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President's Secretary's File (Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration)
Diplomatic Correspondence
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PSF
Nicaragua
WAR DEPARTMENT
The Adjutant General's Office
Washington
March 30, 1939.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CHARLES LOVE MULLINS, JR.
MAJOR, INFANTRY
The records of this office show that Charles L.
Mullins, Jr., who was born September 7, 1892 at Gretna,
Nebraska, was appointed a Cadet, U.S. Military Academy,
June 14, 1913, and served as such to April 20, 1917,
when he was graduated and appointed a 2nd Lieutenant
of Infantry. He was promoted to lst Lieutenant, May 15,
1917; and to Captain (temporary), from August 5, 1917
to September 11, 1918. He accepted an appointment as
Major of Infantry, U.S. Army, September 12, 1918, to
rank from August 29, 1918; and was promoted to Captain
in the permanent establishment, September 20, 1919. On
June 30, 1920, he was honorably discharged from his
emergency appointment only, reverting to the grade of
Captain, Regular Army. He was detailed to the Air Corps,
from March 1 to May 20, 1927; and was promoted to Major,
January 1, 1933.
The degree of B.S. was conferred upon him by the
U.S. Military Academy, 1917. He is a graduate of the
Command and General Staff School, 1934; the Infantry
School, Company Officers' Course, 1925; advanced course,
1930; and the Air Corps Tactical School, 1932.
Upon
-2-
Upon the expiration of his graduation leave, he joined
and served with the 12th Infantry at the Presidio of San
Francisco, California, from June 18, 1917 to (on detached
service as student, Infantry School of Arms, Fort Sill,
Oklahoma, from October 26 to November 25, 1917) January 3,
1918; with his regiment at Camp Fremont, California, to
October 22, 1918; at Camp Mills, Long Island, New York, to
November 24, 1918; with the 12th Infantry at Camp Stuart,
Virginia, to May 2, 1919; Assistant Professor of Military
Science and Tactics, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois,
to May 31, 1919; on temporary duty in France with the American
Expeditionary Forces, from May 31 to July 27, 1919; Assistant
Professor of Military Science and Tactics, University of
Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, to November 1, 1919; with the
12th Infantry at Camp Meade, Maryland, to August 24, 1920;
with the 44th Infantry at the Presidio of San Francisco,
California, to September 20, 1920; en route to Honolulu,
Territory of Hawaii, to September 28, 1920; with the 44th
Infantry at Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii, to
December 31, 1920; Aide to Major General Charles G. Morton,
Commanding Hawaiian Department, to August 22, 1921;
Assistant to and Acting the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4,
Headquarters Hawaiian Department, Honolulu, Territory of
Hawaii, to June 17, 1924; en route to the United States
(sailed
-3-
(sailed June 17, 1924) and on leave to September 19,
1924; student, Company Officers' Course, the Infantry
School, Fort Benning, Georgia, to June 1, 1925; Instructor,
U. S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, to February 1,
1927; on leave and en route to new station to February 28,
1927; student, the Air Corps Primary Flying School, Brooks
Field, Texas, to May 12, 1927; on temporary duty with the
20th Infantry at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to May 31, 1927;
at Douglas, Arizona, with the 25th Infantry, to May 11,
1929; on leave to August 16, 1929; enroute to new station
to September 9, 1929; student, Advanced Course, the Infantry
School, Fort Benning, Georgia, to May 23, 1930; with the
25th Infantry at Camp Stephen D. Little, Arizona, to
August 13, 1931; on leave to September 7, 1931; student,
the Air Corps Tactical School, Maxwell Field, Alabama, to
June 12, 1932; on leave and en route to new station to
July 22, 1932; student, the Command and General Staff School,
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to (on temporary duty with the
Civilian Conservation Corps at Eugene, Oregon, from June 10
to August 20, 1933) June 16, 1934; with the 29th Infantry
at Fort Benning, Georgia, to February 10, 1936; Assistant
in Personnel Section, Office Chief of Infantry, Washington,
D. C., to July 5, 1938; on leave and en route to new station
to September 1, 1938; student, the Army War College, Wash-
ington,
-4-
ington, D. C., to the present date.
Major Mullins 18 married.
By authority of the Secretary of War:
E. S. ADAMS,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
meant
April 17, 1939.
MISSY:
Take up with Mrs. Helm. I think
this has been attended to by Mrs. Roosevelt.
F.D.R.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1939
MEMORANDUM:
Do the President and Mrs. Roose-
velt wish the invitations for the musicale
after the dinner for the King and Queen,
also that for the President of Nicaragua
and his wife, to be confined solely to
officials of the Government?
It would greatly simplify the
invitation list if it could be arranged
this way and no unofficials invited.
MRS. HELM
N.B. The East Room seats 300 persons
comfortably.
Dinner at the White House
Friday evening, May 5, 1939,
at 8 o'clock.
The President and Mrs. Roosevelt
The President of Nicaragua end Senora de Somoza
Hon. Dr. Manuel Cordero Reyes
Lieut. Octavio Sacasa
)
Lieut, Pedro Nolasco Ramero)
Aides
The Minister of Nicaragua and Senore de De Bayle
The Vice President and Mrs. Garner
?
The Chief Justice and Mrs. Hughes
The Secy of State and Mrs. Hull
The Secy of the Treasury and Mrs. Morgenthau
The Secy of War and Mrs. Woodring
The Attorney General
The Postmaster General and Mrs. Farley
The Secy of the Navy and Mrs. Swanson
The Secy of the Interior and Mrs. Ickes
The Secy of Agriculture and Mrs. Wallace
The Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Labor
The Speaker and Mrs. Bankhead
Sen. and Mrs. Key Pittman
Sen. and Mrs. William E. Borth
Rep. and Mrs. Sem D. McReynolds
Rep. and Mrs. Hamilton Fish
Gen. and Mrs. Malin Craig
Adm. and Mrs. William D. Leahy
Maj. Gen. and Mrs. Thomas Holcomb
Hon. and Mrs. Sumner Welles
Hon. and Mrs. Stephen T. Early
Brig. Gen. and Mrs. Edwin M. Watson
? Capt. Daniel J. Callaghan
Hon. George T. Summerlin
Miss Marguerite LeHand
Dr Bowe ?
