Electronic Guide to the West Indian Diaspora in Middle America


This project has benefitted from the financial support of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the International Development Research Centre.

The material in this database was last updated on January 01, 2001. Researchers are requested to be kind enough to let me know if they have used this source for research purposes. It is useful to me to know that people are making use of this resource and it opens lines of communication that might not otherwise exist. Please let me know if you have any serious concerns or questions about the material. I have examined each of these documents and have a pretty good idea of their specific contents. I would also like researchers to contact me if they have anything they might like to add to this guide. The author takes full responsibility for any inaccuracies that may exist in this database. Entries are in English, Spanish and "Spanglish." I make no apologies for spelling or grammatical errors as these notes were made while conducting research and they reflect the haste with which historians must accomplish their work while in archives abroad.

Before proceeding further, you may wish to read the introduction to the guide, as well as the instructions on how to use the guide.

ron.harpelle@lakeheadu.ca


The Guide


01 01 1855 -- Panama - The Spirit of Missions Vol. 79, Nov. 1914, p. 815.

Christ Church built for $65,000 at Colon. Built by and for the West Indian labourers on the Panama Railway project.

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05 04 1859 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exteriores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8565

Information concerning British subjects living in Guatemala. Guatemalan born children of British subjects must serve in the Guatemalan armed forces and are not exempt. Apparently the law was decreed 4/01 this same year. This is typed up and appears in a file of documents from 1911. It should be noted that none of the other documents are related.

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31 10 1859 -- Costa Rica - Copy Available - Relaciones Exteriores 9829

Costa Rican government gives Ambrose W. Thompson, a U.S. citizen, permission to build a railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific in the southern part of the country between the Rio Estrella and the boundary line with the Granadian Federation. He is given land and allowed to bring in colonists who according to Art. 8 must be "gente pacifica e industriosa que conozcan la agricultura y otros trabajos útiles y que llegara á ser ciudadanos de Costa Rica."

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08 05 1860 -- Costa Rica - José María Montealegre elected as president and lasts until May 8, 1863.

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01 05 1862 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 23256

Informe sovre Matina, Moin, Costa Atlantica y Talamanca is submitted by Capitán José Antonio Angulo.

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25 09 1862 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 1862, No. 5772

Costa Rica worries about civil war in U.S. and annexationist who are eyeing Central America to increase the number of slave states. Warning to congress about a "situation compromitida y peligrosa... cuando a la raza africana libertada se le dice: a seis dias de distancia. Presentation ends by asking that an immigration law be adopted to preserve the health of the nation.

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25 09 1862 -- Costa Rica - Refer to Congreso 2692

Poder Legislativo initiates law to restrict immigration of people of African descent ("Blacks") and Asians ("Chinese").

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09 10 1862 -- Costa Rica - Congreso, 5722.

Presentation of law to regulate immigration and colonization. See also Congreso 5750 and 5773.

03 11 1862 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 2692

Law passed to regulate immigration and colonization. See also 09 10 1862.

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03 11 1862 -- Costa Rica - Leyes de Bases y colonizacion, No. 24, 3 de Noviembre, 1862; Collection de leyes y Decretos 1862; 1872.

Law on immigration and colonization. See also 09 10 1862 and 03 11 1862. Prohibits non-Eurpoean immigration to Costa Rica.

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29 08 1864 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Fomento 1854

Report of an expedition to Limón, Matina, y Moin.

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09 01 1869 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 8285

Approval and ratification of the contract to create the Compañia del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica. Individuals involved are Eduardo Reilly Alejandro Hay Guillermo H McCartney y David Vickers.

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24 04 1869 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 8423

- Proposal to import Chinese labourers to Costa Rica.

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01 10 1870 -- Nicaragua - The Spirit of Missions Oct. 1870, p. 559. Vol. 35, Oct. 1870

The Spirit of Missions report on confrontation Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua between Miskito Indians and a Nicaraguan trader. Contained in a letter from a Moravian missionary who ways "three of the Indian brethren from Epharata" were threatened by a trader who told them that "the coast in future would belong to Nicaragua."

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15 11 1871 -- Costa Rica - The first caja de bodega (store) is constructed on the future site of Limón. It was the beginning of the construction of the Atlantic railway by the government of General Tomas Guardia.

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07 12 1871 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 12519

New Constitution is declared.

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03 11 1873 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 8275

Contract to build railway from Limón to San José then to Herredia and Alajuela is approved between Enrique (Henry) Meiggs and government

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02 12 1873 -- Panama - The Spirit of Missions, Vol 39, July 1874. pp. 441- 443

Rear Admiral Almy reports on Church as Aspinwall. Discusses the difficulty of maintaining the presence of the Episcopal Church in Panama. Asks for the placement of a permanent clergyman at Aspinwall. Also says..."Aspinwall is the terminus and residence of several of the officials of the great Panama Railroad on the Atlantic side, and quite a large number of intelligent mechanics and laborers are located there. A considerable number of Jamaican negroes assist in forming the population of Aspinwall, and I am told that when there is a clergyman there that they take great interest in dressing themselves, and attending Service on the Sabbath. The colored population - be it said to their credit - generally delight in attending Devine Service on the Sabbath."

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02 06 1874 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Relaciones Exteriores 9782

José Bringas, superintendent "de Chinos," submits a report on the number of Chinese labourers in the camps and hospital. Included are also those that have been, sold, fled, or died in the first months of the year. He reports that 5 out of the 8 that died did so as a "de bala" (from bullet wounds).

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04 06 1874 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 8202

Request by don Juan Echeverria to import Chinese labourers into Costa Rica.

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30 07 1876 -- Costa Rica - Vincente Herrera becomes president and lasts until Sept. 11, 1877.

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11 09 1877 -- Costa Rica - Tomás Guardia becomes president for a second time and dies in office on July 6, 1882.

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10 06 1881 -- Costa Rica - Salvador Lara Zamora becomes acting president and lasts until Jan. 23, 1883.

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17 06 1882 -- Costa Rica - Santurnino Lizano becomes acting president and lasts until July 20, 1882

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20 07 1882 -- Costa Rica - Próspero Fernández becomes president and lasts until May 12, 1885.

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16 08 1882 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 6796

Moises L Maduro a "polaco" from San Thomas renounces his Danish citizenship in order to be accepted by Costa Rica.

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18 07 1883 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 8996

Reform of a clause in the contract between the Costa Rican government and Minor Keith to settle the country's external debt..

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23 08 1883 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 8895

Minor Keith seeks permission to establish a wharf to export bananas etc. from Limón while he is completing the railway link to San José and arranging the external debt. He gets his wish and it is contained in Decreto No. 1 emitido por la Monorable Comission Permanente agosto 23 de 1883.

See also 13/05/84

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13 05 1884 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 8894

Decreta approving the law No.1 of 23/08/1883. Soto-Keith contract is signed In exchange for assuming the external debt with the British financiers of the first attempt at building the railway, Keith agrees to finish the last 52 miles of the railway within three years. In exchange Keith will also get the railway and 800,000 manzanas, ( one manzana = 1.75 acres), and tax exemption for imports needed to construct and maintain the railway during a period of 99 years. See also 23/08/1883

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09 07 1884 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 8973

Contract between Keith (Atlas Company) and government to set up a steam ship line between Limón and New York gets approval.

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12 05 1885 -- Costa Rica - Bernardo Soto becomes president and resigns on Nov. 7, 1889.

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08 05 1886 -- Costa Rica - Aniceto Esquivel becomes president and is overthrown on July 30, 1886.

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20 12 1886 -- Costa Rica - Copy available

Decreta No.638 de 20/12/1886 Ley de Extranjería y naturalización

Law on naturalization.

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27 06 1887 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1887

Exime de pago de drechos, los articulos que se introduzcan para obras nacionales, lmunicipales, de beneficencia y culto, y disminuye los derechos de ajuar y objetos de uso personal y profesional de inmigrantes.

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29 06 1887 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1887

Contract with Minor Keith to import 2,000 Chinese labourers.

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20 08 1888 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No. 20.952

Decreto approved to allow Keith to build the Ferrocarril al Norte. Referred to in Congreso 20.952 about another contract between Carlos F. Willis and Minor Cooper Keith and Henry Meiggs. Approved in Decreto de 20 de agosto de 1888.

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01 01 1889 -- Costa Rica - Conservative José Joaquín Rodríguez (Constitutional Devocrat) defeats Ascensión Esquivel (Progressive Liberal) and Liberals allow him to take office. Since the election of 1889, Costa Rica has generally had free popular political participation.

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01 01 1889 -- Panama - Maritime Canal Company incorporated in the United States to build Nicaragua Canal; an extensive surveys follows and the French Panama Canal Company goes bankrupt.

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13 05 1889 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1889

Sanciona el decreto que aprueba la ley de extranjeria y naturalización.

Proposal for natuarlization law becomes law

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07 11 1889 -- Costa Rica - Carlos Durán becomes president and lasts until May 8, 1890.

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01 01 1890 -- Costa Rica - Conservatives (José Joaquín Rodríguez and Rafael Iglesias) dominate Costa Rica. Iglesias intrigues against Nicaraguan government of José Santos Zelaya.

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08 05 1890 -- Costa Rica - José Joaquín Rodríguez becomes president and lasts until May 8, 1894.

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10 07 1891 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No. 2051

Decreto No. 24 de 10 de Julio de 1891

Contract between Costa Rican government and Sr. Artilio Lazzaro Riatti to bring in colonists who are not from any of the prohibited categories.

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23 07 1891 -- Costa Rica - William Hornell Reynolds and the Costa Rican government sign a contract which is ratified on the 31st of July. This is probably the Cahuita project that was taken over by the Talamanca Colonization Company after it failed. The contract states that he is to set up a colonization project in Talamanca where in he would settle 100 North American families. See also 31/07/1891

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31 07 1891 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No. 2080

Decreto No. 51 de 31 de Julio 1891

Approval of contract with William Hornell Reynolds to bring in colonists.

(La Gaceta Oficial no.1, Febrero 18, 1892 )

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18 04 1892 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No. 2142

William Hornell Reynolds writes Costa Rican government to ask for an extension on the terms of his project to locate a colony in Talamanca. Received and initiated on 17/05/1892 and concluded on 25/06/1892. Reynolds and his colonization company are given 1 extra year to bring 100 north American families to Talamanca to colonize.

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20 05 1892 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 3955

Application from the Ferrocarril de Costa Rica, (Northern Railway) and various farmers to urge the government not to impost a tax on banana exports. Pending 1/08/1892

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24 06 1892 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 2131

Creacion de la municipalidad de Limón.

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08 07 1892 -- Costa Rica - J. Vargas M. initiates a law to that would enable the authorities to deport undesirable foreigner. Refer to Decreto No. 13 de 19 de junio de 1894 for conclusion of matter.

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18 07 1892 -- Costa Rica - Carlos Berggren initiates a contract with the government to set up an agricultural colony in the San Carlos region and bring in 100 Swedish families.

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25 07 1892 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 2131

The municipality of Limón is created.

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27 10 1893 -- Costa Rica - See Congreso No. 2230

Contract signed giving D. Federico Medcalf, President of la Compañia Colonizadora de Talamanca. Already appear to have obtained land in Cahuita. See 18/04/1892

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28 10 1893 -- Costa Rica - Decreto No. XLV de 28 de Octubre de 1893.

Contract between government and John William Smith y Demoss, of the Compañia Colonizadora de Talamanca. A colonization project for the Talamanca region.

Colección de las Disposiciones Legislativas y Administrativas emitidas en el año 1893, Tomo II, p. 320-325. San José: Tip. Nacional. 1893.

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08 05 1894 -- Costa Rica - Rafael Yglesias becomes president and serves out his term until May 8, 1898 when he is re-elected.

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22 05 1894 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Statistics on departures and arrivals from Jamaica in the preceding years.

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19 06 1894 -- Costa Rica - Decreto No.13 de 19 de junio de 1894 Ley sobre extrangeros perniciosos.

Law concerning pernicious foreigners. Permits deportation. Used in 20/05/1904 to expel a Colombian by the name of José Washington Barranco- por sus actos de resistencia á las autoridades, por sus manifestaciones deshonesta, sus antecedenteds de falta de probidad; See Congreso No. 2400, Colleccion de leyes 1904.

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31 12 1894 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No. 3411

Organization of the Central American Development Company Limited in London.Contained in a document soliciting a project for railway construction in the Rio Frio region by Minor Keith and George Carl Church

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19 06 1895 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No. 3512

Joseph Berth Casebolt and Moises Castro submit a proposal to establish a colony in Cahuita. See to introduce 15 "white" families. Signed and dated the 07/06/1895. Ultimately denied in 1896.

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17 07 1895 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No.2230

Modifications presented to the contract between la Compañia Colonizadora de Talamanca and the government in 27/10/1893. Changes concern the "milla Maritima" Approval of modifications came on the 10/08/1895

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24 07 1895 -- Costa Rica - Congreso No. 3411

Government is asked by Don George Carl Church y Don Minor Keith for change s to the contract to build the railway to the Rio Frio.

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22 01 1896 -- Costa Rica - Colección de las Leyes y Decretos emitidos en el año 1896. San José: Tipografia Nacional, 1897, p. 8. Letter from señor don Percy G. Harrison, British Consul, concerning the death of señor don Tomás Taylor, Vice-Consul in Limón.

Señor Mc.Auslan is recognized as the new Vice-consul.

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01 01 1895 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - Department Reports 1894-95

Emigration statistics dealing with Jamaicans in period between 1889 and 1893.

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03 05 1896 -- Guatemala - La Lucha, Guatemala City, 03/05/1896 p. 1

La Lucha, Livingston newspaper. Lynching of Adrian Harper. Harper who was an unemployed conductor approached Mr. McNamara - superintendent of telegraphs and manager of trains for work. McNamara insulted Harper and the latter returned with a gun, shot McNamara, was apprehended, and put in jail. When the American workers found out they went to the jail, were repelled once, but returned then seized Harper and lynched him. The newspaper says that Harper deserved it, but that Lynching was not an acceptable form of justice in Guatemala.

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26 07 1896 Guatemala - La Lucha, Guatemala City

La Lucha runs article pro-immigration, no mention of colour. need for workers for railroad and says Izabal has 8,000 people and could easily hold four times as many.

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01 11 1896 -- Guatemala - La Lucha, Guatemala City

La Lucha article about two banana boats buying bananas. It speaks about the future prosperity of Izabal based on banana cultivation by small farmers. Also contains an article that says that in Bocas del Toro they have been experimenting with banana production and have a new method to make bananas last longer before they are ripe. This is important because they do not have the port facilities and railroad links in place yet to make production smooth and quick as it could be.

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22 11 1896 -- Guatemala - La Lucha, Guatemala City

La Lucha "Inauguracion de Ferrocarril de Puerto Barrios a Zacapa"

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06 12 1896 -- Guatemala - La Lucha, Guatemala City

La Lucha talks of forming an Association Bananera for small producers. Committee is struck and a number of people are named to participate.

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20 12 1896 -- Guatemala - La Lucha, Guatemala City

La Lucha "La Union Bananera" is established.

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16 01 1897 -- Guatemala -

The Journal Published in Guatemala City. Begins a regular column called "Immigrant's Guide" Basically a letter to the President saying they have to let more immigrants in for Guatemala to develop and prosper. Followed by a description of Guatemala for foreigners. Outlining beauty and natural resources. Several other installments are contained in the succeeding issues. Becomes a regular informative feature. National Library in Guatemala City only has copies from 1896-97 its Valenzuela Collection of newspapers.

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10 03 1897 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Fomento 5299

Correspondence between Secretary of state for development and River Plate Trust, Land Agency company concerning Limón and work done by the company.

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09 05 1897 -- Guatemala - La Lucha, Guatemala City, 09/05/1897 National Library in Guatemala has copies from 1895- 97.

La Lucha article concerned about the community's reputation appears in this Livingston newspaper. Apparently, a Chicago newspaper has run a story on Livingston that describes the conditions of the community as poor. It claims that photos of "Morenitos" are representative of the population. The article protests that this is the wrong impression and suggests the photographers get permission to take photos in the country in the future. Also identifies U.S. consul as F.C. Dennis.

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20 05 1897 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1897

Congress Decreto No.6 del 20 de mayo, 1897

Absolute prohibition of immigration of Chinese individuals to Costa Rica. See also Congreso 12043.

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22 05 1897 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 12043

Chinese immigration prohibited in the interests of the state.

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16 07 1897 -- Guatemala - The Journal, Guatemala City, 16/07/1897

Letter to the editor from "W" who lived in Bluefields where he was a manager on a plantation for the Bluefields Banana Co.. It is about death in the tropics about which he writes: "In your closer circle of acquaintances can you count the names of these unfortunate ones on the fingers of one hand? I cannot, but I may have been here longer than you have.... The writer is critical of the newspaper making too much of the opportunities that await immigrants. W tells the story of how his friend died while he was away for a few days on business and when he returned he found that the buzzards had been eating him. He warns about premature death in the tropics and says it is too unhealthy."

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29 07 1897 -- Costa Rica - Collection de Leyes y Decretos, 1896 and 1897:285

Decreto No. 59 del 29 de Julio, 1896

Autoriza al Poder Ejecutivo que invierta hasta $50,000 anuales para el ingreso de una buena inmigracion exclusivamente de labradores, por parte de la iniciativa privada; podran ser simples braceros o familias; queda facultado el poder Ejecutivo para rechazar la inmigracion de razas que a su juidio sean perjudiciales al pais o para circunscribirlas a determinadas regiones.

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30 12 1897 -- Costa Rica - CO 137 584 529

Letter from the governor of Jamaica to J Chamberlain M.P. Secretary of State for the Colonies, Jamaican Migration to Costa Rica. Recruitment reported to Governor by police of labourers for Costa Rica "I have the honour to inform you that as the Police Authorities have represented that attempts are being made to engage Jamaicans, as labourers in the Republic of Costa Rica and it appeared to me to be desriable to regulate any emigration which might take place, I have, by Proclamation under the Emigrant Labourers Protections Law, 35 of 1893, declared Costa Rica to be a place to which the provisions of that Law and of amending Law, 16 of 1894 shall apply.

