713.1311/176

The Minister in Costa Rica ( Eberhardt ) to the Secretary of State

No. 1636

Sir: I have the honor to report that on several recent occasions the local press has published stories to the effect that a conference [Page 690] of the Central American Republics will be held in the near future to consider the 1923 Treaty and the recognition of the Martínez regime in El Salvador. One article said that even if the Conference fails to materialize, Costa Rica will recognize Martínez shortly after the first of the year. In discussing the reports with one of the leading editors of San José, I was informed that this occasional publicity is inspired and paid for by General Martínez, which confirmed my own surmise.

In a conversation yesterday with Foreign Minister Pacheco, who is convalescing in Alajuela from his recent serious illness, he declared that the information contained in the newspaper reports was in fact along the line he (and presumably El Salvador) has been working ever since the failure of his mission to Guatemala in November, 1932.

It therefore appears likely that developments of this nature can be looked for within the next three or four months, even though plans do not seem to have taken on definite form as yet, so far as this Government is concerned. Whether or not a Conference is held, I look for Costa Rica to recognize the Martínez regime as soon as its denunciation of the General Treaty of Peace and Amity becomes effective.

Something will depend, however, on the health of Minister Pacheco, who is after all the principal pro-Salvador and anti-Treaty influence in Costa Rica today. If his health forces him out of his office and a successor such as Octavio Beeche with different ideas on the subject is appointed, Costa Rica’s viewpoint may possibly change. This possibility is remote at best, however, since President Jiménez’ strong feeling against the Treaty is well-known.

Respectfully yours,

Charles C. Eberhardt