+
57
who gots new Chlian to
Rep. of state Dept
mut Frmozas
RECEPTION FOLLOWING DINNER
Friday evening, May 5, 1939,
at 10 o'clock.
Mr. Justice McReynolds
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Butler
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Stone
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Roberts
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Black
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Reed
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Frankfurter
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Douglas (will probably take oath in April)
Mr. Justice Van Deventer
)
Mrs. Sanford L. Rariden
)
all retired
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Sutherland)
Mr. Justice and Mrs. Brandeis
)
Sen. and Mrs. Pat Harrison
Sen. and Mrs. Walter F. George
Sen. Robert F. Wagner
Sen. Tom Connally
Sen. and Mrs. Elbert D. Thomas
Sen. and Mrs. Frederick Van Nuys
Sen. and Mrs. James E. Murrey
Sen. and Mrs. Lewis B.Schwellenbach
Sen. and Mrs. Claude Pepper
Sen. Theodore F. Green
Sen. Robert R. Reynolds
Sen. Joseph F. Guffey
Sen. and Mrs. Guy M. Gillette
Sen. and Mrs. Hirem W. Johnson
Sen. Arthur Capper
Sen. and Mrs. Robert M. La Follette, Jr.
Sen. and Mrs. Arthur H. Vendenberg
Sen. and Mrs. Wallace H. White, Jr.
Sen. and Mrs. Henrik Shipstead
Rep. and Mrs. Sol Bloom
Rep. and Mrs. Luther A. Johnson
Rep. and Mrs. John Kee
Rep, and Mrs. James P. Richards
Rep. Thomas C. Hennings, Jr.
Rep. and Mrs. James A. Shanley
Rep. and Mrs. Joseph L. Pfeifer
Rep. and Mrs. Aaron Lane Ford
Rep. and Mrs. Ed. V. Izae
Rep. Robert L. Mouton
Rep. and Mrs. Robert G. Allen
Rep. and Mrs. Pete Jerman
Rep. and Mrs. Laurence F. Arnold
Rep. and Mrs. W. 0. Burgin
Rep. and Mrs. Charles A. Eaton
Rep. George Holden Tinkham
Rep. Mith Nourse Rogers
Rep. and Mrs. Bruce Barton
Rep. and Mrs. Robert B. Chiperfield
Rep. and Mrs. Robert J. Corbett
Rep. and Mrs. John M. Vorys
Rep. and Mrs. Foster Stearns
Rep. and Mrs. Andrew C. Schiffler
Hon. R. Walton Moore
Hon. and Mrs. Francis B. Sayre
Hon. and Mrs. George S. Messeramith
Hon. and Mrs. Adolf A. Berle, Jr.
- 2 -
Hon. and Mrs. John W. Hanes
Col. and Mrs. Leuis A. Johnson
Hon. and Mrs. Robert H. Jackson
Hon. and Mrs. William W. Howes
Hon. and Mrs. Charles Edison
Hon. Harry Slattery
Hon. and Mrs. Milburn L. Wilson
Hon. and Mrs. J. Monroe Johnson
Hon. and Mrs. Charles V. McLaughlin
(notall the lists Co
Hon. and Mrs. Harry B. Mitchell, Civil Service Cogin.
heads
are
Hon. and Mrs. Marriner S. Eccles, Fed. Res. System
Hon. and Mrs. Robert E. Freer, Fed. Trade Commission
Hon. and Mrs. Raymond B. Stevens, U.S. Teriff Commission
Hon. Stewart McDonald, Fed. Housing Adm.
Brig. Gen. and Mrs. Frank T. Hines, Vet. Administration
Hon. Frederic A. Delano, Nat'l Capital Park & Planning Comm.
Dr. Leo S. Rowe, Pan American Union
Hon. and Mrs. Norman H. Davis, Am. Nat'l Red Cross
Hon. and Mrs. Jesse H. Jones, R. F. C.
Hon. and Mrs. John H. Fahey, Fed. Home Loan Bank Bd.
Hr. and Mrs. Harcourt A. Morgan, Tenn. Valley Auth.
Hon. and Mrs. Aubrey Williams, Nat'l Youth Adm.
Col. F. C. Harrington, Works Progress Adm.
Hon. and Mrs. Robert Fechner, Civilian Conservation Corps
(Chr. of Sec. & Exch. Comm. later)
Hon. and Mrs. Warren Lee Pierson, Export-Import Bk. of Wash.
Hon. and Mrs. Arthur J. Altmeyer, Social Security Board
Rear Adm. and Mrs. Enory S. Land, U. S. Maritime Comm.
Hon. and Mrs. Edward J. Noble, Civil Aeronautics Auth.
Seh. and Mrs. Alben W. Barkley - Majority Leader
Sen. and Mrs. Charles L. McNary - Minority Leader
Rep. Sam Rayburn, Majority Leader
Rep. Joseph W. Martin, Jr. - Minority Leader
? Sen. and Mrs. Sherman Minton - Senate Whip
? Rep. and Mrs. Patrick J. Boland - House Whip
163+
Some members of the Nicaraguan Legation to be selected by
the State Department
Mr. McDermott and other members of the party to be designated
by Mr. Summerlin
Only undersecretaries of Departments or ranking assistant
secretaries, where there is no undersecretary, have
been included, since it is my understanding that the
President does not wish the entire Little Cabinet invited.
ADDRESS OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
file
April 29, 1939
My dear General Watson:
I am enclosing herewith for the information
of the President biographic data in regard to
His Excellency General Anastasio Somoza, President
of Nicaragua, and the members of his party. The
memorandum was prepared in the Division of the
American Republics.
