816.01/51: Telegram
The Chargé in El Salvador (McCafferty) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:40 p.m.]
6. Yesterday afternoon I ascertained definitely that the Martínez regime had arranged to send to Washington Luis Anderson, former Costa Rican Minister to the United States, as its representative to seek recognition. I immediately talked informally with the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs who said that the American press had been giving an unfavorable impression regarding the Martínez government and it was deemed necessary to send a man well known in the United States to counteract this impression. However later in the conversation he admitted that they planned to send Anderson to Washington to seek recognition because Martínez felt that his side of the case had never been presented to the Department. He spoke at length concerning the good administration which was being given, how the new regime had been unanimously and enthusiastically accepted by the people and of its friendliness towards American interests. [Page 569] I explained to him carefully and clearly the position of the United States as outlined in your telegram No. 6, January 13, 7 p.m., and pointed out that in view of the provisions of the treaty of 1923 Martínez could under no circumstances be recognized and that it would be useless to send a representative to Washington. He seemed disappointed but said he would explain the situation to Martínez and would advise me later of the result.