2 January 1920.
Excerpt from 1916 Report, Lt. Ross E. Rowell, USMC.    [Note:  Rowell's entire 1916 "Military Monograph of Nicaragua" is accessible via the GUARDIA HOMEPAGE, and is also accessible HERE.]

November 7, 1921.
Report on Rates of Pay in Nicaraguan Army, Military Attaché for Central America.

March 5, 1925.
Memorandum on the Nicaraguan Constabulary, Col. James H. Reeves, p. 1.   "G-2/2028-3 ¶ G-2 ¶ JHB ¶ March 5, 1925. ¶ MEMORANDUM FOR THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF: ¶ Subject: Nicaraguan Constabulary. ¶ 1. Referring to your penciled note on a letter dated January 28th, from Mr. George F. Lyon, concerning subject, the following information taken from press releases of the State Department, is submitted. ¶ In a letter dated November 14, 1923, from the American Minister to the Nicaraguan Government (in which the withdrawal of the Marines in January 1925 is indicated) the following occurs: “If the Government of Nicaragua desires, the American Marines now stationed in Managua will be directed to organize and instruct the Nicaraguan Constabulary. Part of the salaries of the Marines will be paid by the Government of the United States”. ¶ On December 13, 1923, the Nicaraguan Government declared an agreement in principle with the suggestion but declined to accept at the time due to lack of funds. ¶ In his inaugral [inaugural] address on January 1, 1925, President Solorzano stated that at an early date he would submit to Congress a project for the creation of a national guard (constabulary) which had already been discussed, and that he was “disposed to accept the good offices of the American Government in obtaining instructors for such organization”. ¶ In a letter to the American Charge, dated January 7, 1925, the Nicaraguan Foreign Minister writes: “** the President expresses his definite desire that the detachment of American Marines be not withdrawn, until there shall have been established under the guidance of American instructors an efficient service of the national guard **”. ¶ In a reply thereto, dated January 15, 1925, the American Charge states: “The Government of the United States *** is prepared to accede to that Government’s request and to permit the Legation . . . "

March 5, 1925.
Memorandum on the Nicaraguan Constabulary, Col. James H. Reeves, p. 2.   " . . . Guard to remain for such time as is absolutely necessary for the organization of a new police force (constabulary). It can accede **** only upon the definite understanding that the work of organizing the police force will be immediately undertaken and energetically prosecuted in accordance with a suitable plan”. “*** It is disposed to permit the Legation Guard to remain *** not later than September, 1925”. ¶ 2. Major Messersmith, U. S. M. C., office of Naval Intelligence, stated informally over the phone that a working agreement had been arranged whereby the present Legation Guard, augmented by two Marine Captains and two Lieutenants shortly to be detailed, would forthwith assist in the organization and instruction of the constabulary but strictly in an advisory capacity. ¶ 3. G-2 has no information relative to the statements in the press clipping attached to Mr. Lyon’s letter, concerning the call for a special session of the Nicaraguan Congress to consider the matter, or that the proposed constabulary is to be officered by Americans. ¶ JAMES H. REEVES, ¶ Colonel, General Staff, ¶ A. C. of S., G-2. ¶ 11s"

July 1925.
Regulations for National Guard School, p. 1.   "For purposes of administration, drill and ceremonies, the forces of the National Guard are organized in a Batallion [Battalion]. ¶ The eight so-called companies are generally forced into four provisional companies. ¶ REGULATIONS FOR NATIONAL GUARD SCHOOL, APPROVED BY THE MINISTER OF GOVERNMENT AND THE PRESIDENT, AS PRESENTED BY THE DIRECTOR, JULY, 1925. ¶ CHAPTER I. ¶ Art. 1. School to be under Director, who is responsible for instruction, discipline, etc. ¶ Art. 2. Director and Instructors, as per art. 6 of decree establishing National Guard, form faculty. ¶ Art. 3. Students, pay of same, etc., in conformity with budget, Congress & Executive. ¶ Art. 4. Selection of students to be made by the faculty of the school. ¶ Art. 5. REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION, Officers. ¶ (a) To be single. ¶ (b) Not less than 18 nor over 26 years. ¶ (c) Pass the required physical examination. ¶ (d) To have completed primary school. ¶ (e) Moral qualifications. ¶ (f) Citizen of Nicaragua. ¶ Art. 6. Examination of candidates may be held in Managua, or other places in the republic. ¶ Art. 7. Certificates of birth, conduct and education required before being admitted to examination. ¶ Art. 8. Mental examination includes: ¶ (a) Reading and writing in Spanish. ¶ (b) Arithmetic. ¶ (c) Geography. ¶ (d) Probable aptitude. ¶ Art. 9. 70% average in all and not less than 60% in each subject. ¶ Art. 10. Examination to be announced in the official “Gaceta” from time to time. ¶ Art. 11. The instruction for student officers will be for two years, which may be reduced to less in accordance with exigencies of the Government. ¶ Art. 12. Course of studies for officers will include: ¶ (a) Military Science and Tactics. ¶ (b) Regulations & Special Instructions and orders of the National Guard. ¶ (c) Constitution of Nicaragua. ¶ (d) Criminal Law. . . . "

July 1925.
Regulations for National Guard School, p. 2.   " . . . (e) Administration. ¶ (f) Military Law. ¶ (g) Elements of International Law. ¶ (h) Topography. ¶ (i) Equitation and Physical Culture. ¶ (j) Hygiene & Sanitation, first aid. ¶ (k) Police duties. ¶ (l) Riot duties. ¶ Art. 13. The detailed course of instruction to be prepared by the school faculty. ¶ Art. 14. Reports to be sent to Minister of Government of progress ¶ Art. 15. Names of distinguished students to be published periodically. ¶ Art. 16. For eligibility as Lieutenant in the Guard students must have completed the two year’s course of instruction and have passed a mental examination with 70% as average and 60% on each of the foregoing subjects. ¶ Art. 17. Student officers to live in separate quarters. ¶ Art. 18. Students may be permitted a furlough of one month a year. ¶ CHAPTER II: ¶ Art. 19. Noncommissioned officer students to be selected from enlisted. ¶ The examination will be oral and will comprise: ¶ (a) Reading. ¶ (b) Writing. ¶ (c) Arithmetic. ¶ (d) General aptitude. ¶ Art. 20. Student noncommissioned officers will be given general instruction as officers, but in elementary manner. ¶ Art. 21. May be reduced in case of bad conduct or deficiency. ¶ CHAPTER III: ¶ Art. 22. The Guard students will constitute all others not enumerated. ¶ They will receive instruction in: ¶ 1. Military science. ¶ 2. Regulations. ¶ 3. Criminal Law. ¶ 4. Police duty. ¶ 5. Hygiene & Sanitation. ¶ 6. Primary & Elementary Schooling. ¶ Art. 23. The course for student officers is divided into four semesters; the one for noncommissioned officers is one year, and for privates one year also. . . . "

July 1925.
Regulations for National Guard School, p. 3.   " . . . 1st Semester: ¶ Maximum Points. ¶ 1. Administration ¶ 25 ¶ 2. Infantry Drill ¶ 200 ¶ 3. Firing Regulations ¶ 50 ¶ 2nd Semester: ¶ 4. Hygiene & Sanitation ¶ 25 ¶ 5. Military Law ¶ 25 ¶ 6. International Law ¶ 25 ¶ 7. Topography ¶ 25 ¶ 3rd Semester: ¶ 8. Fortifications ¶ 25 ¶ 9. Hypology & Equitation ¶ 25 ¶ 10. Organization & Tactics ¶ 25 ¶ 11. Security & Information ¶ 25 ¶ 12. Field Service Regulations ¶ 25 ¶ 4th Semester: ¶ (a) Constitution of Nicaragua ¶ 100 ¶ (b) Penal, Civil & Criminal Codes ¶ 100 ¶ (c) General Aptitude ¶ 100 ¶ (d) Police Duties ¶ 50 ¶ (e) Service Record ¶ 100 ¶ Total ¶ 1000 ¶ DAILY HORARY OF INSTRUCTION ¶ From ¶ To ¶ Period ¶ Kind of Instruction ¶ a.m. ¶ 6:30 ¶ 7:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ Practical, drill ¶ 7:30 ¶ 8:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ “ ” ¶ 8:30 ¶ 9:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ Theoretical, civics ¶ 9:30 ¶ 10:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ Practical, drill ¶ 10:30 ¶ 11:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ Theoretical, primary instr. ¶ p.m. ¶ 1:30 ¶ 2:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ Theoretical ¶ 2:30 ¶ 3:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ Practical ¶ 3:30 ¶ 4:30 ¶ 1 hour ¶ Theoretical ¶ 8 hours daily, 40 hours per week. ¶ SATURDAY ¶ 8:30 ¶ 10:30 ¶ Reviews & Inspection. ¶ INCIDENTIALS – Night Operations. ¶ (a) City patroling [patrolling]. ¶ (b) Outguards. . . . "

