818.6363 Am 6/60: Telegram

The Chargé in Costa Rica ( Thurston ) to the Secretary of State

20. British Minister during a conversation last night said if Congress repudiates agreement signed with him by Minister of Foreign Affairs his Government will avail itself of more forceful arguments. He intimated that absolute commercial boycott would be put into effect.

From other sources have learned that he has so threatened Costa Rican Government. England is principal market for Costa Rican coffee and boycott would be very harmful.

It is my opinion that Minister for Foreign Affairs and the President are anxious to accept British terms not only to avoid difficulties but also to diversify oil interests which with sole exception of [Page 647] Amory holdings are American while Congress, because of feud with Executive Department in addition to its apparent disinclination to yield in the matter, may declare full support of law.3

Thurston
  1. See telegram no. 52, Aug. 11, 1920, from the consul at San José, Foreign Relations, 1920, vol. i, p. 838.