Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States

all classes in San José denoted disappointment felt at the failure of the revolution. There can be nothing further from the truth or more dastardly than the attempt made to give the impression abroad and to the American Government that this movement was "pro-German ". Besides the Tinocos, all their friends have carried on that propaganda. Unfortunately it had one very serious result in being the probable cause for the detention and surveillance of the Volios in Panama. If I had but realized the influence of the interested reports that would go to Washington from Panama upon the arrival of the Volios there, I could perhaps have counteracted their effect in time.

If one could but appreciate the unanimity of public sentiment against the Tinocos, the odium in which they are held, the blackness of their character and the prayers of the population for the success of the feeble attempt to oust them, it would be easy to appreciate that there was nothing pro-German about it. Even if Fernandez Guell is pro-German, as seems evident, I can not too often repeat that the Germans can not gain, but only lose from the ousting of Tinoco. When there is a recognized government here we can do something about interning or sending to Panama objectionable Germans, but this element is safe and secure under the present circumstances. It the Germans are stupid enough to support a movement to put out Tinoco, let us entice them into playing into our hands. But the mere statement of the proposition shows the utter folly of considering the Germans capable of opposing Tinoco for strictly German purposes having any connection with the World War or its consequences.

In regard to the torturing of political prisoners in the jails and penitentiary, the stories have at last come back to Joaquin Tinoco and he gave out an interview in the Información of the 27th of February which is virtually a damning admission that tortures are perpetrated. He, of course, vehemently denies the truth of the stories, and then in his careless disregard of all lawful restraint goes on to say in effect:

I give warning to the public, however, that those who circulate such stories and calumnies I will persecute and punish with all necessary rigor, for the purpose of putting an end to this evil at the root.

The portion above is a close literal translation of his quoted interview.

I have been in daily communication by long distance telephone with Mr. McMillin, our consul in Limon, to whom I repeated the first two cables I attempted to send, and which he transmitted by wireless from Limon. Mr. Ryan, the American wounded in the Pascua incident, is progressing as well as can be expected. He came here on some errand of business that brought him in contact with Federico Tinoco, and the latter, presuming on this acquaintance, has sought by every means in his power to buy off any claim that Ryan may wish to file for the injury received.

I have not, pending receipt of instructions from the Department, had any communication whatever with the authorities in regard to the incident. . The Tinocos are resorting and will continue to resort to every device of trickery, treachery, and deceit in order to place a different aspect from the true one, upon the incident; for

example, so far, public explanations have been given ranging from the ridiculous one that a band of rebels got the Government troops drunk, and that a rebel handed the commanding general a telegram saying that the train before their eyes was a rebel train filled with armed enemies, to the latest and more insidious excuse, that the noise of the release of an air-brake caused the troops to fire.

The testimony, however, is very clear, as will be seen from the reports of witnesses being prepared and sent by Consul McMillin, and there is no possible escape from the conclusion that the act was one of pure wantonness and murder, requiring at the least, in addition to compensation, the punishment of the commanding general. The crime of murder can of course only be urged by or through the British Government.

As the affidavits of the witnesses are being sent by the Consul at Limon, I shall not attempt to repeat the testimony. However, I enclose the statement of an Englishman which brings out very well the atrociousness of the action of the Tinoco regular troops in the Pascua incident. An American, who subscribes to his statement, I met, personally, while in San José. He had an experience with the rebels on both the Pacific and Atlantic side and experienced as well the Pascua incident, receiving a bullet through his hat, so that a report from him upon his arrival in the United States should prove of value.

I have [etc.]

STEWART JOHNSON

File No. 818.00/356

The Consul at San José (Chase) to the Secretary of State

No. 245 SAN JOSÉ, March 2, 1918. SIR: I have the honor to report as to the revolutionary movement in Costa Rica of the last few days that all information received was promptly transmitted to Mr. Stewart Johnson, our Chargé, so that, at this time, no attempt is made to give a detailed account.

The facts seem to warrant the statement that a reign of brutality and loot prevails in Costa Rica, possibly equal to that of Cuba before 1898; that men are put into soldiers' uniforms and armed who, for public security, should be in prison and, with the authority thus conferred, they commit grievous crimes against unoffending citizens. The rural guards are under the command of Col. Samuel Santos, a Nicaraguan follower of Doctor Irias, bitterly anti-American and pro-German, and he has recruited many Nicaraguans who have no interest in the welfare either of the citizens or of the country. They have committed excesses which should not be tolerated anywhere. They are a constant menace to all residents here. No case is reported of an officer receiving even a reprimand for his actions, however cruel, illegal, and unjust. The people are becoming fearful on account of these brutalities. It is not an exaggeration to say that 90 per cent of the natives who think would like a chance to express their desire for some form of intervention to stop this.

'Not printed.

The forces in control have practically all of the arms. If those opposed had had half the arms and munitions of men in charge of the Government forces, the matter would have been settled by the people before now.

Law-abiding citizens who have no other desire than to be free to attend to their daily work and to be allowed their customary freedom are taken to prison and held there without warrant and some sadly beaten. This was going on for some time before February 23. It still continues. The liberty of the citizen is being taken from him and he is helpless because he does not have the implements for successful resistance.

The story that this movement for redress of unbearable wrongs, temporarily suppressed, was a plot of our enemies-the Germans and their allies-does not seem to have any foundation in fact, even though men who desire to retain favor with those in control have given it publicity, and others through ignorance may have spread it. The movement came from an earnest desire of the people to free themselves from that which is becoming impossible for them and for their country. The Costa Ricans are generally a quiet, orderly people who would not meddle in such affairs were it not necessary for their own salvation. They need practical help or a repetition of the horrors of Europe may soon be noted here.

I have [etc.]

BENJAMIN F. CHASE

File No. 818.00/345

The Minister in Panama (Price) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

PANAMA, March 2, 1918, 3 p. m. Referring to my February 27, 2 p. m. All of Volio's associates slipped away while our detective in charge had gone to Colon for a few hours. They are on way to David, Panama, where the Panaman officials have agreed to attempt to have them detained until the Commanding General, Panama Canal Department, will send ship to David with Panaman police and let them be arrested and returned here if you deem it best policy. Volio still here, claims that he cooperated in their getting away on account of heavy expense he was bearing for them, and frankly admits, too, that they have gone to be in closer touch with the present revolution and to join it at most propitious moment. Prompt instructions appreciated.

PRICE

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (Price)

[Telegram]

WASHINGTON, March 4, 1918, 3 p. m. Department does not feel that Volio or his associates may properly be forbidden the right to leave the Republic of Panama, if they depart as individuals, and without those attributes which under American law would cause them to be regarded as an expedition

POLK

File No. 818.00/340

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (Price)

[Telegram]

WASHINGTON, March 4, 1918, 4 p. m. Department's December 29, 6 p. m. If Volio desires to leave Panama as a private citizen and not as leader of an armed expedition, Department cannot recommend that he be held.

POLK

File No. 818.00/353