HARRY TRUMAN LIBRARY Papers of NATHANIEL DAVIS April 20, 1948, 3OIVAGE 13903 315 BHT 70 After a quiet morning whesenfunusual beatures were the march past of the Fallas brigade, some 800 strong, on their way to turn in their arms and a wild outbreak of firing when the men emptied their rifles before surrendering them. had a visit from Lico Jimez. He told me that the new President wanted him to take the most of Foreign Minister but that before accenting he wanted to consult Figueres about it and also about the rest of the cabinet. Because the road to Cartago is probably still somewhat dangerous and because he might be stopped at the Figueres lines, he wanted Col.
Hughes to accompany him. told him in nolite language that did not want any member of my staff to accompany him as that would most ce tainly be misinternreted as meaning that the Embassy favored him for the nosition, or was trying to pressure Figueres into a poroving him. said that was a purely internal affair and suggested he see Brenes who has made arrangements for sending people back and forth on government business er of fact a train came through today. Later called briefly on the President and on Bonilla Lara. had not been present at the meeting of the Corps last night when they took formelfarewell. Both expressed appreciation of my action and of my help in these difficult days. Knowing their real sentiments and the double game they tried to play and which was instrumental in sniking, was not impressed. The Pres now exnects to leave tomorrow if dissatisfied soldiers do not stop him until they get their nay. There is a groun nlanning to do just that, but Brenes thinks he can handle the situation, After dinner tonight the three nolicement who take turns guarding the residence came to me and asked for safe conducts as they are afraid to go through the streets in uniform after dark. Also they exnect to be fired as soon as the new government gets organized. Thet is customary here to fill all posts even to laborers on the railway. With rty adherents. told them would say a word for them to the new Secretary of Public Security. They are good men and have been faithful during all the nou turnal shooting.