6 pistols .45. ¶ “I take this opportunity to say to our compatriots abroad that our Army, today as yesterday, is convinced that Nicaragua can only win her liberty by gunfire and loss of our own blood, and that we shall prevent, by force of right and arms, any election farce attempted to be held again in Nicaragua with foreign supervision. ¶ “All Nicaraguans interested in the cause of nationalism will be welcome to the ranks of our Army, provided they are not bound to any party and will obey our code, which prohibits us from maintaining relations with political parties intending to present themselves in elections supervised by foreign powers. ¶ “We are watching the Moncada proposals to amend the Constitution of Nicaragua in order to legalize the Bryand-Chamorro [Bryan-Chamorro] treaties of sad renown. Nevertheless, we declare that before accepting those treaties as legal, we will see the last Nicaraguan annihilated, and Nicaragua itself lie in ashes. ¶ “Patria and Liberty. ¶ A. C. SANDINO.”"

45.  July 1, 1932.  A. R. Harris, Military Attaché, Costa Rica, "Sale of Arms and Ammunition to Sandino," p. 1.     "S E C R E T ¶ A.R.H.Maj.G.S. ¶ July 1, 1932. ¶ G-2 Report. ¶ 2700. ¶ COSTA RICA (Population & Social) ¶ Subject: Public Order and Safety. ¶ Sale of Arms and Ammunition to Sandino. ¶ About three months ago there arrived in San José one Guillermo Lacayo, supposed to be a communistic agent and also a representative of Sandino. He seemed to have plenty of money although no visible means of support. After being here several weeks he became quite drunk one night at the Union Club. During the evening he grew boisterous and proceeded to tell Señor Abel Robles (formerly head of all the police of Costa Rica) that he had been a “hell of a policeman”. Lacayo asserted that he had used Limon as a base for shipping arms and ammunition to Sandino directly under the nose of Robles without Robles ever knowing anything about the matter. ¶ When this conversation was brought to the attention of the Military Attaché he made such investigations as he was able with the following results: That shortly before the revolution in Costa Rica in February 1932 a quantity of arms was shipped to Port Limon for the ostensible purpose of supplying the garrison in Limon for a campaign which was being organized against bandits operating in that region. These arms were taken from the Artillery Cuartel. It is reported that two hundred cases in all were sent to Limon. This shipment is said to have consisted of some three hundred 7 m.m. Mauser rifles, four machine guns and a quantity of ammunition. The machine guns are reported to have been stamped with the insignia of the Army of Guatemala. They were procured from the Guatemalan Government during the Costa Rica – Panama war in 1921. Later on, eighteen cases of munitions were shipped back to San José but were returned to the Bella Vista Cuartel. The other 180 cases are reported to have been sold to Sandino by the then Minister of Public Security, General Arturo Quirós. They were sent up the Atlantic Coast very secretly and are reported to have been delivered to Sandino somewhere in the vicinity of Bluefields or farther north. The Military Attaché was unable to learn the name of the agent who purchased these supplies from Quirós. It may have been Lacayo or one of the many Sandino sympathizers among the Nicaraguan refugees. ¶ Another shipment of arms was secretly brought to Limon and secretly reshipped to some point on the eastern coast of Nicaragua about the same time. This was in March or April. This last shipment is the one Lacayo evidently referred to in his drunken moments. ¶ From: M.A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 1664 ¶ Date: July 1, 1932."

46.  July 1, 1932.  A. R. Harris, Military Attaché, Costa Rica, "Sale of Arms and Ammunition to Sandino," p. 2.     " . . . G-2 Report. ¶ 2700. ¶ My informant is extremely reliable and there is every reason to believe that the above report is absolutely true. My informant further states that Lacayo is now in Paris. This may mean that he has transferred his headquarters from Mexico to Europe so as to be in closer touch with the communistic headquarters. ¶ The substance of the above report has been communicated to the Marine Brigade in Managua. ¶ Source: Reliable informant. ¶ A. R. Harris, ¶ Major, G.S., M.A. ¶ From: M.A. Costa Rica ¶ Report No. 1664 ¶ Date: July 1, 1932."