August 9, 1925.
Newspaper clipping from the Baltimore Sun, "Southern Republics Use U.S. Army Men: Major Carter to Organize Nicaraguan Constabulary," p. 1.   "SOUTHERN REPUBLICS USE U. S. ARMY MEN ¶ Major Carter To Organize Nicaragua Constabulary As Check To Revolutionary Elements. Other Nations Plan Similar Arrangements. ¶ MAJOR C. B. CARTER ¶ [Washington Bureau of The Sun.] ¶ Washington. Aug. 8.—Central American countries are planning to tackle the problem of recurring revolutions by organizing native constabularies under American leadership. ¶ This Government, in a treaty agreed to at the Central American conference, with Nicaragua, Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica participating, offered its good offices by sponsoring a plan for the organization of native constabularies under command of American officers of military experience. Active or retired officers of the military force of the United States, however, are not eligible for employment by the Southern nations. ¶ Nicaragua Employs American. ¶ Already Nicaragua, scene of many a revolution, has employed an American to organize its constabulary, which will replace the United States Marines now on their way back to Quantico after thirteen years’ service in the Pan-American republic. Honduras, where revolutions have been waged even more violently than in Nicaragua, is about to close a contract with another American. And Guatemala has taken initial steps with the State Department, looking toward the recommending of some one to take charge of a constabulary there. ¶ The American who is to organize the Nicaraguan constabulary is Major C. B. Carter, Infantry Reserve Corps. He already is on the ground taking the preliminary steps to form a military organization to preserve order in the absence of the departing marines. To Honduras will go Lieut.-Col. Jean Horace Arthur Day, who studied at Annapolis and who has been in several wars. ¶ Asked Retention Of Marines. ¶ Nicaragua, in the opinion of officials here, has had ample opportunity to organize her constabulary with the aid of the marines to drill the new forces. But, since she has not taken advantage of them, the whole work of organization devolved upon Major Carter. ¶ Former Secretary Hughes made several gestures at withdrawing the marines from Nicaragua, and each time the administration there asked that they be retained. Last winter it was announced that the marines would be retained until not later than September 1, but the Nicaraguans failed to take steps to provide an organization of their own. A request in May for a further extension of the stay of the marines was denied, so the Government of Nicaragua had to make preparations for doing the police duty that the Government of the United States had been doing for it. ¶ Major Carter A Texan. ¶ Major Carter, whom the War Department recommended for the job and whom the State Department approved, is a Texan, a graduate of a high school and business college of the Lone Star State and also of the Southwestern University at Georgetown, Texas. He enlisted in the army in 1907, but resigned after a few months’ service to accept a commission as an officer in the Philippine constabulary. In this organization he was successively promoted until he reached the rank of major. He was appointed provincial governor of the Province of Cotabato in 1917 and continued in this office until 1919, when he retired to engage in various private enterprises in the Philippines. ¶ Major Carter was a major in the reserve corps from 1917 to 1922, but was not called to active service because of the request of the Governor-General of the Philippines that he be retained in his position there. For his new job he had the indorsement of Gov.-Gen. Leonard Wood, General Pershing and many others. ¶ Contract Is For One Year. ¶ The office of commander-in-chief of the Nicaraguan constabulary will pay the American $600 a month plus a house which is at his disposal. He has two assistants. His contract with the Nicaraguan Government is for one year. ¶ Colonel Day, who is negotiating for similar services in Honduras, probably will contract for a longer period. He already has been selected and only the details of the contract await final action. ¶ A native of Belgium, where he was born forty-nine years ago, Colonel Day has had a varied military career. But he objects to his being called a “soldier of fortune.” ¶ Left Naval Academy. ¶ He entered the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1897, but before the completion of his course he resigned to enter the Marine Corps, where he served with the ranks of lieutenant and captain from 1899 to 1915. In the latter year he left the marines to fight with the Belgian Army in the World War. Here again he was both a lieutenant and a captain. ¶ “I fought with the Belgians because my mother lived in Belgium,” he said. ¶ With the marines Colonel Day had served in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine insurrection and the China campaign. After the World War he was with the Shipping Board two years. His home is in Newport, R. I. Belgium decorated him with several medals, including the Order of the Royal Crown and the Croix de Guerre, and Great Britain gave him the Military Cross."

August 9, 1925.
Newspaper clipping from the Baltimore Sun, "Southern Republics Use U.S. Army Men: Major Carter to Organize Nicaraguan Constabulary," p. 2.   [For transcription, see immediately above.]

August 9, 1925.
Newspaper clipping from the Baltimore Sun, "Southern Republics Use U.S. Army Men: Major Carter to Organize Nicaraguan Constabulary," p. 3.   [For transcription, see above.]

October 1, 1925.
Letter from Major C. B. Carter, Managua, to US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, p. 1.   "CONFIDENTIAL ¶ Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, ¶ Managua. ¶ October 1, 1925. ¶ Honorable Charles C. Eberhardt, ¶ American Minister, ¶ Managua, Nicaragua. ¶ Sir: ¶ In compliance with your request I have the honor to furnish you the following information. ¶ The undersigned with Daniel Rodriquez arrived in Managua on July 16th. L. F. Schroeder, the other American instructor was awaiting us and we immediately started the work of organizing a National Guard of Constabulary Force. ¶ Some two hundred men had been collected from different parts of the country and were living under miserable conditions in the “Nueva Reforma”. A competent physician was employed to examine these men physically and about 80 of them were rejected as unfit for service. ¶ Very little instruction was given the men at the “Nueva Reforma”, due to lack of room and the fact that they were not getting sufficient food. There were no kitchens or cooking facilities, and the men were being given 30¢ per day in cash with which to buy their food. ¶ Upon the departure of the American Marines, August 3rd, we moved to “Campo de Marte” and occupied their former quarters, establishing a mess the same day and beginning a regular schedule of instruction. ¶ The appropriation for the National Guard was C$70,000.00 for the six months ending December 31st. Of this amount about C$12,000.00 had been spent for clothing, shoes, rent, rations and mahogany boards for the men to sleep on. A budget was prepared, and it was found that the appropriation would allow us to enlist only 200 men. We found no difficulty in securing volunteers, and in fact have been forced to turn away many good men. ¶ The problem of training these men, without officers or noncommissioned officers of experience, has been heart breaking, and our only salvation is the excellent material with which we have to work. ¶ Enclosure to No. 1,806 from Guatemala, June 3, 1926. . . . "

October 1, 1925.
Letter from Major C. B. Carter, Managua, to US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, p. 2.   " . . . CONFIDENTIAL ¶ It has been impossible to give any amount of individual training and we have had to rely upon the instruction we were able to give the officers, and the natural intelligence of the enlisted men. I have never seen soldiers so willing and anxious to learn. ¶ Soldiers of the Nicaraguan regular “army” have never been properly clothed, fed nor paid; received practically no instruction; are impressed into service; and get no medical attention of any value. In case of emergencies, the usual plan is to arrest every man of military age they find on the streets, arm them, get them drunk, and send them out for action. The idea of soldiers being properly cared for, trained and disciplined, is entirely new in this country, and the result is apparent in this organization. Young men of some of the best families of Nicaragua have enlisted for the three year period, and we have received requests from numerous parents asking us to take their sons in the National Guard and make men out of them. ¶ Our clothing and equipment is far short of what it should be. Most of the uniforms are second hand, bought at some sale of army supplies in the United States. We have no raincoats, haversacks, canteens or mess kits, and are absolutely unprepared to take the field in case of emergency. ¶ The organic law provides that we shall cooperate with the army is cases of emergency. Official requests have been made in writing and orally for machine guns so that we might instruct our men in this branch. We have about 30 rounds of rifle ammunition per man, although I understand that the government has millions of rounds in its arsenals. ¶ It might be contended that this organization is only a school of instruction, but since the “bochinche” of August 28th we have been called upon to furnish a guard for the president’s house; patrol the town of Managua, and are now sending nightly patrols from 7 p.m. till daylight to assist the police in preserving order on the outskirts of the town. We have orders that, incase of an attack on the fortress “La Loma”, the National Guard is to assist the forces there in repelling the attacking force. To do this with our present arms and ammunition would be almost suicidal. On September 26th Major Schroeder with 42 men was sent to Ticuantepe, by order of the Minister of Government, to investigate a report from the Chief of Police of that town to the effect that 300 armed men were congregated there. We divided the ammunition so that he could have 50 rounds per man, but had this report been true, and had he been attacked his entire command would have been in serious danger, and only because of lack of ammunition. ¶ Our quarters are inadequate for the number of men we now have. Many of the soldiers are sleeping on the porches of the barracks, and during this rainy season are getting soaking wet at times. There are several buildings within and adjoining the camp, that could be used for barracks, which are now occupied by small groups of the “regular army”. ¶ Enclosure to No. 1,806, June 3, 1926, from Guatemala. . . . "

October 1, 1925.
Letter from Major C. B. Carter, Managua, to US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, p. 3.   " . . . CONFIDENTIAL ¶ We have tried our utmost to keep politics out of the organization, and I am confident that our efforts along these lines have been successful. From time to time men of different party affiliations have given us valuable information regarding plans and movements within their (former) political party. A good example of this was the arrest of General Miranda and five Colonels of the Chamorrista party. The officer in charge of the patrol that accomplished this arrest was a rabid “Chamorrista” before he joined the National Guard. It has been learned since that these arrests interfered with a plan to attack “La Loma” that night, September 24th. ¶ To summarize: the immediate necessity of this organization is more arms and ammunition; more barracks; more American instructors; and sufficient funds to recruit to our full authorized strength. ¶ I have stressed our difficulties, not to complain, but in the hope that through your influence we might get more facilities for our work. With these facilities and with the superior material as to enlisted personnel which we have, it is my opinion that this organization will eventually be an honor to their country and a certain guarantee of law and order in the republic. ¶ (Sgd) C. B. Carter, ¶ Chief, National Guard. ¶ Enclosure to No. 1,806, June 3, 1926, from Guatemala."

