File No. 818.00/437
The Chargé in Costa Rica ( Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Joaquin Tinoco informed me this morning that Congressmen yesterday afternoon rebelled against passing of declaration of war, but that after threat was made that Congress would be dissolved if war was not to-day declared, yielded, and that this action will be taken to-day; also that Amadeo Johanning, Minister of Gobernación, rather than sign decree, has resigned and resignation accepted; further, that in order to prove that action is not taken to enrich themselves it will be announced that German property will not be harmed. However, he also informed me that contract with Bank of Costa Rica will be canceled. …; further, that resuming conversations with me regarding persuading his brother to leave the country, he was able to inform me that he had been successful and both would leave together. He stated that object of visit was to inquire whether Rafael Canas, Ascencion Esquivel, or Juan Bautista Quiros would be acceptable as successor, preference being first named because of simplicity of procedure, requiring merely resignation of brother and himself without intervention of Congress. Upon my asking when they proposed going, he replied within a month; upon my asking what he had to say in regard to the obvious public demand that free elections be held soon after their going, he replied that would be a denial of the legality of their own tenure and of the new Constitution they brought into being; that public had acclaimed them and demanded a new Constitution and “should be made to abide by” this one. I replied that hope to submit his inquiry to the Department regarding conversations résumé above referred to. Please see my telegram of April 28, 11 a.m.