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EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, San José, Costa Rica September 8, 1944, SECRET No. 1845 Subject: Political Situation Remains Calm: Congress Convenes and Manuel Mora Returns from Mexico; RECEIVED Relations of Picado Administration with the Press. 18. 00. 444 The Honorable The Secretary of State, Washington, Sir: 818. 60 2444 ONM Referring to the Embassy despatch no. 1797 of August 24, 1944, in which was reported a lessening of tension on the political scene, have the honor to report that the situation since that time has remained quiet, with little political activity being carried on overtly. Congress has convened in special session, and the recent return to Costa Rica of Manuel Mora may result in renewed action politically, but the present situation gives only the impression that the Picado administration is day by day strengthening its position and gaining the confidence of the country.
The President convened Congress in special session on September but, as predicted in the Embassy despatch under reference, the list of matters which he has so far submitted for its consideration is entirely routine, with the exception of his veto of the tobacco law.
It is generally believed that the veto will be upheld, in which case there is no further action Congress may take on the subject until the next ordinary session of Congress, unless the President should change his mind and ask the legislature to consider a new measure. At the present time, however, this is not thought likely.
818, 00 4During the past week, Manuel Mora returned to Costa Rica from his trip to Mexico City and has taken his place in Congress. He has as yet given no publka account of his journey, nor has he figured in the new in any way since his arrival. The Embassy has not 97 received a full report upon his activities while in Mexico, but it is known that he at least twice inter viewed Vicente Lombardo Toledano. There has been considerable speculation as to the purpose of the trip, and Mora future, attitude may give an indication as to whether changes are to be expected in the party line of the Vanguardia Popular. For it is not unlikely that Mora feels that the President is giving more