REPRODUCED AT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES DECLASSIFIED Authority Stateletter Ihr 81 NL NARS Cate 24 18 Desp. 138 Am Embassy April 7, 1949 On the other hand Juta Duo over in May 1948 the Social Der rty las repeatedly claimed Mr. Figueres as t on verbally and in print, Mr. Tigueres attended con vention of the Social Democratic Party althougi: he did not actually participate in its deliberations. The rest has been that in the popular mind kr. Figueres has become definitely identi.
fied with the Social Democrats. This belief has been strengthened by the fact that heretofore he has never denied the association, Although only speculation, a number of more or less plausible reasons may be advanced for Mr. Figueres.
public declaration of party allegiance. a) Since Mr. Ulate National Union Party will be in office for a four year period from May 8, 1950, it is convenient to Mr. Figueres extensive private interests to remain on the right side of the political fence. b) The elections of last December may have convinced Mr. Figueres of the steadily increasing unpopularity of the Social Democratic PartyConversely, they must have brought home to hin the solid strength of Nr. Ulate party. c) The continued and acid criticism a great deal of which is perhaps unmerited of the Junta and its avowed objectives, which run a close parallel to those of the Social Democratic Party. a) gradually growing realization, perhaps accentuated by the events which over a period led up to the military defection of April that in the case of a showdown the support of only the Social Democrats would be insufficient to swing the balance in his favor. e) belated endeavor to obtain the support of at least a part of the Union Nacional membership of the Constituent Assembly for the purpose of not suffering an ignominous defeat on the question of a new constitution.
Current indications are to the effect that the pro.
posed new constitution will not be ratified. While del te on the committee reports continues under cover negotiations are already under way with a view to having the Assembly disapprove both the majority and the minor.
ity report on the Constitution, which world clear the path, perhaps for the pr ation of an anticely new draft which would harmonise the conflicting viewpoints.
Such a course would at least preserve outward appearances.
that is to say, it would avoid patright and open defeat of the Junta on the guestion of a new constitution.
Respectfully yours, TON THE AMBASSADOR: