818.6363/258: Airgram
The Chargé in Costa Rica (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 14—2 p.m.]
A–625. Refer Legation’s telegram No. 208, March 10, 1943, 5 p.m., Department’s telegram No. 206, March 13, 7 p.m., and Legation’s despatches 1570, March 26; 1641, April 7; and 1733, April 28.5
The Costa Rican Government has telegraphed Ambassador Escalante6 at Washington to make every effort to obtain a modification of the Department’s ruling that independent imports of gasoline from Mexico will be deducted from the quota delivered by the pool. This action follows violent attacks by Madrigal in the press on the Gasoline Rationing Board in which Madrigal claimed that his deal with Mexico has the full support of the Government and that it is absurd to think that a friendly country like the United States would prevent Costa Rica from exercising its right to relieve the quota gasoline shortage by obtaining additional supplies which in no way affect pool operations.
[Page 93]The Gasoline Rationing Board informs the Legation that it has been assured by President Calderón Guardia that arrangements will be made to have the gasoline already imported by Madrigal considered outside of the Costa Rican quota.
The Legation informed the responsible Costa Rican authorities of the Department’s ruling that there can be no petroleum imports outside of the pool and considers it important that the Department maintain its position.