DECLASSINEU Authority Stateletter Inha By me NART Cute 2498 February 1, 1944 TRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION FOR THE CHARGÉ AFFAIRES Prepared by: Roger Tyler, Jr.
Bei There have been so many rumors, charges and fantastic ideas, and put out during these elections, that it is impossible to know the true state of affairs. More especially is this true when both sides at are trying to convince the Embassy of their strength, or the rights ir ness of their causo. The Administration usually ring elections, ai.
milar rumora of disturbance are part of most olections, and in this the one, the followers of Cortés seen discouraged. Neither candidate has the magnetle appeal or the personal courage which would make his followers fight to see him wia. Besides Costa Ricans are not fighting people. However, have been flooded with all sorts of statement.
lately which seem to indicate a pro Cortés sentiment on the part of vera the majority and a possibility of some sort of uprising or protest should he be defeated at the polls. In the event that Cortés does n, or that samo serious disturbances do break out, submit the follondng memorandum which is a summary of the Cortés point of view, or perhaps the anti Government viewpoint would be more accurate. php on The Possibilitr of Serious Disturbancos.
La In spite of the fact that Costa Ricans are traditionally el and peaceful, and in spite of the usual probability that the Administees trations candidato Teodoro Picado) ll be declared the winner Inlete the forthcoming alactions, together with the restraining realisatie on the part of the opposition that the Adidnistration forces have practically all the ans and are backed by the Communists, the likely trouble makers, there are certain elements in the prosent, tical campaign which may well lead to serious disturbanood. Government is too severe or fraudulent in inning the cloetlon, foreo reverses an electoral retory for Cortés, and tries to in power on the excuse that Cortés is pro last, the traditione Ricans spirit of clvie rights may well result in a determined, tance which sooner or later will cause the presont Government on its imposed candidato, to fall. Tanse Atmosphore.
tter can be sent There is a state of tenseness unlike anything proylul koop in Costa Rlea, according to many reliable observers, among whom te included the Mindster for Foreign Affairs, don Alberto Echandi. There are almost dally occurrences of violence which are not reported in the press. Whether the press has been instructed to be silent about the Dement Part kan man for ek polos