File No. 818.00/466
The Chargé in Costa Rica ( Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Yesterday Federico Tinoco appeared before Congress to deny current rumors that he had offered to resign on certain conditions. He [Page 267] stated that he had merely, in conversation with friends, said that, provided $3,000,000 were paid for Nicaraguan Canal rights, interest on the foreign debt were suspended for one year, and coffee admitted to English market estimations, he would think of retiring, but that all this difficult of accomplishment at present; that he gave no credence to rumors of invasion from Nicaragua, as Chamorro and he were on best terms and former would not accept permit violation of neutrality especially as between Allies in the war. Also that President Wilson has entered into war in defense of small nations and that if he has not recognized his, Tinoco’s Government, [it was because it was the outcome of?] a revolution. Nevertheless President Wilson will not engage in petty intrigues nor permit countries in which he has influence to engage in unjustified aggressions; but that in any event he, Tinoco, would joyfully give his life with his fellow countrymen in defense of liberty attacked by small or great nation. He also referred to certain pernicious foreigners who shall conform to the laws or be considered subject to expulsion. This is understood to refer to Anastasio Herrero referred to in my telegram of yesterday.1 Full report by mail.
- Not printed.↩