File No. 818.00/205
Chargé Johnson to the Secretary of State
San José, August 9, 1917—3 p.m.
Law in many respects equivalent to suspension of the constitutional guaranties, referred to in my telegram July 18, 10 a.m., proclaimed August 3. Loan referred to in my telegram of August 1, 10 a.m.1 will be abandoned for the present as long as money obtainable through advance of coffee export tax. Joaquin Tinoco now in Guatemala supposed to be attempting to obtain joint request from Central American States for recognition by the United States.
Legislative program designed to enable Tinoco to sustain himself independently of recognition about completed. Summarizing situation since receiving your telegram of June 9, 3 p.m., it is evident here that Tinoco will not voluntarily resign, his economic resources however desperate have considerably increased though he has hardly a friend left outside of employees and his enemies are bitter. He has perfected a system of spies and police that renders difficult any coup d’état or uprising within this country. Leaders lack initiative and means to compel resignation of Tinoco either peacefully or by force. Country seems to be powerless successfully to resist violations of its constitutional order however flagrant by members of its political ruling class. Result desired by Department appeal now dependent on either unduly long further lapse of time or mere chance of successful coup d’état unless some military movement is aided from without this country.
- Not printed.↩