Sincerely yours,
Hoharles spruks
H. Charles Spruks
Acting Chief, Division of Protocol
Brigadier General Edwin Watson, U.S.A.,
Secretary to the President,
The White House.
CONFIDENTIAL BIOGRAPHIC DATA ON PRESIDENT
ANASTASIO SOMOZA AND MEMBERS OF HIS PARTY
President Anastasio Somoza was born February 1,
1896 in San Marcos, Nicaragua. He was educated in the
schools of Nicaragua and attended Pierce Business
College in Philadelphia for two years, where he studied
accounting. He resided in the United States from 1914
to 1920 and was employed for four years as a traveling
auditor with the Page Motor Company. Upon his return
to Nicaragua he held various posts with the Government,
including the position of Under Secretary of Foreign
Affairs and Under Secretary of War. He was appointed
Sub-Director of the Guardia Nacional on November 14,
1932, becoming Director of that organization on
January 1, 1933 upon the withdrawal of the American
Marines from Nicaragua. General Somoza was elected
President in December 1936 and assumed office January 1,
1937 for a term of four years. His term of office was
extended early this year by a Constituent Assembly and
he was re-inaugurated on March 30 to hold office until
May 1, 1947.
President Somoza 18 addressed informally as "General"
and
-2-
and is known to his intimates as "Tacho". He has a
fluent command of colloquial English, which he enjoys
speaking. He has a pleasing and persuasive personality,
although he is not considered - even by his friends -
to be a very forceful character. Since his election to
the presidency he has retained his informal, approachable
manner and has given no signs that he is unduly impressed
by the importance of his office. His rise to power in
Nicaragua may be attributed principally to his political
acumen and his pleasing personality rather than to any
profound abilities or outstanding qualifications for
office.
President Somoza is believed to have a sincere
affection for the United States. He has consistently
displayed a desire to cooperate fully with this Govern-
ment and to cultivate our friendship.
Doña Salvadora de Somoza, née De Bayle, the wife
of President Somoza, is a Nicaraguan woman of consider-
able charm and distinction. She 1s a sister of the
present Nicaraguan Minister in Washington, Dr. León
De Bayle. As a young woman she attended school in the
United States for a number of years and has an adequate
command of the English language. The Somozas have three
children
-3-
children, two sons and one daughter, who are all attend-
ing school in this country. The daughter, age 17, is
accompanying her parents as a member of the official
party.
Dr. Manuel Cordero Reyes, Nicaraguan Minister for
Foreign Affairs, TRE born in Nicaragua in about 1887.
He was educated in the public schools of Nicaragua and
studied law in the University of Santiago, Chile. He
was formerly President of the Supreme Court of Nicaragua
and served as delegate to the Central American Conference
in Quatemala in 1934, and to the Pan American Conferences
at Montevideo in 1933 and Lima in 1938. He also repre-
sented the Nicaraguan Government at the conference in
San José, Costa Rica, in 1937 and 1938 for the settlement
of the Honduras-Nicaragua boundary dispute.
Dr. Cordero Reyes speaks almost no English and has
not resided in the United States although he 18 believed
to be sincerely friendly toward this country. He is
sympathetic toward Chile because of his education in
that country and the fact that he is married to a Chilean
woman.
Dr. Cordero Reyes is highly intelligent and through
his
his successful administration of the Nicaraguan Foreign
Office has acquired a considerable degree of influence
with President Somoza.
The Presidential party will also include two
military aides of the rank of Captain and an orderly.
RA: Drew: VIL:GRS 4/26
fersonal
PSF: nicaragua
May 1, 1939
Discussions to be held with President Somoza of Nicaragua
President Somoza of Nicaragua, after repeatedly
indicating his desire to visit the United States and
eventually receiving an invitation to visit the White
House, desires to discuss the possibility of obtaining
financial and technical assistance from the United States
Government. It is considered advisable to lend reasonable
cooperation to Nicaragua in certain respects where there
will be fairly definite benefit to the United States as
well as to Nicaragua.
I. The matters on which it is believed the United
States will not wish to take favorable action are as
follows:
a) Interoceanic Canal
This matter and the following, "b) San Juan River
Canalization, are believed to be the principal items on
President Somoza's program of discussions.
It is understood that the House Committee which
has been considering a bill to construct an additional
set of locks and bypass channels at the Panama Canal, as
well as proposed legislation to construct a Nicaraguan
interoceanic canal, will report favorably on the Panama
Canal project and will shelve the Nicaraguan project
without report. It is estimated that the additional locks
at Panama will take care of expanding commercial and naval
traffic during the next 75 years and will provide the
- 2 -
same strategic duplication of facilities as would a
Nicaraguan canal. There 18 accordingly no indication
that the United States will need to construct a Nicaraguan
interoceanic canal before 2000 A.D.
The Nicaraguans contend that the United States has a
moral obligation to take action on the option to construct
an interoceanic canal under the Bryan-Chamorro Treaty,
and there is a possibility that this contention may
eventually be publicized and create 111 will toward
the United States in other American Republics as well
as Nicaragua (the contention received some attention at
the Buenos Aires Conference in 1936). The record shows,
however, that the Bryan-Chamorro Treaty was signed in 1914
largely as a result of Nicaraguan initiative and interest,
and at a time when the imminent opening of the Panama
Canal gave no reason to believe that a Nicaraguan Ganal
would be soon constructed. Under the Treaty, the Nicaraguan
Government received 3 million dollars which were used,
in large part, to pay old debts.
