818.00/1325: Telegram
The Minister in Costa Rica ( Eberhardt ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:10 p.m.]
12. Having heard rifle shots nearby and noted activities at the Buena Vista opposite Legation before daylight this morning and the presence of pickets in the vicinity, I called on President Gonzáles at 6 o’clock this morning. I found the Presidential residence in a turmoil, the usual bodyguard of the President being augmented by a civilian mob hastily and poorly armed among whom were all Cabinet Ministers except Pacheco and Baudrit the first designate. Latter is said to be held prisoner by Castristas. The President advised me that with the result of yesterday’s elections still somewhat in doubt but strongly indicating that Ricardo Jiménez had received the majority, Manuel Castro Quesada accompanied by General Jorge Volio in connivance with Colonel Amadeo Vargas, chief of the garrison, had taken the garrison at about 2 o’clock this morning. They have also taken over the streetcar barn. Their emissary called at the artillery barracks but was unsuccessful in inducing them to join the movement and the President assured me that this garrison and all the police headed by his son General Arturo Quirós and Colonel Abel Robles remain loyal.
Several volleys of rifle shots were fired about 4 a.m. but so far as has been ascertained no blood has been shed. News from Cartago indicates that Ricardo Jiménez is actively in control of the local garrison and that a special train of his supporters is now en route to San José.
- 1.
- Castro Quesada’s intentions seem to be to compel Ricardo Jiménez to treat with him and the other candidates towards selection of neutral to whom the Presidency must be turned over.
- 2.
- In view of the bitterness of the campaign and the serious opposition which Jiménez seems certain to meet in and out of Congress many feel that the selection of a patriotic Costa Rican, not active in the campaign, would be the best solution.
- 3.
- Friends of Ricardo Jiménez feel that he will accept no such arrangement but they are hopeful, though not entirely certain, that other arrangements can be made without bloodshed.