818.154/236
The Minister in Costa Rica (Sack) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 9.]
Sir: In further reference to my Despatch No. 873 of September 27, 1935,15 wherein I informed the Department of the submission to the Costa Rican Foreign Office of the note in reference to the claim of the Simmons Construction Corporation as embodied in the Department’s Instruction No. 182 of July 12, 1935, I have the honor to attach herewith a copy and translation of a Note received today from [Page 475] Acting Foreign Minister Picado,16 acknowledging receipt of my Note No. 109 and informing me that “opportunely” he will advise me of the attitude of his Government.17
I also have the honor to attach herewith clipping and translation16 of a speculative—very likely inspired—newspaper story which appeared in La Tribuna, the administration organ, the morning following the presentation of my Note No. 109 to the Foreign Office.
I had expected that there would be additional newspaper protests against the action of the United States Government, but up to now the Tribuna article is the only one which has appeared in print. The Department will recall that last summer during Mr. Drew’s incumbency as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim there was much unfavorable newspaper discussion concerning the action of the United States Government in pressing the Simmons claim, but upon instructions from President Jiménez and Foreign Minister Gurdián the Costa Rican press ceased its publication of these articles. At that time, President Jiménez said: “… affairs of this nature are not to be treated publicly.”
Respectfully yours,