714.18/22
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Guatemala (Hanna)
Sir: There is enclosed a copy of despatch No. 534 of December 7, 1934, from the Legation in San José3 on the subject of Guatemalan-Costa Rican relations, together with its enclosures, a copy and a translation of a confidential letter, addressed to Minister Sack by the President of Costa Rica. It will be noted that President Jiménez expresses his point of view and the point of view of the Costa Rican Government with reference to a belief he understands to exist in Guatemala that Costa Rica entertains hostile sentiments toward President Ubico and the Guatemalan Government. President Jiménez expresses the hope that you may find an opportunity to discuss this matter with President Ubico and present his point of view as set forth.
In view of the assurance you have received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala that his Government would be grateful for any help the Government of the United States might give in improving relations between Guatemala and Costa Rica, you are authorized in your discretion to make clear to President Ubico the point of view of the President of Costa Rica. In doing this you may say you are acting under the Department’s instructions, and if you perceive no objection you may inform President Ubico that you have been instructed likewise to suggest for his consideration the desirability of taking steps, in agreement with the Government of Costa Rica, to exchange regularly accredited diplomatic representatives of the rank of Minister.
The Department does not contemplate that it will be necessary to hand President Ubico a copy of the letter from President Jiménez to Minister Sack, which is confidential in nature; but it is confident that you will be able to explain President Jiménez’s viewpoint and his expressed desire to maintain good relations with Guatemala to President Ubico.
Very truly yours,