9/13/2006:
As Thomas Whelan, a farmer and North Dakota republican, stood before President Harry Truman in 1951, Truman said unabashedly, “I don’t know why in the hell I’m giving you this job when there are so many good, deserving democrats who would like to have it.” Whelan simply replied, “I don’t know why in the hell you’re giving it to me, either, Mr. President.” But both men knew why Whelan was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua. Senator William Langer said there had never been an ambassador from North Dakota, and he wanted one. President Truman owed Langer a favor, and gave him one, and on September 8, 1951, Whelan was officially installed to the position. Two days later, Whelan’s hometown, St. Thomas held Thomas Whelan Day, and today in 1951, the Cavalier Chronicle reported on the celebration for North Dakota’s first U.S. ambassador.
The celebration included sports games, a parade, open houses and a banquet for Ambassador Whelan and his wife Martha “Mibbs” Whelan. In his speech to the proud people of St. Thomas, Whelan said, “I make no pretense of having any social qualifications for this appointment other than being a North Dakotan and proud of the fact. I sincerely trust that Mibbs and I will be good ambassadors—not only of the United States, which of course is paramount—but also of St. Thomas, Pembina County and North Dakota. Believe me when I say that in the ensuing months the people of the republic of Nicaragua shall learn of North Dakota’s friendly citizens.”
Whelan was true to his every word. Though Whelan proved to be a controversial ambassador because of his relationship with the dictatorial leaders of Nicaragua, Whelan would also be known as one of the greater ambassadors due to his unique style of diplomacy--friendship. This friendship extended not only to the dictator Somoza, but also the people of Nicaragua. His laid back approach to his position earned him the name of the “Ambassador in shirt-sleeves.”
Over his ten years of service, Whelan became familiar with the “grass roots” of Nicaragua and spent many hours talking with farmers, peons, and laborers, exchanging information on agriculture and farming techniques. He also visited with businessmen, students, and women’s rights groups regularly. The extent to which Whelan was involved with the people of Nicaragua was shown when the volunteer fire department rushed to extinguish a grass fire that threatened his home. The grateful Whelan offered the department a donation of thanks, but was turned down. Whelan then invited the firemen to his home for cocktails, but again, the department was determined to show their own gratitude to their friend. The fire chief of Managua, Joachim Vigil presented Whelan with an honorary fire chief badge. Whelan finally was able to show his thanks when he helped make Vigil an honorary fire chief of the Washington, D.C. fire department.
Whelan’s influence, however, was not restricted only to the grass roots, but was also prominent in the office. Whelan reorganized the U.S. approach to Nicaragua by eliminating “boondoggles,” or worthless projects, diverting money to worthwhile projects, and turning work to the Nicaraguans themselves. Whelan also concentrated his energy on preventing communist infiltration in Nicaragua. Through the end of his term in 1961, his efforts were successful, as Nicaragua remained one of the few countries in Latin America that had good relations with the U.S.
Whelan retired in 1961 to his new home in Grand Forks, though he still kept in touch with Nicaragua. He remained active in Latin American affairs and served as chairman of the American Legion Foreign Affairs Committee from 1964 through 1972. He died on August 31, 1977, but his form of diplomacy and influence continued to live on.
By Tessa Sandstrom
Sources: “Ambassador Whelan of ND friend of all in Nicaragua,” Fargo Forum. May 30, 1954: 13.
“Celebrations Honoring Whelans Well Attended,” Cavalier Chronicle. Sept. 13, 1951: 1.
Thomas Whelan general reference file, State Historical Society of North Dakota.