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08 05 1898 -- Costa Rica - Rafael Yglesias re-elected as president and serves out his term until 1892.

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24 10 1898 -- Nicaragua - report to Sec State for Colonies, concerning losses of British Subjects arising out of Bluefields incident of 1894.

Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

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28 10 1898 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Report to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. A letter indicating that a report on the depression in Jamaica is exaggerated.

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01 01 1899 -- Panama - United Fruit Company (UFC) builds its first field hospital at Bocas del Toro. See Bananas booklet prepared by Merri Holway, Section of General Publications of the office of Public Relations. Washington: Pan American Union, 1956.

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14 04 1899 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 2507

Government signs a contract with an Italian by the name of Eugenio Morice and a Spaniard named Manuel Velaz, who was to re-establish an agricultural community in Nicoya. Cláusula III, seción g of the contract authorizes him "A introducir en el país inmigrantes dedicados a trabajar en la finca en la proporcion de dos familias o seis colo os por lo memos en cada uno de los años que constituyen el termino de este contrato, con la precis condición de que los mencionados inmigrantes no sean de la raza negra ni de la raza amarilla..."

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10 11 1899 -- Guatemala - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Report on the treatment of West Indians in Guatemala.

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01 01 1900 -- Costa Rica - Manuel Arguello Mora publishes a short story with racist overtones entitled "El martirio de una niña de cinco años en Matina."

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31 03 1900 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 20974

Memoria de Gobernación with report from Limón (contains some statistics etc.).

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27 07 1900 -- Guatemala - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Documents concerning treatment of West Indians in Honduras.

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09 09 1900 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 2615

Deputy Dr. don José María Castro proposes 10 years of tax exempt exportation of bananas. In light of formation of the United Fruit Company. This is intended to put an end to the Soto-Keith contract. Decreto No.11 de 9 de setiembre 1900.

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01 01 1901 -- Nicaragua - Walker Commission recommends building canal in Nicaragua; the second Nay-Paunceforte Treaty abrogates Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, leaving U.S. free to develop canal route unilaterally.

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01 01 1902 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - article by Bernado Augusto Thiel.

Revista de Costa Rica en el Siglo XIX is published by the government. (Maximo Soto Hall editor, Tipografia Nacional) It contains articles with some information about the Atlantic Coast and Costa Rica's population.

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08 05 1902 -- Costa Rica - Ascensión Esquivel becomes president and serves out his term.

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12 10 1901 -- Nicaragua - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 18 55

Letter from J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, about compensation for the "losses suffered in consequence of the disturbance in the Mosquito Reserve in 1894."

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15 05 1902 -- Cuba - Orden militar no. 155 de 15 de mayo de 1902,

Prohibited all classes of labour importation.

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30 12 1902 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB # missing

Documents concerning the distressed Emigrant fund.

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01 01 1903 -- Panama - Panama declares independence from Colombia; the United States quickly recognizes Panama and negotiates favorable canal treaty.

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01 01 1903 -- Panama - "Thousand Days War" in Colombia brings violence to Panama.

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17 02 1903 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Full discussion of Law 18 of 1903 (The Distressed Emigrants Fund Law 1903).

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07 03 1903 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1903; 1903

Decreto No. 1 de 7 de Marzo, 1903

Registration of Chinese residents of Costa Rica.

Directed at Chinese immigrants and designed to impede their immigration to Costa Rica, does not mention other prohibited groups.

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24 07 1903 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Ammendment to Emigrant Protection Law in Jamaica.

31 07 1903 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 2917

Contract allowing United Fruit to build a hospital in Limón. Plan was to abandon the public hospital and the existing UFC hospital and build a new one.

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24 07 1903 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - No number for document

Privy Council Bill entitled The Emigrants Protection Law, 1902.

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01 06 1904 -- Costa Rica - FO 372 1906 1059

Decreto No.1 de 10 de junio de 1904

Prohibition of immigration of Middle Easterners and Gypsies (Arabes, Turcos, Sirios, Armenios, y Gitanos de cualquier nacionalidad).

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23 06 1904 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Proclamation by Sydney Olivier about The Emigrants Protection Law of 1902. Identifies countries where law applies.

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10 12 1904 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Documents concerning recruitment of labourers for Panama Canal. Meeting between U.S. president Taft and British officials.

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12 07 1905 -- Panama - see 31 07 1905 on Panama Jamaica National Archives

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31 07 1905 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

To Secretary of the Colonies about recent disturbances involving Jamaican labourers and Panama Police.

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15 11 1905 -- Honduras - FO 371 16 911, 2360, 19295, 25735, 27391, 42218 (about 50 pages)

Outrage at Welseyan Mission in Roatan Spanish Honduras. Letter from the minister of the Roatan Mission describing how the Governor of the Bay Islands showed up and insisted on taking six young men into the army. The conscription issue in Honduras is common enough. This volume is filled with complaints against the Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Guatemalan government. Complaints range from confiscation of property, false charges of murder, and indiscretions on the part of Hispanic officials. Names like Shaw and Donaldson appear here.

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24 11 1905 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos, 1905, Tip. Nac. 1905

Decreta No. 9 de 23 de noviembre de 1905

Decree prohibiting the admission of sick and mentally ill individuals to the country.

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06 12 1905 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Ammendment to Emigrant Protection Law in Jamaica.

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01 01 1906 -- General - Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras sign Corinto Convention, agreeing to submit disputes to a Cental American arbitration tribunal.

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01 01 1906 -- Nicaragua - Files relating to o the Mosquito question in Nicaragua and a claim for allowance by Mr. Cuthbert, ex- secretary to chief Clarence, FO 371 16 first 50 pages. See also FO 371 16 10067, FO 371 16 19523, FO 371 16 22385, FO 371 16 30154, FO 371 16 35910, FO 371 16 38905, FO 371 16 39703, FO 371 16 42859, about 75 pages, for more on Clarence and the Mosquito question.

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08 02 1906 -- Honduras - Copy available - FO 372 46 13241

Honduras passes new Alien Law.

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08 03 1906 -- Panama - The Panama Mission of the Church of England was transferred to the American Church on this day. It had formed a part of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Bishop of British Honduras.

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08 05 1906 -- Costa Rica - Cleto González Víquez becomes president and serves out his term

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24 06 1906 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Couple of samples of application to Jamaica to visit family.

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01 07 1906 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de leyes y Decretos, 1906; 1907

Decreto No.1 de 21 Julio, 1906

Adicionase el articulo 1 del decreto No. 1 de 10 de Junio de 1904 en los terminos siguientes:

Additions to a previous decree on prohibition of Middle Easterners. Includes clarification on not including people who are already in the country.

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04 07 1906 -- Nicaragua - FO 371 103 1935

More material on the Miskito issue. Concerns the Claims of the Miskitos against the government of Nicaragua. Contained within a hundred or so pages in different files, this being the first number.

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11 07 1906 -- Cuba - Ley de 11 de julio de 1906, 1 million pesos set aside for European family immigration and the Canary Islands. 20% of it for Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and, Northern Italian (braceros).

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01 01 1907 -- General - Copy available - FO 371/407

Lengthy Annual Report on Central America for 1907 produced by British authorities. Contains lots of information about various issues and complaints and has a table of contents that includes a number of British claims against governments in the region.

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04 02 1907 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8561

A series of correspondence on the British Legation's pursuit of compensation for the "flogging at San José of Sebastian Herald." Describes how the British eventually received 50 pounds and Captain Vicente Conde, who inflicted the flogging, was sentenced to pay it.

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01 03 1907 -- Honduras - FO 371 838 34814

March 1907 Honduran Government agrees "to pay 2000 dollars Honduranean currency as compensation for losses and illtreatment suffered by the British subject, James Chambers , at La Ceiba in March 1907." By 26 09 1910 there is still no sign of payment.

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16 04 1907 -- Honduras - Copy available - FO 372/46

Report on the "Alien Law of the Republic of Honduras"

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02 05 1907 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 4019

Proposal put forward by Diputado Ricardo Jiménez urging a tax of ten centimos de colon per stem of bananas exported.

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16 05 1907 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 4024

More on imposing a tax on bananas.

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24 05 1907 -- Nicaragua - FO 372 46 16851

Nicaraguan government decrees that all children born in the country are Nicaraguan.

El Litoral Atlantico Nicaraguan newspaper published in Bluefields, 20 de marzo 1907, publishes article on the decree.

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31 05 1907 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8561

British Legation submits the names of 28 British Subjects living in Livingston and requests that their names be added to the Register of Foreigners and certificates be provided. According to Clause I Article 36 of the Law of Foreigners, the Legation submits several similar letters to the Minister of Relaciones Exteriores.

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06 06 1907 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 4020

Proposal by Diputado Ricardo Jimenez on taxing the value of companies involved in exporting from Costa Rica.

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14 09 1907 -- General - Copy available - FO 371 206 31016

Communication requesting information about Alien Laws in Central America

"Sir, It has been brought to my notice by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that many of the complaints ill-usage etc. brought by British West Indians in Central America are the outcome of ignorance of the Alien Laws of the several States..... I shall be glad if you will communicate direct with His Majesty's Minister in Central America and obtain from him information with regard to the Alien laws in question."

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13 10 1907 -- Costa Rica - Correo Del Atlantico begins publication. editor and proprietor is Eduardo Beeche. It is a fairly benign publication that deals with municipal expenditures etc, and has little news.

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03 01 1908 -- Nicaragua - FO 371 405 244 (See also FO 371 405 1303, FO 371 405 1329, FO 371 405 2500, FO 371 405 9450, FO 371 405 10597, FO 371 405 20398, all in the same first 150 pages of the file)

British are requested to get involved in the uprising of Miskito Indians in Nicaragua. Although wary, the British do investigate. Contains about 150 pages of reports.

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05 01 1908 -- Guatemala - Guatemalan Railway links Atlantic to Pacific. Inaugurated on the 19th.

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06 01 1908 -- Nicaragua - FO 371 406

Ex-Chief Robert Henry Clarence (Miskito Indian from Nicaragua) died in a Kingston Hospital. FO 371 406 contains a series of files on the settling of his debts. Sidney Olivier, governor of Jamaica reported the debt to the Jamaican government.

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18 01 1908 -- Nicaragua - Copy available - FO 371/406

Claim by George Richetts and others against government of Nicaragua.

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30 04 1908 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 10279

Documents relating to the contract signed between the Compañias de Ferrocarril de Costa Rica, United Fruit, y Northern Railway on 15 march 1907.

Decreto No 4 emitido por el Congreso el 30 de abril 1908 Sancionado por el Poder Ejecutivo el 11 de mayo 1908.

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24 07 1908 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 10264

Petition from people of Chinese descent concerning the modification or elimination of Art. 16 de la ley de 27 de diciembre de 1906. Petition signed by more than 30 people (almost all with distinctly Chinese surnames). No indication of what became of it.

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01 08 1908 -- Panama - AEC RG 75 box 1

Report of the Archdeacon of Panama Nov.1 1907 to Aug. 1 1908. Interesting document that gives history of the Episcopal Church in Panama. Americans took position on 08 03 1906. The existing missions of the Church of England administered to West Indians. Since Nov. 1907, a series of new missions were created for "White People" and a couple of "unnamed Missions" were also created for West Indian people. .Archdeacon is Henry B. Bryan. Muclare is the West Indian Deacon.

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28 10 1908 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - (70 pages) Congreso 10105

Proposal for the imposition of a banana tax. Decreto No 16 emitido por el Congreso el 28 de octubre de 1908 y sancionado por el Poder Ejecutivo el mismo dia.

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03 11 1908 -- Guatemala - FO 371 407 41780

British Legation requests funds for subscription to the Guatemalan Post, because it is published in English and has contained articles on the Belize question.

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25 03 1909 -- Panama - FO 368 315 14780

Letter from Panama Consul (Mallet) to Sir Edward Grey Bart concerning labourers for Panama Canal. Barbadian workers are mentioned specifically.

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12 05 1909 -- Panama - FO 368 315 24350

Decree 25 of 1909 Panama prohibits the contracting of labourers without a permit from the government. Applicant must furnish a Bond and must not engage workmen employed by any enterprise on the Isthmus. Government can refuse permit in order to prevent labour contractors from enticing labour to other countries.

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22 05 1909 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Ammendment to Emigrant Protection Law in Jamaica.

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24 05 1909 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence from Costa Rica. Financial report of 1909 detailing recent arrangements with the UFC.

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13 06 1909 -- Costa Rica - El Heraldo de Limón: Semenario Politico - Republicano begins publication. It is Pro-Ricardo Jimenéz.

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29 06 1909 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Decreto No.75 29/06/1909

Decreto No.75 29/06/1909 sobre la ley de extranjería

Another ammendment to the laws concerning foreigners.

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29 06 1909 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 10478

Ley de extranjeria y naturalización. Reforma de art.10 de decreto No. 75 emitido por el Congreso el 28 de junio de 1909, The government is concerned about the authenticity of renunciations of the claimant's nationality, so they insist that the Minister of External Affairs send written applications to the Governor of the province so that the renunciation could be verified in person.

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30 06 1909 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 10708

Proposal for the imposition of a tax of two cents U.S. per stem exported to take effect the 29/10/1910, sanctioned 7/07/1910.

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07 07 1909 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 10708

Decreto 82 emitido por el Congreso el 30 de junio de 19,1909

Tax on bananas for a period of 20 years.

El expediente se inició 7/05/09 con un proyecto de ley de Poder Ejecutivo.

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07 07 1909 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence copy of the decreta on banana exports

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22 01 1910 -- Nicaragua - FO 371 286 7691

During Nicaraguan Civil War, British are concerned and offer protection for there subjects. This file is large and filled with British reaction to events in Nicaragua.

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27 04 1910 -- Nicaragua - FO 371 838 23154

Report by Commander of HMS "Scylla" on visit to Central America. States that consul at Ceiba and Trujillo "told me that the anti-foreign feeling was very strong, and that they frequently had cases of coloured British subjects being ill- treated."

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04 05 1910 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 19, 818.48

Cartago is destroyed by an earthquake. United Fruit Company gets involved in rescue operations as it has lost property. No reference on the effects of the earthquake on the social and economic conditions of West Indian workers. May 4, 1910.

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04 05 1910 -- Costa Rica - Cartago destroyed by earthquake.

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08 05 1910 -- Costa Rica - Ricardo Jimínez Oreamuno becomes president and serves out his term.

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01 06 1910 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State. 1910-1929- roll 20, 10859/80 814.51

Government's debt to railroad companies [IRCA]. June 1910.

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09 06 1910 -- Panama - FO 368 441 28865

Foreign Office report on Labourers for the Canal Works.

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29 06 1910 -- Costa Rica - Decreto No. de 29 de junio de 1910

Passed under Ricardo Jimenez.

Recognizes that the law of 10/06/1904 prohibiting the entrance into Costa Rica of Asians.

Article is long and states that people with money who happen to be Arab, Turk, Asiatic, Syrians, Armenians, or de buernas costrmbres can be admitted into the country if they prove their solvency before hand.

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08 07 1910 -- Guatemala - FO 371 838

Contains several hundred pages concerning the trial and imprisonment of John Elbert (Burke) in Guatemala. Convicted and sentenced to 4 years for resisting a patrol of soldiers. Elbert was a night watchmen for the railroad who refused to be searched by a patrol, shot at them, and later was arrested.

15 07 1910 -- Guatemala - Copy available - FO 371 839 27865

Request by British Legation in Guatemala to have HMS "Scylla" return to Honduras because trouble is brewing. A Jamaican national was killed and another wounded by the mayor of La Ceiba (and another named Holland died according to a letter 20 05 1911 found in FO 371 1055 19327). Includes affidavits by witnesses.

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15 07 1910 -- Honduras - Copy available - FO 371/839

Report on an "Attach on British subjects by military authorities at La Ceiba (Honduras)

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22 07 1910 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.602p13/4

Colonization of Guatemalan northern province of El Petén by "white" people. Newspaper commentary, July 22, 1910. Pictures and advertising for Guatemalan central lines that, according the United Fruit Company, is "The greatest railway system." Maps of railroad points are also provided.

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22 07 1910 -- Panama - FO 288 125 153. See also FO 288 125 224-227

Letter to C.C. Mallet about two young Jamaican girls who have become prostitutes.

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30 07 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 167

Letter from Nutter Cox, British Consul in Costa Rica, to the Colonial Secretary in Kingston concerning the formation of the Artisans' and Labourers Union of Costa Rica among West Indians.

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05 08 1910 -- Panama - FO 288 125 181.

Proof of British Nationality needed for Certificate of Registration. From consul in Bocas to Panama. Mentions. Mr. B.P. Wynter "who is President of the West Indian Immigration and Protection Club."

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06 08 1910 -- Panama - FO 288 125 172-177

Letter from Nutter Cox, British Consul in Costa Rica, to C.C. Mallet at the British Legation in Panama.

"Sir,

In reply to your Despatch, No. 67, dated July 23rd, I have the honour to inform you that the Statues of the "Artisans and Labourers Union of Costa Rica" of Limón, were approved by the Government of Costa Rica on the 5th July, and that this approval was revoked on the 26th July 1910, and to transmit translations of the Resolutions of the Government bearing on the case.

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10 08 1910 -- Panama - AEC RG 75 Box 8.

Letter from Bishop A. Knight to Bishop William Lawrence concerning effort to have Archdeacon Bryan of Panama stripped of his title. Of note is this passage. "...During the past two years two petitions for the consecration of Archdeacon Bryn as Bishop of the Canal Zone have been circulated by the black people." See AEC RG 75 Boxes 8 and 9 for files of Bishop Albion W. Knight of Cuba. He has jurisdiction over Panama and the correspondence concerns his attempts to have Archdeacon Henry Bryan in the Canal Zone dismissed. Fascinating stuff and it also seems to reveal a white/black split in the congregation in Panama. Personal correspondence files are closed for 80 years, but a specific request for closed documents thought to exist will be considered.

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24 08 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 279 33305

Letter from Nutter Cox in San José to the Foreign Office in London concerning Costa Rican decree No.4, of 29, June 1910 concerning allowing people of Middle Eastern descent into the country.

"I have the honour.... Executive Decree of the President of the Republic, No. 4, of the 29th June 1910, under which the entry into Costa Rica of persons of Arab, Turkish, Syrian or Armenian origin is permitted, subject to their proving their good character and possession of 1,000 colones (or about 100 pounds). Since 1904, the prohibition of entry of persons of colour specified origin has been absolute, and some cases have occurred in which British subjects have suffered hardship and interference for this reason; I have usually been able to arrange with authorities for the provisional entry of these people, which has been confirmed upon their proving good character."

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24 08 1910 -- Panama - AEC RG 75 box 1.

Letter concerning St. Paul's Church in Panama and the appointment of Arthur Peck by Knight. Highlights struggle between the Episcopalians and the Anglicans.

"As stated in previous letter notice has been sent Mr. Peck to vacate Sept. 17th. Yesterday he was waited upon and informed not only that he must get out but that they proposed to choose their own rector regardless of any American priest or Bishop as they were under the jurisdiction of the English Church and were not in American territory. Now as a matter of a fact these Jamaican negroes are an entirely different genus homo from the American brand and had rather fight than eat. The situation confronting us is this. That property for some reason has never been turned over to us. Bryan has deliberately planned and worked to get into this Church ever since his difficulty with Bishop knight began. He has called about him this faction who are opposing Peck and according to his own admission to Rev. Mucare and their admission to Peck instigated the attempt to call the meeting to oust Peck."

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10 10 1910 -- Honduras - Copy available - FO 371 1055 3919.

Correspondence concerning the revolution in Honduras. Sent to governor of Jamaica by a wireless operator on Swan Island. concerns mal treatment of British West Indians by someone named W.C. Adams.

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17 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 284-292

Exchange of information on complaint by Rev. R.W. Smith about Mr. Harry R. de Pass, British Consul in Limón, who has done nothing to investigate the shooting of a Jamaican by a Costa Rican policeman.

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23 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 242

From San José Consulate to Colon.

Telegram "Strike at Limón"

"Attending to Nugent. Union strikers have been replaced by other working people. 600 from Nevis and St. Kitts under contract arrived all right last week. Today 180 intimidated by Union agitators - Riot suppressed without loss of life. Rioters detained under arrest fled sheltered. For the present all quiet. Deportation ringleaders probable. Macgrigor remaining Limón." From San José Consulate to Colon.

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25 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - F0 288 125 244

Telegram

"A serious riot occurred here today in consequent as 700 St. Kitts men refuse to work at the reduction. not many wounded Consul refuses to interfere. Require immediate action." from Ferguson to Colon.

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26 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 243

Telegrama from Consul Cox to Panama.

"State of affairs in Limón unsatisfactory men refuse to listen Mcgrigor because he employed by Company. Today further disturbances have been quelled by armed force. few wounded on both sides. Going there, tomorrow morning. Gunboat Tacoma in port. Will telegraph from there."

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27 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 250

Telegram Cox to Panama.

"Arrived this evening. Situation quiet for the moment. pending my address tomorrow Men have no grounds at all for refusing to comply with their under taking the work and are vainly influence by agitators. Should they prove recalcitrant after my efforts government will apply vagrancy law and probably some will be drafted to Cartago to work by armed force. It is quite likely that martial law will be declared in Limón and unless things go well tomorrow I anticipate serious trouble. Government has 250 men here sufficient to maintain order in the town. Tacoma has left. There is uneasiness nevertheless which would be relieved by the presence of a warship. If you think it advisable please let me know your views at Limón as early as possible. I expect to return to San José early Tuesday."

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29 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 252

Telegram Cox to Panama.

"Situation of Limón quiet. Arrived at San José. British Minister Panama sent your letters by captain of the Siberia due Colon tomorrow. Addressed men at nine with apparent good effect. Some have returned to work. Authorities put vagrancy law into force after address. Some agitators arrested for due cause. the bulk of the men are well impressed and intend to work. Await your message here after receipt of my despatches but expect to return San José. Wednesday." From Cox to Panama.

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27 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 247

Telegram Consul ox to Panama.

"Last night Mcgrigor telegraphed request for H. M. ship Pall

as supposed to be Jamaica. President of Republic has assured me that Costa Rica can maintain order my answer Mcgrigor will see about this on arrival at Limón sending report of situation to you all quiet this morning."

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27 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 248

Telegram.

"Riot broken out very serious considerable anxiety result await Cox today." From vice consul Limón to Panama.

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30 11 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 257

Telegram Cox to Panama.

"All quiet H. M.'s Ship presence not necessary and even cause of recrudescence excitement.

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01 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 258

Cox to Panama

"Return thanks for congratulation quiet continues Hitchcock will call at Colon tomorrow morning caution must be used receiving from opinion concerning disturbance.

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01 12 1910 -- Panama - See RG 75 box 17, Letter to Bishop Tuttle from unknown.

Archdeacon Bryan resigns in Panama.

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03 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 259

Cox to Panama

"Costa Rica troops returning from Limón. WETMORE Company manager at Limón has resumed all quiet resume that you have received memorial signed by men belonging to St. Kitts. November 28th.

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05 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 263

Cox to Panama.

"December 4th. St. Kitts men have no contract did not think it necessary. Repatriation of all could be employed farms at current rates but I strongly recommend that arrangement for special passages for them per R.M.S.P. Co and cheapest rate possible."

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06 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 264

Cox to Panama.

"My telegram of December 5th, Do not think it necessary repatriation at public expense but I recommend facilities for returning home at cheapest rate possible at own expense am writing today.

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08 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 272

Enclosure No. 4 in Narrative attached to Consul Cox's Despatch No. 12 of this date.

Notice issued by Mr. R.C. Wetmore, Superintendent of the United Fruit Company in Limón, regarding wages to be paid to labourers, at 3 p.m. on 28th Nov. 1910.

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08 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - FO 288/125

Report on the 1910 labour troubles in Limón. St. Kitts men etc.

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10 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 294

Cox to Panama.

"Much sickness among St. Kitts and Nevis men eighty six sick in hospital two died yesterday can you get authority by colonial government repatriation of sick men."

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14 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - F0 288 125 282

Telegram from S. J. to Panama Consul,

"Sickness amongst St. Kitts And Nevis increasing120 admitted to hospital ten cases of starvation government of Costa Rica has been advised that arrangement with committee Bondholders arrived at De. 10 will be submitted majority of bondholders Dec. 15."

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15 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 294

Telegram, S.J to Panama, Cox in S.J.

"Ten admitted to Hospital owing to want of food one died. There are certain number of St. Kitts and Nevis men unfit for work. Endeavouring to obtain from Gov of Costa Rica should demand repatriation of unfit by Company, failing this suggestion to put pressure on Company through U.S. or authorize me to repatriate on medical certificate."

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20 12 1910 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 308

Letter to F. Nutter Cox from R.E. Pardo on condition of St. Kitts men. The following is from the medical officer to Pardo:

"In accordance with your instruction I have the honour to inform you that there are at present 108 cases in Hospital from among the recent arrivals from St. Kitts and in the past week there were 150 cases. Almost all of them are suffering from malaria, many from ulcers on the feet, and all of the from anemia. They will be unfit for work for some time to come."

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29 12 1910 -- Honduras - FO 371 838 46905

Reaction of British officials to a complaint by Mr. F.A. Rurmals, a British Honduran who lodged a complaint with British authorities over his treatment by Honduran authorities. In the notes on the file jacket sent to Sir Edward Gray, Minister Foreign Affairs, London, "Rurmals is evidently a crazy old nigger, but we might send this in original to Guatemala (with ref to 26028). R.S.," FO 371 838 46905 Response found 15 12 1911 in FO 371 1057. Dismisses Rurmals request for assistance. Contains letter from Rurmals detailing recent situation in Honduras.

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01 01 1911 -- General - Foreign office suggests that records of deaths of British West Indians be kept separate and sent to the respective colonial governments not the Foreign office.

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02 02 1911 -- Honduras - Copy available - FO 371/1055

Letter to the governor of Jamaica from United Fruit in Mobil Alabama concerning a "negro boy working in Honduras" on Swan Island. Descriptive and a complaint about someone named Adams.

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27 02 1911 -- Nicaragua - Copy available - FO 371 1057 7366

Claim against Nicaraguan government. Contains details of a strike and Nicaraguan reaction. File contains about 150 pages of claim reports filed by the banana planters. (Note, only some of the individual claims have been copied)

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27 02 1911 -- Nicaragua - Copy available - FO 371/1057

Lengthy report on British claims against Nicaragua. British subjects arrested in 1909 and lost property through theft by Nicaraguan authorities.

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29 03 1911 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8565

Charles Fleishmann resigned as British Vice Consul in Guatemala City last September 1st and Mr. Edward Bellingham is appointed to the office on this day.

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03 05 1911 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8565

William Agar is appointed British Vice Consul at Livingston. Signed by Lionel Cardeu, (ambassador?) send to Ministerio de Relationciones Exteriores

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16 05 1911 -- Honduras - FO 371 1055 23511

Estimate of 700 British Subjects in La Cieba and more talk of bitter feeling between them and the natives. Contained in letter from vice-consul Henry Painting in San Pedro Sula Honduras dated 15 June 1911. Sent to the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Downing Street. All this is part of a series of records on the La Ceiba Incident - La Macia Incident where Mayor was taken to court for shooting British West Indians.

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20 05 1911 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Ammendment to Emigrant Protection Law in Jamaica.

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12 07 1911 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 9548

Petition presented to Congress from people of Chinese descent from Puntarenas and Limón 6/07/1911 asking for the reform of Decreto de 20 de mayo de 1896 so that some people of Asian descent can be admitted into the country.

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18 07 1911 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 69, 817.48c1/2

Chinese store looted in Bluefields (July 18-1911).

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08 08 1911 -- Honduras - University of Texas, Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, misc. manuscript # 85, folios 1- 3

Ashbel Hubbard authorizes Samuel Zemurray to act as his representative in the republic of Honduras. Zemurray goes on to do business in his and Hubbard's name with respect to the Cuyamel.

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28 03 1912 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 125 31-32

Cox's "Report on the Letter of Edward Reid Dorman, relative to the outrages on Jamaicans at Tres Hermanos Mine, December 1911." (See also FO 288 139 and CO 137 690).

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15 06 1912 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - (100 pages) Congreso 9875

Documents concerning the United Fruit Company's compliance with their contracts, etc.

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31 08 1911 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8565

The British Legation asks Dr. Toledo Herrarte, Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores

" I have received a letter from the Executive Council of the Universal Races Congress expressing their earnest with to obtain an adequate collection of photographs representing the élite of every people"

The ambassador asks for 20 to 25 photos. The Guatemalans appear to comply with a hand written list of individuals. They do and the Legation says thanks for 26 photos on 16/11/1911 same legado.

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20 09 1911 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1911; 1912

Decreta: Registro de chinos (Registry of Chinese)

Passed by Ricardo Jimenez's government and designed to account for every oriental in the country. Using the power of the law passed 22/05/1987, Jimenez's government takes aim at the Chinese population. Chinese forced to register with the government and prove their legal status in the country. Artículo 10...Los chinos que vencido el término de trienta días fihado en el artículo 5 no estuviesen inscritos, ... serán expulsados conforme al decreto de 18 de junio de 1894, siendo aplicable en cuanto á ellos, la disposicón del artículo 9 del mismo.

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30 09 1911 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

One page of statistics on departures and returns from Jamaica.

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12 10 1911 -- Panama - FO 371 1176 45170

Law 54 of 1911 prohibits the recruiting of Canal Employees for work outside the canal.

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21 10 1911 -- Panama - Copy available - FO 371 1176 51706

Attempts to discourage East Indian emigration to Panama to work on Canal. FO 371 1176 45173. 01 12 1911 181 East Indians arrive in Colon on an Italian ship and all are detained by a quarantine officer: "locked up down in the hold of the ship and suffer terribly from heat and then are dumped ashore in Port Limón, from where they try to walk back to Colon."

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27 11 1911 Letter from the Quarantine Officer at Cristobal about arrivals of East Indians at Colon.

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20 12 1911 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - CO 137/690/6239 (same file as FO 288/139 27-30 and 288/139 33-37)

Riot at the Tres Hermanos Mine, Guanacaste. West Indians killed by Hispanic rioters. Report to British government filed 27 02 1912 by Mallet in Panama.

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01 01 1912 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8566

Lots of people registered according to the Alien Act. The file is full of them.

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15 01 1912 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1912; 1913

Decreto No. 1 del 15 de Enero, 1912

Decree on prohibition of entrance into Costa Rica of "Coolies"

En uso de las facultades que le confiere el articulo 2 del decreto no. 6 de Mayo 1897 y concurriendo en el caso razones indenticas a las que originaron el decreto no.1 de 10 Junio 1904:

Articulo 1: Prohibase en absoluto el ingreso al pais de individuos de la clase cooli, con respecto a los cuales regiran las disposiciones de los articulos 2 y 3 del decreto ultimamente citado.

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20 01 1912 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 26. See also CO 137 690.

Letter British Consul Frank Cox to C.C. Mallet.

"Sir,

I have the honor to forward enclosed a copy of a narrative account of the riots which occurred at the Tres Hermanos Mine in December last, and which resulted in the death of three British subjects. The Alcalde of Las Canas who is in charge of the judicial summary telegraphs me that no arrests have been made in this connection, because the evidence which he has been able to get does not afford grounds for the arrest of any individual."

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20 01 1912 -- Costa Rica - CO 137 690 3729 Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Copy of Sidney Olivier's report of his trip to Costa Rica and Panama.

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20 01 1912 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 20

Cox sends political report for 1911. Section of British West Indian Labourers

"The situation of unrest described in my last report has come to an end. Many of the men from St. Kitts have returned to that island, and the rest have settled down to work in this country. The Labourers' Union has not been revived in any form, although some of the bad characters who supported it have organized extensive gang robberies of goods in transit, from the Railway Company. The principal gang has been broken up, and some of its members are in jail awaiting trial for theft."

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30 01 1912 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 43

Telegram Cox to Colon.

"With regard to riot broken out at Abangarez. Minister for Home Affairs being sent by the President of Republic to investigate, in addition the judicial inquiry which did not lead to arrests in absence of evidence. Adequate force for preservation of la an order has been sent. President of Republic states will endeavour to obtain necessary evidence to punish the guilty."

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06 04 1912 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 75 73

Appointment of Consular Office to look after interests of West Indians in Panama. Stems from Sydney Oliver's visit to Panama in 1911.

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15 06 1912 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 9875

Petition from workers concerning working conditions in the Atlantic Zone.

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05 08 1912 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 69, 817.48

Aid to non-combatants is needed because of failure of crops and threat of famine (August 5, 1912).

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13 08 1912 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 9954

Decreto No. 61 concerning the Regalmentación para el pago de jornales. Company stores must be payed in cash not credit.

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14 08 1912 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 9954

Reglamentación para el pago de jornales es sancinado. Concerns company practices of paying with credit slips to be redeem at the company store.

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02 10 1912 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 69, 817.48/17

Famine has resulted in "solidarity" among various social classes (Oct 2-1912).

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09 11 1912 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 818.43Am3.

Information on the American Aid Society of Costa Rica.

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20 12 1912 -- General - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Material sent to Secretary of State for the Colonies, from Sidney Olivier, governor of Jamaica, relative to Oliver's report on his visit to Costa Rica and Panama and subsequent discussions.

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01 01 1913 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8567

This is a folder filled with applications by British Subjects to be registered with the Guatemalan authorities according to the Alien Act. All applied through their consulate and Legation.

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01 01 1913 -- Panama - Towns of Balboa and La Boca are established as permanent towns on the Pacific end. Balboa is for whites and La Boca is for blacks.

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30 01 1913 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 38-39.

F. Nutter Cox to C.C. Mallet on Tres Hermanos.

Update of Tres Hermanos and the efforts of the Costa Rican government to make arrests etc.

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17 02 1913 -- General - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

More from Olivier relative to visit to Central America. Discusses protection of Jamaicans. Includes a bit of exchange between Oliver and others.

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17 02 1913 -- General - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 75 79

Privy Council papers relating to the protection of Jamaicans in Central America.

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22 03 1913 -- Panama - FO 288 139 294 FO 288 139 295.

Report from Chalkely to C.C. Mallet.

"I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of a despatch from Mr. Ponton, Vice Consul at Bocas de Toro, relative to the strike of certain Jamaicans, employed on the UFC Railway at Chaguinola, which occurred on the 16th instant and following days." From Chalkely to Mallet.

"Sir,

In reply to your wireless re strike - On Sunday the 16th March the Engineers and Fireman of the Changuinola Railway (UFC) refused to work unless their demands for higher wages, free quarters, yearly vacations with pay etc., were allowed, but no violence was shown except in a case of an Engineer of the Passenger train who was roughly handled - On Monday the trouble spread to the Fruit Cutters and other who claimed that they needed Police protection as the striking Engineers and Fireman had threatened to attack them if they cut any fruit - With the exception of the Changuinola farms everything is going along fairly well at present and although the Company are not getting full loads for the steamers still I think that by the end of this week everything will be normal ) The UFC have brought in about 12 Engineers (Jamaican) from Costa Rica and they will go to work today and I am informed that no striker will be taken back by the Company _ all the Stickers are Jamaicans and I think that so far they have committed no crimes nor acts of violence with the one exception mentioned above." signed W. H. Ponton, Vice Consul and sent to Chalkely in Bocas del Toro.

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01 04 1913 -- Panama - Copy available - FO 288/139

Strike and shooting of West Indian in Bocas del Toro.

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01 04 1913 -- Panama - Copy available - FO 288/139

Letter and report about a strike at Bocas del Toro. Sent to Panama Legation in Colon.

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08 04 1913 -- Panama - FO 288 139 321-322

To Chalkley in Colon from Kyes, Bocas.

"Dear Mr. Chalkley,

I am very sorry indeed that you could not come to Bocas as you expected as I would have taken a great deal of pleasure in showing you where we needed protection instead of your subjects needing it.

