File No. 818.00/280
[Untitled]
Panama, December 26, 1917—5 p.m.
Alfredo Volio, accompanied by British Minister, called upon me to-day asking that I inform Department of his intentions. The following is a summary of these and of his responses to my questions.
As the leader he expects to invade Costa Rica from Nicaragua through Guanacaste to overthrow Tinoco, hold a free election. He has no personal ambitions but is willing to be a candidate for the presidency. He has organization and counts on uprising in every province when he starts and anticipates no effective opposition except in the City San José. He stated that he expected Nicaraguan President to favor him but would like Department’ to intimate to him to do so which would assure it, that Julian Irias is a friend of Tinoco and has procured commissions for some ten Nicaraguan leaders in the Costa Rican army, that he would assure pro-American, pro-Ally administration; that the Germans would favor him but only because of their considerable investments and of confidence of stable government under him; that he has ample funds including drafts on the Mercantile Bank of America and will remain here a week or more and in the meantime wishes to communicate by cable with Manuel Castro Quesada requesting that I procure for him transmission of his cables; that Rafael Cannes, the third Designado, is closely connected with the family of Tinoco but would be an acceptable President; that Augustine, brother of Manuel Castro Quesada, instead of the latter, was with his party and had gone to Sixaola; that Monge arrived yesterday with him. Others expected tomorrow.
Later he has filed following cablegram addressed to Alfredo González, Manuel Castro Quesada, Costa Rican Legation, Washington or New York.
Flag of rebellion raised, country back of us, let González influence Department to favor us. Have Castro come to Panama. I will tell about Nicaragua later. Answer to Panama.
Censor is withholding transmission until he hears from me. Please instruct immediately whether it should be forwarded. British Minister says Volio is a personal friend but that he believes him to be [Page 349] pro-German. He impresses me as not yet having effective organization but seeking one and especially the countenance of the Department.