November 3, 1925.
Despatch from US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 1.   "Managua, November 3, 1925. ¶ No. 67. ¶ The Honorable ¶ The Secretary of State, ¶ Washington, D. C. ¶ Sir: ¶ Supplementing despatch No. 43 of October 2, 1925, and comment which has been made concerning the constabulary in recent despatches from this office on Political Conditions in General, I have the honor to transmit herewith a self-explanatory communication which has been submitted to me by Major Carter, instructor of the constabulary, which will indicate the conditions under which his men were obliged to act in the armed fighting which occurred in Managua on Sunday, October 25th, following the occupation by General Chamorro of the fortress La Loma. ¶ The . . . "

November 3, 1925.
Despatch from US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 2.   " . . . The Department will probably experience little surprise at the disclosures contained in Major Carter’s report. His organization has never been given wholehearted support or encouragement. On the contrary, it has received such frequent and apparently well-thought-out discouragements that almost any officer other than Major Carter would long ago have asked to have his contract rescinded as even he has been on the point of doing several times. ¶ The organization has been at one and the same time a school of instruction; a guard for the President’s home; a special police force; a regular city patrol; and an army unit expected to act defensively and offensively. Numerically their greatest strength has thus far been about 300 men – increased recently from 250 men for the purpose of forming a secret service division or bureau of information. This appears to be the only request of Major Carter that has been fully and promptly complied with, but even at its most efficient stage the organization has never been allowed even one machine gun nor more than thirty rounds of ammunition per man, in spite of repeated requests from both Major Carter and this Legation that they at least be equipped with efficient arms for self defense in case of attack. ¶ Nevertheless under all this handicap the progress of these men has been such as to compel a most wholesome . . . "

November 3, 1925.
Despatch from US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 3.   " . . . some respect for the organization and they of themselves prevented no less than two attempts (between the incidents of August 28th and October 25th) to take the Loma. There seems not the slightest doubt that within thirty to sixty days of their formation, had they been amply armed they could have taken La Loma, held it against an attack and protected the city. However, to arm them in this manner and place them in control of the arms and the Loma did not meet with the approval of the President. Furthermore, whether intentionally of with negligence that was little short of criminal, the President permitted arms to be removed from the fortress and finally thus enabled General Chamorro, almost single-handed, to take over the fortress without any apparent resistance. ¶ Chamorro more than anybody realized the efficiency of the constabulary. It was for this reason that at daylight of the morning on which he took the local garrison, he called both Major Carter and myself by telephone to inquire what would be the attitude of the constabulary toward his forces. This office was non-committal, of course. Major Carter advised the General that he had to take orders from the President. The latter was evidently either (a) deceived by the Chamorristas, “The Outs”, (b) dominated by them, or (c) finally in connivance with them. Otherwise he could hardly have acted as he did, when, rejecting ¶ their . . . "

November 3, 1925.
Despatch from US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 4.   " . . . their offer of aid in defense of the city, he not only refused to give the constabulary arms sufficient for an offensive movement but also refused to give them arms sufficient for their own protection. He even gave them several orders, any one of which, had they been complied with, would have meant the entire annihilation of the organization. This was only prevented by Major Carter’s long experience in constabulary matters and his magnificent grasp of all phases of the complicated and difficult situation. He and his men were indeed, as he states, “step-children” of the Government, barely escaping sacrifice to the ambitions of the political leader. ¶ Logically enough, “The Ins” are usually in favor of a well-trained constabulary. Such was the case recently with the liberals who wanted the constabulary to be placed in command of La Loma. The Chamorro element were opposed. It is doubtful if in these countries such an organization free from politics is ever wanted, but rather one made up largely of men of the same political faith as is held by those in power. Thus, General Chamorro and the conservatives as a whole who formerly opposed strengthening the organization now recommend its increase by several hundred men and their continued training under Major Carter. ¶ For . . . "

November 3, 1925.
Despatch from US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 5.   " . . . For some days following the fighting of October 25th, there were open threats and attempts on the part of Chamorro’s armed rabble to ambush and slaughter the constabulary, whom they greatly outnumbered. This became so serious that Major Carter appealed directly to General Chamorro to end the suspense by taking an open stand either for or against the constabulary. ¶ Now that he is in command, General Chamorro is said to be willing to permit enlistments without regard to what may be or may have been the political preference of the men. A great deal will depend upon his attitude in this question of personnel. ¶ Major Carter has repeatedly spoken in the highest terms of the material he has had for the formation of a first-class constabulary. If he is permitted to have complete control of the personnel, keeping politics strictly out of the organization, there is every indication that a highly efficient constabulary can be built up in a comparatively short time. If politics is permitted to enter into the organization, Major Carter sees no other course open to him than to take advantage of that part of his contract which provides that he be given three months’ salary ¶ in . . . "

November 3, 1925.
Despatch from US Minister Charles Eberhardt, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 6.   " . . . in advance, his contract be rescinded, and he be permitted to leave the country. ¶ I have the honor to be, Sir, ¶ Your obedient servant, ¶ Charles C. Eberhardt. ¶ Enclosures: 1. Mr. Carter to Mr. Eberhardt, dated October 28, 1925."

May 6, 1926.
Establishment of Department of Aviation in Nicaragua, report by H. M. Gwynn, US Military Attache, Guatemala, p. 1.   "G-2 report. ¶ 6100. ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Organization. ¶ (a) Establishment of Department of Aviation. ¶ By official decree, dated March 13, 1926, a Department of Aviation was established in Nicaragua, attached to the Ministry of War. A translation of the decree authorizing this department, reads as follows: ¶ ***1. To create a Department of Aviation attached to the Ministry of War with the employees who may be necessary for the administration of all matters relating to this branch, and to promote its improvement in the country; to study and submit for the approval of Congress all such laws of aviation as may apply to the country, whether they have reference to the military, civil, commercial or other branches of aviation, and for all things which make for the betterment and safety of aerial navigation. The Department of Aviation will have complete control and administration over all branches of aviation. ¶ 2. The executive power is authorized to create a body of military aviation with its corresponding fleet of aeroplanes in accordance with the existing international treaties, and a school of aviation in addition, with instructors of any nationality to be determined, for training a body of Nicaraguan pilot aviators. ¶ 3. The Government will construct, on its own account, two first-class landing fields, one in Managua and the other in Bluefields, which will have all the accommodations and fittings necessary for aerial service. These two landing fields must be in square blocks and have 800 varas on each side of the square. It will also construct along the proposed routes landing fields necessary for the safety of aerial traffic. In the same way, the executive is authorized to construct at an early date the landing fields to establish communication with Matagalpa, Jinotega, Estelí and Ocotal, and other parts of the republic where such fields may be considered necessary. No company or private individual, Nicaraguan or foreigner, will be permitted to construct landing fields without due authorization from the executive. ¶ 4. For the creation of the Department of Aviation attached to the Ministry of War, of a military body of aviation, the purchase of aeroplanes of the school of aviation, the construction of landing fields and other expenditures; the Executive is authorized to appropriate such funds as the National Treasury will permit, and placing in the next General Budget, well specified, the sum which is seen to be necessary for the maintenance of the aerial service of the Government. ¶ From: M/A Guatemala ¶ Report No. 1,750 ¶ 5/6/1926. . . . "

May 6, 1926.
Establishment of Department of Aviation in Nicaragua, report by H. M. Gwynn, US Military Attache, Guatemala, p. 2.   " . . . G-2 report. ¶ 6100. ¶ 5. The landing fields may be constructed on national lands, in case such are found to be suitable, or on lands of private individuals under expropriation in accordance with the law for which the Government is given authority by this law. ¶ 6. Private individuals or companies may construct on the national landing fields, having previously secured permission from the respective Ministry, their hangars, submitting themselves to the samevigilance [same vigilance] and supervision which is provided. The Government will not charge any tax for the use of its landing fields; neither for the construction of the hangars of individuals or companies who will be subject to the taxes of the present law and the general laws of the country, and those which may be in the future dictated with respect to aviation. ¶ 7. All persons or companies, whether Nicaraguan or foreign, who desire to introduce aeroplanes into the country for their private use or for public service, must ask permission of the government for their introduction and for their use in the country until appropriate laws may be dictated by the National Congress to govern all branches of aviation in the country. ¶ 8. From the date of the publication of the present law in La Gaceta, it is absolutely forbidden that any aerial machine shall fly over the cities of the republic, at less than 2,000 feet altitude above such cities. ¶ 9. In view of the urgent necessity for establishing communication with the Atlantic Coast and the departments of the North, the Government will aid with a monthly subvention during two years, any individual or company which will consider establishing an aerial service for these regions, and at the same time will lend every pecuniary aid and all facilities for proper installation and efficient maintenance of the service. ¶ 10. No graduate pilot aviator will be permitted to manipulate an airplane in the republic without the due authorization of the respective ministry. All persons who wish to engage in the profession of aviation in any branches of aviation must submit to an examination according to the rules of the national school of aviation, which by this law is established in the capital. ¶ 11. The Executive is authorized to administer the present law.**** ¶ The American Legation in Managua made the following comment on this decree: ¶ “Aviation has made little progress in Nicaragua. Managua, an inland city, has been visited by planes on such limited occasions as aeroplanes have passed this way from the Canal Zone, and the visit last September of the two hydroplanes of the German aviators who were endeavoring to establish an airmail service between Colombia and the United States, via the Canal Zone and Central America. ¶ From: M/A Guatemala ¶ Report No. 1,750 ¶ 5/6/1926. . . . "

