DECLASSMEU Authority Stateletter inhaz In this connection, in a conversation with Dr.
Calderón Guardia yesterday, he stated that he was desirous of leaving Costa Rica in order to take advantage of an invitation extended him by Dr. Pack, the cancer specialist of New York City, to spend a period with him. The ex President, however, said he could not see his way clear as yet to finance his departure, adding jestingly that he did not have available the millions he is supposed to have stolen. He and his brother seemed somewhat perturbed over certain developments here involving them and some of their associates, notably a congressional investigation of a shipment of tires consigned last year to the Costa Rican Government which were subsequently placed on public sale at exorbitant prices. Please see in this connection the Embassy strictly confidential airgram 667, of May 28, ll a. 1943. It appears that this investigation is being conducted energetically and it may result in important disclosures which are practically certain to prove painful to the Calderón Guardias and some of their friends. It is also reliably reported that Acción Democrática, a group made up of rabid Cortesistas, is planning to file civil suit against the Calderón Guardias for misconduct in public office, misuse of public funds, et cetera.
In our conversation, don Francisco Calderón Guardia made the observation that Señor René Picado had quieted down considerably during the last few weeks. He remarked that don René is no longer talking recklessly about assassinating this person or that, such as was the case ono month ago. Don Francisco expressed, however, some apprehension over the apparently considerable admiration which don René feels for General Ubico. Foreign Minister Acosta in a recent conversation with René. which overheard.
twitted the latter for his close relations with General Carias of Honduras. Señor Acosta stated im jest that the Foreign Office had to proceed with caution in this regard in view of don René attitude. The Embassy recent observations tend to bear out don Francisco observation as to don René quieting down; at least don René has not talked in the somewhat sensational way he did a month ago in conversation with any of the officers of the Embassy.
President Picado in recent conversations has expressed considerable satisfaction with the way matters are going for his Administration. He made much of the fact that the first emergency loan of Colones 750, 000 made his government by the local banks has now been completely liquidated. over six weeks before it was due. He seems to be satisfied with the way in which the Acting Minister of Finance, Señor BONILLA Lara, is carrying on in that Ministry and has stated that once Señor Bonilla has completely established himself and won the confidence of the local bankers, he would probably be named Minister. understand the bankers have already been sounded out along this lino and have expressed satisfaction with the way Señor Bonilla is conducting the Ministry.
President