DECLASSIFIED Authority Stateletter Inhz me Nan Czte 24581 President Jiménez to let him know that the Governments in these countries are watching the situation in Costa Rica with much concern. Are you making the suggestion to me that do that. asked Mr. Chittenden. Yes, he replied. Well, if you have that in mind suppose you communicate with your attorney in Boston, Mr. Jackson, and let him make the suggestions to the State Department on your behalf because can not do anything for you, answered. Oh, no, don want to do that, Mr. Chittenden replied. Well can not do anything for you because am not in sympathy with your suggestions. It will only make a bad matter worse and to my mind it is interference in a Costa Rican internal affair. am sorry, Chittend en continued, but may make it formal before get through. Then, if you do, put it on your official stationery in writing above your signature and as a courtesy and as a duty will transmit your suggestions to the State Department, told him.
Mr. Chittenden seemed much annoyed because did not show any enthusiasm over his suggestion but because of the possibility that the United Fruit Company, which has widespread ramifications in Central America, may yet attempt to bring outside pressure on the Government of President Jiménez, am reporting the above conversation for the information of the Department. The Department, perhaps, may feel that am attributing too much importance to Chittenden feelers which arise from his unquestioned nervousness nevertheless prefer to report the conversation fully.
In WS