May 6, 1926.
Establishment of Department of Aviation in Nicaragua, US Military Attache H. M. Gwynn, Guatemala, p. 3.   " . . . G-2 report. ¶ 6100. ¶ General Humberto Pasos Diaz, present Minister of Government, is the only Nicaraguan who has engaged in aviation here. He received his instruction in aviation in the United States, and brought a plane to Nicaragua about two years ago, his idea being to establish a mail and passenger service between Managua and Bluefields. He piloted the plan from the port of Corinto to Managua, but beyond this no flights have been undertaken. The plane was stored by the last administration under the pretext that bombing might be undertaken, Pasos Diaz being one of the opposite political party. ¶ Now that the Chamorro regime is in power, this agitation for a Department of Aviation is being taken, as a military measure, if for no other reason. It is realized how easily a revolutionary party might take (and hold during the rainy season, about to commence) Bluefields with its Customs House, etc., unless resort might be had to bombing from aeroplanes. It is said that orders have already been placed for planes, and rumor is that one or more has been landed at Corinto, but this is believed to be an exaggeration or a rumor spread for local consumption in connection with any revolutionary movement which might be contemplated. ¶ Pasos Diaz is doubtless back of much of this activity, and, having received his instruction in aviation in the United States, it is believed that he will approach American manufacturers of planes, if he has not already done so.” ¶ Source: American Legation, Managua. ¶ H. M. Gwynn, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ From: M/A Guatemala ¶ Report No. 1,750 ¶ 5/6/1926."

June 3, 1926.
Report on Nicaraguan Constabulary, US Military Attaché H. M. Gwynn, Guatemala, p. 1.   "G-2 report. ¶ 6010. ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: Nicaraguan Constabulary. ¶ There is forwarded herewith a copy of a report submitted by Major Carter, commanding the Nicaraguan Constabulary, to the American Minister, in which he outlines the difficulties which he has encountered in his organization of that force. It is believed that this report of the obstacles which Major Carter has had to overcome will be of interest to the Department, and of possible future assistance to American officers assigned on similar details, as the report is more or less indicative of the difficulties which any foreign military mission must expect to encounter. ¶ Statements, extracted from the monthly dispatches of the American Minister, pertaining to the effectiveness of the Constabulary, are also enclosed. ¶ Source: As stated. ¶ H. M. Gwynn, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ Encl. ¶ From: M/A Guatemala ¶ Report No. 1,806 ¶ June 3, 1926. . . . " 

[NOTE:  For Major Carter's report, see above, Oct. 1, 1925]

June 3, 1926.
Report on Nicaraguan Constabulary, US Military Attaché H. M. Gwynn, Guatemala, p. 2.   " . . . EXTRACTS FROM MONTHLY REPORTS FROM AMERICAN MINISTER, ¶ MANAGUA, NICARAGUA, ¶ ON THE NATIONAL GUARD OF NICARAGUA. ¶ ***There seems not the slightest doubt but for their presence in Managua, much blood would have been shed and with the almost certain result that revolution would have followed.*** ¶ ***The cooperation of the United States in the formation of the Constabulary was accepted grudgingly and delays and evasions were persistently indulged in. This attitude in a less pronounced form may be said to exist today, not because President Solorzano does not appreciate the value of the organization and realizes that he must depend upon it for his own personal safety as well as for the good of the country at large, but almost entirely on account of representations of an element which hopes ultimately to gain from disorder and revolution and which does not look favorably upon the formation and maintenance of so formidable an organization.*** ¶ ***In spite of all the discouragements which Major Carter has encountered, the progress which the Constabulary has made has been really phenomenal. While continued delays and evasions are to be expected, it is believed and hoped that Major Carter will be able to give such practical demonstration of the value of the organization under his command as to win in the end the support ofthe [of the] Government.*** ¶ Note: The above was extracted from monthly report dated October 2, 1925. ¶ ***It is hoped and expected that within the next few weeks the status of the constabulary will be definitely determined, particularly with respect to what may be expected in way of appropriations, increased personnel, etc. The organization remains separated, about one half their number still being kept on detail in Leon, under Major Carter. If the organization is to become the efficient body which was originally planned, it will become necessary to employ additional American instructors.*** ¶ Enclosure to No. 1,806 ¶ June 3, 1926, from Guatemala."

August 26, 1926.
Despatch from US Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Dennis, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 1.   "Managua, August 26, 1926. ¶ No. 264. ¶ The Honorable ¶ The Secretary of State, ¶ Washington, D.C. ¶ Sir: ¶ I have the honor to transmit herewith a translation of an article which appeared in “LA PRENSA”, of August 25th, announcing that Mr. Calvin B. Carter, Director of the National Guard, was, on August 24th, promoted by the Commanding General of the Nicaraguan army, General Alfonso Estrada, to the rank of Colonel in the Nicaraguan army. ¶ The Americans now in the service of the Nicaraguan Government as officers of the National Guard are in their order of rank: ¶ Calvin B. Carter, Director of the National Guard and Colonel of the Nicaraguan army. ¶ Daniel Rodriguez, Assistant Director and Major of the National Guard. ¶ L.J. Clay, Assistant Instructor and Major of the National Guard. ¶ J.L. Rutledge, . . . "

August 26, 1926.
Despatch from US Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Dennis, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 2.   " . . . J. L. Rutledge, Aviator and Major of the National Guard. ¶ Lee J. Mason, Aviator and Major of the National Guard. ¶ Mr. Carter called on me yesterday and discussed the situation with me. I told him that I understood that he was under the orders of General Chamorro absolutely and that the Legation had no official instructions to give him about his official conduct. I reminded him, however, that the attitude of the United States Government and the Legation in respect of the present internal struggle in Nicaragua was one of strict neutrality. Without undertaking to define the nature of his duties for him I felt it not inappropriate to express the hope that the Americans in the military service of General Chamorro might find it possible to avoid participation in armed warfare in Nicaragua. I pointed out that there was abundant precedent for the non-participation of police corps in actual fighting with a revolutionary enemy and that it might create an unpleasant situation if Americans were killed in such fighting or if they were merely captured. He stated that the law obliged the National Guard to serve the Government in case of war. I pointed out there was perhaps more police work of a non-belligerent character which should be done through the country at such a time as this than his relatively small corps of less than 400 men could properly handle. He said that so far General Chamorro had not ordered the Americans in the Guard into action. ¶ Mr. Carter informed me that since he had learned that the Government had had certain prisoners in penitentiary tortured in the past two or three days for the purpose of extracting testimony from them, he had given orders to his men never to employ such inhuman methods. ¶ I was informed yesterday that a reputable Liberal attorney ¶ and . . . "

August 26, 1926.
Despatch from US Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Dennis, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 3.   " . . . and Magistrate of the Court of Appeal of Leon, Doctor P. Solomayor, while staying in the hotel at Corinto, was arrested by Major Clay, an American officer of the Guard, and sent up to Managua for examination at the penitentiary where he has been suspended by the thumbs and otherwise tortured in order to obtain testimony from him as to revolutionary plans. ¶ Such brutal methods are traditional in Nicaragua and, I understand, ordered by General Chamorro. It is, of course, not to be inferred that any of the American personnel of the Chamorro regime would be guilty of such practices. However, as they are under the orders of General Chamorro whose regime, I can testify from observation, is generally characterized by abuses which in any country having an American or European level of civilization, would be considered outrageous, it is inevitable that these Americans should be associated with these unfortunate practices. ¶ The American aviators have, according to press reports, been given bombs for use against the revolutionists. It is fairly evident, I believe, that the planes, their equipment, and the type of bombs in the possession of the Nicaraguan Government, would not permit of the effective use of such explosives against troops in the field, and as revolutionists are very unlikely to be encountered in barracks in these countries, the only apparent utility of such bombs would be found in their employment against towns and villages. The principal result of such bombardment would be the destruction of the lives of innocent women and children and of private property, precisely the only aerial achievement of an American aviator named Brown, who bombarded the town of ¶ Tegucigalpa . . . "

August 26, 1926.
Despatch from US Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Dennis, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 4.   " . . . Tegucigalpa in the revolution of 1924. ¶ For me, as I believe it will be for most American citizens, it is a matter of regret not unmingled with shame to observe Americans, who have gained military training in the army of the United States lending their services to a military and unconstitutional despotism in Latin America, the administration and war practices of which are so evidently repugnant to an American sense of decency. If Governments and revolutions must be conducted as they are in certain Central American countries it seems desirable that citizens of the United States should not be involved therewith. ¶ I realize fully that the United States Government has no control over such Americans and cannot prohibit their serving whom they will outside of the United States. However, inasmuch as Messrs Carter and Rodriguez came to this country with the introduction, if not recommendation of the Department, I feel that the present case should indicate the desirability of a policy whereunder no officer or military expert would ever be recommended to a Latin American Government unless he were in the regular service of the United States Government and preferably in its pay. ¶ It will be understood that I make no charges against these American employees of General Chamorro, and that I have a high regard for Messrs Carter and Rodriguez as officers and gentlemen. I feel, however, American military men in the service and pay of General Chamorro must be expected to play his game. ¶ In this connection I wish to report that Mr. Hill, the High Commissioner, Mr. Lindberg, the Deputy Collector General of Customs and Mr. Rosenthall, the Manager of the Bank, are giving the Legation their loyal support and cooperation and have manifested their solidarity with the policy and ¶ administration . . . "

