File No. 818.00/374
The Chargé in Costa Rica ( Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Executive decree of amnesty proclaimed to-day excepting military offenders, foreigners implicated—some Spaniards and Spanish Americans—those responsible for damage to the United Fruit Company Railway, and somewhat ambiguously, those who do not recognize their financial responsibility for damages caused. Ex-Minister of Finance, Mariano Guardia, released, but Gomez and others of property continued in prison. Decree amounts to little more than play for popularity, as reservations enable Tinoco to continue in prison those against whom his enmity is diverted.