The position of the United States in this matter is
believed to be basically sound, and it is possible that
disproportionately large and unusual assistance to
Nicaragua might tend to weaken this position by being
an implied admission of special obligation.
b) San Juan River Canalization
Upon failure to receive encouragement concerning the
- 3 -
interoceanic canal, President Somoza will undoubtedly
suggest the canalization of the San Juan River, with
the cost of canalization to be applied against eventual
interoceanic canal payments to Nicaragua. United States
Army engineers estimate that the canalization would cost
from 6 to 9 million dollars (the interoceanic canal would
cost approximately 1 billion 100 million dollars), and
that it would be of comparatively little use in connect-
ion with the construction of a future interoceanic canal.
This canalization would probably also require negotiations
with Costa Rica in which the United States would almost
inevitably become involved.
It appears that the Nicaraguan Government has no
intention of requesting a loan for this canalization, and
it is believed that if the outright expenditure of such a
large amount were to be considered by the United States
it would be much more wisely invested in projects of
apparent international use such as connecting links
in the Inter-American Highway. It is very unlikely that
the economic advantages from canalization of the San Juan
River would warrant the necessary expenditure, since the
Atlantic coast region is very sparsely settled and in a
generally deteriorated condition because of banana disease
and depleted timber resources.
c) Highway to Atlantic Coast
As in the case of the suggested San Juan River
- 4 -
canalization, it 18 believed that the cost of a highway
from Managua and other central cities of Nicaragua to the
Atlantic Coast region would not be warranted by the economic
advantages gained. Such a highway would cost at least one
and a half million dollars which could be much more wisely
used on links of the Inter-American Highway or lateral
roads in the populated areas of the country.
d) Increase in Quota and Decrease in Duty for
Nicaraguan Sugar imported into the United States
It appears to be entirely impracticable to attempt
any special quota or duty concessions on Nicaraguan sugar,
because of inevitable complications with other more important
sources of supply (1.e., Peru and Dominican Republic). More-
over, only one Nicaraguan company exports sugar to the United
States.
e) Export-Import Bank Credit Facilities for Certain
Public Works believed to be Impracticable
It is believed to be inadvisable to consider extension
of Export-Import Bank credit facilities for certain works
such as:
1) Port of Corinto dredging. Although important
shipping lines have abandoned stops at Corinto
on the pretext of shallow harbor facilities,
the true reason 18 understood to be the small
amount of business obtainable. There is accord-
ingly no reason to believe that dredging would
stimulate traffic to any extent.
2) Airport at Managua. It 1s understood that
- 5 -
President Somoza 1s interested in the construction
of a new airport on some property he owns about
five miles from Managua, with a view to constructing
a racetrack on the present airport which 18 practi-
cally in the city.
II. While it 1s not considered practicable to encourage
President Somoza concerning the preceding projects in his
program of discussions, it 18 believed that there are certain
important respects in which the United States can lend
mutually beneficial technical and financial cooperation to
Nicaragua which in the aggregate will provide a compendium
of arrangements entirely commensurate with the importance
attributed in Nicaragua to President Somoza's visit. The
matters on which the United States is or may be prepared to
take favorable action are as follows:
a) Links in the Inter-American Highway and
Important Connecting Lateral Roads
Assistance in the construction of links in the Inter-
American Highway and important connecting lateral roads is
suggested as the most important of cooperative measures
which may be adopted. President Somoza has not indicated,
however, that he plans to discuss the Inter-American Highway
to any noteworthy extent.
In this connection, it is believed that it would be
desirable at this time to encourage reasonably prompt
completion of the Inter-American Highway to the Panama Canal, by
-6-
proportionate offers of technical assistance and outright
expenditures under close supervision to all the Central
American countries where the highway has not been com-
pleted. In view of the short time in which to arrange
for such uniform cooperation prior to President Somoza's
visit, it is suggested that Export-Import Bank credit
facilities might be granted to Nicaragua for this purpose
under close technical supervision extended by the Bureau
of Public Roads (it is estimated that completion of the
Nicaraguan section of the Inter-American Highway will
cost approximately 8.4 million dollars, of which not
more than half appears to be allotted for services and
materials that would need to be imported).
b) Export-Import Bank Credits for Public Works other
than Roads
Export-Import Bank credits might be advanced for
exports of United States materials and equipment for
projects, other than the roads mentioned, where such
projects are considered economically feasible by engineers
working in cooperation with the Export-Import Bank. Such
projects might possibly include:
1) A hydro-electric light and power development
between Lake Managua and the Pacific Ocean,
and other light and power developments; and
2) Purchase of new rolling stook and other equipment
for the Pacific Railway.
The
-7-
The Export-Import Bank has agreed to consider the
extension of credits aggregating 3 million dollars for
highway construction and for the works and purchases
mentioned under "b)," in addition to the "Exchange and
Stabilization Fund" mentioned under "c)," following.
A memorandum indicating the bases upon which the Export-
Import Bank would determine the extension of financial
assistance has been prepared forpresentation to
President Somoza by the Secretary of State. The public
debt of Nicaragua on January 31, 1939 was as follows (in
millions of dollars):
Sterling debt of 1909
2.0
Customs Bonds of 1918 (cordobas) ...
0.5
Consolidated debt (internal)
2.8
Frozen commercial debt (approx.) ... 2.0
Other
0.8
Total
8.2
c) Exchange Stabilization Fund for the National
Bank of Nicaragua
It is believed that a line of credit up to $500,000
might usefully be extended by the Export-Import Bank for
an exchange stabilization fund to avoid seasonal and
other unusual short-term fluctuations in the international
value of Nicaraguan currency, with resulting benefit to
international trade. Prolonged experience indicates,
however,
-8-
however, that such financial cooperation should be
extended only under the closest supervision by an
American expert or experts. If the Nicaraguan Govern-
ment refuses such supervision, the credit facilities
would undoubtedly result in more difficulties than
benefits. The present Nicaraguan tendency is toward
the elimination of foreign financial experts in positions
of administrative control.
d) Purchase of Small Ships
There is some indication that the Nicaraguan Govern-
ment may need a vessel to replace one now in freight and
passenger service on Lake Nicaragua, as well as a small
ship for usealong the East coast of the country.
