CECLASSMED Authority Stateletter Inhz B; ML, MARI Czte 2498 that Somoza would like to see the alliance between Picado and Manuel MORA severed.
In this connection it is interesting to note that the Embassy has received confirmation of the idea expressed in its despatch No. 1979 of October 19, 1944, that Mora and the Vanguardia Popular are taking an active part in the organization of the working classes of Nicaragua; it has been reliably learned that several Costa Ricans are at present in Nicaragua acting under orders from Mora, and are there engaged in trying to obtain social legislation and other benefits from Somoza Government. Should this become known generally there is no doubt that Costa Rican Nicaraguan relations would deteriorate, even further.
The main problem for the Government here in the case of all the upheavals which are occurring in Central America is to what extent it should maintain friendly relations with the dictators and to what ex tent it should orient its policy to express the widespread popular dislike of these dictators. The problem is, of course, one which is on tremely difficult of solution, for should the President defend the un popular heads of government he would be strongly criticized by his opposition, and also would run the risk that some group which might overthrow one of the leaders would then be unfriendly to the Administration here and might conceivably aid a subversive movement in Costa Rica. On the other hand, the President obviously does not want to offend neighbor ing nations and find Costa Rica isolated in Central America, surrounded by hostile countries. As in so many things, the President has so far chosen to take the middle course, allowing free public criticism of friendly governments, but himself refraining from any action which could be interpreted as unfriendly. There can be no doubt, however, that the Administration is worried about the effect the several revolutionary movements in neighboring republics may have upon the temper of the Costa Rican people, for changes of government by violence in this region appear to be highly contagious. While there is no evidence as yet to show that the disturbances to the North have strengthened the hand of the opposition here (except, to a small degree, psychologically) it is freely predicted that if both Carias and Somoza should fall the Government in Costa Rica would have to weather a serious crisis.
Respectfully yours, vs. Walter Washington Chargé Affaires ad interim 800 LDW am Copies to: American Embassy, Guatemala Salvador Honduras Nicaragua