REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES DECLASSIFIED Authority Stateletter Ihr ay ME, NARI C2:0 24 18. After discussing the contents of the memorandum with Mr. Chittenden, in his presence, dictated a memorandum of his remarks to me on the subject of Communism in Costa Rica, copy of which is transmitted herewith. It may be no ted that Mr. Chittenden, who has resided in Costa Rica off and on for thirty years, believes that if the reports which come to him are true, the Government will be helpless in protecting lives and property because of inadequate police and military forces; that he is giving the memorandum to Foreign Minister Gurdian in his personal capacity as a friend; that he will request Señor Gurdián to have the Government make an immediate investigation to afford protection to lives and property which may be in danger, and to take steps for the apprehension of the Communist leaders mentioned in his memorandum.
It may also be noted that Mr. Chittenden gave me a copy of his memorandum merely for the Legation information, and that he was not calling upon the Legation at this time to intervene or to take steps for the protection of United Fruit Company property and the lives of American citizens connected with the Company.
In connection with the information furnished by Mr. Chittenden, respectfully call the Department attention to my confidential Despatch No.