Inquiries indicate that vessels suitable for these
purposes are probably not at present obtainable from
the United States Government, but if the Nicaraguan
Government wishes to provide fairly definite specifications
of the vessels required, this Government will be glad to
lend assistance in finding a reliable source of supply.
e) Agricultural Cooperation
President Somoza wishes to institute an agricultural
school and experiment station. It is believed that
United States cooperation in this regard might be extended
in the form of an agricultural survey such as already
contemplated
-9-
contemplated under the program of cooperation with the
American republics. Technical assistance might sub-
sequently be given in the organization of an experiment
station based on indications of possible complementary
non-competitive production which may result from the
survey. The Department of Agriculture has indicated
that it is prepared to cooperate promptly in this regard
in the event of authorization of the appropriation for
this purpose, and has prepared a memorandum on
Nicaraguan agricultural possibilities for presentation
to President Somoza by the Secretary of State. The
Goodyear Company has offered to give Nicaraguans technical
training in rubber growing on the Goodyear plantation in
Costa Rica, and also to give a reasonable supply of
rubber tree clones to the Nicaraguan Government. Also,
there is a possibility that the United Fruit Company
might be persuaded to undertake rubber and abaca growing
in Nicaragua.
f) United States Army Officer as Director of the
Nicaraguan Military School.
The War Department has agreed to furnish an officer
to be Director of the Nicaraguan Military School. Major
Charles L. Mullins has been selected for this assignment,
but announcement of his designation is being deferred
until the arrival of President Somoza. A biographical
statement concerning Major Mullins is attached hereto
and
-10-
and it is suggested that the President may wish to hand
this statement to President Somoza with the comment that
if he agrees with the selection, public announcement will
be made.
g) Other United States Government Experts
Other United States Government experts which the
Nicaraguan Government may request, such as a sanitation
engineer which it is believed may be desired, might be
loaned under the regular procedure of Public 545.
III. Another matter concerning which it is believed
President Somoza may seek comment by United States Govern-
ment officials is the question of creating a Nicaraguan
Government monopoly of oil distribution (and possibly
refining - not now done in Nicaragua - which might use
Mexican 011). In the event of creation of a government
monopoly, the United States Government would expect full
compensation of the West India Oil Company (Standard Oil
subsidiary now controlling distribution in Nicaragua) for
any properties, equipment or supplies that might be
appropriated by the Nicaraguan Government and full
observance of any contractual rights of the Company, but
it is believed that no comment should be made in this
regard at this time, since such comment might be used
as
-11-
as an implied agreement to the creation of the monopoly.
On the other hand, a general agreement concerning equitable
treatment of American enterprise might be obtained in
connection with the Nicaraguan arrangements.
IV. While there are no important specific matters
in which the United States desires special action by
Nicaragua, it would be unfortunate to lose this oppor-
tunity to clear up several minor matters. The Secretary
of State may wish to discuss with President Somoza these
matters, such as certain unusual documentary requirements
for merchandise imports, etc., which are listed on a
sheet attached hereto.
Concessions which might be obtained from the
Nicaraguan Government are:
a) Elimination of all Nicaraguan Government
documentary requirements in connection with
shipments to the American Minister at Managua
(of special interest in connection with
current construction of a new Legation building);
b) Elimination of special merchandise documentation
on shipments from the United States, now required
in order to obtain most-favored-nation concessions
under Nicaraguan treaties with certain other
countries;
c) Elimination of present unusual delays in replies
to requests of importers for dollar exchange;
d) Elimination of multiple exit visas now required
of United States citizens leaving Nicaragua.
CONFIDENTIAL
(LS
7-11-66
FUTURE ENGAGEMENTS OF THE PRESIDENT
Revised to May 3, 1939.
May 5- President of Nicaragua at White House.
6 -
"
If
"
leaves White House.
10 - 10400 9,55,m 1 Radio broadcest dedicating new building
of the Museum of Modern Art, N.Y.
22 - Address Retailers National Forum, sponsored by
American Retail Federation.
(?)
June 2 - 150th Anniversory Ceremonies, Georgetown University
2:00 p.m.
8 - King and Queen of England at White House.
9 - "
"
-
If
leave White House.
9 - The President leaves White House for Hyde Park.
10 - King and Queen of England at Hyde Park
11 - # " .
"
leave Hyde Park
12 - West Point Graduation Exercises - address.
152
(?) 19 - The President leaves in evening for Smoky Mountain
National Park.
(?) 20 - Asheville. Lv. that night for Western trip.
(7) 20 - 35th Reunion Harvard Club,
28 - Conference of Governors - Luncheon at Hyde Park
(Mrs. Roosevelt to act if the President not there)
Nov 11 - Virginia Military Institute - speech.
PIDENTIAL
CLS
7-11-66
PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR THE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY
The President of Nicaragua and Senora de Somoza
Friday, May 5th
11:20 A.M.
Arrive at Washington. Formal dress. The President and
Senora de Somosa will be met in the Presidential Reception
Room at the Union Station by the President and Mrs.
Roosevelt. President Somoza will present his suite to
the President and Mrs. Roonevelt, and the President in turn
will present the members of the reception committee as
follows:
The Vice President and Mrs. Garner
The Chief Justice and Mrs. Hughes
The Speaker and Mrs. Bankhead
The Secretary of the Treasury and Mrs. Morgenthau
The Secretary of War and Mrs. Woodring
The Attorney General
The Postmaster General and Mrs. Farley
The Secretary of the Navy and Mrs. Swanson
The Secretary of the Interior and Mrs. Ickes
The Secretary of Agriculture and Mrs. Wallace
The Secretary of Connerce
The Secretary of Labor
The Under Secretary of State and Mrs. Welles
Senator and Mrs. Pittnan
Representative and Mrs. McReynolds
The Chief of Staff
The Chief of Naval Operations
The Commandant of the Marine Corps
Friday, May 5th (continued)
The President and Mrs. Roosevelt will escort President and
Senora de Somoza to the guard of honor drawn up outside the station.
