IN NICARAGUA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 118, 20 April 1931, Page 7

IN NICARAGUA

BANDITS’ ACTIVITIES. PROTECTION OF WHITE PEOPLE. INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) TV ASHINGTOIs , April 18. The State Department’s insistence on the carrying out of a plan for the withdrawal of marines from Nicaragua has developed into a spirited discussion following an announcement by Mr H. L. Stimson, Secretary of State, that lie had advised the American Legation in Licaragua that “this Government cannot undertake the general protection of Americans there.”

The policy, while affecting only residents of the interior (since American ships are guarding the coastal towns), is particularly interesting from an international viewpoint, for in the interior, where bandits are staging a new uprising, in addition to Americans there are many British subjects and people of other nations who commonly have looked to the United States for safeguard in such circumstances. Mr Stimson, however, has recommended that those who are not feeling secure under Nicaraguan protection should leave the interior or remain “at their own risk.”

A message from Puerto Cabezas (Nicaragua) states that Americans, following the receipt of word of Mr Stimson’s warning, are dropping their businesses and evacuating their homes in this district. The resident agent of the Standard Fruit Company has pointed out that the presenco of many British subjects may cause grave complications. Meanwhile the bandits’ activities are reported to" be spreading. Thus the Nicaraguan situation overnight has assumed proportions of an international problem. The developments during the last 24 hours have been as follow : The British Government, following the killing of two British subjects, is understood to have informed the United States that unless adequate protection is afforded she may be compelled to send a cruiser to the scene.

The question is whether this constitutes a violation of the Monroe Doctrine.

Mr Stimson has issued another statement that the jungle nature of the country makes it practically impossible for the United States marines to cope with the bandits. The statement defends the American policy and comments bitterly upon the rebel activities. “The events of last week have pretty thoroughly torn the mask off the character of that mystical patriot, Sandino,” states Mr Stimson. “His lieutenants are shown to have engaged in a deliberate plan of pillage against the helpless civilians of various nationalities.” In the meantime the bandits have retreated into their fastnesses, again biding their time before striking once more.

Foreigners concentrated at Puerto Cabezas will he evacuated aboard American warships if necessary. The United States, it is understood, will demand that the Nicaraguan Government shall furnish protection to foreigners. It is disclosed that President Hoover’s determination to reduce the American forces in Nicaragua, resulting in a gradual reduction from 5090 to 500. has been dictated by the policy of trade. From sources close to the President it has become known that he feels “that the previous course has cost the United States both friendship and trade in Latin America.” It is understood that he consulted various Senators on the step and was assured of the support of important members. Senator Borah declared that he approved of withdrawal “as rapidly and as effectively as the situation can be adjusted.” In the meantime considerable popular feeling has been aroused by stories of atrocities told by 30 refugees arriving aboard the steamer Cefalu, with its flag half-mast, at New Orleans. Victims of the raids in the Puerto Cabezas region were chopped to pieces and otherwise mutilated.