818.6363/30: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at San José (Chase)
8. Referring your 22, May 22, 9 a.m. regarding Pinto Greulich oil concession, you are instructed to cable full report of all proceedings aimed at the rescission of this concession, the names of persons who have participated at any point in the discussion and the interests which they represent. We are informed that a party named Field has made the unfounded statement that this Government does not view with disfavor the cancellation of the concession. This statement if accurately reported is without any prior knowledge on the part of this Government and has not received our sanction. The concession is claimed by the Sinclair Oil and Refining Company, a responsible American concern of standing which has invested large sums in Costa Rica under the concession. Any action of the authorities in Costa Rica looking to cancellation would be a source of concern and a subject of inquiry. This is an important matter on which we desire accurate and full knowledge at the earliest moment.