Photographs will be made following the honors. No broadcast.
Members of the reception committee and others will enter their
automobiles at the side of the Reception Room while the President and
Mrs. Roosevelt and President and Senora de Somoza are receiving the
honors and the photographers. Procession to the White House with
military escort.
12:15 P.M.
Arrive at the White House. Immediately following the arrival at the
White House there will be & Diplomatic circle in the East Room for the
Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions and their wives. The Minister of
Nicaragua will present the Chiefs of Missions to the President of
Nicaragua and Senora de Somoza.
1:00 P.M.
Small luncheon at the White House.
3:00 P.M.
The Presidential Party will leave by motor car for Mount Vernon
where the President of Nicaragua will lay a wreath at Washington's Tomb.
The party will then leave Mount Vernon by motor car and will stop at
4:30 P.M.
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery, where the
President of Nicaragua will lay 8. wreath upon the Tomb.
8:00 P.M.
State dinner at the White House. Full evening dress.
Reception with music. President Somoza and Senora de Somoza will
remain at the White House for the night.
CONFIDENTIAL
(2)
file
7-11-66
PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR THE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY
The President of Nicaragua and Senora de Somoza
Friday, May 5th
11:20 A.M.
Arrive at Washington. Formal dress. The President and
Senora de Somoza will be met in the Presidential Reception
Room at the Union Station by the President and Mrs.
Roosevelt.
President Somoza will present his suite to
the President and Mrs. Roosevelt, and the President in turn
will present the members of the reception committee as
follows:
The Vice President and Mrs. Garner
The Chief Justice and Mrs. Hughes
The Speaker and Mrs. Bankhead
The Secretary of the Treasury and Mrs. Morgenthau
The Secretary of War end Mrs. Woodring
The Attorney General
The Postmaster General and Mrs. Farley
The Secretary of the Navy and Mrs. Swanson
The Secretary of the Interior and Mrs. Ickes
The Secretary of Agriculture and Mrs. Wallace
The Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Labor
The Under Secretary of State and Mrs. Welles
Senator and Mrs. Pittman
Representative and Mrs. McReynolds
The Chief of Staff
The Chief of Naval Operations
The Commandant of the Marine Corps
Friday, May 5th (continued)
The President and Mrs. Roosevelt will escort President and
Senora de Somoza to the guard of honor drawn up outside the station.
Photographs will be made following the honors. No broadcast.
Members of the reception committee and others will enter their
automobiles at the side of the Reception Room while the President and
Mrs. Roosevelt and President and Senora de Somoza are receiving the
honors and the photographers. Procession to the White House with
military escort.
12:15 P.M.
Arrive at the White House. Immediately following the arrival at the
White House there will be a Diplomatic circle in the East Room for the
Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions and their wives. The Minister of
Nicaragua will present the Chiefs of Missions to the President of
Nicaragua and Senora de Somoza.
1:00 P.M.
Small luncheon at the White House.
3:00 P.M.
The Presidential Party will leave by motor car for Mount Vernon
where the President of Niceragua will lay a wreath at Washington's Tomb.
The party will then leave Mount Vernon by motor car and will stop at
4:30 P.M.
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery, where the
President of Nicaragua will lay a wreath upon the Tomb.
8:00 P.M.
State dinner at the White House. Full evening dress.
Reception with music. President Somoza and Senora de Somoza will
remain at the White House for the night.
Published in
Foreign Relations of the United States
1939 Vol. V
The American Republics
pages 731-732.
RLS 5/19/58
RLJ 5/19/58
PSF Nicaragua 1939
[5-22-39]
Presidencia de la República
Managua Nicaragua.
MEMORANDUM FROM PRESIDENT SOMOZA TO PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
1. Nicaragua and my Government favor the construc-
tion of the inter-oceanic canal.
2. When Nicaragua negotiated the Bryan-Chamorro
Treaty, she acted fundamentally on the assumption that the
inter-oceanic canal would be constructed by the United
States in the more or less near future.
3. For Nicaragua, the indefinite postponement of
this project means the stagnation or the frustration of her
most valuable natural resource, destined to exercise a pre-
ponderant influence over her progress and development.
4. Nicaragua does not ask a revision of the Bryan-
Chamorro Treaty; but, on the contrary, continues to offer
her cooperation in the defense of the United States, which
is likewise her own.
5. Nevertheless, if the United States indefinitely
defers the construction of the inter-oceanic canal, Nicaragua
considers it fair that the United States should assist in
the canalization of the San Juan River, in order to eliminate
to some extent the injuries Nicaragua would suffer from this
indefinite postponement.
Presidencia de la República
Managua. Nicaragua.
-2-
6. This work -- the canalization of the San Juan --
not only would benefit the commerce of Nicaragua and other
near-by regions, with the United States, but would contri-
bute also to the objectives related to military defense.
7. Nicaragua suggests that this assistance be
given through an additional treaty with the United States,
in which it would be stipulated that the cost of the canal-
ization be applied, without interest, to the indemnities
of a pecuniary nature that the United States would pay
Nicaragua, in accordance with the Bryan-Chamorro Treaty,
when she decides to carry out the construction of the inter-
oceanic canal.
8. At the same time, Nicaragua is desirous of
including in these stipulations whatever provisions both
countries may deem advisable in order to derive advantages,
also, from the canalization, for the objectives of military
defense.
9. A negotiation of this character would have the
double advantage of correcting the legal defects which have
been adduced against the validity of the Bryan-Chamorro
Treaty;
Presidencia de la República
Managua. Nicaragua.
-3-
Treaty; and of ending the criticism which has been leveled
against the treaty by many sectors of public opinion in
this hemisphere; it would, furthermore, reinforce the
confidence which the Good Neighbor policy has inspired.