As a matter of fact we have had absolutely no trouble with our men except in cases where they tried to prevent other men from working who wanted to work, in which cases we called on the police and all of the shooting and maltreatment that they received on the Panama side of the Sixaola River was where the people got out and shot at men who were trying to work and beat a couple of men running an engine. One of these latter had a jaw broken and was treated pretty badly. The other one was not just so badly but received a severe beating.

In the case of the man killed on the Costa Rica side of the River: This had nothing to do with the strike. A mob simply jumped on one of our Jamaican foremen, broke several ribs and beat him up very badly and then refused to allow two white men there to touch him, demanding that he be allowed to remain on the ground and die. They phoned for the police and when the latter arrived about fifty men threatened trouble and when one of the mob pulled a resolver and snapped it three times at the police one of the police killed the man and wounded two others. I do not see how they could have done otherwise as there were only about ten policemen and some fifty Jamaicans.

At any time you are able to get away I will be very glad to have you come up and look over the situation. Signed J.M. Kyes, Manager." (United Fruit Company manager)

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09 04 1913 -- Panama - FO 288 139 320 List of men arrested in Bocas del Toro. See also FO 288 139 318-319

Lista de los individuos que fueron detenidos enla Carcelde este Distrito, por haver cometido las siguientes faltas: Patrick Smith, John Leer, Henry Taylor, Jon Fletcher y Ernest Brown, condenados con veinte y cinco dias de arresto, de acueerdo con el Articulo 224 del Codigo de Policia, por impedir a various trabajodores de la United Fruit Co. en el lugar denominado Changuinola que estos efecturaran sus trabajos y amenazas hechas a los mismos.

Augusto Plumer, George Morgan y Daniel Bowen; condenados por Resolusion Numero 25 dictada por el senor Corregidor de Isla Grande, basado en el Articulo 224, Parrafo 1, del Codigo de Policia Vigente, a pagar la multa de veinte y cuatro y lveinte y cinco pesos o a cumplir una pena de veinte y cuatroy veinte y cinco dias de arrest respectivamente, por impeidr a varios trabajadores de la United Fruit Co. que continuaran sus faenas cuotidianas.

James Clark, Daniel Edwards, Hubert Brown, detenidos por sospecha de ser los autores de un dano causado en el Ferrocarril de la United Fruit Co. en el lugar denominado Base Line.

Se hace constar que los primeros fueron puestos enlibertad por haber cumplido las dos terceras partes de la pena y haver ovservado buenaconducta durante el tiempo que tuvieron detenidos. Los segundos gfueron puestos en libertad por baber pagado uno parte en dinero y la otra en arresto; y los ultimos menconados fueron tamvien puestos en libertad por no haber la prueba requerida para detencion de dichos senores,, pues las personas que podian declarar somer ese asunto se encuentran ausentes del pais.

Bocas del Toro, Abril 9 de 1913.

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17 04 1913 -- Panama - FO 288 139 318-319

Letter sent to Sir Claude Mallet, His Majestry's Minister Resident. (For Costa Rica and Panama). See also FO 288 139 320

"Sir,

Since my communication to you of the 1st instant, No. 16, I have seen Mr. Kyes, the General Manager of the United Fruit Company at Bocas del Toro and I have received from Mr. Ponton, the British Vice Consul there, the enclosed list of Jamaicans who were arrested in connection with the recent strike troubles. Subsequent information confirms the view that the attitude of the local authorities ws favourable to the Jamaicans and the latter have no complaints to make in that respect. On the contrary Mr. Kyes protests, somewhat strongly, that his Company did not receive the support from the authorities to which they were entitled, and that several men whom the Company had arrested on the grounds of intimidation and preventing other labourers from working were immediately dismissed by the Governor without hearing the evidence against the men. Mr. Ponton reports that a few acts of violence were committed by Jamaicans, and mentions that one man was shot in the leg, another badly beaten, and others were chased out of the farms while at work by being fired at. I enclose a copy of a letter from Mr. Kyes, giving his account of the case of the man killed on the Costa Rican side."

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04 06 1913 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence translation of the government order to set up a customs house in Sixaola

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01 07 1913 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.52

Law on land transfer proceedings when land has been ceded by government to individuals (July, 1913).

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10 07 1913 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.151

Enclosure I. No. 267. Copy sent to American consular Service on July 10, 1913, states that Americans are generally hated by Hondurans.

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16 08 1913 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 422-423

Report of enquiry into death of Ferdinand Gilbert at Sixaola during strike. (See 19/08/13)

Sent to Frank Nutter Cox, British Consul

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19 08 1913 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 421 ( see 16/08/1913)

Letter from Cox to Mallet

"Sir,

I have the honour to report that the exquiry into the death of F. Gilbert, a Jamaican, at Sixaola last March has been concluded, and that the policeman, José Mendoza, who shot Gilbert has been exonerated and set at liberty. I enclose a copy of the letter from the Minister of Gobernación conveying the verdict of the Military Court which tried José Mendoza, for homicide of Gilbert. This verdict and acquittal appear to me to be perfectly just."

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30 09 1913 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 814.407

Presidential Decree by Manuel Estrada Cabrera makes October 12 a National Holiday, in commemoration of the "discovery of America." According to Estrada Cabrera, one of Guatemala's most ruthless dictators, this action is demanded by the "Spanish culture of the country." (Sept. 30, 1913).

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02 10 1913 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the construction of a railroad to Talamanca Valley. gives costs etc.

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07 10 1913 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 442

Letter to C.C. Mallet from someone in Limón.

"Sir,

With reference to Mr. Murray's despatch of the 14th August last, No. 27, I have the honour to inform you that I am advised by Mr. Wilford, General Agent of the United Fruit Company in Colon, that some of the West Indians who have been engaged hereto work on the Company's farms in Honduras and Costa Rica, have, in the one case, left the ship conveying them at Port Limón and have refused to continue the journey to Honduras; and, in the other case, have, on arrival at Port Limón, refused to do any work for the Company. To protect themselves the Company have now decided to require each labourer who is contracted here to make a deposit at the time of engagement, viz, of $5.00 U.S. currency, in the case of a labourer contracted for Honduras, and of $2.00 U.S. in the case of a labourer contracted for Costa Rica. In exchange a receipt will be given stating that such deposit will be refunded to the labourer after he has completed six months continuous work with the company. "

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11 12 1913 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 139 511

Sentences handed down in the case of the three British West Indians killed in the riots at the Tres Hermanos mines in 1911. 8 men with Hispanic surnames got 20 years each.

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01 01 1914 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 58, 817.011/35

Ley de Extranjería. Managua-1914. Translation consists of a 14 page document.

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01 01 1914 -- Panama - FO 368 series

For British concerns about the Panama Canal, tariffs, United States commercial interests, inspection of vessels, tolls, defense, etc., etc. see Foreign Office Consular files in FO 368 series on Commercial interests. There are several books of documents filled with Panama Canal stuff in the years before and after the canal opened.

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17 01 1914 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter to Mullins from a man who cannot work his cacao farms because the UFC says they own them.

Concerns the Talamanca valley and the UFC

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19 01 1914 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 42, 815.602/2

Copy of a United States Embassy report prepared for United Fruit Company manager (January 19, 1914).

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05 03 1914 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.6156 to end of roll.

Banana lands and culture. Contains report on the "strangulation" of competition by UFC on the Atlantic coast and many other things.

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08 05 1914 -- Costa Rica - Alfredo González Flores becomes president and is overthrown on January 27, 1917.

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10 05 1914 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8567

"Murderous Attack on Guatemalans by Jamaican labourers in Quirigua. Apparently one Jamaican was murdered and many others sought vengeance on the Guatemalan. Extensive file exists. Guatemalan say that the Comandante exaggerated the outrage and that the Jamaicans returned to their homes afterwards. On the 12th the Guatemalans went to find the Jamaican murders and ended up shooting at and beating two of them. One of them, Robert Flemming was killed. Then the soldiers broke into the camp houses and looted them. At the same time another group of soldiers went to Tehuana farm, another camp and raided a house there. No one was killed, but many were taken prisoner. The next day some soldiers took pot shots at other Jamaicans and then they raided a camp and took more prisoners. One William Jackson was shot dead. Once again the camp was looted. Troops arrived again on 14th went back to Tehuana and pillaged again. The Jamaicans did apparently resist, but no weapons were found on them. To British Legation from Don Luis Toledo Herrarte, Minister for Foreign Affairs. dated 01/06/1914 The West Indians were mostly UFC employees. Further, letter dated 14/05/1914 Over 100 soldiers were involved. from same minister to legation. "100 soldiers , on May 12th entered Quiche and Tehuana farms in the Quirigua district, and proceeded to shoot indiscriminately on Negroes (British Jamaican subjects) killing as far as it is yet ascertained, at least one, wounding others and leaving several in the bush some of whom may be wounded or killed. Many of the Negroes are being held under arrest."

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11 07 1914 -- Honduras - Copy available - FO 371/2643/6175

Report on British Labour employed by American companies on the Atlantic Coast of Honduras.

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15 08 1914 -- Panama - Panama Canal opened

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31 08 1914 -- Costa Rica - FO 368 1057 55336

Costa Rica Presidential Decree no 1 31 August 1914

Permission to enter Costa Rica is refused to all persons of the classes referred to in Sections 2 and 3 of the preamble to this Decree (thieves, professional gamblers, prostitutes, and all other classes of individuals who have no lawful means of livelihood, and indigent persons). Every immigrant shall bring with him the minimum sum of 100 colones. Port Authorities shall enforce these regulation in the strictest manner.

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31 08 1914 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos, 1914

Decreto: No.1 de 31 de agosto de 1914

Immigrants required to deposit 100 colones with government upon arrival.

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14 09 1914 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 29, 814.55

United Fruit Company's position on immigration. The United States argues that Guatemalans are fearful of Jamaican negroes. They are afraid that the hiring of these labourers by the United Fruit Company will flood Guatemala with non-Spanish people. Actually some good information on restrictions on immigration and charging of fees etc.

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23 10 1914 -- Guatemala - El Guatemalteco, Diario Oficial, No. 27, p186, 20/10/1921

Law passed requiring immigrants to pay deposit upon arrival.

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01 11 1914 -- Panama - The Spirit of Missions "Indians and the Panama Canal" Vol 79, Nov. 1914, p. 825

"In 1883 the English Church established the episcopate of British Honduras, which included a general responsibility of Central America. The American workers on the canal were most West Indian Negroes and the Anglican Communion , and the English Church went to take care of her own. Christ Church, Colon, ws gladly turned over, other missions were opened and sustained through spasmodic attempts at building the canal, up to 1907, when, on the purchase of the Canal Zone the United States, the English Church transferred the work to us. This transfer include much more territory than the actual strip - ten miles wide and forty- five long, which our Government purchased with 200,000 population. English influence in Central America has been waning for some time, while American interests have advanced and the English Church is now debating the wisdom of surrendering to us practically all of Central America as soon as we can take it over. "

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10 12 1914 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning the purchase of a small property on the Sixaola river from a Nicholas Brown

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19 05 1915 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Fomento 5745

Junta Agricola Industrial is founded in Limón. It appears to be an all Hispanic body.

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18 08 1915 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 11071

Decreto that would see exceptions made in the law No.3 de 17 noviembre de 1909 to allow extranjeros to claim land in the Limón area for agricultural settlement gets second reading.

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30 08 1915 -- Honduras - FO 371 2297 134269

Lengthy document on the abuse of a British Honduran subject named William Baldwin by Honduran police in Puerto Cortes.

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21 09 1915 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the Costa Rica government engineer who is awarding 50 hectare plots to aboriginals in the Talamanca valley. It is UFC land. Related 25/11/15, 29/11/15 all concern the land in question.

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01 01 1916 -- Panama - See FO 368 1583 98251 for an extensive publication entitled "Proceedings: The Medical Association of the Isthmian Canal Zone for the half year Oct. 1914 to March 1915.

Lists who became ill and of what according to "race"

Another for April to Sept 1913 in FO 368 1380 14653 and another for 1910 FO 368 441 and FO 368 843 FO 368 843 33659, FO 368 843 40453, FO 368 843 49131, FO 368 843 50524, FO 368 843 51610, FO 368 843 51655, FO 368 843 57304 there is also some correspondence here on a international yellow fever commission. FO 368 1380 14653

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09 02 1916 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning planting in Talamanca

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03 04 1916 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 11634

Vecinos de Limón send a petition to the government asking for an a one year extension on the colonization scheme for Cahuita. They want more time to comply with the law and establish themselves.

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03 04 1916 -- Guatemala - FO 371 2643 63461

Diplomatic correspondence on possibility of issuing passports to British West Indians who want to go to Mexico. Report says U.S. does not issue passports to Negros wanting to go to Mexico. Appears that British West Indians who want to go are "adventurers without any papers and native os the British West Indians." They are constantly asking for passports. This may be a way in to the United States or there may be some enthusiasm for the revolution or work in Mexico.

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20 05 1916 -- Guatemala - FO 371 2643 96497.

Guatemalan consul reports request from West Indians in Honduras urging the appointment of Consular Officer. Claims that 5000 working for UFC land being treated badly by Honduran authorities.

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10 06 1916 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the proposed townsite at Sixaola.

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10 06 1916 -- Honduras - U.S. State Department report "Officials Support a Movement to Eject Colored laborers from Honduras."

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05 07 1916 -- Costa Rica - Fomento 5356

la enfermedad "Pudrición del cogollo de cocotero" is not found in Costa Rica at this time even though it has affected cocotales in Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, and other places.

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07 07 1916 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 11617

Reform of law concerning foreigners living in Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica tiene no sólo ley de expulsión de exranjeros, sino que previendo una buena formación de su pueblo ha emitido con el objeto de seleccionar en lo posible la inmigración, las leyes de 22 de Mayo de 1897, 10 de Junio de 1904, 24 de Noviembre de 1905, 15 Enero de 1912 y 31 de Agosto de 1914, en las cuales prohibe la entrada al país de individuos de algunas razas, de locos, ciegos, idiotas, sordo-mudos, valetudinarios, imposibilitados para el trabajo, pacientes de enfermendades contagiosas, graves, indigentes, procesados por delito de crimen, prófugos, rateros, bagos, tahures, prostitutas y algunos otros, y a quenes las autoridades de los puertos deben negar la entrada al país y te embarcar si han entrado a él. Article . authorizes the government to expel vagrant foreigners

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18 07 1916 -- Guatemala - FO 371 2643 139765 Some copies available

Report from the British Legation in Guatemala (Alban Young to Sir Edward Grey) on the migration and settlement of British West Indians in neighbouring foreign countries.

"These immigrants are not welcomed in the republics of Guatemala and Honduras... These men, of whom some are naturally bad characters while most appear arrogant and independent, arrive with an exaggerated sense of their importance as British subjects and expect to enjoy, though under a foreign jurisdiction known to be backward and inferior, the same respect for the inviolability of their persons and habitations and for their technical legal rights as is afforded by the happier conditions of British rule. These negroes are contemptuous of the Spanish America policeman and disregard his behests which are sometimes arbitrary no doubt but quite often reasonable, while the latter who is accustomed to the submissiveness of the native is prone to make use of his weapons to enforce obedience from the defiant foreigners who are mostly his superior in physical size. On the other hand West Indians are naive and fond of drink and gambling and are earning good wages which they always seem to be in the habit of carrying on their persons. Consequently they appear to the underpaid police as suitable objects for illegal exactions of penalties of doubtful justice. The complaints of the West Indians cannot be relied on for truthfulness or freedom from exaggerating and if I pass them on to the Central Government I am always confronted by the written testimony of the police authorities denying the facts or alleging resistance and assault, excuses which cannot be rejected as being on the face of the improbable."

Also includes report on labour by Jack P. Armstrong in July 11 1914

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18 07 1916 -- Honduras - FO 371 2643 139765

Letter to consul in Trujillo Honduras from British West Indians in Tela relating their fear of being deported by Honduran government. signed by 45 subjects, another signed by 94 subjects but stating that all British West Indians feel the same

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26 07 1916 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/2

Honduras moves to expel "Negroes" from the country on July 26, 1916.

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09 08 1916 -- Costa Rica - FO 368 1584 175917

Report on adverse effects of ban on bananas from Costa Rica to U.K.

"I have the honour to transmit herein a copy of a despatch I have received from the British Consul at Port Limón, Costa Rica calling my attention to the probable effects on the five thousand British West Indians labourers and their families in the province of Limón, should the efforts voiced in Jamaica to suspend shipment s of bananas from Costa Rica to the U.K. prove successful. (From C. Mallet to Lord Grey in the FO) Consul McAdam's report reads in part.. "Average shipments from Limón per week = N.Y. 64,000 bunches, Boston 37,000 bunches and England, 60,000 bunches. ...and I am informed that if the embargo is so placed there is no market to which the shipments intended for England could be diverted and consequently this would mean a total shipping weekly from this port of 101,000 bunches only or figuratively speaking only two steamers each week instead of three. The effect of this wold be instantly felt not only on the farms but in Port Limón the shipping point, amongst British West Indians who depend principally upon the banana industry for their living as it is easy to see that there would be less employment and consequently less wages. From McAdam to Mallet 02 Aug. 1916."

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09 08 1916 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.151

El Guatemalteco, a Guatemalan paper, reports on a contract between Guatemala and IRCA to provide drinking water to Puerto Barrios (Aug 9, 1916).

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15 09 1916 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 1584 184137 See also 09/08/1916

Under Secretary of Foreign Office gets letter stating that:

"the Board of Trade to state... do not at present propose to advise His Majesty to issue a Proclamation prohibiting the importation of Bananas into the Untied Kingdom (From Costa Rica)"

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25 09 1916 -- Honduras - FO 371 2643 139765

Governor of Jamaica, Sir William J Manning, takes an interest in Jamaicans in Honduras and asks for a report from the British Legation in Guatemala. Gets it, is told that there are problems and it is true that British West Indians are not treated well in Honduras, but that they do not always respect Honduran authority etc.

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27 10 1916 -- Panama - FO 368 1584 233173

Report of strike by "silver-paid employees of the Panama Canal who are mostly British West Indians, for a few days in the middle of October."

"The strike originated by an attempt of a too zealous official to reduce the wages of the men working in the dredging division. The men refused to accept the reduction and came to Panama city where they induced many others to join their ranks from all the department in the Canal Zone.