47.  July 15, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa. "Dr. CERDA, Alejandro--Nicaraguan resident in Danlí, Honduras," p. 1.     "The following telegram was recently sent by the Honduran Minister of Government to Dr. Alejandro Cerda at Danlí, relative to his supposed cooperation with Sandino: ¶ “Señor Doctor Alejandro Cerda G.--Through repeated information received in this Ministry, it is known that you sympathize with the Sandinismo in Nicaragua, furnishing all kinds of assistance. It is also known that you have housed and fed, and still do, persons who come from the camp of that rebel chief; from my personal knowledge of you I doubt that such reports are certain, but to cover yourself and to prove your impartiality in this matter, it would be well for you to publish statements in the press which are very clear in this respect. As you will understand, these reports do more than just injure you, they are injurious to the relations which Honduras is obligated to maintain with Nicaragua as they are neighbors and sister nations and in conformity with the existing treaties which obligate her to remain strictly neutral in political matters of the neighboring countries. Affectionately, Angel Sevilla p.” ¶ Cerda’s reply was as follows: ¶ “Señor Minister of Government, Don Angel Sevilla, Tegucigalpa.--The persons whom I have had the honor to entertain in my home are: the boy Paco Paniagua Prado, by order of the Excellent President of the Republic, Dr. Vicente Mejía Colindres; Don José Francisco Moncada, ex-Minister of Nicaragua in Honduras; and General Alberto Reyes, Deputy to the Nicaraguan Congress, who is actually in my home now, and who is here endeavoring to locate his cousin Don Enrique Sanchez Salinas, kidnapped and held by the forces of Sandino, all of which is known by the Private Secretary to the President of the Republic. In regard to the other charges against me I request that you inform yourself with the American Legation in Tegucigalpa, who can clear them. Thus I have the honor to reply to your attentive telegram of yesterday. Affectionately A. Cerda G.” ¶ Mr. Sevilla, the Minister of Government, is a prominent resident of Danli and knows Cerda well and personally was convinced that Cerda was innocent of aiding Sandino or his agents. Mr. Sevilla stated that the telegram was occasioned by the receipt of a message by the Honduran Government from the Nicaraguan Foreign Minister stating that Manuel Balladares had been seen with Cerda in Danli. Sevilla stated that Balladares and Cerda were old friends and it was perfectly natural for Balladares to visit Cerda. Cerda informed the Naval Attaché at the time that he had conversed with Balladares in Danlí. . . . "

48.  July 15, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa. "Dr. CERDA, Alejandro--Nicaraguan resident in Danlí, Honduras," p. 1.   " . . . Both Mr. Sevilla and Abel Gamero, Deputy to the Honduran Congress from Danlí, state that the only person in Danlí actually aiding Sandino is José Idiaquez; that Idiaquez is somewhat of a fanatic and the actual assistance he rendered the Nicaraguan bandits is negligible. They admit that it would be possible for him to obtain a few handfuls of ammunition from local soldiers but as only fifty rifles with ammunition for same are kept in Danlí, no great amount could be obtained there. ¶ The Minister of Government stated that a report had been received that Manuel Balladares took two machine-guns with ammunition with him when he went to Danlí, but that he was positive that this information was false as he was informed by a close relative who went to Danlí in the same car with Balladares that the latter carried no more than a handbag. ¶ Sandino’s forces have been positively known to inflict losses on the property of Cerda, and Cerda therefore realizes that it is to his advantage to appear openly as a friendly neutral, but he has secretly volunteered certain assistance to the Naval Attaché. ¶ COPY FURNISHED: Sec. Brig. USMC, Managua."