August 26, 1926.
Despatch from US Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Dennis, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 5.  " . . . administration of their Government. It is to be noted, however, none of these gentlemen are in a position of dependence on General Chamorro for a livelihood. ¶ I have the honor to be, Sir, ¶ Your obedient servant, ¶ LAWRENCE DENNIS, ¶ Charge D’Affaires ad interim. ¶ Enclosure: ¶ 1/ Translation. . . . "

August 26, 1926.
Despatch from US Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Dennis, Managua, to Sec. State, Washington, p. 6.   Enclosure: "Mr. Calvin B. Carter Was Raised Yesterday to Colonel of the Nicaraguan Army," translation of article in La Prensa, Managua, August 25, 1926.   " . . . American Legation ¶ Managua, Nicaragua. ¶ Despatch No. 264 ¶ Enclosure No. 1 ¶ TRANSLATION. ¶ La Prensa, August 25, 1926. Managua. ¶ MR. CALVIN B. CARTER WAS RAISED YESTERDAY TO COLONEL OF THE NICARAGUAN ARMY. ¶ The Commanding General announced yesterday to Major Mr. Carter, Chief Instructor of the National Guard that the Government of Nicaragua, in consideration of the important and efficacious services rendered by Mr. Carter, not only in the organization and discipline of the National Guard but in the services of national vigilance committed to the important corps which he commands, he was being raised in the military hierarchy to the grade of Colonel. ¶ The commission of Colonel and the insignia of his rank will be delivered to him today. ¶ As soon as Colonel Carter received notice from the Commanding General he invited his friends to take a glass of champagne in his private residence. The following took part, the Minister of Government, General Humberto Pasos Diaz, the Secretary of the President Doctor Horacio Arguello Bolaños, Doctor Ramón Castillo C., Señor Manuel Doña, assistant to the Secretary of the President and the Prensa representatives don Enrique Belli and don Gabry Rivas. ¶ A group of friends of Colonel Carter, prepared a manifestation of sympathy for the distinguished chief of the National Guard whose rise has a high signification of justice on the part of the Executive Power. ¶ We congratulate Colonel Carter for this merited evidence of recognition of his merits."

March 4, 1927.
Report on the National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 1.   "G-2 report ¶ 6010 ¶ NICARAGUA (Combat) ¶ Subject: The National Guard of Nicaragua. ¶ The following information, covering the National Guard of Nicaragua, furnished this office by Major D. Rodriguez, U.S.A., retired, is enclosed herewith: ¶ (a) Extract of law governing the National Guard. ¶ (b) Regulations for National Guard School, abbreviated. ¶ (c) Table of Organization. ¶ (d) Short History and Record of Events. ¶ Source of information: As stated. ¶ A. W. Bloor, ¶ Military Attaché. ¶ 4 encls. ¶ From: M/A Nicaragua ¶ Report No. 5 ¶ March 4, 1927. . . . "

March 4, 1927.
Report on the National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 2.  Enclosure:  "Table of Organization, Nicaraguan National Guard. (All Included in Budget 1926-27)", p. 1.   " . . . TABLE OF ORGANIZATION ¶ Nicaraguan National Guard. ¶ (All Included in Budget 1926-27) ¶ COMMAND AND STAFF ¶ Chief Director School of Instruction, as per contract with Major Carter, Chief of National Guard (contract expires June 30, 1927). Major D. Rodriguez, U.S.A., retired, discharging these duties at present. ¶ Assistant Chief Director – Exercising duties of G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-4. ¶ Major D. Rodriguez, U.S.A., retired, under Major C. B. Carter, serving without contract with Nicaraguan Government, arrived in Managua July 16, 1925. By resignation of Major C. B. Carter, became Chief of the School of Instruction, on February 5, 1927. ¶ Request has been made by the President of Nicaragua, through the American Legation, and through same to the State Department, for authority from the Secretary of War, under Act of Congress, May 21, 1926, for Major D. Rodriguez, Rtd., to accept position with Nicaraguan Government as Director, School of Instruction, Nicaraguan National Guard. ¶ Assistant Chief Director. ¶ Major Benjamin Vargas, a native Nicaraguan, with the rank of Colonel, and lately of General, was appointed to this place, about February, 1925, by a decree of the Minister of Government to replace Mr. L. F. Schroeder, who was discharged from duty with the guard in November, 1925. Major Vargas’ functions with the Guard have been more or less of a political nature, though he was in command of a detachment of 220 that was sent to Bluefields at the outbreak of the revolution against the regime of General Emiliano Chamorro, on the east coast, May 3, 1926. Major Vargas is not familiar with American drill and tactics. He was assigned to duty as Commanding Officer of the Aviation Field which has been functioning as a branch of the National Guard. Actually Major Vargas is in command of a detachment of 105 National Guard men at Fort Acosasco in the city of Léon. ¶ Junior Instructors. These positions were supposed to be filled with instructors who could give practical instruction and who would have a good knowledge of Spanish to lecture, give conferences, and be with the men for all purposes. The budget provides $800.00 for the four. ¶ Mr. L. J. Clay was selected by Major Carter in September, 1926, to fill one of these positions, with rank of Major in the National Guard. He could not give much instruction on account of the language, and his very short service in the American army. However, he was in command of a detachment of 60 men in Corinto since the middle of October, 1926 to January 5, 1927. His resignation was accepted to take effect February 28, 1927. . . . "

March 4, 1927.
Report on the National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 3.  Enclosures:  "Table of Organization, Nicaraguan National Guard. (All Included in Budget 1926-27)", p. 2, and "Force Composing the National Guard," p. 1.   " . . . Mr. Guillermo Arana, a native, with short service in the American army during the emergency, occupied one of these positions for about three months. He did not prove competent enough, and his resignation was accepted. He held the rank of Captain. ¶ Mr. Adolfo Vargas, a native, was appointed to fill one of these vacancies by letter from the executive. As he is not familiar with the American drill regulations and tactics, he was assigned, also by direction of the Executive, to second in command of the Aviation Field. ¶ Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Durel, also filled these positions as instructors of aviation of a detachment of the Guard. Both were discharged the beginning of January, 1927. ¶ Mr. Lee Mason and Mr. Brooks, both aviation pilots, were filling these positions, as instructors in the aviation section of the National Guard, and given the rank of Majors in the organization. However, by conference with the Chief of Staff, General José Solorzano Diaz, the aviation section hereafter will be directly dependent of the Commander in Chief of the Army, and under direct control of the Chief of Staff. ¶ Therefore, these four positions of Junior Instructors are practically vacant. Major Rodriguez estimates that at least two could be filled by men living in Managua who had some military training at school. ¶ CHIEF DIRECTOR’S STAFF. ¶ 1 Guard – Adjutant – Captain ¶ 1 Medical Officer – Captain ¶ Civilians ¶ 1 Secretary and Asst. Accountant for Supply. ¶ 1 Dental Surgeon (Rank of Captain) ¶ 1 Chaplain – Also instructor in primary school. ¶ 1 Instructor – Primary and Elementary School. ¶ 1 Instructor – Civil Law & Civic Government. ¶ 1 Instructor – Criminal, Penal and International Law. ¶ Note: At present only one instructor for these subjects. ¶ FORCES COMPRISING THE NATIONAL GUARD ¶ 23 Cadets – Men to be trained and instructed as future permanent Officers. ¶ CADET CORPS: 23 Cadets – 6 detailed with aviation. ¶ HEADQUARTERS & SERVICE COMPANY ¶ 1 Captain, temporary ¶ 1 Lieutenant, temporary ¶ 1 Sub-Lieutenant, temporary ¶ Office Section ¶ 1 Sergeant Major ¶ 2 Corporals ¶ 2 Privates . . . "

March 4, 1927.
Report on the National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 4.   Enclosure: "Force Composing the National Guard," p. 2.   " . . . Hospital Section ¶ 1 Sergeant ¶ 1 Corporal ¶ 4 Privates ¶ General Service Section ¶ 1 First Sergeant ¶ 1 Sergeant mechanic ¶ 3 Bakers )[Privates 1st class] ¶ 2 Barbers )[Privates 1st class] ¶ 1 Electrician )[Privates 1st class] ¶ 1 Plumber )Privates 1st class ¶ 4 Cooks )[Privates 1st class] ¶ 3 Stable men )[Privates 1st class] ¶ 1 Bugler )[Privates 1st class] ¶ Intelligence, Investigation & Secret Service Section. ¶ 1 Sergeant ¶ 3 Corporals ¶ 17 Privates, 1st class ¶ EACH LINE COMPANY (from 1st to 6th) ¶ Officers ¶ 1 Captain (temporary) ¶ 1 Lieutenant (temporary) ¶ 1 Sub-Lieutenant (temporary) ¶ Enlisted ¶ 1 First Sergeant ¶ 1 Supply Sergeant ¶ 2 Line Sergeants ¶ 6 Corporals ¶ 1 Bugler ¶ 38 Privates ¶ 7th COMPANY (Machine Guns) ¶ 1 First Sergeant ¶ 1 Supply Sergeant ¶ 2 Line Sergeants ¶ 6 Corporals ¶ 1 Bugler ¶ 38 Privates ¶ 2 Lewis guns ¶ 2 Colt guns . . . "

