DECLASSMEU Authority State Letter 10 22 ej me a Cata 2498 AIR MAIL It was interesting to note that at no time during the trip was there heard any enthusiasm for León Cortés, and it must be assumed therefore that his theoretical leadership of the opposition, in Guanacaste at least, is a dead letter. It should be pointed out that his personal prestige has not been too high in that section since he was held responsible for the rather arbitrary manner in which the congressional elections in the province of 1938 were conducted but he of ew some support from the conservative element in the presidential elections of last February.
It should not be thought, however, that there is no feeling of opposition to the present Administration evident in Guanacaste. Ås of possible significance, checked the newspapers delivered to the various towns visited, and would estimate that the opposition DIARIO was outseflation TRIBUNA by perhaps three to one. Moreover, in Liberia, capital of the province and the most politically conscious city visited, there has been established a flourishing and energetic section of the Centro para el Estudio de Problemas Nacionales. Drawing its strength largely from young professional men, the group probably exerts an influence greater than its membership of thirty five would lead one to expect. Conversation with some of the members of the organization elicited the information that they are admirers of don Otilio late, owner of the DIARIO, and hoped that it would be possible to carry him to the Presidency of the Republic. They also stated that it was their opinion that Ulate would some time in the future resume the editorship of the DIARIO, but that he was at present holding back because of the fact that the committee of the Centro presently directing the paper had been the object of some bitter and personal attacks, and neither they nor Ulate wished to have it appear that they were abandoning direction of it under pressure.
Throughout the trip one could not help but be impressed by the feeling of genuine friendship for Americans and the United States which was evident. Everywhere we were well received, and everywhere there was interest in the war effort. It should be emphasized, however, that this good will is in spite of, rather than because of, the activities of the Pan American Highway in that region. It will be some time before the inhabitants of Guanacaste forget the gross behavior, extravagance, and incompetence which they allege characterized the conduct of certain of es Army Engineers and employees of the Foundation Company.
Although these organizations left the province many months ago, their conduct while there is still an absorbing topic of conversation. Fortunately, the Public Roads Administration, at present working on the Guanacaste section of the road, seems to enjoy a considerably better reputation.
ECONOMIC The economy of Guanacaste is based primarily upon cattle and crops, although the mines around Las Juntas which were discovered at the end of the past century are still being worked with some success, and there is some exploitation of hardwoods. The mines, however, are working on