HEADQUARTERS 2ND BRIGADE MARINE CORPS
MANAGUA, NICARAGUA
12 February, 1928.

B-2 REPORT
From: 0000 5 February, 1928
To: 2400 11 February, 1928.

MAP: Nicaragua - C. D. Ham, 1924, 1:500,000.

1. ENEMY'S NEAREST ELEMENTS:

It is fairly certain that Sandino and several of his lieutenants have been (during the period of this report) in the vicinity of San Rafael, La Fundadora and Robles. (L-8, L-12). Indications and information that bandits are also operating near Dipilto (L-16) are believed to be under Diaz. Many messages confirm the presence of Sandino or some of his leaders in the vicinity of La Fundadora. On the last day for which this report is rendered (11th) information (verified) indicates that the movement has now reached the vicinity of Sanos, which is about two (2) miles north of La Fundadora.

2. ENEMY'S STRENGTH, DISPOSITIONS, AND MOVEMENTS:

(a) Units in contact: Small patrol with five Guardia made patrol to Calpulego and captured two bandits. (R-2 Report 5th) (L-29).

(b) Movements:

     Bandits are all well mounted. Several groups have been seen this week as follows: Sandino spent night of 7th at La Fundadora. Report believed to be correct (L-34). Group near Telpaneca reported by Satterfield. Believed correct. Happened at night and no bandits actually seen (L-33). Group of bandits number not furnished nor estimated, operating south and southeast of Jinotega. Not verified (L-31). Group reported near Daraili (about six miles south-east of San Andres). Not verified (L-29). Group of bandits reported near Tucuapa on 8th. Not verified (L-21). Group reported near Sebaco the 7th. Not confirmed. Sandino and about 95 men reported near Esteli 4th. Believed correct. Information indicates bandits were in that vicinity 3rd and 4th. (L-19). 350 and 400 bandits reported around La Fundadora morning of 8th. Confirmed except for numbers. Number is believed grossly exagerrated (L-18). Diaz reported at Guinara 7th with 150 men, and Matistal at Zapote with 20 men. Believed reliable. Not confirmed (L-16). Group of 75 bandits reported at San Juan de Telpaneca 6th Feb. Not confirmed (L-16). Believe these groups moved eastward on 7th and 8th. 7 bandits reported at La Fundadora 6th Feb. Believed reliable information (L-12). Report from Cruse, Tegucigalpa that Sandino with 300 men had crossed into Honduras not verified, but fairly certain some did. (L-9). Pedro Altimeno with armed mounted men reported near Robles and taht vicinity. Believed correct (L-8). Sandino reported with 600 to 1000 men near Jinetega. Not confirmed. Believed correct except as to numbers which in my opinion is exaggerated (L-7). Rumors of Sandino's presence in the following areas:

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Santa Ana, Valley of Rio Pantasma, between Pantaguia and Santa Cruz, near La Silencia, near San Andres. Not confirmed but likely small bands were in these areas earlier in week (L-6). Honduranian patrol reported rifle and cannon fire near Santa Maria. Reported reliable but has not been confirmed.

DEDUCTIONS:

Presence definitely established. Several small detachments (Marines) and several small convoys have moved without molestation. In view of the fact that bandits have been seen in these areas, it proves rather conclusively that they are either forced to inaction because of lack of supplies and equipment, or that they have instructions not to bring on any action at the present time. It is not believed that preparations are being made for concerted action at this time but rather that recruiting of men, supplies, equipment, etc., are absolutely necessary. Boaco should be kept in mind. A rendezvous there for the purpose of uncovering a supposed cache of arms would not be surprising. Boaco should be watched closely. Reports (not verified) that arms are coming at a future date from Mexico. If verified would support above convention. My estimate of Sandino's present strength is 125 to 150 men. (Vicinity of La Fundadora). This does not represent Sandino's strength. There are under his control in that area about 250 men. If the enemy continues to operate in the same manner as this last week it would seem that the adoption of similar tactics on our part might producce some results. I believe that daylight patrolling has not produced results commensurate with the efforts put forth.

3. ENEMY SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT:

     All bands are engaged in collecting supplies and equipment. No locations of dumps or depots have been reported and no particular system is in effect. This seems to be a period devoted to gathering all sorts of supplies.

4. WEATHER AND VISIBILITY:

(a) The weather has been such as to favor operations of all descriptions.

(b) Visibility good for entire period.

5. ENEMY OPERATIONS:

     His activities at present confined to mounted work. Indications are that most bands (if not all) are working at night and hiding in the daytime.

6. MISCELLANEOUS:

(a) Two (2) prisoners taken during period (L-29).