There was no appropriate organization and several Latin-Americans constituted themselves the leaders, with a West Indian committee in support, but it was several days before any demands were formulated although it was generally known that the men were dissatisfied with their wages on account of the high cost of living.

The President of the British Club of the Isthmus of Panama conferred with me upon the situation and the outcome was a visit from a Committee to Governor Harding who informed them that it the men would return to work he would have their grievances investigated.

.. Apart from some instances of violence used to prevent or punish substitutes doing into the Canal Zone to work, the public meeting and parades held by the strikers were peacefully conducted, though there were moments when a clash with the national police seemed imminent.

The most pathetic incident of the whole affair has been in connection with the leader of the strike, a Latin- American who collected from the strikers some eight thousand dollars and then disappeared with the funds leaving his present whereabouts unknown."

From C. Mallet to The Viscount Grey,

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01 12 1916 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Gleaner article on arrangements for dealing with Discharged members of the British West Indian Regiment.

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18 12 1916 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15799 See also 23/05/1930

Law passed that allows for the imposition of a tax on uncultivated land. Ley 72 de 18 de diciembre de 1916.

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01 01 1917 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 38, 818.71

Delivery of American newspapers is censored due to their allegations of pro-German activities within the Costa Rican government (1917).

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01 01 1917 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 41, 815.52/1-4

E. Perry, an American, shows interest in starting operations in Honduras (January-1917). He is interested in possible use of land for a naval base.

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17 01 1917 -- Guatemala - Diario de Centro America, Guatemala's official newspaper.

Article entitled "The Black Plague" "La Plaga Negra" p.4

Puerto Barrios, 27/01/1917

"Por disposicion superior se ha hecho cargo del Round House y talleres del Ferrocarril en ingeneri mecanion Mr. Moneyham, en sustitucon del igual titulo Mr. Edwards. Esperamos que nuevo maestro no se dejara sugestionar por los negros, como paso con el senor Edwards, que por intrigas de estos orangetanes despidio algunos trabajadores del pais.

Los negros que trabajan en el Round House son jamaiquenos, que es el peor raza. Es una lastima que nosotros los quatemaltequeres, (como dijo un indo) no tengamos opinion y no procuremos sacar al son de sus propiras costillas a tantes salvajes jamaiquenos dejando que nos apreten el cogote hasta ahogamos sin exhalar una sola queja. A guantamos callodos porque somos unos tontos.

Hemos creido que todos los jefes no son mas que alcahuetes de la raza negro cuyas faltas toleran por graves que sean. Y si es uno del pais pronto le dan su time chek."

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27 01 1917 -- Costa Rica - Federico Tinoco Branados seizes power in Costa Rica by a coup, but cannot get recognition of United States or other nations and resigns on Aug. 12, 1919.

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03 04 1917 -- Panama - FO 368 1784 83057, 185194

Chinese and Turkish immigration into Panama Law 31 of 1917 amends law 50 of 1913. "Under the new law entry into the ports of the Republic is confined to Colon, Cristobal and Balboa."

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10 05 1917 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.111

Manuel Estrada Cabrera ask the Americans to send detectives to Puerto Barrios to help detecting those "who should not be admitted into the country" (May 10, 1917).

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03 08 1917 -- Cuba - Ley 3 e Agosto 1917. Bring labour for up to 2 years afer end of war. (All classes of workers accepted) Lots of Panamanians and Haitians brought in

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11 08 1917 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.613/si6

Submitted report on concession to bring "Mongolians" to Costa Rica to cultivate rice. The place from which they will be recruited is not specified (Aug. 11, 1917).

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27 08 1917 -- Costa Rica - Copy available -Congreso 11334

Proposal to take a census of the Chinese residents under the age of 21 that are not inscribed in the Registro Civil.

"Proyecto de ley del diputado J. Gil Mayorga en que se dispone levantar el censo de la población china residente en el país: que los chinos menores de 21 años no inscritos en el Registro Civil se consideraran como entrados al país fraudulentamente: que el particular a quien se comprobare ejercer el contrabando de chinos sea penado conmulta hasta de 1,500 colones."

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04 09 1917 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about beef prices in Costa Rica for Panamanian consumption. Response from Chittenden to Kyes. 18/09/17, 02/02/18, 04/02/18, 04/02/18, and 15/02/18 are all about cattle prices and availability. Nicaragua is said to have lots and Keith has a herd somewhere.

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12 10 1917 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.504 See also 15/10/1917

Labourers strike. A gunboat is requested by the United States authorities in Honduras (Oct. 12-1917).

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15 10 1917 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.504/1 See also 12/10/1917

Gun boat request is reversed. Oct 15-1917.

Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815,504/2

Fruit companies are concerned about their economic interests in northern Honduras.

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31 10 1917 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 58, 817.014/4

Conflict between Colombia and Nicaragua over the Atlantic Coast islands of Big and Little Corn. See article "Colombia Pretende," which is enclosed in this document. Oct. 31-1917.

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08 11 1917 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.504/3

Strikes take place at the United Fruit Company banana plantations (Nov. 8, 1917).

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23 11 1917 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.504/4

Removal of Fernández Díaz Zelaya, commander of the port of Omoa is requested by United States embassy officials. Reason is that Díaz "mistreated" an American citizen (Nov. 23-1917).

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30 11 1917 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.111/3

Clarke Sullivan and Halcourt Taylor. These two individuals have problems getting into New Orleans from Nicaragua, because of doubts regarding their nationalities (Nov. 30-1917).

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07 12 1917 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.504/5

Díaz is removed by the President of Honduras (Dec. 7-1917).

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11 12 1917 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.504/6-20

Very extensive coverage here. More information on the strikes (entry for 08 11 1917) at the banana plantations and a discussion of Díaz Zelaya's role in instigating strikes against the United Fruit Co, according to United States Embassy in Honduras. There is also information of the laws of the Federation of Labour, and the principles of the Federation. There is discussion on how the Federation of Labour of Honduras' principles and has affected Coloured and Chinese people.

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14 12 1917 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Fomento 5475

José Luis Soto Calvo submits a claim to government to balido land in Talamanca.

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29 12 1917 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15799 See also 23/05/1930

Decreto legislativo No.8 de 29 de diciembre de 1917. modified the law of 18/12/1916.

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01 01 1918 -- Costa Rica - FO 368 1784

Large files on coffee import restrictions and Costa Rica/Panamanian attempts to export more to Britain.

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28 01 1918 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos, 1918

Decreto No.1 de Poder Ejecutivo

Reason for Decreto: as a result of the war, and in order to maintain the moral and physical standards of the nation. "...es deber de la autoridad proteger al país contra el ingreso de individuos que puedan causar daño a los intereses público, mediante disposiciones encaminadas a asegurar el acatamiento e las leyes que prohiban la entrada al territorio nacional de individuos que, lehos de ser probechosos, pueden vinir a ser causa de la degeneración física o moral de nuestro pueblo."

A decreto that requires all foreigners to register with the Registro de los Extranjeros, to carry a passport and to produce such documents when asked by authorities. Hotels must ask for documents and cannot rent a room to anyone who does not have them. Governors must present the Dirección General de Policía de San José un informe de las inscripciones practicadas, con indicación de todos los datos de los asientos respectivos. No provision seems to have been made for Extranjeros already living in the country and it seems that life in Limón might have been made a little more dificult for some.

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14 02 1918 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence extracts from La Gaceta of Jan.31 about registration of all foreign nationals resident in Costa Rica See also 04/03/1928

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16 02 1918 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence governor of Limón wants usual information about UFC activities for the past year. Response 01/03/1918

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04 03 1918 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about new registration law for foreigners. Claims that the law was made in order to control the movement of Jamaican labour. It also says it will be a headache or the company.

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01 05 1918 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about banana bread and how the negros love it and the whites are at least nibbling it.

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07 05 1918 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Fomento 4831

United Fruit Company sends data to Ministro de Estado en el Despacho de Fomento: "relativo a las líneas y estaciones pertenecientes a esta Compañia"

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09 07 1918 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence report about pro-german employees in the UFC and how they had been purged.

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13 07 1918 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about sugar sacks from a german owned company that were re-sacked to be sold.

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22 07 1918 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Report on labour unrest in Jamaica in 1918.

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05 08 1918 -- Panama - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 814.407/5

July 4 is also declared a national holiday. This is a gesture of "solidarity" with the United States of America (August. 5, 1918).

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26 08 1918 -- Costa Rica -Congreso 10944

Reform to the law concerning foreigners.

Reformas a la Ley No. 22 de 28 de Augosto de 1917 (expulsion de Extranjeros)

Concerns the war with Germany and reads. Art. unico. Mientras dure el estado de Guerra existente entre la República de Costa Rica y el Imperio Alemán, las disposisiones consignadas el los Arts. 2 y 4 del Decreto Legislativo lNo.22 de 28 de agosto 1917 no favorecerán a los extranjeros cuya expulsión del territorio nacional pueda ser decretada de conformidad con el inciso 7 del Ar.1 de mismo Decreto. Queda reformado transitoriamente el expresado Decreto No22 de 28 de agosto de 1917.

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02 09 1918 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 10967

Government signs contract with Mr. Cyrus French Wicker to develop an area north of Limón for coconut production.

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26 10 1918 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.61

Establishment of regulations for "Agricultural Communities" in Costa Rica. Members are classified as "artisans" or "day labourers."

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26 10 1918 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning taxes paid in various years

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26 10 1918 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a conversation between McFarlane and the President of Panama. Response (05/11/18) to McFarlane from Kyes. See also 17/12/18

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06 12 1918 -- Brazil - FO 369 1307 16925, FO 369 1307 16925 51758, FO 369 1307 16925 84689, FO 369 1307 16925 109338, FO 369 1307 16925 113786

PRO has some wonderful consular files on the detention of West Indian troops from Para, Brazil. It seems they were recruits who were being transported from Porto Velho and Manáos and Pará via New York where they were detained on Ellis Island.

About 20 pages discussing the men. Apparently they were rejected by the British for medical reasons. Includes reference to "Mr. David Michell, a Military Instructor at Winnipeg, drilled the recruits three times a week in the evenings." Some had experience with the Trinidad police force.

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17 12 1918 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter from President of Panama to McFarlane about taxes.

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18 12 1918 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Kyes from McFarlane about a series of things submitted to the National Assembly in Panama City. Lengthy report.

See also 03/01/19, 07/01/19, 13/01/19, 22/02/19, 22/02/19, 22/02/19, 23/02/19, 26/02/19, 28/02/19, 20/03/19

All have to do with export duties. Interesting in the way it demonstrates how United Fruit company works. (coded messages, presidential conversations and all).

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28 12 1918 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 3856 22825

Chittenden to Antonio Castro, Governor of the Province of Limón. Outlines course of strike and how., on the night of 14th, shots were fired at Mr.N.S. Roberts, farm superintendent Mr.M.L. Gardner, and local manager ,Sinclair Oil Corporation. Gardner hit but not seriously injured. On the 22nd of December, the Commisary at mile 27 of Sixaola district was burnt to the ground. Train sent to put fire out, rails removed so train could not get through. 26 strikers brought to Limón. Labourers intimidated in Sixaola if they go back to work. Wants these men to be kept in confinement because he argues they will run away if allowed to post bond.

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01 01 1919 -- Costa Rica - Daniel Mighty arrested as a radical Garveyite.

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01 01 1919 -- Costa Rica - El País (Limón) page 4. reports that "The District Attorney of New York County has ordered Marcus Garvey, head of "the Universal Negro Improvement Association and of the African Communities League" to cease collecting funds for the "Black Star Line" advertised as a fleet of steamships to trade in the interest of the colored race. Garvey is said to have collected over $3,000 and spent it mostly in "expenses".

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01 01 1919 -- Panama -FO 288 202 461/1919 (20 pages)

Report on British West Indians who are incarcerated in Panama.

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07 01 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Chittenden from asking for a space to build a catholic church in Talamanca

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07 01 1919 -- Panama - FO 368 2160 19368

Foreign Office file on Labour organizations in the Canal Zone. Reports the attitude of labour unions as a result of adverse comments by Mr. Sherley of the Canal Appropriation Committee at Washington regarding the pay and perquisites of white Canal employees. All the organizations are uniting and intend to show a bold front and have sent a delegation to Washington to make further demands which may lead to trouble. (This concerns "white" labour unions and the suggestions that their wages are too high and that they should not be tied to U.S. rates.

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12 01 1919 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 3856 7856

Mallet sent telegram asking if there "Will there be any objection to our landing as civilians at Colon about 1,000 demobilized men of British West Indian Regiment previously domiciled in Panama and sent to Jamaica for recruitment in circumstances with which you are acquainted. If preferable it may be possible to send them in parties of 200 or 300." From Foreign Office. See response 23 01 1919 --

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16 01 1919 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 3856 22825

McAdam to Mallet.

"...Several arrests were made by the Costa Rican authorities to the number of 33 men, all British subjects." McAdam says matter between a private company and its labourers.

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16 01 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 22825, FO 371 3856 45696, FO 371 3856 61898, FO 371 3856 64782, FO 371 3856 96891, FO 371 3856 122708

Very long series of files on the 1918-1919 strike at Bocas del Toro. Well over 100 pages. Includes report.

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21 01 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 13162

Report on Strikes at Bocas del Toro. Mallet to FO 21 01 1919, "As situation at Bocas del Toro is serious owing to strike by labourers of United Fruit Company and two British subjects have been killed I have instructed Mr. Murray to proceed to investigate conditions and endeavour to restore order."

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23 01 1919 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 3856 14377

C.C. Mallet responds to Foreign Office request to send demobilized men to Cost Rica. See 12/01/1919. Mallet says that request is not desirable because "there is a surplus of labour in republic and return of 1,000 demobilized men now will result in destitution and suffering. ...Vagrancy laws are strict here and men without employment are sentenced to work with convicts on public roads and it would create outcry if men who risked their lives for the Empire were treated thus. Possibly work can be found in Cuba for them."

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29 01 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 16352

Mallet to FO.

"United Fruit Company offer to receive 1000 demobilized West Indian volunteers recruited in Panama to be employed in development of plantations in their Bocas Costa Rica district. 300 could be taken fortnightly. Minimum wage 1 dollar each working day with opportunity to contract work when proficient. Steady work guaranteed. Camp room free but rent of private room 1 dollar monthly.

If this is satisfactory I recommend an arrangement with United Fruit Steamship agent Kingston to convey them to Bocas either free or at a cheap rate and that they be fully informed nature of work namely clearing jungle planting etc. and of labour condition and vagrancy law in Panama and they will not be permitted to land at Colon. Above out to be made known to them in a printed form which they should sign otherwise there will be serious trouble as working in jungle is unpleasant."

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01 02 1919 -- Panama - FO 369 1191 18005, FO 369 1191 21044, FO 369 1191 26231, FO 369 1191 31495, FO 369 1191 38220, FO 369 1191 56180, FO 369 1191 32211

Arrival of discharged West Indian soldiers in Panama. Question as to whether to give them subsistence until work found. They do receive it and go ahead to give pensions, but then suggest repatriating them from Panama.

See also FO 371 4535 A5, A821

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03 02 1919 -- Panama - Copy available - FO 371 3856 22825, FO 371 3856 96890, FO 371 3856 61898

Report on Bocas Strike. It is lengthy and here are a few high points.

"The discontent among the labourers developed into open disturbances and some 35 West Indians were arrested in Almirante on Nov. 23, and an additional 32 were arrested on the succeeding day. 55 men were released almost immediately but two ringleaders were detained in prison for some 15 days.

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12 02 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 16352

Victor Wellesley to FO.

"I am directed by Earl Curzon to herewith for the information of the Army Council.... Col. Willis has already explained that the proposed solution is not acceptable to the W.O. but Lord Curzon would be gland to receive a confirmation of this before communicating with Sir C. Mallet."

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16 02 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 26042

Mallet to FO.

"Acting Consul at Colon returned from strike area and reports many arbitrary and 9illegal acts committed by Costa Rica Forces sent to maintain order in which white employees of the United Fruit Company assisted.

Under these circumstances I recommend allowing discharged soldiers to enter the service of Co9mpany be postponed until my investigation complete, and it is known what attitude the high officials of the Company adopt towards my representations.

Strikers have returned to work pending arrangement."

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18 02 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 22825

Mallet to Sir Leslie Probyn, Governor of Jamaica. Reports on situation in Bocas. Costa Rica says practically all workers have gone back to work pending the consideration of their case by UFC. The UFC lowered the price of essential foodstuffs sold to labourers to about pre-war prices in the Commissariats in the Costa Rican Division.

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21 02 1919 -- Panama -FO 371 3856 31467

" I am commanded by the Army Council to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12th instant enclosing copy of a telegram from His Majesty Minister at Panama relative to the proposed arrangements to despatch to Costa Rica demobilized soldiers of the British West Indian Regiment who were recruited in Panama

In reply I am to state that soldiers qualified under Army Demobilisation Regulations para 1201 to repatriation overseas are entitled on demobilisation to a free passage to their countries of origin, and the Council regret that they are unable to vary this procedure.

I am to suggest, however, for your consideration, the possibility of arrangements being made between the local authorities of Colon and the UFC to recruit labourers for work in Costa Rica from amongst these soldiers on arrival in Colon."

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24 02 1919 -- Panama - Copy available - FO 371/3856

Report on strike at Bocas de Toro. It contains despatches to the government of Jamaica.

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07 03 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 36962

Mallet to FO.

"Your telegram No.21 report was forwarded on February 24th.

It will take some time to complete investigation owing to inaccessibility of region where incidents occurred. Costa Rican Government and United Fruit Companies are also making independent enquiry. There is no doubt some of strikers were roughly handled by police but they committed many lawless acts using firearms etc. to prevent others working. United Fruit Companies are conciliatory and I feel confident will ameliorate conditions for labourers."

In same file is a letter to Mallet stating that rule about sending soldiers back to where they came from in the opinion of "Lord Curzon" "does not appear to be a case in which a hard and fast rule can properly be applied." meaning that they might send demobilized soldiers to Costa Rica directly. dated 14 03 1919.

