818.00/3–948: Airgram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica

A–44. Following is translation of cablegram received by President Truman on March 9, 1948 from Otilio Ulate:

“I have the honor to inform you that recent actions of His Excellency United States Ambassador Davis, have won gratitude of Costa Ricans and I avail myself of this opportunity to request you to consider the fact that arms furnished by United States Government for continental defense are being used to kill Costa Ricans as they have been placed in the hands of the communist party as a result of a coup d’état staged by the majority of the Congress against the will of the people expressed in the elections of the eighth of February. Said majority is composed of the official political party and the communists. With sentiments of high consideration, I am, sincerely yours, Otilio Ulate, President-elect of Costa Rica.”

The Embassy is authorized in its discretion to make appropriate reply.

Marshall