File No. 818.00/420
The Chargé in Costa Rica ( Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Upon receipt of your April 30, 4 p.m., on May 1 had another conversation with Joaquin Tinoco who wanted more time than at previous interview. I told him I would wait until 4th for further news of progress in his efforts with brother. Later that afternoon passengers from Panama informed him that Department’s declaration had been published there. These papers or clippings of course circulated here yesterday, … I therefore yesterday sent note to Joaquin saying declaration must be published in to-day’s La Información accompanied by statement that I had handed it to Tinoco on 25th last, or that otherwise I would find another means to publish it. Tinoco yielded and seeking to get what little advantage he could from giving it out himself, published to-day a manifesto reciting that on the 25th I handed him declaration, and giving its text followed by recital that he had not asked for recognition since withdrawal from Washington of Ricardo Fernandez Guardia in July 1917, nor had he ever publicly, orally, or in writing informed people of Costa Rica that he expected recognition [by] them, reciting the worn out proofs of his popularity, legality, and virtues, and ending with the statement that he would continue as in the past to endeavor to direct the destinies of the country along lines of self-sufficiency and freedom from economic and financial dependence upon other countries. Copies by mail.