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13 03 1919 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence 50 labourers sent from Canal Zone to Bocas

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24 03 1919 -- Panama - Copy available - FO 371/3856 (about 100 pages)

For a series of reports on the strike in Bocas

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28 04 1919 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter to Kyes mentioning Shaw Davis (Central American Express) about strike and effort to hire in Jamaica to bring workers in to break any strike attempt in Panama Response to Coombs in the Canal Zone telling him not to bring in Jamaicans at this time ( 07/05/1919). Also 12/05/19 mentions a strike in Cristobal and labourers to Bocas (14/05/19, 29/05/19).

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04 05 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 84215

War office to FO. "about 1,200 British West Indian soldiers shall arrive in Panama as one shipload in July."

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10 05 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3857 89214

Strike by British West Indians labourers at Panama Canal at Cristobal Docks. Reports on 1200 to 1500 men on strike.

Returned to work on 13/05/1919 See also FO 371 3857 89216, FO 371 4536 986, FO 371 4536 1127, FO 371 4536 1581, FO 371 4536 1921, FO 371 4536 2185, FO 371 4536 2657, FO 371 4536 2757.

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12 05 1919 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 38, 818.74/23 to 26

Vice-president and General Counsel of United Fruit Company report that wireless communications will be interrupted and censored by the Costa Rican government (May 12, 1919).

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15 05 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 89479

Telegram from Mr. Murray in Panama to FO.

"Landing of 1,200 West Indians in one lot would undoubtedly precipitate trouble as labour is unsettled. It is nevertheless possible that all the men could eventually be absorbed in Bocas and Costa Rica, but it is strongly recommended that they should be sent to Jamaica first and from thence to places mentioned in batches. UFC would probably provide free passages. Please inform whether men will be sent to Jamaica in order that arrangements may be made in good time with Company and Jamaican government."

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22 05 1919 -- Panama - War Office to FO says arrangements have already been made to send the men to Panama and the vessel will not touch at Jamaica. only 800 of 1200 being sent. FO 371 3856 94189

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26 06 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about an Indian reservation in Talamanca. See also 28/06/19, 06/07/19, 04/08/19

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15 07 1919 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5011

Obtaining accurate population statistics for Guatemala is very difficult (July 15, 1919).

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22 07 1919 -- Belize - CO 123 295 43968

Riots in Belize by "returned (black) soldiers". White women thought to be at risk. Series of exchanges in this file and a few others. Also includes a 3 page report.

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24 07 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 117172 See also FO 371 3857 A279, FO 371 3857 A570,

Demobilized West India Regiment soldiers sent to Panama

They are finally sent on July 24 arrived in Colon without going to Jamaica. There are many bits of correspondence in this series of files. 25,000 pounds are to be spent on paying them off. Probably 40 pages.

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28 07 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence Copy of law on town sites in Talamanca. See also 17/06/19.

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05 08 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence copy of La Gaceta announcement about the establishment of communities in Talamanca

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05 08 1919 -- Honduras - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

A copy of a letter from the Foreign Office regarding a suggestion by Minister at Guatemala concerning Jamaicans in Honduras. Is about La Ceiba Honduras.

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12 08 1919 -- Costa Rica - Juan Bautista Quirós becomes president and is forced to resign on September 2, 1919.

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29 08 1919 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Report on the number of people leaving for "Proclaimed Places.

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29 08 1919 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 75 106

Migration statistics and some letters of discussion about them.

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02 09 1919 -- Costa Rica - Francisco Aguilar Barquero becomes president and lasts until May 8 1920 when Julio Acosta becomes president.

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03 09 1919 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5011/1

Statistics for Department of Izabal, main center of UFC operations in Guatemala, are provided. They are organized according to town and municipality. The population of Izabal as of September 3, 1919, is 10,989 people. There is no specifications regarding gender or ethnic origin. See page 10 of the document.

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21 09 1919 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the possibilities of a strike in Panama division. Says Jamaicans never look farther than their noses etc.

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22 09 1919 -- Costa Rica - El País page 4. reports that on the 15 September

"a procession was headed by the Governor to the cuartel where amidst shouts of applause, vivas, and gritas, the anti-slavish implement called by the natives Sapo Wood, or stock was taken by more than 2,000 Costa Ricans, many of whom were ill treated by this same Sapo, it was taken to the Principal Street where it was chopped by axes, and then burnt, the stock, Sapo or Wood is the most uncivilized punishment to a country in modern times. We sincerely hope that this brutality will cease, as another Sapo, Wood, or stock is still in La Uvita and the public is waiting to burn same."

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23 09 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Fomento 4828

Beginning of correspondence between the Ministerio de Fomento, Liga de Bananeros y Administración de la United Fruit Company. "Solicitan los bananeros que tienen contrato con la UFC, mejoraen los precios de banano por medio de Ministrio de Fomento.

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23 09 1919 -- Panama - The Archives of the Episcopal Church, Austin (AEC) Knight to Gray, RG 75, box 9

Bishop A. Knight in letter to Arthur Gray concerning problem of supply clergy to Panama and on the appointment of a Bishop to Panama and Haiti. "...work in Haiti is entirely negro work. The work on the isthmus is predominantly negro work. To call on any Bishop to have so much of this kind of work to do, - his spirits would be crushed in the long run. It is entirely different where he is in Africa and has been sent out to do the native work, and has no contact at all with white work.

....out Church work on the Isthmus at present is handicapped enough already by the feeling that we are giving more attention to the negro work than we are giving to the white work."

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30 09 1919 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning squatters on UFC land. See also 28/11/19, 21/12/19, 27/12/19, 31/12/19 for visit to Bocas by Henrietta Vinton Davis and Cyril Henry reps of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)

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06 10 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning the Negro World being distributed in Costa Rica

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07 10 1919 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 94, 817.55/1-5559/1

Immigration laws and Danish colonists (October 7-1919).

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08 10 1919 -- Panama -FO 369 1191 4238

Letter from Bocas requesting Assistance for coloured labourers on strike in Costa Rica, appeals for above, stating Edward Russell and other are dying in prison from starvation. They desire more wages and eight hours a day when working for the United Fruit Company.

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16 10 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about The Negro World report and how they plan to find out who is distributing the paper on their farms in Costa Rica . See 25/10/19 and others.

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25 10 1919 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the Central America Express and its agitation of the labour force in Bocas region. Company wants government to send someone to look into it. See also 06/11/19 about a couple of black strangers that might be agitators from U.S., 11/11/19, 17/11/19, 19/11/19, 20/11/19, 21/11/19, 02/12/19, 06/12/19, 06/10/19, 10/12/19, 13/12/19 and the other December files indicated below. Subversive publications and the Government/UFC reaction to the Negro World

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17 11 1919 -- Belize - CO 123 295 42416

Outbreak of Panama Disease in British Honduras. Railway to Stann Creek will not be built because unfeasible now.

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17 11 1919 -- Belize - CO 123 295 42416

Outbreak of Panama Disease in British Honduras. Railway to Stann Creek will not be built because unfeasible now.

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17 11 1919 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/3

Anti-American propaganda in favor of Spanish-American values (Oct 17, 1919).

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22 11 1919 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 42, 815.602/4a

Information and names of American companies doing business in disputed Guatemalan-Honduran border (November 22-1919).

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06 12 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence indicating that The Negro World may be prohibited in Costa Rica. 08/12/19 states that no governmental order has been issued against the Negro World, 15/12/19 says President of Costa Rica has ordered the Post Office to hold onto the Negro World because it is "PURA DINAMITA". Chittenden is to ask the Costa Rican government to ban it outright.

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07 12 1919 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence report on Marcus Garvey, who he is etc. Samuel Nation is said to be the same kind of guy.

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19 12 1919 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the Black Star Line and its visit to Panama. Related 21/12/19

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28 12 1919 -- Panama - FO 371 3856 22825

Chittenden to Consul McAdam.

"...This strike, I think you will agree, is typical in-so-far as the ringleaders and directors are concerned. Of the four men: Theophilus Cornelius Grashen, Kingston, Jamaica. Age 30, married, wife in Jamaica, mother in Guabito, lives in Guavito, occupation, Minister of the Gospel. Edward Russel, Clarendon, Jamaica. Age 44, single Guabito, is a barber and has a bar in Guabito. James Eccleston, Trelawney, Jamaica. Age 32, single Guabito, is a tailr and sometimes works for the Company. James Gibbs Moody, St. James, Jamaica Age 29, single Guabito, Barber. Only one admits that he sometimes works for the Company. This committee's principal complaint was to Governor Castri yesterday was that Mr. Kyes would not list to them or discuss any points at issue with them. ...He sees no reason, however, why he should discuss welfare of labourers in Costa Rica with barbers, bartenders, etc. residing in Panama."

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01 01 1920 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 70, 817.5011/1-31

Information on census of 1920. Valuable information on Bluefields and racial components, language, religion, profession, and education of West Indian immigrants.

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03 01 1920 -- Panama - FO 369 1494 2012

A couple of files on pensions for WWI veterans living in Panama. They are applying for their pensions and the consul discusses it. Not very informative, but a start.

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19 01 1920 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/33-7

International Railways of Central America agrees to build a railway from Zacapa [Guatemala] to Santa Ana [El Salvador]. IRCA is owned by Minor C. Keith, who also owns lands in the Atlantic Coast of Guatemala. The goal of IRCA and Keith is to open new centers for agriculture and mining.

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22 01 1920 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos: Año 1920 Primer Semestre, 1921

Decreta:

Conlsiderando: Que el decreto lNo.1 del Poder Ejucutivo, emitido al lso 28/01/1918 contiene sobre pasaportes requisitos que entraban la libertad de tansitar en el territorio de la República, los cuales deben ser removidos,

What follows is a decreta concerning the need for extrajeros to have a passport and to present it at the port of entry. Artiúlo 5 upholds restrictions on "las personas cuya la entrada a Costa Rica esté prohibida por los decretos siguientes: No.6 de 22/05/1897; No.1 de 10/06/1904, reformado por No.1 de 21/07/1906, y por el No.4 29/06/1910; No. 9 de 24/11/1905; No. 1 de 15/01/1912 y No. 1 31/08/1914.

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28 01 1920 -- Cuba - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

The Jamaican Charitable Organization Society, to be established at Cuba. Detailed.

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13 02 1930 -- Cuba - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Salvation Army report on assisting Jamaicans in Cuba. Quite lengthy.

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06 02 1920 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Boston on the Black Star Line saying that the W.I. are wary of the UNIA collections etc.

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18 02 1920 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the recent visit of Costa Rica government officials to Talamanca and the Panama Division. Several letters reporting on their activities and the prospects for the future.

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20 02 1920 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 1494 3168

Mr. McAdam Consul in Limón says he will quit if he does not get more money or is not transferred to a higher paying position. Proposes that Mr Gordon should be left in charge. Resignation accepted. Gordon is put in place.

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29 02 1920 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 1494 5472 Information on changes in British Consulate in Limón.

Gordon is given Limón consulate by McAdam.

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Gordon takes over FO 369 1494 5473, Only temporary at this point. Consulate was established in 1913

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01 03 1920 -- Honduras - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Data on West Indians in district of Tela.

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20 03 1920 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 41, 815.52/Chubb 1-6

Discussion on operations of Chubb in Honduras. He proposes to bring 5,000 German American settlers into the country (March 20-1920).

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08 04 1920 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about two black agitators headed from Canal Zone to Bocas, Costa Rica or New York. They are on the Yarmouth a Black Star Steamer that is carrying passengers, Jamaican stowaways and making propaganda for the UNIA. It arrived in Almirante and Bocas.

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09 04 1920 -- Panama - AEC RG 74 Box 11

Letter to Rev. Arthur R. Gray, New York from Rev. James Craik Morris. Report on trip from Panama to Costa Rica.

"Although there are very many Americans in Pt. Limón, this being one of the main ports of the United Fruit Co.....the only white persons at this important service were ourselves, the Archdeacon's household, and two tourists from the ship who accompanied us. The Archdeacon maintains that a separate congregation would be unchristian and even said that he saw no objection to intermarriage of white and black people. It is easy to see that this policy will not secure the enthusiasm of the young Americans there. We pointed out to him that this is a case of recognizing facts rather than building theory." [the archdeacon] said that there is a feeling throughout the Diocese of Honduras that the Church of England made mistake in ceding the Canal Zone to the American Church. As s to the grounds of this charge he was indefinite, except that the believed the West Indians considered themselves better treated by the English than by the Americas....He said the Bishop of Honduras is still planning for his greater West Indian Province, to include the Canal Zone, and that the scheme will be proposed at the Lambeth Conference." The struggle between the two churches continues in Central America with the West Indians wanting to remain part of the Church of England.

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16 04 1920 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a labour disturbance on 02/12/1918 and the role played by a E. Glashen in the disturbance. Gives details of what happened.

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17 04 1920 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 1494 6454

Former Limón Consul McAdam write Under Secretary of Sate at the FO stating that he would return to Costa Rica to work as consul if his salary could be increased. Alternatively, he suggests another posting especially where British West Indians are because...

"Furthermore, it is an acknowledged fact and is on record at the Foreign Office that I have the right of obtaining the confidence and goodwill of native races based on a through understanding of their natures and peculiarities, especially negroes, and proof of this is furnished by a letter I have received from port Limón... in which I am informed that an appreciation of my services to British West Indians is being sent to His majesty's Minister in Panama for transmission to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State." Goes on to estimate that there are 8-10,000 colouered subjects on the border between Costa Rica and Panama.

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28 04 1920 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 1494 7064

McAdam writes Under Secretary again... Talks about his sacrifices to establish a consulate in Limón in 1914 and how difficult the job was and how little he was paid.

(McAdam continues elsewhere, see FO 369 1707 4413 for his continued attempts to get his job back.)

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29 04 1920 -- Guatemala - Diario de Centro America "La Huelga en Puerto Barrios y en las Plantaciones de la United Fruit Company"

Article discusses strike and raises specter of Bolshevism.

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08 05 1920 -- Costa Rica - Julio Acosta becomes president and calm is restored to Costa Rican politics.

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14 05 1920 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.602/15

Memorandum from the Office of Foreign Trade. This document discusses the legality of commercial concessions to foreign companies made by the former government of Tinoco (May 14, 1920).

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28 05 1920 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 38, 818.74/29

United Fruit Company intends to expand its wireless telegraph stations in Latin America, including the ones operating in Costa Rica (May 28, 1920).

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29 05 1920 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 1495 9942

Cox resigns as Consul in San José. Has moved to Sonora Mexico. Has been on sick leave there since 1919. Cox's brother (Frank) is recommended by Nutter Cox for the job. series of letters follows.

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01 06 1920 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.15/1

Document dealing with the industrial relations between the United States and Guatemala (June, 1920).

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01 06 1920 -- Panama - Spirit of the Missions, Vol. 85, June, 1920, p. 359

Report by Bishop Morris on Panama. entitled "An Unprecedented Opportunity"

"There is a large West Indian population in the Canal Zone and the neighboring cities of Panama and Colon, most of whom came to us during the construction of the canal. Our government employees about 17,000 of these and they are called 'silver employees' because, I think, they have always been accustomed to receiving their pay in silver money. Anyway it is a pleasant euphemism. General Gorgas estimates that there are 70,000 West Indians in our district, counting those employed by the United Fruit Company, of whom it is safe to say that sixty per cent were brought up in the Church of England."

He also states that there are about 40,000 Americans employed in the canal zone.

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23 06 1920 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 75 111

Ammendment to Emigrant Protection Law in Jamaica.

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03 08 1920 -- Panama - FO 369 1495 12226

Good file on strike in Canal Zone.

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11 08 1920 -- Panama - FO 371 4541 6525 and facts of trial FO 371 4541 5777 Article in Gleaner reprinted in Workman about injustice of Panama legal system with regards to people of colour.

See also 26 11 1927 371 12016 7513 for another case.

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05 09 1920 -- Costa Rica - Juzgado de la Contencioso admin. S.J. 6459.

Santiago Fernandez and Isabel Yglesias Castro sign over all of their rights to a carbon mine in Cahuita to the Campañia Minera Industrial de Costa Rica for 100 colones. The apoderado y Gerente de la Compañia Minera Industrial de Costa Rica and the guy who accepts the gift is Miguel Angel Velázquez Castro. The lawyer for the Company was Carlos Orozco Castro and the presidet of the company was Carlos Yglesias Castro. The property in question borders on land owned by Dr. José Maria Castro, Dr. Rafael Calderón Muñoz and National lands on the other two sides.

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01 10 1920 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 94, 817.5593/original

Information on Chinese population in Bluefields, and Chinese labour (October).

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08 10 1920 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.602/16

Americans are interested in the possibility of expanding and/or starting oil and agricultural ventures in Costa Rica. The reason is their interest in the construction of a Nicaraguan Canal and its effects on the operations of United Fruit Company in the Atlantic Coast. The Pacific Railroad Co., a subsidiary of United Fruit Company is also mentioned (Oct.8, 1920).

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20 10 1920 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 58, 817.014/6

Description of Corn Island, subject to control by the U.S. under a treaty signed with Nicaragua. October 20, 1920. This document states that 90% of the islands population are "Negro."

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28 10 1920 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence to President of Panama about a contract that the government may be trying to revoke. Next day another letter discussing the session of the National Assembly that discussed the UFC contract.

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01 11 1920 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 42, 815.602/5-19

Interesting information. Contains names of companies, data related to Cuyamel Fruit Company investments in Honduras [Dec.1-1919], landholdings of Cuyamel in disputed border [Dec 4-1919]. This document also provides information regarding the reaction to foreign investment by Hondurans [according to U.S. sources], December 17-1919. There is also a report by a Mel S. Bengtson describing some of the underdeveloped resources of Honduras and the country's "general features." (Nov-1920).

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02 11 1920 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 814.4055

General information concerning Guatemala. United Fruit Company and its "Jamaican Negroes."

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16 11 1920 -- Panama - FO 371 4537 8751 More files on Investigation of grievances of Panama Canal employees. Jamaican delegate has attitude problem.

See also FO 371 4536 3993 about attitude. This is all related to the strike and the result is the laying of thousands rather than improving conditions. See also FO 371 4096, FO 371 4222, FO 371 5783, FO 371 8034,

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17 11 1920 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about some tramway construction program.

