818.00/708: Telegram
The Consul at San José (Chase) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received June 21, 10.45 a.m.]
The commander of Castine now at Limon has advised me that he must go to Colon for coal about June 25th and does not know whether another ship will be sent to relieve him and said that he would communicate my recommendation. I have answered him as follows:
“I most earnestly recommend and request that another ship be there during your enforced absence; it is absolutely essential to make safe American life and property if Tinoco is still in control which now seems likely even though he offers all kinds of guarantees.”
Joaquin Tinoco told his brother-in-law yesterday that they had no intention of quitting, that they were fooling the Latin American diplomatic representatives and getting their army in shape, that the only thing in the way was the Americans and they would perhaps get their warship away and everything would be settled. The same man called on Federico Tinoco and talked with his wife who said that they had no thought of quitting. It is reported that Joaquin called up the police stations very early this morning and told them that the Tinoco government was organized and established until 1922 and that their monthly pay has been increased. They continue imprisoning leaders of the opposition and fortifying themselves. Nothing but their immediate elimination will lead to law and order and safety.