REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES DECLASSISED Authority Stateletter Whe By ML. NARA Cate 2498. Desp. No. 402 American Embassy, San José December 18, 1947.
CONFIDENTIAL (i. e. Majority) control of the voting boards through its unofficial but unquestioned alliance with VANGUARDIA POPULAR, which, as a duly registered party, is entitled to its own members on boards. The Opposition, on the other hand, in endeavoring to have its own two ghosts granted full recognition and that of the National Republicans thrown out on a technicality, hoped to secure thereby a majority on the boards.
cost of Current Electoral Campaign The increased tempo of electioneering, combined with the bitterness of the campaign will make it, by the time elections have taken place, probably the costliest in the country history. The following estimate of its total cost is believed to be reasonably accurate. Spent by National Republican 2, 500, 000. 00 Party to date Spent by the Opposition to 1, 500, 000. 00 date Expected to be spent by Nat Rep. Party during the coming two months 1, 000, 000. 00 Expected to be spent by Opposition during the coming two months 1, 000, 000. 00 Administrative cost of the various electoral organizations until elections 1, 500, 000. 00 Total cost 7, 500, 000. 00 The foregoing is equivalent to 10. 00. or approximately 80 at current rate of exchange for every man, woman and child in the country. The Situation in Cartago As far as the administration is concerned, the City of Cartago, second in the Republic, has been a thorn in its side. It will be remembered that the Civic Disobedience campaign of last July originated in that city.
Since it is quite possible that trouble may again flare up in that city in the very near future, a member of the Staff had a lengthy conversation on conditions prevailing in Cartago with a long time resident American. resume of this conversation is enclosed.
Opposition CONFIDENTIAL