File No. 818.00/432
The Chargé in Costa Rica ( Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Prevalent opinion is that Tinocos planning to resign in view of their supposed fear that presence of Volios in Nicaragua and exacting attitude of Nicaraguan Government is due to a change of policy on the part of the United States in regard to counter-revolutionary activity on the part of Costa Rican exiles; also that their candidate for their successor is Manuel Francisco Jiménez, lately Minister of Finance, … Conservative element making frantic efforts through intermediaries to induce resignation in favor of particular candidate of particular group, one wanting Gonzalez Viquez, another Carlos Duran, both until recent months upholders of Tinoco régime, candidates wholly alienated from Tinoco, and people looking for success of some military movement which will enable terms to be dictated to instead of by Tinoco as to his successor. Plan of Tinoco and of most of conservatives is for permanent successor, whereas wishes of country are for temporary incumbent who will undertake or be compelled by the United States to hold elections. Have heard nothing direct recently as to retirement or successor. …
Pedro Perez Zeledon now in Washington supposed to represent radical opposition element here.