701.6518/7: Telegram

The Chargé in Costa Rica (Collins) to the Secretary of State

63. In strictest confidence Ministry of Foreign Affairs has communicated to me orally and informally that it apprehends that new Italian Minister now on the way to San José may present credentials implying the imperial sovereignty of the King of Italy over Abyssinia. The Costa Rican Government would be greatly aided in meeting such eventuality if it had intimation whether and how we have met it and if we have not met it how it might be met assuming Costa Rica disposed to identify itself with our attitude toward conquest of Abyssinia.

I would request by telegraph such indications as the Department may care to give for confidential oral communication to the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Collins