818.00/4–2448: Telegram

The Ambassador in Costa Rica (Davis) to the Secretary of State

189. Figueres and forces entered San José orderly fashion early morning hours today. Streets now patrolled traffic directed military police. Some firing evening April 23 apparently connection search for arms.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In statement published today Figueres states regrets certain steps taken by force of circumstances created impression intend install military dictatorship stating nothing more removed from temperament and inclinations leaders liberation movement. Added army has not terminated labor consolidating order necessary before taking political and civil measures.

Acting President issued declaration stating assumed power “to conserve until the last moment the principle of constitutional legality of our institutions maintaining them until their legal end”. States his position to serve as bridge between the fallen regime “and the new regime which the triumphant revolution possessor of the force and the arms will install”. Both statements avoid any categorical expression form of future government.

Davis