3The Centro para el Estudio de Problemas Nacionales was brought up, and Hora said that that organization was divided into two wings, one sincere and intelligent and the other merely demagogic. He said that they were few in numbers but that because of their control of the DIARIO they felt that they possessed more influence than was really the case. He confirmed the Embassy understanding that the group intended to present candidates for the mid term Congressional elections, and stated that if they offered good men his Party would not oppose them unduly. Should, however, they run candidates who were interested only in their own advancement, the Vanguardia would fight them to the finish. And, he went on, the Vanguardia had the experienced in practical, realistic polities. He then stated that it was his intention to utilize the departure of exPresident Calderón Guardia on October 22 as an occasion to show his political opponents the strength of the Vanguardia Popular. As reported in the Embassy despatch No. 1944 of October 10, 1944, a demonstration has been organized to bid farewell to the ex President at the airport, and Mora stated that this was an excellent chance to show Costa Rica that the Vanguardia Popular was not dead.
In passing mentioned the Rerum Novarum unions directed by Father Núñez, and Mora mentioned that it was his policy to cooperate with the Rerum Novarum as long as that group concerned itself solely with the betterment of social and economic conditions. As soon, however, as the organization showed any tendency to deviate from its announced aims and become solely a clerical agency of reaction it would be necessary to fight it, he said. In this connection he paid high tribute to Archbishop Sanabria liberal point of view, and said that he had the most complete confidence in the Archbishop.
Mora is a very convincing talker, and, as is usual in conversations with him, received the impression that he was being sincere in his ronouncements. Only when he was discussing the Nicaraguan situation did feel that he was holding back something which he did not wish the Embassy to know. While he would not be drawn out extensively on the subject of the pressure which is being exerted on President Picado te break with the the Communists. he was frank in describing the attitude assumed by the members of the Cabinet mentioned above. Far from seeming discouraged at Picado obvious wooing of support from the Right, he appeared confident that his Party was in the best position of its history. How much of this appearance reflected sincere conviction and how much was for Embassy consumption is, of course, impossible to say, but one cannot be other than impressed with his self assurance, Tigono. woth Livingston Watrous 800 LDN em NARA. Da NARA, Date