March 4, 1927.
Report on the National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 5.   Enclosure:  "Short History and Record of Events of the National Guard of Nicaragua," by Major Daniel Rodriguez, p. 1.   "SHORT HISTORY AND RECORD OF EVENTS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF NICARAGUA. ¶ On arrival at Managua of the American Instructors C. B. Carter, Louis F. Schroeder and the undersigned on July 15, 1925, there had been recruited from all sections of the country about two hundred and eighty men. A medical officer was contractor for examination of the recruits. About 50% of the men were disqualified for the service, and finally a force of 200 men was enrolled. Four companies of 50 men were organized. At this time the new organization was camping in one lumber and coffee cleaning mill, in the western part of the town, called “Nueva Reforma”. ¶ On August 3, 1925, the detachment of American Marines left the Campo de Marte, and the National Guard was quartered in the place vacated by the Marines, while the eastern section of the camp continued to be occupied by the “Comandancias de Armas”, or National of from 50 to 100 men. ¶ The regular organization of the Training School was barely beginning when the first attack on La Loma was made by General Alfredo Rivas, a brother in law of President Solorzano, on August 28, 1925. ¶ On this occasion the Guard was ordered by the President to remain in camp, and not to participate in any affair. Quasi normal conditions were restored in about two weeks; then the Guard was called to perform duties of patrolling at night and perform service as Guard of Honor for the President. It has been stated by one leader that the alertness of the Guard prevented eleven times the taking of La Loma at night. ¶ On Sunday morning, October 28, 1925, General Emiliano Chamorro by a coup d’etat took the small fortress of La Loma commanding the capital. One detachment of the Guard that was performing guard of honor duty engaged into a street fight with General Chamorro’s troops, and two guardsmen were killed. Some soldiers and civilians were also killed and wounded, the total casualties being 15 or 17. The situation was held until 9:30 a.m., October 29th, when President Solorzano ordered the Guard outpost to withdraw. ¶ General Chamorro entered the Campo de Marte at about 11:00 a.m. and praised the men for their conduct and morale. About October 30, 1925, the mustering out of all members who did not agree with the new order of affairs was ordered. Nearly 100 cadets and men were mustered out. General Chamorro became commander in chief of the Army, under President Solorzano. ¶ On November 1, 1925, General Chamorro, as commander in chief verbally ordered the Guard to be recruited to full strength. Enlistments were plentiful and by the middle of December the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th companies were 75% filled and the small fortress called “El Hormiguero” was turned over to the Guard. . . . "

March 4, 1927.
Report on the National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 6.   Enclosure:  "Short History and Record of Events of the National Guard of Nicaragua," by Major Daniel Rodriguez, p. 2.   " . . . In November, 1925, three companies with a total strength of 140, and under Majors Carter and Schroeder were ordered to the city of Leon and remained there, preserving quietness and order until the end of January, 1926. On February 1, 1926 the Guard took up the policing of the city of Managua, one hundred men going on duty every 24 hours. ¶ On May 4, 1926, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th companies and other detachments were ordered under Major Benjamin Vargas to proceed to the Atlantic Coast on account of the outbreak in that section. The detachment consisted of 223 officers and men. ¶ The detachment fought at Rama, Bluefields and the Bluff, and during the period from May 20 to August, 1926, there were a total of 29 casualties in the detachment. Also during this period small detachments were returned to Managua. Until the end of December, 1926, there remained 60 men, and at the present six men are serving there. ¶ Not less than 50% of the force returned from the east coast sick with malaria, and to this date some have not as yet fully recovered from sickness. ¶ At the August, 1926, outbreak a detachment of 60 men, under Major L. J. Clay, was ordered to the port of Corinto to take charge of the city and harbor, guard the government pier and the railroad terminal. This detachment remained there until January 8th when it was relieved. This detachment was made up of the 6th Co. and men from the 5th. ¶ On December 7, 1925, the 2nd company and attached men, numbering 58 was ordered for service up the “Sierras” in the coffee district to protect the picking and gathering, to prevent gambling, coffee stealing, etc. The service rendered in this connection by the guard has been praised by all the coffee growers. The same duty was performed in the 1926 crop, but due to the scarcity of men only 10 were sent to the coffee district. ¶ On February 1 a detachment of 60 men was ordered to Granada to guard the Fort of La Polvora. At the same time a detachment of 50 men was sent to Leon, and a further one to Chinandega. ¶ On February 8 the detachment at Granada was ordered to Leon, and together with the one already there occupied the fort of Acosasco, in the city of Leon, the total of this detachment being 105 officers and men. ¶ Leon now being occupied by Marines, the Guard has been ordered to return to its headquarters in Managua on March 2, 1927. ¶ Twenty one members of the National Guard are at present serving with the expeditionary forces of the National army as aids to officers, machine gunners, etc. ¶ In addition to the above the men remaining at headquarters have been performing duties of various kinds, such as Guard of Honor to the President; Congressional Guard; escort for funerals; guarding the railroad shops and stores; the aviation and landing field; the central liquor distillery plant; guarding prisoners of the penitentiary in clearing aviation field, and numerous other duties. ¶ (Sgd.) Daniel Rodriguez, Maj. USA, Ret’d. In charge of Nic. National Guard."

May 23, 1927.
Reorganization of Nicaraguan National Guard, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 1.   "No. 50. ¶ American Legation, ¶ Office of the Military Attaché, ¶ Managua, Nicaragua, May 23, 1927. ¶ Subject: Reorganization of Nicaraguan National Guard. ¶ To: The A. C. of S., G-2, War Department, Washington, D. C. ¶ 1. Lt. Col. R. Y. Rhea, U. S. M. C., was designated last week to take charge of and reorganize and train the Nicaraguan National Guard or Constabulary. As the organization, training and instruction of the new Constabulary is to be under the Marines, Major Daniel Rodriguez, U. S. A., retired, will be relieved, and he contemplates returning to the United States as soon as he can close up the administrative affairs of the organization. Majors William C. Brooks and Lee Joseph Mason, the two American Instructors in the Aviation Section of the Guard, have already been relieved and both expect to return to the States on next available transportation. ¶ 2. The enlisted strength of the new organization will be 1500 men. An appropriate number of officers and noncommissioned officers will be furnished from the U. S. M. C. to provide the necessary staff officers, company officers, and commissioned and noncommissioned instructors. Five officers and six noncommissioned officers have been detailed to form the nucleus of the Marine Corps personnel and this number will be increased as required. ¶ 3. Briefly the plan for reorganization is:- ¶ (a) That 100 selected men from the present National Guard will be retained in the service and organized as a company to form the nucleus for the new Constabulary and that the remainder of the Guard, about 190 men, will be discharged; that the above mentioned company of 100 men will be organized and ready to commence training by June 1; that a recruiting campaign will be inaugurated early in June to obtain enough recruits to increase the enlisted strength of the new Constabulary to 392 men; and that thereafter the enlisted strength will be recruited to 1500 men as rapidly as suitable men can be obtained and funds of the Nicaraguan Government become available to provide for their pay, subsistence and equipment and the expense incident to the employment of the necessary commissioned and enlisted personnel of the Marine Corps. ¶ (b) A School of Instruction will be established for Native Cadets and all those who successfully complete the prescribed course will be commissioned in the Constabulary in the junior grades and eventually will replace most of the Marine Corps Officers. Likewise schools will be conducted for Native Noncommissioned officers and the graduates therefrom will be used to gradually replace most of the Marine N.C.O[.]s. ¶ (c) The principle that Marine Officers and N.C.O[.]s shall not be placed in positions subordinate to natives will be strictly adhered to. ¶ 4. The laws and regulations governing the organization, administration, training and duties of the Philippine Constabulary and those pertaining to Haiti and other countries will be studied with a view to prescribing laws and regulations along similar lines for the Nicaraguan Constabulary, meanwhile Decree No.28, Nic.Govt., a copy of which is attached, will govern. ¶ 1 Incl. ¶ Source: Lt. Col. R.Y. Rhea. ¶ A. W. Bloor, ¶ Military Attaché. . . . "

