DELLASOMEO Authority Stateletter uly2 2; ML, Cate 24 98 It will be observed that the letter concludes with a statement on the part of don René that he is determined at all costs to prevent the expansion of Communista influence in Costa Rica, even though this decision would make it necessary to deprive his brother or FirstDesignate elect Francisco Calderón Guardia and the Communist chief, Manuel Mora, of their lives or liberty.
In the case matters reached this extremity, dom René is prepared to take over the Presidency of the country in his capacity as Second Designate. He recalled in this connection his promise to the other Presidents of Central America, notably to General Ubico, to curb Communism in this country and he declared that he will send copies of this letter to the other Presidents following his assumption of the office of Minister of Public Security, May The letter concludes with the statement that Señor Picado swears to its truth before God.
After had finished reading the letter don René enlarged somewhat on certain of the matters which it raises. For example, he said that while he is not a gangster and does not wish to see any bloodshed in Costa Rica, he had had some experience with strong arm rule in countries such as Venezuela under Gomez, as well as in Honduras and Guatemala. He repeated his determination not to allow Communist influence here to increase.
He said that it was disgrage ful that the only military force in the country worthy of the name was the so called shock brigades of the Vanguardia Popular Party. He thought that it was urgently necessary for the Government to organize at once a small mobile military force which could be counted upon to enforce order here. He said that he wished to discuss this matter in the very near future with Major Roberts, the Military Attaché, and the new head of the Military Mission, Colonel Radnor. Ho implied that he will probably wish to obtain certain Lend Lease equipos ment in order to assure that this small military body will be an effective one.
Referring to his own brother, he quoted a remark made by General Somoza to the effect that both President Calderón Guardia and Teodoro Picado were rather weak characters. Don René declared with some pride that in discussing with Somoza the so called conspiracy here being fomented by certain Cortesista elements he had mentioned that he was arranging to trap them by turning over to them one of the small provincial garrisons, after which he would capture the garrison and machine gun all of those General Somozo clapped him on the back and said: You are a man after my own heart. He said General Somoza had offered, in caso don René wished to rid himself or any political enemy, to send a persom experienced in such matters who would carry out his commission to the letter and would only ask that the assassin be helped to cross the border and return to Nicaragua.
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