DELASSIEU Suthority Stateletter Inhz 8: ML, Cate 24 981. 2revolutionary movement. On the other hand, Minister of Public Security René PICADO has made no secret of his admiration for Ubico, and it is possible that his absence from the country at this time has saved him some embarrassment.
The press here has devoted a great deal of space to the events in Guatemala, and has published biographies, with favorable comments, of the figures comprising the new junta. The DIARIO DE COSTA RICA has been particularly active in printing laudatory publicity for both the group now in power and for Señor AREVALO, who, if the DIARIO is to be believed, is the outstandingly popular figure in Guatemalan political life. Moreover, the Centro para el Estudio de Problemas Nacionales, which is presently editing the DIARIO, announced on October 24 that it had concluded a pact on September with the Frente Popular Libertador of Guatemala. According to the Centro, the two groups had recognized their similarity of aims, and had determined to work together for the international promulgation of democracy and against both Communism and tyrants. While the practical effect of the pact is perhaps unlikely to be great, the fact that it was signed is in itself of interest.
EL SALVADOR As the Department is aware, Costa Ricans look upon the people of El Salvador as their traditional friends, and show toward that country less of a feeling of superiority than is apparent in their relations with the other nations of Central America. Also, Foreign Minister Acosta lived for several years in El Salvador and is married to a Salvadoran, and as a consequence has always evidenced great partiality toward that country. For these reasons the dor in El Salvador have been followed here with special interest both by the Government and by the public. The general feeling, however, is that Salvador has merely gone from the frying pan into the fire, and that disturbances there are not yet over. Neither MENENDEZ nor AGUIRRE are much more popular here than was MARTINEZ, and most people hope that a genuinely democratic movement will depose Aguirre. As reported in my telegram No. 581 of October 25, p. the Foreign Minister also feels that the new government is not very stable, and he would prefer to withhold recognition for the time be ing. The press has also suggested the non recognition of the new regime, and, as might be expected, the DIARIO has been leading the press campaign of opposition to Aguirre. It should be added that the Vanguardia Popular press has been particularly bitter in attacking the present Salvadoran regime.
HONDURAS While neither the Embassy nor the local press has a very clear picture of the status of revolutionary activities in Honduras at the present time, it may be said that public opinion is decidedly antiCarias. This natural anti dictatorial sentiment has been strengthened by the presence in Costa Rica of many Honduran political exiles, who have been tireless in their propaganda and plotting against the Honduran Government. The press has also been generally anti Carias, and