10. Nicaragua believes that an additional treaty
on the bases herein indicated, would not meet with opposi-
tion in the Senate of the United States, if President
Roosevelt should lend it the support of his personal in-
fluence, and if the circumstances and objectives underly-
ing the negotiations should be revealed.
11. These points are substantially the same as
those set forth in detail in the Memorandum of November 8,
1938, presented by my Government to the Department of State.
Amaza
Washington, D.C.
May 22, 1939
PSF Nicaragor
The President of Nicaragua (Somoza) to President Roosevelt,
Washington, May 22, 1939.
Published in Foreign Relations of the United States, 1939, Vol V
The American Republics, pages 725-727.
RLJ
5/23/58
President Roosevelt to the President of Nicaragua (Somoza),
Washington, May 22, 1939.
Publihsed in Foreign Relations of the United States, 1939, Vol. V,
The American Republics, pages 728-730.
RLJ
5/23/58
file
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Micraguas
May 24, 1939. 1939
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE S TATE DEPARTMENT
FOR TRANSLATION
F.D.R.
DIVISION OF
MAY 24 1939
THE AMERICAN REPUBLICS
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
(Translation)
Nicaraguan Legation
Washington, D. C.
May 20, 1939
Dear Mr. President:
I have received with the greatest pleasure the
photograph which Your Excellency had the kindness to
dedicate to me.
Permit me to express my feeling of profound grati-
tude for this positive indication of friendship with
which you have honored me, and to assure you, at the
same time, that I will preserve it as one of the best
remembrances of my visit to this country while accom-
panying the President of Nicaragua. It is a remembrance
which accords with my admiration for your brilliant per-
sonality and for your policies as President of the
United States which cause you to be judged by impartial
observers as one of the most illustrious heads of state
of the present time and as one of the men who has striven
to accomplish and consolidate the noblest tasks for the
benefit of your fellow-citizens and of the rest of man-
kind, at the very time when the humanitarian sentiments
which centuries of civilization had developed appear to
be most gravely menaced.
I beg Your Excellency to accept the assurances of
my most devoted consideration and friendship.
M. CORDERO REYES
Minister of Foreign Relations of
Nicaragua
To His Excellency
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States,
The White House.
RA:Lawton:VIL 5/24
LEGACION DE NICARAGUA
WASHINGTON, D.C.
mayr/20/939.
Estimaro Reur Presidente:
placencing he recibido la
Con la mayor com-
fotograpia que Yusha Exce-
lencia two la bonket de
dedicarme
Permitance er-
a Su Excelencia
Franklin D. Rooserelt
Presidente de loo Estadas Unidas
La Casa Blanca.
(2
presarle mix sentimentor
de patities for tan
senalada de amix
tal em que Le ha seroids
distriguirme, y anampes.
tarle, al propio tiempo que
la guardave cmo hud de
loo mejores recuerdos de
mi visita a este pais - a
companando al Presiden-
te de Uicarapia - y/ Come
corresponde a mi admira-
cion for su brillante per-
sonalidad y yor su actua-
cion Cmro Presidente de
3
hos Estadoo unidos, que to
destacan ante loo observatores
imparciales, Cmo und de has
Gobernantes mas ilustres de
la hora actual y Camer und
de los hombres que se ha
emperato lu levantar y
consolidar la mas no We
construcción en favor
conciudadanos y de todas
los demas humber, preci-
samente cuando el sentida
humanitario que bahin al
canzado lun civilizacion
de signat, parece mat
uriamente amenazado
celencia aceptar las segn- -
huego a Vuestra Ex-
sidades de mi was de-
nota anistad emsideracion y
Raps
minito de Relaciones Exterin-
res de hicorafua-
May 29, 1939
My dear President Somoza:
I have received with great pleasure the
signed photograph which you so graciously sent
to me.
Your visit to this country has given me
much pleasure and has, I feel certain, been
mutually beneficial to both our countries. It
is my hope that our countries and our people
will always continue to enjoy the friendly re-
lations which so happily exist between them.
Please accept my sincere thanks for the
special token of our friendship.
With best wishes for your health and
happiness, I am
Your Good Friend,
His Excellency
General Anastasio Somoza,
President of Nicaragua.
[TRANSLATION]
Office of the President of the Republic
Managua, Nicaragua
No. 346.
October 24, 1941.
His Excellency Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
Highly esteemed and good friend:
It has been for me 8. reason for deep satisfaction to
have received, through the Legation of the United States
in Nicaragua, the pleasing news of the effective aid which
the American Red Cross has rendered to the Nicaraguan Red
Cross, consisting of money and a considerable quantity of
medicines, to alleviate the hard conditions of the persons
injured by the cyclone that scourged the Atlantic Coast
of my country.
Such precious aid again displays the altruistic and
elevated sentiments of humaneness which have always inspired
your great people in all the generous acts which it performs
time and again. Mr. Pierre de Lagarde Boal, Minister of
your Nation in my Country, participated in that noble action
in very good time, through his generous intercession.
Because of those splendid acts which interpret your
feelings, permit me to express to you, in the name of the
Nicaraguan people, my Government and myself, our profound
thanks for such a signal demonstration of fraternity with
Nicaragua
Nicaragua in the hours of a situation of anguish for a
region of her territory in which thousands of her
inhabitants were left in a precarious situation.
I avail myself of this pleasing occasion to renew
to you the warm assurance of my personal cordial sympathy
and adherence, and remain,
Your very affectionate friend,
A. SOMOZA.
Tr:JWP:HSF
OF AND
OCT 28 1941
Oct Oct 28 RECEIVED 28 THE I 00 WHITE AM i/1 HOUSE
Presidencia de la República
of state
Managua. Nicaragua.
RECEIVED
No. 346.
24 de Octubre 1941
Excmo. Señor Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
Presidente de los Estados Unidos de América,
Washington - D. C. - U. S. A.