Followed by response 22/11/20

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17 11 1920 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Talamanca region and payment of workers. Mentions Jefe Politico Jimenez and suggests that there must be a way to get on the right side of him.

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21 11 1920 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence includes a circular to Agentes Principales de Policia about the payment of workers with script.

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13 19 1920 -- Panama - Edward J. Cooper send Arthur R. Gray, D.D. a letter regarding the Episcopal Church in Panama.

" I am seeking an opportunity to present the needs of our work on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus, - especially the immediate need for the extension of our work at a new point where the Canal authorities are building a new city for our West Indian labourers. Many of our Church families are living there now and as it is about three miles from the parish Church we must build a Mission House in which services and Sunday School can be held, and unless this is done at once we shall lose many of our people and children.

Gray wrote an article in 1917 about the state of the church in Central America."

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01 01 1921 -- Costa Rica - FO 371, 5594-5603

Filled with material on British Oil concessions in Costa Rica and the Royal Bank's roll. The Royal pulled out of Costa Rica at some point. The Royal also is supposed to have a great library in Toronto. There was also lots of material in the ANCR on the Royal Bank in Costa Rica.

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07 01 1921 -- Costa Rica - Juzgado de la Contencioso administrativo S.J. 6637

Carlos Yglesias Castro hands his mine claim over to la Compañia Minera Industrial de Costa Rica For 100 colones.

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07 01 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Costa Rican papers stating that the UFC will give everything to the government and Chittenden is denying it.

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10 01 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the burning of a labour camp by William Mathews and his arrest by Jefe Politico A. Jimenez. Mathews escaped and the letter of 22/01/1921 indicates that Mathews went to Panama and that the company will assist in returning him to Costa Rica if they can.

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12 01 1921 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Emigration to Cuba for Sugar harvest. Discussion of deposit workers must pay to cover costs of repatriation.

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21 01 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence on the loading of a ship in Almirante with bananas destined for Europe. Anther letter indicates that there was labour trouble in Limón therefore the ship was sent to Almirante to be loaded. More on the matter on 22/01/21 and responses on 28/01/21, 10/02/21

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25 01 1921 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/4

Anti-American attacks by newspapers. Incident involving U.S. citizens and Germans in Costa Rica. Jan 25, 1921.

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26 01 1921 -- General - FO 5684 1181

Telegram from governor of Bermuda to Secretary of State for the colonies

"With reference to your Secret despatch of August 23rd a party of the leaders of the negroes association is advertised to leave New York 30th instant in a Black Star Line vessel visiting American ports in West Indies and Cuba Central America as well as Bermuda and Jamaica.

If the party should include official representatives of the Association I propose to prohibit their landing under the Government Control Act 1919 since the Association is openly revolutionary as is shown by their charter signed in New York last August."

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24 02 1921 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.111a

Regulations governing visa for Americans (February 24, 1921).

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25 02 1921 -- Costa Rica - British details on Costa Rica Panama boundary dispute. All the details one could want and more. FO 371 5600 1389, 1429, 1458, 1482, 1483, 1485, 1608, 1618, 1632, 1637, 1638, 1661, 1662, and everything else in the binder.

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09 03 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence on Panamanian troops transported by company refer to 25/06/21

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17 03 1921 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.6132

Fiber concession granted by Costa Rican government (March 17, 1921).

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06 04 1921 -- Panama - FO 369 1707 9043

Foreign Office file contains Gleaner article on defalcations at British Consulate in Colon. Loss of some Board of Trade receipts because staff was overworked. Also seems Jamaicans handed money over and it was deposited in Jamaica for them. Complaints "Mr. Simpson pointed out that Jamaicans who had been abroad had felt that they did not receive the proper protection they should from some of the British Consuls." (See also FO 369 1191 3434 and others in same binder for continuation of documentation.)

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07 04 1921 -- Panama - FO 371 5602 3197 (about 100 pages)

Report on Panama and the Canal Zone for period 1914-1920. Contains lots of details of health, labour, education, earthquakes, shipping etc.

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13 04 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence on Panamanian authorities creating uncertainty among Jamaicans because of questions about nationality. Mention of a disturbance and the UFC role in it.

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17 04 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence on Garvey's visit to Limón. Meetings will be held so as not to disrupt work.

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19 04 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence on banana shipments and problems meeting commitments.

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20 04 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence referring to visit by Arturo Volio to Cahuita and Uscare. Gives details of their visit and makes plans for a royal reception.

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Followed by responses 22/04/21, 25/04/21, 26/04/21, 27/04/21 and a thank you note from Volio on 30/04/21, notes of congratulations between UFC officials 03/05/21, 10/05/21

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22 04 1921 -- Panama - UFC correspondence on Garvey's trip to the region and his trip to Bocas. Responses 22/04/21 about Jamaicans who have been "groomed" to attack Garvey demanding financial statements and stating that Garvey is conservative. 26/04/21 has complete report on his activities in Bocas. 28/04/21

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29 04 1921 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/4a-b

Visa requirements to U.S. citizens are revoked on April 23, 1921, and the requirement to obtain a visa to leave the country is lifted on April 29, 1921.

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02 05 1921 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/5

The government states that all individuals have the constitutional right to enter, leave, or stay in the country (May 2, 1921).

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07 05 1921 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/4

Passports are issued to U.S. citizens working with United Fruit Company. May 7, 1921. Also concerns corruption of Honduran authorities.

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07 05 1921 -- Panama - FO 371 5594 3911, See also FO 371 5594 242, FO 371 5594 4701, FO 371 5594 4981, FO 371 5594 5089, FO 371 5594 6121, 7321, FO 371 5594 9310 Final Report of the Commission appointed to investigate grievances of Panama Canal employees. It is about 60 pages long and details living conditions, wages etc, This is a major Commission and its investigation is extensive. A good amount of material here 200 pages in all these files. Research is conducted at a time when Garvey is extremely popular. In fact, Garvey is about to arrive in the Canal Zone. He is in Costa Rica at the time that the report is finally tabled and the subsequent correspondence at the Consulate is written in the wake of his visit. See also FO 371 4536 3530

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09 05 1921 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 5684 3913

Report on Marcus Garvey's visit in Costa Rica by British Consul in Limón

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09 05 1921 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.5043/0riginal.

Report on the Labour Federation of Honduras, prepared by a Donald, no last name provided (May 9-1921).

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27 05 1921 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 5684 4967

Another report on Garvey this time in Panama. from Constantine Graham of the British ligation.

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30 05 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence on merchandise shipped in the division by a Rodriguez Borge. Responses01/06/21, 11/06/21

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01 06 1921 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.602

This document gives further information on previous document. Concerning UFC complaint about law that violates a trade treaty between the U.S. and Costa Rica. June 1, 1921. (See roll 30, 818.60/orig.)

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01 06 1921 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.60/orig.

Letter send to U.S. Secretary of State, Thorston, in regards to a proposed law for the protection of Costa Rican industries. UFC argues that the law violates a trade treaty between the U.S. and Costa Rica. June 1, 1921.

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03 06 1921 -- Panama - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.504

Letter dated June 3, 1921 addressed to the United States Secretary of State. It expresses concern about American I.W.W. propaganda being circulated among negro employees of United Fruit Company. This material is signed by the United Communist Party. Copies of the propaganda material are included.

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25 06 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about charges for transporting Panamanian troops earlier in the year.

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29 06 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence translation of an article in La Tarde San José paper about the sovereignty of Talamanca region. Also one from La Tribuna

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30 06 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a Bill introduced by Deputy Elias Leiva prohibiting all exportation by the Panama frontier. From Ricardo Pacheco. Copy of the proposed law included. Calls for complete nationalization of the area in question.

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30 06 1921 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.111/2 Visa is no longer required to leave the country (June 30-1921).

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01 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the Levia proposal and how the UFC should act. Mentions Castro's mining concerns in Cahuita and possibility of a new port in Cahuita. On the same day there is another letter that mentions CR government interest in the pay and nationalities of workers.

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05 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence translantion of session of congress discussing proposed decree on export duties. From the Diario de Costa Rica. 06/07/21 Apparent continuation taken from La Gaceta. With comments 06/07/21 from UFC managers and 07/07/21, 08/07/21, 08/07/21,08/07/21, and translation from la Gaceta 09/07/21, and more responses 09/07/21, 09/07/21 and translation from La Tarde, 11/07/21 with response 11/07/21

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08 07 1921 -- Panama - FO 371 5602 5449

Special Commission appointed by the U.S. secretary of War to report on existing conditions relating to the care and maintenance of the Panama Canal.

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11 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a party of five men who are prospecting in the region for coal.

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11 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a proposed railway connected to the Costa Rica Division Railroad at San Clemente

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12 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about legality of Costa Rica's decision to close the border with Panama to banana exports.

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12 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning the naturalization of Costa Rican territory in Talamanca. Includes a list of employees and their nationalities. Response 16/07/21

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15 07 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the tarrif to be charged Panama for transporting troops. Mentions transporting Costa Rican troops as well.

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16 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence regarding the situation in Talamanca which details exports of bananas

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17 07 1921 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence regarding Esquivel Gutierrez

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18 07 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence barely legible translation from La Tribuna I think

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03 08 1921 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/6-11

United States citizens will no longer be required passports to enter Honduras, but days later when a group of U.S. citizens is required to pay an exit fee at the Port of Tela by a military commander, they stage a protest, [Aug 3, 1921]. As a result, a reciprocity agreement on the use of passports is established between Honduras and the United States on March 1, 1922. Earlier, the Honduran government had instructed its consuls to stop requiring passports from U.S. citizens, [Aug. 31, 1921]. In addition, seamen on U.S. vessels are not required to present passports [April 15, 1922]. Honduras also moves to implement measures regulating the presence of "aliens" in its territory on April 22, 1926.

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20 08 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about U.S. decision in favour of Costa Rica getting Coto in the dispute with Panama. Boundary question

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19 09 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence report on observation of an overseer from Guabito on bananas and disease at a few plots.

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26 09 1921 -- Belize - FO 371 5684 7005

Report on Activities of the UNIA in British Honduras. Refers to FO letter of July 18th A4967/1181/45 Transmits copy of despatch from Governor of BH enclosing Police Reports on Marcus Garvey's visit to Belize, and also a report of an interview granted to Garvey by the Governor. It is suggested that the observation of His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington should be obtained regarding Garvey's assurances as to his behavior and policy. Lengthy file with bland interview.

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04 10 1921 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 70, 817.5045

Strike at Corinto. American aid is requested. Connected to strikes in Bluefields, but no information on Bluefields strikes. References to Sandino.

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04 10 1921 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 70, 817.504/2-4

Strike at Bluefields (October 4-1921).

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06 10 1921 -- Panama - FO 371 5602 7406

From Mr. Graham to FO.

"Serious unemployment affecting about 7,000 West Indians mostly British has arisen on the Isthmus as result of wholesale dismissal of silver employees by Panama Canal. Local means of relief are being organized but are entirely insufficient and of a temporary character. Proportion of unemployed from various colones is approximately Barbados 45%, Jamaica 30%, Trinidad 5%, and ST. Lucia 2%, remainder being French West Indians and natives of Panama.

I am issuing a form with a view to securing returns of numbers and other details, but suggest that colonial government be approached immediately with a view to ascertaining their views on this problem which is likely to prove rave in near future."

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07 10 1921 -- Panama - FO 371 5602 7408. See also FO 371 5602 7572, FO 371 5602 7772, FO 371 5602 8053, FO 371 5602 8375 Graham to Foreign Office. The Canal Government admits that 20,000 persons including dependents are without means of subsistence. No adequate immediate relief is available. The general problem is under discussion at Washington.

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(Fiji was even asked if they would like to recruit labour in Panama but refused.), FO 371 5602 9486. In FO 371 5602 7608 an article from Panama Star Herald of 16 09 1921, "The total force employed by the Panama Canal up to June 15, 1920 was 21,631 men and women of which 4,608 were Gold roll employees, and 17,023 were silver roll employees. On June 15, 1921... 3,506 gold and 10,035 silver.

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12 10 1921 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 1707 16830

Frank Cox appointed Consul in San José on Nov 1.

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13 10 1921 -- Guatemala - El Guatemalteco, Diario Oficial, No. 27, p186, 20/10/1921

Palacio de Poder Ejecutivo

Acuerdo

Que prevo el desenbarque por los puertos de Estado, todo inmigrante de color debra depositar en la Aduana respectiva, la cantidad de docientos pesos oro americano la que sera devuelta a salir de pais, a la presentacion de la constanco de respectivo deposito. Queda asi modificado el acuerdo de 23 de octubre de 1914, que fijaba estes deposito cincuenta pesos oro americano.

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15 10 1921 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/9

On Oct 15, 1921, U.S. complaints of Mexican influence over content of Costa Rican newspapers. There are indications of growing discontent by Costa Ricans against what they perceive to be American racial attitudes towards Costa Ricans, but, on January 21, the editorial of La Prensa, a Costa Rican newspaper had announced that "De una vez por todas debemos los Costarricenses protestar energéticamente contra la grocería inaudita del tío Samuel, quienes possiblemente creen que nos hallamos al nivel de los Negros más salvajes de Africa."

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24 10 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence memo about an article in the New York Times about Jamaicans on the Canal. From Head Office advising that they fill up on Jamaicans even though they have union ideas because a surplus is worthwhile. Response 11/11/21,15/11/21,19/11/21

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31 10 1921 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

UNIA concerned about getting the Negro World distributed in Jamaica.

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11 11 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Canal Zone labour situation.

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15 11 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Canal Zone asking that only the right sort of labour be sent.

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19 11 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about labour situation and desirability of a few extra men to bring down wages but expresses doubt that the "leftovers" in the Canal Zone will be of much use.

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01 12 1921 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.74/47

Follow-up on wireless stations donated by Mexico to Central American countries. References to anti-American propaganda. Dec 1, 1921.

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01 12 1921 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/14

References to Guatemalan Railway company. Apparent connection to 70% tax on land purchase.

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06 12 1921 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Panamanian actions against Costa Ricans at Guabito. Elections taking place and Panamanians appear upset that Costa Rican elections were held in Margarita, apparently in Panama.

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20 12 1921 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about blacks being allowed to mingle with "whites" on a company boat. Seems that a "black" was objecting to second class treatment for a first class fare. Suggests an intermediate ticket for people of African descent that would restrict them to a table in the corner away from other passengers.

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23 12 1921 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a story in the Diario de Costa Rica which discussed oil in Talamanca. Seems that the UFC doesn't want anyone to know if or not there is oil there because it would interfere with their operations.

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01 01 1922 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 2, A 2604/2604/32. (20 pages)

Resume of the Affairs of Costa Rica from 1914 to the end of 1921.

Prepared by the British Legation.

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01 01 1922 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives Annual

Report on Jamaica with report on Jamaica's part in the war.

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01 01 1922 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - Jamaica's Part in the War

British West Indies Regiment and West Indians from Bocas del Toro

Jamaica in 1922, by Frank Cundall, published by The Institute of Jamaica, Kingston, 1922.

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14 01 1922 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning Costa Ricans working in Panama.

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14 01 1922 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence copy of cable from Marcus Garvey to Edgar West in Bocas concerning Garvey's arrest.

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26 01 1922 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence from Porfiro Gongora to UFC concerning Talamanca lands and company interests because land is being denounced. Urges UFC to take measures to protect interests.

Response 03/02/22

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01 03 1922 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the Canal Zone government wanting to repatriate 10,000 Jamaicans and asking if they could be used in Limón or Bocas.

Response 18/03/22 saying yes, 22/03/22, 08/04/22, 18/04/22, 03/05/22. Also another cable of similar interest on 13/06/22

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15 03 1922 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.111/7

United Fruit Company's reaction to requirements to enter Guatemala for Americans. March 15, 1922.

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03 04 1922 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.111/11-17

Regulations for departure from Corinto. Issuance of passports to Mexicans by Nicaraguan authorities [January 20-1925}. Decree against revolutionary activities in Nicaragua [August 18-1928]. Reciprocity on visa matters [April 3-1922].

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05 04 1922 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.111/8

Immigration requirements for Puerto Barrios located in the Atlantic seaboard of Guatemala.

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20 04 1922 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 8107

People from "La Colonia de San Bernardo" Talamanca ask for una Agencia de Policia in their region. The petition mentions that in the colony, "en donde se han reconcentrado la mayoria de los indios. Para éstos y para el resto la poblacion..." May 11 another petition is sent by two guys (Victor Stwuard y Patricio Oneil -original spelling) who ask for a police chief who can speak the Indian language of the region. They nominate Alfredo L. Swaby hidalgo and he appears to have been accepted by the local jefe politico and the governor.

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24 04 1922 -- Panama - FO 371 7236 2881

Panama Canal Zone. The 1st Panama Boys Brigade asks Panama Legation for help:

Ask to be recognized by British Legation. state there are about 150 boys interested. signed by three Sergeants.

FO 371 7236 3245

Sent to Foreign Office and Ligation advised,

"I am to that in the opinion of the Army Council, it is most undesirable that such permission should be give. Quite apart from the particular claims of the Brigade in question, Boys' Brigades and similar institutions in the United Kingdom are forbidden to wear military badges, and therefore the same restriction must apply to Brigades abroad."

War Office to FO dated 17 05 1922.

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25 04 1922 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about labourers from Abangares being sent to Guabito to work

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04 05 1922 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.111/10

Documents needed by seamen aboard American vessels.

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20 05 1922 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a report made by someone about the Costa Rica division

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27 05 1922 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.61/3

Agricultural conditions in Guatemala. Contains general information, and information on banana plantations [page 4 of document]. In this document the cultivation of bananas is described as a "low cost" operation.

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17 06 1922 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/12

The government legislates exceptions for the admission of foreigners under the "state of emergency" or "curfews".

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17 07 1922 -- Guatemala - El Imparcial J.F. Juarez Munoz writes in a column called "Mi Seccion" "Cual Inmigracion nos conviene?" The usual stuff about the need for European blood, but with a warning not to import Bolsheviks and against immigration from countries that have been infected with what he calls a "contaminadas del virus de la revuelta y el bochinche. p.2.

