HARRY TRUMAN LIBRARY Papers of NATHANIEL P, DAVIS Extract From My Diary.
March 2, 1948 This morning had a number of visitors seeking advice or information. Two Americans who live in the same block with Valverde reported that they are still besieged and cannot enter or leave their houses. sent Alex Cohen to investigate and he obtained passes for them signed by René Picado. The General recommended that they affix photographs to their passes as some of the Mariachis cannot read. Even armed with passes it is none too safe to enter or leave their houses.
At mid morning, Mr. Edmundo Montealegre, the hero of Dr. Facio dramatic story last night of how Dr.
Valverde was removed from his house (the two stories were identical except for some details. told me that the Archbishop was at the moment in conference with the President trying to arrange safe conduct for Ulate and his party to the Brazilian Legation or to the Archbishop palace. Mr. Ulate friends, however, feared that no matter what arrangementy might be made, the Mariachis could not be trusted to hold their fire when Ulate should appear. They all felt that only my presence could insure.
observance of a safe conduct. said only the President could issue a safe conduct. could not intervene in that. was glad that the Archbishop, a Costa Rican, was taking the initiative. If he should desire it, and if he should ask me to, would accompany him on any mission to and from the besieged area.
At mid day, asked Colonel Calixto Madrigal to come to my house. told him that because my Spanish is not yet perfect, would, with his permission, speak in English in order that what had to say would not be, misunderstood and Mr. Donovan would interpret. then told him my personal views of the dangerous situation and my suggestions as to how the immediate and serious threat of innocent bloodshed could be avoided. The conversation is fully recorded in Donovan memo of today datel the Colonel said he would report my statements to the Presi.
dent without delay; confirmed that negotiations were going on with the Archbishop; and added that the Venezuelan.
Minister has received instructions from his government to offer asylum.
Early