HARRY TRUMAN LIBRARY Papers of NATHANIEL DAVIS March 16, 1948.
The Nuncio came in this morning to consult me as to the feasibility of our making joint renresentations to both sides.
for an agreement not to bomb from the air areas where there are civilians. He said the Archbishod had asked him if he thought anything of the sort could be done and suggested he get my views, The Nuncio did not want to consult the diplo matic corps. After the antics at the last meeting he is fed up with it. said it would be a delicate matter and certainly could take no steps without getting instructions from my government. suggested that he make discreet inquiries in representative of the Vatican and a prelate.
and not as Dean of the corps, on each side and try to find out ir a demarche on our part would be acceptable. If the results are favorable will ask for instructions. pointed out that any steps without such prior inquiries might be refused and the results could easily be worse than if we had done nothing. He accepted the advice and said he would get in touch with the right people in both camps. met at mid day with the Ambassador advisory Committee for a general discussion of the situation. gave them briefly my estimate of the situation and what it may head into and they gave me some factuel information. asked them to see what they could find out definitely about persistent rumors and some inconclusive evidence thot the Costa Rican Red Cross is pro Ulate and is misusing the Red Cross oblem to further his cause. also asked those who have connections with Puntarenas to get what authentic information they can about the situation there.
In the afternoon had a long visit from former Congressman George Holden Tinkham. knew him some years ago when he was a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is he on the last leg of a long tour of South America. He is still as positive in his well documented but somewhat nationalistic views but mellower in expressing them. For my part at least we had a very pleasant and profitable hour together. hope he enjoyed it as much as did.