DELASSIEU Authority Stateletter Inhz 8: ML, Cata 24981 AIR MAIL running away. The cessation, at least for the time being, of charges against his administration appear to have convincsd him that the time to seek permission to leave was ripe, and, in point of fact, public reaction to the event has been negligible.
Manuel Mora also took advantage of the temporary lull in political activity to leave for Mexico on August 21 for what is expected to be a short visit. He stated publicly that the reason for his journey was a wish to unearth evidence against a person who he suspected was a Nazi agent operating in Central America, but little credence is placed in this story generally, and it is popularly supposed that the purpose of his trip is to confer with Mexican labor leaders. It is hoped that upon his return a report on his activities in Mexico will become available to the Embassy.
As noted above, the opposition press has moderated its tone of criticism of both President Picado and our Government policy in Central America. The Diario has ceased to publish the charges 01 Acción Demócrata to the effect that the President is a thief, and has of late been concentrating its editorial fire on the Communists. This moderation may be due, in part, to the influence of the less hotheaded element in the conservative group, or it may simply be a temporary lack of ammunition, for, with the successful disposition of the tobacco, coffee, and Oficina de Defensa Economica issues, there are fewer and fewer grounds for the formerly popular charge that the Government was being turned over to the Red hordes.
The behind the scenes negotiations to effect a conciliation between the Administration and moderates of the opposition has, according to reliable observers, been continuing. The movement, however, received a setback at the hands of Leon Cortés, who, last week, gave the press the text of a telegram he had sent Roberto Brénes Mesón, in which he denied the rumors that he was ready and willing to arrive at an understanding with the Government. Whether this attitude was dictated by sincere ideological criteria or personal resentment is not immediately apparent, but it now seems that the group seeking rapprochement will have to carry on without the support of Cortés and his personal following.
In the meantime, the Centro Para El Estudio de Problemas Nacionales has announced its intention to proceed with the formation of a political party, presumably to attract all dissident elements which are at present opposed to Picado. As reported in the Embassy despatch no. 703 of October 20, 1943, this plan has been under consideration by the Centro for some time. While no further announcement has appeared on the subject, it is to be supposed