File No. 768.72/6868

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

[Telegram]

Minister of Foreign Affairs, de facto Government, states that his Government is determined to sever relations with Germany irrespective of recognition, and requests me to ask if safe-conduct would be granted to the German Chargé d’Affaires. Quite a furor created this afternoon by the arrest of several Germans, among them Kayser, agent of Grace and Company, who was later released. Do not believe action dictated by other motive than a play for recognition or to compel our aid as an ally, as in last May, as no special activity of Germans noted. Kayser has first papers and scorns German aid, claiming American protection. He says that Grace and Company have been done serious injury by action de facto Government this afternoon. See despatch No. 129, May 23.1

Johnson
  1. Not printed.