Coolidge Tells Congress Arms for Nicaraguan Rebels Came From Mexico

President Coolidge told Congress on Monday in a special message that he has the most conclusive evidence that arms and munitions in large quantities have been shipped since August 1926 to the revolutionists in Nicaragua, the Associated Press reported. Boats carrying them were fitted out in Mexican ports, he said, and some of the munitions bear evidence of having belonged to the Mexican government.

The New Britain Herald quoted him as saying the ships were fitted out with the full knowledge of Mexican officials, in some cases with their encouragement, and at least once was commanded by Mexican naval reserve officers. The Evening Star noted that he did not charge the Mexican government with fomenting the revolution. The message also defended the use of American forces to protect American lives and property and the support of the Diaz government.

The House received the message with applause on the Republican side. In the Senate, Chairman Borah of the Foreign Relations Committee, a critic of the policy, moved that it be published as a public document but declined to debate it until Secretary Kellogg appears before his committee on Wednesday.