* * . * * The United States and Central America
The recent disturbances in Nicaragua have spread north- wards up the Carffibean seaboard to Honduras. United States warships have followed their course, but not closely enough to prevent the loss of several American and British lives. The two " generals " responsible for a form of brigandage, which cannot be dignified by the name of war and appears to have no coherent political motive, find plenty of recruits among the discontented employees on the fruit plantations and coffee fincas on the coast, for these have not escaped the effects of world depression.
Hoover's administration has issued a declaration of Central American policy which is virtually a reversal of that pursued under President Coolidge. Mr. Stimson's announcement that the United States cannot undertake the general protection of Americans throughout Nicaragua and that those who " do not feel secure under the protec- tion afforded them by the Nicaraguan Government " should withdraw has come in for some harsh criticism, but he has defended it logically and sincerely. Less con- vincing is Mr. Hoover's eulogy of the Nicaraguan National Guard, which has been trained by American Marines, and hiS confidence in their ability to carry out effective reprisals on General Sandino's banditry.
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