Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-17
The Nicaraguan Situation.

American Marines were stationed at
the Nicaraguan capital, Managua, from
1912 to 1925. They were sent to Mica
ragua because of disturbed conditions
and assigned as a Legation guard" to
see that American lives and property
were protected. In August. 1926. the
Marines were withdrawn and in De-
cember, 1925, @ much larger force was
landed, following fighting between the
liberal and conservative parties of Mica
ragua. The purpose of the landing was
20 establish neutral zones for the pro-
lection Of American and other foreign
lives and property. Eventually this
Government agreed to supervise an
election Of q President, and that cleo
ton was held In 1928. Since that time
the United States forces have continued,
ct the request Of the Niearaguan gov
eminent, to remain in the Central
American country. An announcement
was made early this year, however by
the administration that the Marines
would be withdrawn at an early date,
and already 1874 Of the Marines have
actually been returned.
Then came the earthquake at Mana
qua. causing many deaths and the
destruction Of great deal Of property
and following close on its heels attacks
BY bandits on various Nicaraguan towns,
with the loss Of several American lives
More recent reports indicate that the
bandits executed American civilians in
cold blood after they had been cap
tured. Today the United States is rush.
ing the cruiser Memphis and an addi-
tional gunboat to the disturbed area at
the request Of Secretary Stimson.
Despite the orders TO the Navy, Secre-
tary Stimson insists that the evacuation
Of the American Marines from Nicara-
qua viii 60 forward as planned, although
he qualities this assertion by saying that
this country viii have to protect Amer
tcan lives and will be guided BY
eventualities. When the announcement
was made by the administration no,
long ago that the Marines were to bt
withdrawn from Nicaragua there wa.
general approval. The United States
% It has been made clear time ant
again, has no imperialistic designs on
Nicaragua or any other Latin American
country. It's purpose In Nicaragua Ia.
been to aid the Nicaraguans establish
o stable government which was capable
Of caring for the Nicaraguans them.
selves and for protecting the lives ant
property Of foreign residents In thai
country. The recent strife In Nicaragua
Indicating that affairs In the countr,
are BY no means settled, comes as q
shock to those in the United State.
who had reached the conclusion thai
this country had done q good Job and
could now retire from Nicaragua.
It is possible that the government o
Nicaragua will be able to deal effec.
lively with the situation, aided as 4
Still Is by the forces Of the Unitec
States. The conclusion is unacceptable
however, that this country viii hav,
TO keep its shoulder to the wheel unit
affairs In the Central American coun
try have become more quiet. tn
United States cannot, for the sake O
the Nicsraguans whom it has sougn
70 aid, withdraw and leave the coun
try In q state Of chaos and strife. MOI
can It avoid the duty Of protecting
American citizens and the citizens O
other foreign nations within Nicaragua
The slaughter Of American civilians 4,
cold blood, as reported In dispatche
from Central America, Is not likely b
be condoned by the American people