Muy estimado y buen amigo,
Motivo de profunda satisfacción ha sido para mi haber
recibido la grata noticia, por conducto de la Legación de los
Estados Unidos en Nicaragua, de la eficaz ayuda que la Cruz
Roja Americana ha prestado a la Cruz Roja Nicaragüense, con-
sistente en dinero y considerable cantidad de medicamentos,
para aliviar la dura condición de los damnificados por el ci-
clón que azotó la Costa Atlántica de ni país.
Tan valiosa ayuda, nucvamente pone en evidencia los al-
truistas y altos sentimientos de humanidad qué han inspirado
siempre a ese gran pueblo en todas las generosas acciones que
frecuentemente realiza. En tan noble acción, intervino muy
oportunamente, prestando ou generosa mediación, el Sr. Pierre
de Lagarde Boal, Ministro de esa Nación en mi País.
Por esos hermosos gestos, que interpretan los sentimion-
tos de Ud., permitame expresarle, en nombre del pueblo nicara-
güense, de mi Gobierno y en el mio propio, nuestro profundo -
agradecimiento por tan señalada demostración de confraternidad
nara Nicaragua en horas de angustiosa situación para una región
de su territorio, en la que han quedado en difícil situación
millares de sus habitantes.
Aprovecho esta grata ocasión para reiterarle el vivo
testimonio de mi cordial simpatía y adhesión personales, repi-
tiéndome su muy afectisimo amigo,
you
A. SOMOZA.
jjb-
Removed for Exhibit 9-20-85
CORREO AEREO
Presidencia de la República
DE NICARAGUA
Managua. Nicaragua.
OFICIAL
#346.
Excmo. Sr. Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
Presidente de los Estados Unidos de América,
WASHINGTON - D. C. - U. S.A. -
2
Mibrred
25
25
26 OCT
ENTAVOS
DE CORDOBA.
\
MANAGUA, D. N., Nia
TSF
Presidencia de la Republica
Managua. Nicaragua.
February 26th. 1942.
No. 57.
My dear friend:
In sending you this letter at a time when you are
engaged in the gigantic task of directing war measures for
the preservation of our democratic ideals, I am governed sole-
ly by the critical situation facing my country and the urgen-
cy of obtaining inmediate assistance to advert this crisis.
Until recent years, our chief source of revenue has
been derived from growing and exporting coffee. During the
past two generations, sporadic developments of Nicaragua's
mineral resources have been attempted. Unfortunately, these
mining activities, due to lack of adequate capital, were con-
fined to small scale operations, producing very little revenue
to the country.
Since I have become President, foreign capital has
been invited to Nicaragua, favorable concessions have been
granted and certain guarantees have been given, with the re-
sult that with confidence in the stability of my government,
millions of dollars have been invested by United States and
Canadian companies, in developing and putting into operation
on a large scale the neglected gold fields of Nicaragua. The
importance of the mining industry in Nicaragua is self evident.
Gold now constitutes 65% of the total of Nicaraguan exports.
This major development by the mining companies of
one of our natural resources has been a most vital one, as in-
dicated by these figures:
1) - Yearly taxes paid to the Nicaraguan Government
amount to $414.000 U.S. Cy.
2) - Yearly wages and salaries paid in Nicaragua
amount
His Excellency
Mr. Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America.
Washington, D. C.
- 2 -
Presidencia de la República
Managua. Nicaragua.
amount to $1.519.000 U.S. Cy.
3) - Yearly local expenditures in Nicaragua other
than for labor amount to approximately $513.000 U.S. Cy.
4) - Foreign drafts brought into Nicaragua through
the National Bank amount to approximately $1.650.000 U.S. Cy
annually.
5) - The business derived from the mines has enabled
the Transportes Aéreos Centro Americanos to maintain in Nica-
ragua an efficient air service from coast to coast, and the es-
tablishing of numerous landing fields through the country.
The representatives of the mining companies have in-
formed me that unless they can obtain the necessary materials
for the operations of the mines and reduction plants, they will
be compelled to shut down the mines. Should this happen, a
great deal of suffering and unrest will be caused throughout
Nicaragua, thousands of my countrymen will be without resour-
ces and unable to properly provide for their families.
The eastern half of Nicaragua where two large mining
districts are situated, will be completely paralyzed. For
lack of revenue from the mines, the Transportes Aéreos Centro
Americanos will be unable to maintain its present organization
and air transport service. The Standard Fruit & Steamship Com-
pany now servicing the East coast of Nicaragua will be forced
to suspend their shipping schedule, as since the failure of the
banana industry it is depending solely on the freight for the
mines.
Should the mines be forced to close down for lack of
operating material, the figures given in this letter show the
direct and indirect losses that must be sustained by my Govern-
ment.
Nicaragua is not in so favorable a position as other
Latin American countries where metals necessary for war are
being mined, as to date our country is unique in only having
developed gold mines.
The mining companies have closely co-operated with
me in the development of our mineral resources. Each year they
have
Presidencia de la República
- 3 -
Managua Nicaragua.
have increased their operations and widened the scope of their
activities in Nicaragua.
Detailed lists of the material requirements to main-
tain operations have been submitted to the State Department
at Washington. The total tonnage of these diversified mate-
rials required by all the mines in Nicaragua to permit them
to operate will not exceed 10.000 tons a year. This is an in-
finitesimal amount in comparison to the amount of materials
exported from the United States to more fortunate Latin Ame-
rican countries where lead, zinc, copper and other base metals
are being mined, and where priorities have been granted.
I have been advised by the companies that they will
be forced to suspend operations during 1942 unless a blanket
rating known in Washington as preference rating order P56 is
given.
In order to prevent what will practically mean an
economic disaster to Nicaragua, I make this personal request
that full consideration be given to the problems presented
herewith, and that instructions be issued to permit the export
of necessary supplies to keep the Nicaraguan mines operating.
I am my dear Mr. President,
Sincerely yours
A. SOMOZA
cst.