818.00/613: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul at San José (Chase)
Your May 12, 6 p.m.
Department understands that there are at this time United States war vessels at Bluefields and at Amapala which would be able to reach Costa Rican waters without delay should occasion arise. Department does not consider that information contained in your telegram would warrant the immediate despatch of these ships to Costa Rican waters, as such action might be misconstrued in Costa Rica, and nothing which you have said indicates clear necessity for such action. Keep Department closely informed as to entire situation in Costa Rica.
On May 12 the Department received the following telegram from American Minister in Nicaragua “Consul at Corinto just telegraphed following: ‘May 10, 11 a.m. United States Consul at San Jose through captain steamer Salvador says: “I am cut from all communication. Advise the Government of the United States that I menaced by Tinoco with assassination should United States tug appear.” “McConnico.” Was this telegram actually sent by you? Cable Department upon exactly what facts you based the assertion that you were threatened by Tinoco with assassination.