REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES. DECLASSIFIED Authority State Leffer the by MENARA 0312 24 18 EMBASSY DECLATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA San José, Costa Rica, aix, Ootober 21, 1943.
No. 706 STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
See Subject: Political Disturbances. in Heredia onctober 17. PM 29 1)
RECEIVED DEPARTMENT OF STATE THISION OF 18 ORTNICATIONS AND RECORDS These disturbances have increased tension in current campaign and the public believes that they foreshadow further violence; 1945 NOV 2) The Government states that the disturbances miss Decon Sunday were provoked by the Cortés faction while the latter attribute them to the Government alleged policy of pre venting a Cortés victory next February at all costs; COMMUNICATIONS RECORDS DIVISION OF EVÁLT AON DEPARTMENT OF STATE Repercussions of the Heredia disturbances include resignation of the Minister of Public Works and of the Port Captain of Puntarenas. bank flurry involving withdrawal of deposits has also taken place.
263170081 4) truce on political campaigning is reported under consideratiom.
hen IH POLITICKI RELIN homes wunderis The Honorable The Secretary of State Washington, UL 1943 P EPARTMENT OF 33 STATE Sir: KWL In amplification of my telegram no. 710 of October 19, p. have the honor to report that the disturbances in Heredia last Sunday have had the effect of sharply increasing the already considerable tension prevailing in the present political campaign. The followers of Cortés are both indignant and alarmed since they are now convinced that the Administration will stop at nothing.
in order to assure a Picado victory in February. Several responsible persons have told officers of the Embassy that they can see nothing but bloodshed and disorders ahead if the Administration tactics are not changed.
AS a concession to public opinion the President re ported to be on the verge of prohibiting all further political gatherings except during the period of 60 days prior to the elections; this would permit campaigning to be carried on only in the press and by radio. Leon Cortés, however, has said he would agree to this truce only if certain conditions are fulfilled and it is not yet clear what the final outcome will be.
The