49.  July 15, 1932.  Naval Attaché, Tegucigalpa.  "Political Activities of Nicaraguans Resident in Honduras.     "On June 21st Manuel Balladares again visited the Naval Attaché in his office. Balladares stated that he had read in “The Pueblo”, a local newspaper, that Sandino would not accept as President any candidate elected under United States supervision. The translation of the article which originated in San Salvador follows: ¶ “SANDINO ACCEPTS CARAZO HURTADO OR CALDERON RAMIREZ. ¶ San Salvador (AP) V.C.- Sandino wrote to one of his sympathizers saying that he would not recognize any President of Nicaragua who is elected under supervision of United States, but would recognize Evaristo Carazo Hurtado or Salvador Calderon Ramirez if elected after the marines had evacuated the country and thus would the revolt be ended.” ¶ Balladares remarked that this statement was contrary to the statements made by Sandino to him and such being the case he was willing to return to Nicaragua and issue a manifesto to the people declaring Sandino an irresponsible outlaw with no good intentions. ¶ Manuel Balladares was asked his reason for visiting Sandino and replied: “My intention in visiting Sandino was honorable and for the purpose of establishing a background and exacting a promise from Sandino which could be used in the pacification of Nicaragua.[”] Naturally he had to convince Sandino that he had something to offer otherwise he would not have been received in his camp. ¶ Balladares claims that the pacification of Nicaragua is his one and only desire that he never had any intentions of joining Sandino in his banditry as such move would accomplish no more than to keep Nicaragua in upheaval and in poverty. Balladares expressed a desire to go to Managua and confer with Admiral Woodward, Chief of Board of Elections, to explain to him the real object in his recent activities. He admitted personal animosity for President Moncada but that it was nothing compared with his desire for peace. He said that he did not care to confer with the Nicaraguan Government as he knew that Moncada would not listen to him but simply place him in jail. ¶ Balladares’ movements have been somewhat restricted, the Honduran Government having confined him to the limits of Tegucigalpa and refused him permission to travel in Honduras except for the purpose of going to Salvador or Guatemala to which countries he would be given a passport. Balladares stated that he did not intend to leave Honduras until he had received word from Admiral Woodward as to whether or not he was desirous of listening to his ideas of the political situation in Nicaragua. He stated that if Admiral Woodward did not care to see him he would go to Salvador and give up his plan of pacification. ¶ The Naval Attaché informed Balladares that neither he nor the American Legation at Tegucigalpa had authority to assist him or to act as an intermediary for him. However if he desired to confer with Admiral Woodward he was at liberty to communicate with him upon the Admiral’s arrival in Managua."

50.  July 5, 1932.  Captain Robert E. Cummings, Acting Military Attaché, Mexico City.  Translation of article in Excelsior of Mexico City on June 16, 1932, "The Children Address Sandino, Asking him to end the fight Against the Invader of Nicaragua."     "G-2 Report ¶ 3950-a ¶ MEXICO ¶ POLITICAL ¶ SUBJECT: Foreign Relations, etc. ¶ Relations with Foreign Countries: ¶ SANDINO and the Nicaraguan Situation. ¶ 1. Following is translation of an article which appeared in “EXCELSIOR” of Mexico City on June 16, 1932. ¶ THE CHILDREN ADDRESS SANDINO ¶ Asking him to end the fight Against the Invader of Nicaragua ¶ The children of Nicaragua are calling upon General Sandino, through his representative in Mexico, Dr. Pedro J. Zepeda, asking him to put a stop to the fight against the North American invaders. ¶ Their message is truly significant, the text being as follows: ¶ “The schools have remained closed during the past year, which has made our hearts very sad, as we earnestly desire education as we know that it is the source of many benefits, both for the one acquiring it and for society in general. With education, many evils are prevented and crime diminished; if the men who kidnapped and assassinated the little Lindbergh boy had been cultivated, in heart and intelligence, perhaps they would not have committed such a terrible deed. And we, understanding this, suffer terribly from the lack of schools for every Nicaraguan child who desires learning in order to become a good citizen. ¶ “Aside from this, poverty is increasing in our beloved land, - and poverty brings crime in its wake. ¶ “We know that you represent General Augusto C. Sandino, our co-national, and through you we would like to reach him with our voice of anguish, - demanding peace for Nicaragua, and the ending of fratricidal strife, which has no right to be, - in order that in the future our Fatherland shall be great and our sovereignty maintained intact.” ¶ Robert E. Cummings, ¶ Captain, Infantry, DOL ¶ Acting Military Attaché ¶ C/p ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ From: M.A.Mexico. ¶ Report No. 3985. ¶ Date: June 17, 1932."