CELLASSOU Authority Stateletter Iub2. ML, NAS Cate 24 181 EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA No.
1797 San José, Costa Rica, August 24, 1944. Subject: Political Situation Calmer: 1944 AUG 29 AG COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS 1) Congress Finishes Sessions; 2) Ex President Calderón Guardia receives Congressional Permission to Leave Country; 3) Manuel Mora Makes Trip to Mexico.
SECRET 18. 00 2444 The Honorable The Secretary of State, Washington, Sir: have the honor to report that in the past week the political situation has, at least on the surface, divested itself of the atmosphere of tenseness and uncertainty which has recently characterized it. The opposition press has moderated its attacks, Congress has finished its regular sessions, Manuel Mora is at present in Mexico, and as a result of these factors the scene is considerably quieter, but there is little doubt that behind the scenes the business of politics continues active. 3336 The Congress finished its normal sessions on August 16, and adjourned until such time as the President may reconvene it for special sessions. Since considerable business was left unfinished, it is thought probable that the body will be called back into session some time in September. At that time, however, by Costa Rican law Congress may consider only those subjects recommended to it by the President, and it is likely that President Picado will be hesitant about proposing any highly controislation, since, as reported in the Embassy despatch no. 1737 of August 7, he is still not assured of a clear majority on anything but routins affairs. On the last day of its regular session Congress, besides finally passing the revised tobacco law, also granted the necessary permission for ex President Calderón Guardia to leave Costa Rica. The Presidential veto of the tobacco law, reported in my telegram no. 463 of August 21, noon, has not been forthcoming, but is expected with in the next few days, since, to be effective, it must take place within ten working days after passage of the act. It has been rumored for some time that Dr. Calderón Guardia has been planning to take a trip to either Mexico or the United States, or both, but he has apparently refrained from seeking the necessary Congressional authorization until now because of a desire not to seem to be runnin