The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1928. THE UNITED STATES AND NICARAGUA.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1928. THE UNITED STATES AND NICARAGUA.

There have- been frequent reieroneefi of late in the cable news to the operations of the United States in Nicaragua, and natually there is an all-im-portant reason and purpose for the operations and interest displayed. A bill providing for the construction of an inter-oceanic canal through the Nicaragua ifchnnis is now before the American Senate. For a long time past it has been evident to the Americans that they must duplicate the Panama Canal—partly because of the rapid growth of traffic that it has to carry, partly because of the risk of destruction to which it might be exposed in time of war. To provide for all contingencies, President Wilson secured from the Nicaragua Government an option over the proposed canal zone, and the McKellar Bill is intended to provide on an adequate scale a financial basis for this great scheme. There is no doubt that sooner or later, says a northern writer, the proposed canal will he constructed by American capitalists. and, like the Panama Canal, will Ik? subject to American control. And this explains the great interest that the American Government has shown in Nicaragua and its internal affairs during the last twelve months. At the present moment there are something like 2000 American troops in the country professedly helping the Government to keep order and to put down the “bandits” who have revolt against it. The story of this American “invasion” of Nicaragua is a curious one. Last year the so-called Liberal party rose in rebellion against President Diaz who is a Conservative and is well disposed toward the American people and the American capitalists. President Cool id ge sent Colonel Stimsou to Nicaragua to see if the bloodshed could not l>e stopped. Stimson interviewed the revolutionary leader Moncnda. and by threatening him with the displeasure of the United States, induced him to submit. Afoncnda’s lieutenant, Sandino. and his followers declined to lay down their arms, and as Stimsou reported that Sandino had only about IAO men., a

strong body of American marines, hacked by aeroplanes and gunboats, was sent down to Nicaragua to assist President Diaz in restoring order. Since Stimson reported on the situation. 1400 Americans and about 2000 native troops have been fighting Sandino continuously. As Sandino’s total casualties are now reckoned at about 2000, Colonel Stimson must have grievously under-estimated tbe strength of the rebels. But during tbe past few months it lias become clear that Sandino and his followers, far from being “bandits,” are a legitimate political opposition to tbe dominant Conservative nartv. and that the American expedition is interfering actively in the country's internal affairs. It is true that the Government of the United States has a legitimate excuse for showing an interest in the proposed canal, and in the concessions which President Diaz may grant or has grant-

ed to American capitalists. But as the Washington “News” tersely puts it, “unless we wish to spoil any chances for a real understanding with the rest of Latin America, we must iind a better procedure than killing off vast numbers of native rebels on the pretext that they are bandits.” This souihi advice the American Government will do well to take seriously.