DCODODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES y me NARA Oz! 24181 un On the social side here the Archbishop expressed himself as satisfied with the progress which the Church inspired Labor Unions are making. Ho declared that the only factor limiting their expansion is the lack of trained personnel to direct this activity, since the working people here were turning with enthusiasm to a movement which was not political or extremist in any way. He did not hesitato, however, to mention his belief that a future conflict between these unions and those controlled by the Vanguardia Popular would be difficult to avoid. He cited in this connection the rivalry in the United States between the of and the Obviously referring to the Vanguardia Popular Party, the Archbishop reiterated arguments which he had used before, namely, that there is something about Costa Rica which tends to make extremist and extremist movements less dangerous. He cited the fact that there were a number of Spanish Republican exiles here, some with what he described as dangerous records, but who had been more or loss Wimmunized by the country. Ho said that the caso of the Dictator Garrido Canabal, who fled to Costa Rica for refuge from the State of Tabasco, was similar.
He seemed to have great faith that this immunizing power which the country appeared to possess would protect it from violence in the social struggle.
Referring to the various charges of intervention by other countries in Costa Rica problems. at which juncture took advantage of the opportunity to reiterate our policy of non intervention. the Archbishop referred frankly to the attacks to which he had been subject, to the effect that he had been intervening in the campaign in one way or another. He said that these attacks were of such a varied nature that their net result was to leave him completely in the center of events, where he implied ho intended to remain. Obviously referring to the recent. visit which he had received from Presidential Candidate Leon Cortés, he mentioned the fact that his door was open to anyone who wished to see him at any time.
He implied that he might well be of considerable service in a capacity of impartial observer. In fact, he declared, speaking in a homely voin, he was becoming something like a garbage can. by which presume he meant thąt each side was coming to him with their troubles, accusations, et cetera, and that as a result he was beginning to feel somewhat soiled.
In closing the conversation, he referred to the fact that being a President in Costa Rica or a Presidential candidate was a completely thankless job, in view of the insults which must be borne, the continual criticism, et cetera. After referring, in this connection, to criticism which he understood had been leveled at President Roosevelt in the United States, he added that he really felt sorry for President Calderón Guardia, who also had had so much criticism leveled at him.
San José November 19, 1943 EGT. mm