May 23, 1927.
Reorganization of Nicaraguan National Guard, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 2.   " . . . Incl. to Accompany ¶ Report No. 50. ¶ SENATE HOUSE, ¶ Republic of Nicaragua, Central America. ¶ Decree No.28. ¶ The Senate and House of Deputies of the Republic of Nicaragua, ¶ CONSIDERING; ¶ That by Art. 2 of the Convention about Limitation of armaments held in Washington the 7th of February 1923, between the Republics of Nicaragua, Costa-Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, Nicaragua agreed- as well as other high contracting- to create a National Guard that would co-operate with the Army in the preservation of public order; RESOLVED: ¶ Art. 1. It is hereby created by the Government the National Guard to which said convention refers. ¶ Art. 2. The National Guard is an institution absent of all political influence and destined to maintain order with the triple character of urban, rural and judicial police. The Army is independent of the National Guard though, if it should be necessary both ought to co-operate in the preservation of public order in the manner prescribed by law. (Art. 2. of the Convention.) ¶ Art. 3. At the beginning, the National Guard will consist of 23 officers and 392 men for subalterns positions, all Nicaraguans under contract. The Executive may vary this number when he considers it necessary. ¶ Art. 4. The National Guard will be organized, equipped and disciplined in a military manner, as an urban, rural and judicial police force, as heretofore stated. It must be considered as a National Institution subordinated in all to the government of the republic for the maintenance of peace, law and order. ¶ Art. 5. The instruction and efficient organization of the National Guard will be done by means of a school, which will be called “The School of Instruction” in which the officers and individuals destined for the institution will previously enter. The students of the school will form “The School Force” so as to distinguish it from the National Guard proper. The number of student officers of the school may vary according to the needs of the National Guard, in conformity with the Executive. ¶ Art. 6. The Chief of the School of Instruction and the respective instructors may be Americans, or of any other foreign nation, but acquainted with Spanish, with the object of taking advantage of the experience required by them in other countries in the organization and functioning of these institutions; and by these presents, the Executive is hereby authorized to contract them for such period as he may deem necessary, with the obligation that they will be bound to the supreme direction of the government of the Republic as well as to the laws of the country. ¶ Art. 7. The Chief of the School of Instruction and instructors will exercise plain and complete authority over the officers and individuals of the school, but none in the National Guard proper. Over this they will only have the right of inspection whenever the Chief of the school deems it necessary, so as to know of the progress and efficiency, suggesting to the Executive, to correct deficiencies that might be noticed, the change of individuals and officers, through the Ministry of Government and Police, either in whole or in part of the National Guard, with the purpose of maintaining the highest discipline and standard of same. ¶ Art. 8. Outside the President of the Republic and the Minister of Government no other authority of the Republic will have any command (authority) either over the School of Instruction or the volunteer individuals that belong to same. ¶ Art. 9. The Regulations for the School of Instruction, and the laws and Regulations for the National Guard will be made by the higher personnel of the School subject principally to this Decree; but both must be approved and published by the Executive. Only in this manner will it be considered binding on the personnel of the School and the National Guard. . . . "

May 23, 1927.
Reorganization of Nicaraguan National Guard, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 3.   " . . . Incl. to Accompany ¶ Report No. 50. ¶ Art. 10. The School of Instruction will be the preparatory center for all officers, individuals and employees of the National Guard. They will go through it to establish their fitness, aptitude, merits, physically, mentally and morally; and in the same manner all the aspirants or substitutes, officers and individuals of the Guard, that may be successively called for service. ¶ Art. 11. The grounds, buildings, equipment, utensils and elements necessary to establish the School of Instruction and the National Guard will be provided by the Government, and the Executive Power is hereby authorized to make the necessary disbursements. ¶ Art. 12. There will be a special service of provisions and supplies that will be called “Office of Supplies”, under the Minister of Police and organized by him. This office will be in charge of the provisions and other supplies needed for the School of Instruction and for the National Guard. The Executive will regulate this service and will fix the bonds for those handling funds or stamps in accordance with the amounts. ¶ Art. 13. The expense necessary for the maintenance of the School of Instruction and the National Guard will be authorized by their respective chiefs and the Chief of the Office of Supplies, subject to the laws of the Republic; the employees of this office will be strictly required to keep their accounts in conformity with the law and to present them for examination and approval to the Supreme Tribunal of Cuentas (Auditing Department). All disbursements will be made with previous approval of the Minister of Police. ¶ Art. 14. The General Budget of the Republic will apportion each year the amount or amounts corresponding to the institution created by the present law in accordance with partial budget submitted by the respective Ministers. ¶ Art. 15. This law will take effect immediately after it has been published in the Gaceta Oficial. ¶ Given in the Chamber of Sessions of the Senate, Managua, April 23, 1925. – FEDERICO SACASA G. S. P. – J. SEBASTIAN URIZA, 8-S. J. L. SALAZAR,-S.S.- ¶ To the Executive Power, Chamber of Deputies.- Managua, May 14, 1925,- H. A. CASTELLON,-D.S.- VINCENTE F. PEREZ, D. P.- AQUILEO VENERIO.-D. S.- ¶ THEREFORE, BE COMPLIED WITH; ¶ Managua, May 15, 1925. CARLOS SOLORZANO.- B. MARTINEZ. ¶ (Note: The foregoing translation with made by Major Daniel Rodriguez, U.S. Army, retired. A.W.B.)"

June 9, 1927.
General Order No. 1, National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 1.   "Office of the Military Attache, American Legation, Managua, Nicaragua, June 9, 1927. ¶ No. 54. ¶ Subject: G. O. No. 1., N. G. de Nic., May 21, 1927. ¶ To: The A. C. of S., G-2., War Department, Washington, D. C. ¶ 1. Enclosed herewith is a copy of General Order No. 1., Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, May 21, 1927, recently published by Lieutenant Colonel R. Y. Rhea, U. S. M. C., who is Director in Charge, outlineing [outlining] his plans and policies for the reorganization of the Guardia. ¶ 2. The recruiting campaign referred to has not yet been inaugurated, but about twenty local applicants for enlistment have been accepted and enlisted and Lt. Col. Rhea anticipates no difficulty in obtaining the required number of qualified recruits soon after recruiting campaign is started. Recruits are being very carefully selected with reference to their moral, mental, educational and physical fitness, and in my opinion an efficient Constabulary will soon be organized. ¶ A. W. Bloor, ¶ Military Attache. ¶ 1. Incl. ¶ G.O.No.1., G.N. de Nic., May 21, 1927. . . . "

June 9, 1927.
General Order No. 1, National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 2.   " . . . GUARDIA NACIONAL DE NICARAGUA. ¶ GENERAL ORDER NO. 1. ¶ May 21, 1927. ¶ It is the intention of the Director in charge of the Guardia Nacional to start immediately the reorganization of the Guardia upon the new lines which have been adopted to make this organization a most efficient one; one upon which every citizen of Nicaragua will look with pride; and one in which its personnel will be glad to serve and have the highest spirit de corps. ¶ One of the most essential facts to make this organization a national one is, first and last, that it shall be non-partisan in every sense of the word. If this is not true it can not possibly carry out the services and duties for which it is duly authorized and intended. ¶ Politics has it place and power but must never control the military or police organization of a country. The organization of the National Police of a country is for the maintenance of peace, law and order. ¶ To carry out the reorganization of the Guardia Nacional as adopted and approved by the President of Nicaragua, the following preliminary methods will be adopted: ¶ (a) All officers and cadets now attached to the Guardia Nacional will be honorably discharged when directed by the Director in charge. ¶ (b) The Director in charge of the Guardia Nacional will discharge such men now serving with the Guardia Nacional from time to time as he may direct. Enlisted men now in the Guardia Nacional and who are not discharged at the present time, will be discharged from time to time upon their own application as the Guardia Nacional becomes filled by new enlistments in sufficient numbers to offset the loss. ¶ (c) The period of enlistment will be for a period of three (3) years, except for those men who are now serving in the Guardia Nacional and have served in same for a period of more than one (1) year. These excepted men, within a period of one (1) month from date of discharge, may enlist for a period of two (2) years with the priviledge [privilege] of extending their enlistment for one (1) year. Thereafter all enlistments will be for the period of three (3) years. ¶ (d) The pay of the personnel as now carried will remain in force until changed by proper authority. ¶ (e) All absentees without leave from proper authority, who are absent when ordered discharged by the Director in charge, shall be dropped from the rolls of the Guardia as deserters and discharged without pay. ¶ Incl. 1. . . . "

June 9, 1927.
General Order No. 1, National Guard of Nicaragua, US Military Attaché A. W. Bloor, p. 3.   " . . . (f) Only such civilian employees as are absolutely necessaryfor [necessary for] the immediate needs of the Guardia will be retained. The retention of such employees to be determined by the Director in charge. ¶ (g) As soon as practicable, recruiting offices will be opened in the principal cities throughout the country for the enlistment of desirable men to bring the Guardia Nacional to its authorized strength. Notice as to the qualifications, pay, age, etc. will be furnished by the recruiting officer. ¶ (h) As soon as practicable, a school for cadets in the Guardia Nacional will be opened. Notice will be given at a later date and in sufficient time in order that those desiring to make application will have time to comply with same. ¶ (i) The instruction, training and necessary schools of the Guardia Nacional will be carried on by officers and non-commissioned officers of the U. S. Marine Corps and such others as may be detailed for that purpose under the direction of the Director in charge. ¶ (j) The food, quarters, clothing, equipment and care of the enlisted men will be under the direct supervision of the officers and non-commissioned officers of the U. S. Marine Corps. ¶ (k) Promotion to commissioned and non-commissioned ranks in the Guardia Nacional will be made from time to time among the enlisted personnel. Opportunity for advancement is open to all, and promotion will be made only on merit and ability. ¶ Incl. 1."