(b) No defensive works have been located during period covered by this report.

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7. ENEMY KNOWLEDGE OF OUR SITUATION:

(a) It is believed that the enemy is well informed of our movements. His espionage system is such as to give him accurate information except possibly where Marines do not operate from towns.

(b) Reconnaissance is conducted mostly by night but believe most information is obtained from native sources.

(c)  1. We have lost no prisoners.

     2. As far as is known we have lost no documents.

8. ENEMY'S PROBABLE INTENTIONS:

(a) A period of recruiting and augmenting supply.

(b) Trying now to create the impression that he is not the aggressor and that he is not committing offenses of any nature. His present inactivity is either due to (a) or he is inactive on account of wounds or fear that too many of our troops might now be concentrated easily for action against him.

H. SCHMIDT

Major, USMC

B-2

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HEADQUARTERS 2ND BRIGADE MARINE CORPS
MANAGUA, NICARAGUA
12 February, 1928

ESTIMATE OF THE POLITICAL, ECONOMICAL, AND CIVIL SITUATION:

MAP: Nicareagua - C.D. Ham, 1924, 1:500,000.

(A) GENERAL STATE OF TERRITORY OCCUPIED:

(a) Conditions in Northern Area; very little change. Scene of action has shifted to south-eastern part of Area. The situation in the vicinity of San Rafael is tense. Some activity in North-western part of Area but believed very small bands.

(b) Conditions in Southern Area; tense in Northeastern part, particularly in the vicinity of La Fundadora. Some unrest in this area due to presence and reported presence of bandits. Political unrest noted in last report is still prevalent.

(c) Conditions in Eastern Area; This area is generally calm and peaceful.

(B) ATTITUDE OF CIVIL POPULATION:

The political situation is the controlling factor in the attitude of the population (majority) towards our activities. A majority of the population is intent upon but one item, i.e., the success of the particular party to which they belong. The policy pursued is not unexpected and is the policy these people are all indoctrinated with. Their utterances to the effect that they desire but a return to peaceful conditions must be taken as conditional, for what they most desire is the success of their respective parties. The week has produced additional proof of the desire of the majority to obstruct the election law.

(C) ECONOMIC CONDITIONS:

It is believed that the economic situation is improving from day to day. The area in and around Bluefields shows a decided improvement. The area occupied by Marines has had its economical situation improved, due more than anything else to the opening of communications. This factor will continue to improve the situation. As new lines are opened up industry and labor will be sure to take advantage of them. Due to the presence of bandits in the coffee area particularly around La Fundadora some work in connection with the coffee industry received a setback. The seizure of animals in this district has also been a contributing factor to industrial unrest.

(D) POLICE OPERATIONS:

Due to equal division of political offices some slight disturbances have

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been noted in Mateare and La Moca. Most of these disturbances are brought about by each faction trying to protect its own constituents. It has been repeatedly brought to the attention of all concerned that absolute impartiality must be the rule in dealing with these affairs. However this does not preclude the protection of officials who are manifestly doing everything in their power to preserve peace and order.

(E) FRICTION BETWEEN MARINES AND CIVIL POPULATION:

     One case pending. Brought to the attention of this office on the morning of the 12th. Investigation and early report promised.

(F) MILITARY OPERATIONS:

     See B-2 Report.

(G) MILITARY OPERATIONS AS AFFECTED BY THE POLITICAL SITUATION:

     More evidence every day comes to hand which tens to show that a supervised election is not wanted. It is not believed that the factions which openly announce their desires for peace are aiding the Military Forces. On the other hand it is believed they are obstructing us. My conception of the situation may be stated in a few words: The Conservative Party is desirous of maintaining a spirit of unrest in the Northern Area for very obvious reasons. The Liberal party stronghold will be kept in a state of unrest to prevent a strong Conservative vote in any area controlled by them. The Press is becoming more active. While the Liberals are said to be lending their support to the election law, surface indications are such that we should not place too much faith in their pronounced doctrines.

(H) MISCELLANEOUS:

     Carlton Beal [Beals]. This man is a representative of "The Nation" a New York paper. It has been rather conclusively established that his mission of interviewing Sandino recieved some financial support from Sandino's brother in Brooklyn. He succeeded in obtaining the interview with Sandino at or near San Rafael about 3 February. The information obtained from him was of course very little. Beal is also known to have had a conference with General Moncada.

     Other writers who are on the way here with the same intention, will be watched carefully.

     One Espinosa, a former consul at Los Angeles, will also bear watching. He has been observed in the company of Beal.

H. SCHMIDT,
Major, USMC,
B-2.