818.00/1329: Telegram
The Minister in Costa Rica (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:55 p.m.]
14. On my invitation Fernando Castro Cervantes called this morning bringing Castro Quesada’s latest proposition which I carried to and discussed with President Gonzáles Víquez who remains in the barracks where he has been since yesterday. The proposition was that the four parties in the recent election appoint one or more delegates to a permanent commission to consider a neutral candidate or other means of putting an end to the present fighting.
The President stated that the same proposition in substance had been submitted last night and had in turn been sent by him to Ricardo Jiménez in Cartago. The latter’s reply is being awaited but neither the President nor his immediate followers feel that Ricardo Jiménez can or will accept. President Gonzales states that he has no course open except that of legality. Prospects for an amicable settlement grow worse. Sniping continued during the night with three lively exchanges of shots of probably 15 minutes duration.
The President states that he now has 2,000 armed men. His soldiers took the Pacific station last evening with the loss of one man killed, the defenders having had no casualties. The plan to surround the Bella Vista Barracks during the night and commence bombardment this morning has not materialized.
I refused to vacate the Legation building last night upon request of the Government but urged them to proceed with their campaign regardless. In case plans are consummated this afternoon to launch a concerted encircling attack on the garrison we may be compelled to evacuate.
The Government has lost an opportunity of attacking the garrison as a whole since many of the Castristas have left the garrison to loot [Page 515] nearby provision shops and there is fighting and sniping on most of the principal streets. It is rumored that six persons were killed during the night and probably others have fallen during the day. Reliable reports state that rest of the country is quiet. San José water and electricity still satisfactory and food supply adequate.