November 8, 1929.
"Nicaraguan Officers for Guardia Nacional," US Military Attaché Major Fred T. Cruse, San José.   "NICARAGUA ¶ COMBAT ¶ No. 6700-b – Nicaraguan Officers for Guardia Nacional. ¶ On October 24th, the Guardia Nacional announced that it would begin the training of candidates for officers in the Guardia. The first class will consist of twelve men, who are of course to be Nicaraguans. The course will be three months and candidates will receive $50.00 a month while undergoing training. Those who satisfactorily finish the course will be commissioned Second Lieutenants, with salary of $150.00 a month. ¶ Up to November 5th, about twenty applications had been received. It was noticeable that practically every one of the candidates was a law student. The great difficulty will be to keep politics out of the matter, as Nicaraguans are not conservative or liberal through political convictions, but actually by birth and tradition extending back several centuries. ¶ Report No. 555 ¶ San José--November 8, 1929 ¶ Source – Personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

March 18, 1930.
"New Military School" of the Guardia Nacional in the Campo de Marte, Managua, report submitted in the absence of the US Military Attaché, San José, p. 1.   "NICARAGUA ¶ COMBAT ¶ No. 6700-b – Training of Officers of Guardia Nacional ¶ New Military School. ¶ The Military School annexed to the Guardia Nacional will be opened shortly. It will be installed provisionally in the Campo de Marte, in the part which belongs to the Guardia. Its Director will be a Major of that body, who has not been named yet. ¶ General McDougal has given instructions that an appropriate place be chosen for the definite establishment of the school. ¶ First Lieutenants, Edward J. Trumble and Francis J. Cunningham will be the Professors of the school. These officers speak spanish [Spanish] correctly and have been well educated. ¶ There are nine Nicaraguan Second Lieutenants who will receive a three months course of Military instruction. Those who have had no preparation will receive a nine months course of instruction. When there is sufficient money, the number of pupils will be increased. ¶ Later, they will leave for the Departments of the North with their chiefs, to practice in the mountains against the bandits, taking charge of small patrols of the Guardia. This work will last two months, when they will be given one months vacation. ¶ The Second Lieutenants will receive the following course of instructions: ¶ DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE ¶ Infantry exercises, ceremony and inspection. Guard Service, interior and exterior. Minor tactics, riding and care of animals. ¶ MILITARY INTELLIGENCE ¶ Personal hygiene and First Aid. Manual of Arms, military courtesy, care of uniforms, business of being an officer. . . . "

March 18, 1930.
"New Military School" of the Guardia Nacional in the Campo de Marte, Managua, report submitted in the absence of the US Military Attaché, San José, p. 2.   " . . . INFANTRY ARMS ¶ Complete handling of rifles, pistols, Thompson and Browning Machine guns, Browning Automatic Rifles, Lewis Machine Guns, hand grenades. ¶ ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ¶ Military Engineering, construction of roads and their maintenance, purification of water, art of making and reading military maps, signals and communications. ¶ LEGAL DEPARTMENT ¶ International laws, Civil Code, Penal Code, Study of the Guardia Nacional, its establishment, etc., Court Martial proceedings. ¶ ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT ¶ Bookkeeping, Duties of Commanders of Districts, administration of prisons. ¶ DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION ¶ Exercise with arms, callisthenics [calisthenics] and with bayonets. ¶ ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT ¶ English and elementary mathematics. ¶ Report No. 691 ¶ San José--March 18, 1930 ¶ Source – Newspapers ¶ By ¶ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE MILITARY ATTACHÉ"

April 20, 1930.
"Sergeant Kills Marine Officers," newspaper clipping from the Washington Star.   "SERGEANT KILLS MARINE OFFICERS ¶ Disgruntled Nicaraguan Turns Machine Gun on Quarters as Two Sleep. ¶ By the Associated Press ¶ MANAGUA, Nicaragua, April 19.—Shot down in their sleep, Acting Capt. Veryl H. Dartt of Nashville, Tenn., and Lieut. James O. Young of Toledo, Ohio, United States Marines attached to the Nacaraguan [Nicaraguan] national guard, were killed at Jicaro yesterday by a disgruntled Nicaraguan sergeant. ¶ The sergeant, who recently had been demoted to a corporal because of drunkenness, overpowered a sentry and turned a machine gun on the officers’ quarters, firing 52 shots before the awakened guardsmen surrounded and killed him. His name was given as Morales in reports received in Managua today. In addition to killing the two American officers, the machine gun fire seriously wounded Sergt. Gonzales, who was expected to die. ¶ The tragedy took place at the Jicaro headquarters of the national guard first battalion, which is stationed at the northernmost outpost near the Honduran frontier. It was officially reported that all other sections were quiet. ¶ Acting Capt. Dartt was a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. His home was in Nashville, where he was recently married, and his wife, Mrs. Ruth S. Dartt, now resides there. Lieut. Young, whose home was in Toledo, was a sergeant in the Marine Corps. His mother, Mrs. Susie B. Liebster, lives in Toledo. ¶ First reports of the shooting were received in Managua with the arrival of an airplane from Jicaro carrying the bodies of the two dead officers. The transport Chaumont sails on April 23, and the bodies probably will be sent home aboard it. ¶ It was not known whether Morales was drunk when he committed his act, but it was inferred that his motive in opening the machine gun fire was revenge."

3 June 1930.
"Historical Military Policy" in Nicaragua, US Military Attaché Major Fred T. Cruse, San José, p. 1.   "NICARAGUA ¶ COMBAT ¶ No. 6000-a – Historical Military Policy. ¶ Previous to 1927 the Nicaraguan Army consisted of drafted men, and had a strength of between 2,000 and 3,000 men. All the officers and practically all of the men changed with each change of PARTY Administration. This was for the reason that all inhabitants of Nicaragua were either Liberal or Conservative by birth, training, and conviction. For this reason a Conservative Administration did not have a single Liberal in the Armed forces and vice versa. This was true to such an extent that General Officers were always spoken of as a Liberal General or a Conservative General. General Officers and some of the Colonels held Commissions from Congress. Below the rank of Colonel the grades were not sharply defined. ¶ It follows from the above that the longer a party remained in power the better grip they had on the Army and the greater the possibility of the President being able to name and bring into power his successor. This condition also resulted in practically every man in Nicaragua having a rifle, pistol, and other equipment, because when a party was driven out of power its Army simply disappeared, the men taking their arms with them. ¶ This in turn, lead to the necessity for an incoming Administration to be provided with plenty of arms and ammunition of its own, as normally no Government supplies would be turned over to the new Minister of War. ¶ Early in 1928, when the Marines were taking over control and the National Guard was being organized all Conservative Generals submitted their resignations to Congress. Some of the Liberal Generals did likewise, but only a very small proportion of them. ¶ An excellent illustration of the working of the system appeared in Honduras in 1928. Between election day and inauguration day the Liberals, who were coming into power, organized their own forces in all the principal cities of the Republic. They did not ask the Government for arms nor for any assistance at all, but . . . "

3 June 1930.
"Historical Military Policy" in Nicaragua, US Military Attaché Major Fred T. Cruse, San José, p. 2.   " . . . at eleven o’clock on the day of the inauguration the Liberal forces took over the quartels from their garrisons. That is about what usedto [used to] happen in Nicaragua, with the exception of Managua, where control was usually obtained by revolution and the occupation or capture of Managua. ¶ Until 1927 there were generally no garrisons in Liberal Departments when the Liberals were in power, and vice versa. Managua, Chinandega, Leon, Granada, and Bluefields, usually had the largest garrisons. ¶ Report No. 741 ¶ San José--June 3, 1930 ¶ Source – Histories and personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

July 16, 1930.
"New Military School" in Nicaragua, US Military Attaché Major Fred T. Cruse, San José.   "NICARAGUA ¶ GUARDIA NACIONAL ¶ New Military School. ¶ It was the intention to open the Cadet School of the Guardia Nacional on July 15th. This school will be for the training of Nicaraguans as officers in the Guardia Nacional. It is intended that Nicaraguan officers will start as Lieutenants and that eventually when enough of them have had sufficient experience, the greater part of the Marines now acting as officers will be relieved. ¶ The school will be located in the building and grounds formerly occupied by the National Museum. Early in July the Ministry of Fomento approved the construction of a building, in the Museum grounds, to house some of the school activities. Up to date nine Nicaraguans have been given short courses of training and commissioned as Lieutenants, but most of these were young lawyers whom it was intended to use as Judge Advocates in the prosecution of cases against captured bandits in the Northern Departments. The school will have as instructors officers of the Guardia Nacional, that is, American Marines. Up to July 1st a number of candidates had been accepted but the Guardia had made no official announcement as to the exact number, or as to the details of the course. ¶ Report No. 797 ¶ San José--July 16, 1930 ¶ Source – Newspapers and Personal knowledge. ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."

August 27, 1930.
"Liability to Military Service" in Nicaragua, US Military Attaché Major Fred T. Cruse, San José.  "NICARAGUA ¶ COMBAT ¶ No. 6240 – Recruitment. ¶ (a) (Liability to Military Service.) ¶ Nicaragua has a conscription law, but this has not been used, as ample recruits can be obtained by voluntary enlistment. The normal term of enlistment is three years but a short term of 6 months is also provided to take care of temporary increases which might be necessary to handle emergencies. ¶ To date about 30 per cent of the Guardia are in their second enlistment. ¶ Report No. 863 ¶ San José--August 27, 1930 ¶ Source – Headquarters Guardia Nacional ¶ Fred T. Cruse, ¶ Major, G.S. ¶ M.A."