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24 07 1922 -- Guatemala - El Imparcial, which began publishing in June 1922, carries an editorial entitled "Homenaje a las Honorables Colonias Extranjeras que resident en Guatemala. Basically says that Guatemala needs what all of Hispano-American countries need..."buena inmigracion europea y yankee" p.2.

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04 08 1922 -- Honduras - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a conspiracy to smuggle West Indian workers into Honduras illegally to work on a railroad. Uses code words to disguise the intent etc.

Response 08/08/1922

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08 08 1922 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about something called the U.A.L. (Universal Africa Legions is a Garvey group) which appears to be preparing to revolt. They have drills with wooden guns etc. UFC is worried. Holding meetings at the Liberty Hall in Guabito. Suggests that Panamanian police be asked to do something about it. Response of police is the arrest of 27 people.

Refer to 12/08/1922 for story from the Central American Express.

See 25/09/1922 and 01/09/1922 for response.

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01 09 1922 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence copy of Presidential address made by President Porras of Panama concerning UNIA and banning their activities.

See 25/09/1922 for response

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25 09 1922 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 15, 814.1561/1

IRCA, owned by Minor C. Keith, has a role in the transportation of coffee to Puerto Barrios and Puerto de San José. Sept 25, 1922

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01 10 1922 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5034/3

Injured workers' compensation regulations and information concerning foreign contractors in Guatemala.

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27 10 1922 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about workers at Guabito who want day labour not contract work and are therefore not given any work.

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08 11 1922 -- Guatemala - El Imparcial, "Distinar de los barrios de la ciudad para los chinos y demas asiaticos" A suggestion from un reader to designate neighbourhoods for Chineese and other foreigners.

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20 11 1922 -- Guatemala - Diario de Centro America, Guatemala's official newspaper. "La Raza Negra en Nuestros Paises" p.4.

La prensa de Honduras da cuenta de que el Gerente de la Tela Railroad Company se ha dirigido al Ministerio de Fomento solicitando permiso para la introducion de 1500 hombres de color para ocuparles en sus trabajos.

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04 12 1922 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 12570

Contrato entre la Secretaria de Hacienda y la United Fruit es aprobado. Contrato sobre construccion de un tnue para combustible de Petroleo en la ciudad de Limón. Contains all of the usual exemptions for paying taxes on goods imported to build the tank. To be used for the storage of fuel for company ships.

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29 96 1922 -- El Salvador - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/40

Railway contract is approved by the congress of El Salvador on June 29, 1922.

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01 01 1923 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.5011

Informe de la Direccion General de Estadistica. Ano 1922. Lengthy and detailed data for the entire country. Census figures for Costa Rica. They do not give any indication of the racial mix in Costa Rica.

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01 01 1923 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.501/1

Statistics on the productivity of banana plantations in relation to other economic activities of Costa Rica. Annual Report-1922.

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01 01 1923 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 9580 2781

British Legation's annual report for C.R. states,

"No disturbances of labour occurred during the year. A considerable amount of British West Indian labour has been attracted away from the Atlantic banana plantations by the rumour of higher wages being offered in the San Blas district of Panama where banana planting has commenced."

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11 01 1923 -- Costa Rica - Gobernacion 8154

Around this date a series of telegrams were sent to the Secretario de Estado in San Lucas concerning the imprisonment of a couple of exranjeros who were judged to be mentally incompetent.

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01 02 1923 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5045/4 to end of 5045.

Racial tension among United Fruit Company and IRCA employees grows due to wage disputes and company's "preference" of English-speaking labourers.

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09 04 1923 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.41/2 Permission for Cuyamel Fruit Company to build a bridge.

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09 04 1923 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 815.143

Information regarding a proposal to build a Municipal Hospital in La Ceiba.

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09 04 1923 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 81541/original

The Cuyamel Fruit Company is anxious to extend its railroad to Santa Rita and agrees to build a bridge over the Ulua River at the town of Santiago.

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04 05 1923 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 13062

Vecinos de Linea Vieja piden se les exima de pagar el impuesto que actualmente pagan por acupación de una foja de tierra que pertenece al Estado.

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09 05 1923 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 13072

Petrolium exploration contract with Internacioanl Oil and Pipe Line Company of Tampico Mexico. There seems to be some question of them accepting the contract with the Richmond Levering company, but after much discussion it seems to have been passed.

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12 06 1923 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 8156

Secretario de Estado gets some information about the expulsion of several extranjeros (Colombians) "Guillermo Schneida, Luis Martínez y otros". No information in the file, but it does show that some people were thrown out of the country for being considered "pernicios."

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15 06 1923 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 13117

Congreso "Autorizase el Poder Ejecutivo para invertir del presupuesto del laño en curso hasta la suma de 4,000 colones en la repatriación de los obreros costarricenses que se encuentran en la Republica de Honduras.

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01 07 1923 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.504

New Laborer Law is proposed to congress.

See decree 243

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10 07 1923 -- Costa Rica - Reform de Decreto No.46 de 26 de enero 1923 que dio aprobacion a los contratos petroleros celebrados con la Richomond Levering and Co y Hector Zuniga Mora y Comp. Contract allows for oil exploration in the province of Limón. End of a series of documents

See also Congreso 13021, 13009, and 13032

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06 09 1923 -- Costa Rica - Ley No.89 de 6/09/1923 against the importation of drugs.

See 26/09/1930 and Congreso 15820

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06 09 1923 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.52c47

Land concession to F. Chubb in "motagua" deal.

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12 09 1923 -- Honduras - FO 371 8439 7240

Memorandum on "Immigration of Negroes to Republic of Honduras" From Mr. Lyall in Tegucigalpa to Foreign Office. Lengthy report outlining issue. El Proecursor published two parts Aug 18 and 25, 1923. Alarm exists in British West Indian population as a result of the articles which threatened the expulsion of the "negroes ' by reason or by force'". Consul talks to president and is told that orders "had since been given to prohibit the entry of all negroes'" "Attitude of the Government of Honduras towards negro immigration is frankly hostile", July 1922 "orders to charge all negroes $100 gold before allowing them to land, same to be returned when they should leave Honduras."

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26 09 1923 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.111/11

Guatemala requires all foreigners to have U.S.$25.00 to enter the country.

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21 12 1923 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence report on visit to Limón from Mr. Anderson who apparently was being transferred from Honduras to Limón as an overseer

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24 12 1923 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 13460

Congress adds to decreta No.1 de 31 de agosto de 1914:

"Queda facultado el Poder Ejecutivo para no exigir al inmigrante la cantidad fijada, cuando se tratare de braceros trabajadores que vinieren con destino a las labores agricolas"

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01 01 1924 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 10632 2306

Annual report for Costa Rica. "No disturbance of labour occurred during the year, and wages in the interior tended to rise slightly owing to the large coffee crops, high prices and high rates of exchange."

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01 01 1924 -- Costa Rica - Costa Rican politics begin their 12 year domination by conservatives Ricardo Jiménez Oreamuno and Cleto González Víquez. Ends in 1936.

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01 01 1924 -- Panama - FO 371 10632 2306

Annual report for Panama " The Panamanian Federation of Labour continued their activities against the West Indians during the year. The members of the federation are mostly Panamanians, that is to say the are mestizos with a considerable admixture of Negro blood.

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05 01 1924 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 38, 818.71

Discussion of use of United States airplanes to get from Limón to San José in the event that the train is unable to deliver people, mail, etc.

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15 01 1924 -- Panama - FO 371 95791141, 1143

Visit by Mr. S. Gompers, president of the AFL, to Panama to investigate labour conditions in Panama and the Canal Zone.

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22 01 1924 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about an effort to undercut the competition to get rid of them in the Catun Lake Region

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01 04 1924 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.52/3

Foreigners must became Guatemalans before buying land.

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08 05 1924 -- Costa Rica - Ricardo Jimínez Oreamuno becomes president and serves out his term.

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24 05 1924 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.111/20

More information on passport laws.

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24 05 1924 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.111/17

Guatemala implements a new passport law. Document published by United Fruit Company on May 24, 1924. See documents before and after this one. "Black" immigrants are required to pay $200.00 American.

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02 06 1924 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.602Um/3-

Terms of United Fruit Company and Cuyamel concessions.

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04 06 1924 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 13838

Diputado Zúñiga Montufar presents a motion that enables the government to strengthen its stand against Chinese immigration. "El rep. Zuniga Montufar ha introducido a la Camara una proposicion encaminada a que se exited al poder Ejecutivo para que se sirva seguir la informacion corrrespondente y proceder con ella a hacer efectivos la ley de 20 de mayo de 1897 y el reglamento de 22 de setiembre de 1911, procediendo a reembarcar a todos aquellos inmigrantes de raza oriental transgresores de la ley y regalmento citados." la ley complimentada for el reglamento de 22/11/1911 prohibe de manera absoluta la inmigracion de individuos de naciojalidad china, y asegura que tanto la ley citada como el reglamento complementario han sido violados de manera flagrante, habiendo expresado verbalmente a la camara que un alto funcionario del bofierno lo havia enterado de la maner como se fectuaba la transgresion.

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27 06 1924 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.602 Um3/1

Railways projects near the Guatemalan-Honduran border.

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01 07 1924 -- Panama - The Spirit of Missions, Vol.89, July 1924. p. 437

Among the West Indians:

"The West Indians compose the great majority of the Church people in the district.....Before the American occupation they were under the jurisdiction of the Church of England, in which Communion they had been brought up. But upon the acquisition of the Canal Zone by the U.S. the Church of England transferred to the American Church her jurisdiction over her adherents living in the Zone and the adjacent territory. Though some of the West Indian congregations still use "Hymns Ancient and Modern," and pray for "Our Sovereign Lord King George the Fifth" as well as for the President of the United States and the President of Panama, yet in the main they are thoroughly happy and contented in their new spiritual environment. Meanwhile a new generation is growing up which has never known any Communion save that of the American Episcopal Church..."

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19 07 1924 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 38, 818.71544d

By Executive Decree, the General Director of Ports is authorized to establish a parcel Post Convention with Jamaica.

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19 07 1924 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about banana shipments in Panama Division

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01 08 1924 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.506/12

Operation and Taxation of American insurance companies in Guatemala.

See document 10859/76 outlining the role of Minor C. Keith.

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06 11 1924 -- Panama - FO 371 9580 6684, 7143

Bill restricting immigration into Panama passes first reading. Concerns about the way it will affect British West Indians.

04 12 1924 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.11101/1-3

Reciprocity treaties. Treaties dated December 4, 1924, July 28, 1925, and March 24, 1926.

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13 12 1924 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.52/5

Government resolution governing the leasing of land on the seacoasts and borders.

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29 12 1924 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence which is a letter to La Opinion from a Limón paper called Nave about how the UFC and other foreigners are breaking the law with regards to selling bananas through Panama and should be imprisoned.

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12 18 1924 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence translation of article from La Opinion arguing that Talamanca should be nationalized.

Response 29/12/24 and 07/01/25

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01 01 1925 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 11159 2487

Annual report on C.R. by British legation. "No labour disturbances occurred in 1925, and wages in the interior appear to be more settled."

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01 01 1925 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.504/3-4

Compulsory performance for labour contracts, and information concerning agricultural labour in Guatemala.

See comments on page 10 for comments on banana labour.

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01 01 1925 -- Panama - FO 288 202 693

FO files on British West Indian Welfare League in Panama.

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07 01 1925 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence La Prensa supplies another response to the question of Talamanca raised by La Nave

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23 01 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.5034/7

Decree passed by the government of Costa Rica. It regulates the commercial operations of foreign companies doing business in Costa Rica (e.g. United Fruit Company).

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26 01 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.5051

Law concerning indemnities for labour accidents [worker's compensation], including those which occur in banana plantations. Passed by Costa Rican government on Jan 26, 1925.

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09 02 1925 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a Mexican delegate of the Mexican Regional Labour Federation who is in Costa Rica talking to workers.

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04 03 1925 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.61/15

This document discusses the involvement of the United Fruit Company in the Wallember's operations. March 4, 1925.

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05 03 1925 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 41, 815.52/10-21

Transfer of lands is prohibited by Honduran government, March 1-1923. United Fruit Company's position on tax laws, May 8-1923. Copy of Agrarian law, March 5-1925 [from page 14 to 21].

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14 03 1925 -- Panama - FO 288 202 69

Foreign Office file on "Indian Uprising at San Blas."

1,000 West Indians and 3 Canadians are there. British fear for their safety. Occurs because of "cruel and oppressive treatment of some of these Indians by the local administrator, the negroid police and other officials of the Panama Government"

Excellent file including declaration of independence and human rights of the natives.

About 30 pages long. Some of the West Indians came from Limón. See earlier annual report (01/01/1925, Costa Rica, FO 371 11159 2487).

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18 03 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. State Department. 818.5043

United States Consular Report.

From J. J. Meily, U.S. Consul, about Labour and conditions in Limón..

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18 03 1925 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.504/3

Statistical data of United Fruit Company's work force. It is divided in categories: European, Coloured, and Native. It also discusses the "qualities" and "characteristics" of West Indians and other ethnic groups (23 pages)

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26 03 1925 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120

Guatemalan Consul in Jamaica, P.R. Machado, asks Minister of Relaciones Exteriores, Roberto Lowenthal, about issuing visas to Hindus. Machado says that the Consul in Santiago de Cuba had recently issued visas and that he was under the impression they should not have been issued. This comes as a result of a telegram informing the consul that Mongolians were not to be issued visas. The Consul says he knows but wants clarification of the Hindu issue.

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31 03 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5041/original.

Petition of IRCA employees. March 31, 1925.

Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5045.

IRCA employees go on strike.

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04 04 1925 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence translation of an article in Solidaridad Chicago Ill. critical of UFC and discussing labour organization. Aimed at Maritime transport workers.

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16 04 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5034/10

Código Civil. Registro de Extranjeros Domiciliados y Naturalizados.

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20 04 1925 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120

To Roberto Lowenthal, from P.R. Machado, Guatemalan Consul in Kingston.

"I have for acknowledgment your letter of March 25, and in accordance with your instructions I have advised the Steamship Companies that trade to your Ports that Coolies or individuals of the Mongolian Race are not permitted to disembark in Guatemalan Ports; further that the Steamship Companies will be held responsible for any expenses incurred in effecting the return of a passenger from Guatemala."

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01 05 1925 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5034/5-7

Decree 1370 requires foreign companies to establish permanent branches in Guatemala.

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08 05 1925 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120

To Lowenthal, Secretary of Relaciones Exterirores from Machado, Guatemalan Consul in Kingston

"Enclosed herewith please find Draft No. 454378...value $200.00... This amount has been deposited by Mr. E.L. Dacosta who has been employed by the UFC at Barrios, and sails for that port on the 22nd....He is the son of a very respectable family here, who are slightly coloured, and I have asked him to deposit the amount, not knowing whether he comes under Article 12 of the present law or not. It is not necessary...will you kindly refund same, and advise me how to act in future in such cases, as there are, in this country many families who appear to be white, and pass as white, but who are really coloured."

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01 06 1925 -- Panama - The Spirit of Missions, Vol 90, June 1925. p.367

"The Rev. J.J. Cowan, one of our missionaries in Panama, is stationed in the San Blas Indian country of Colombia. A few months ago the Panamanian Government gave a large concession to an Italian company for the purpose of starting the fruit industry and sent some 900 West Indian laborers in to clear up the land. The Indians resented the presence of the West Indians and sent in a petition asking the United States government to memorialize Queen Victoria on the matter.

Conditions on the concession are very primitive. There are no roads and the land is partly below water. Mr. Cowan does not consider the place specially unhealthy, but it is very unsanitary.

These West Indian negroes have been used to the care of the English Church. Mr. Cowan travels from camp to camp and gives them services in the open air as there is no place large enough to accommodate forty or fifty people."

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06 06 1925 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 816.55/2

Immigration of individuals of the "Negro race" is prohibited. June 6, 1925. There are direct prejudiced references to African people.

See additional documents in this file for further restrictions on other groups.

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11 06 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.5034/8

The Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, based in Washington D.C., sends a letter inquiring about the Costa Rican decree which regulates trade carried out by foreign companies in Costa Rica. June 11, 1925.

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25 06 1925 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 33, 815.5045

United Fruit Company's labourers go on strike. June 25-1920.

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02 07 1925 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120

Machado (Consul in Kingston) to Lowenthal (Sec. Rel. Exteriores):

"On the 8th I wrote you and sent you $200.00..."This amount was deposited by Mr. E. L. DaCosta, who sailed for Puerto Barrios a week or two after, and he has now returned, as he decided not to stay there, and I presume is entitled to a refund of the amount."

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27 07 1925 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence from super of agriculture UFC discussing division visit.

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28 07 1925 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.11101/1-3

Reciprocity treaties. Treaties dated 04/12/1924, 28/07/1925, and 24/03/1926.

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29 07 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.52c9s/original.

Czechoslovakian immigrants deal with government very is very generous in comparison to the treatment given to Jamaican plantation workers. Twenty European families arrive on July 29, 1925.

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06 08 1925 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.61/10-13

Document outlining the development of agricultural projects in Guatemala by Wallenberg, A.E. This individual dedicated himself to the cultivation of bananas. Albert Hahl sold him lands in northern Guatemala on August 6, 1925.

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06 08 1925 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.61/14

Wallemberg brings 3,000 Hindus to work as labourers in his plantations.

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11 08 1925 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about another division visit that gives idea of ideology of company.

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01 09 1925 -- El Salvador - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/62

Railroad stations and trains are to be protected by "rural guards provided by the Salvadorean government.

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01 09 1925 -- El Salvador - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/68

University students demand changes to contract between government and IRCA.

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01 09 1925 -- El Salvador - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/71

Deputies accuse IRCA of abuse and inefficiency. Treatment of Salvadorean employees by IRCA is denounced. Map of IRCA railways is provided.

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28 10 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.5034/15

Law concerning the regulation of activities of foreign companies doing business in Costa Rica is abolished by Decree 27.

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31 10 1925 -- Guatemala - Boletin de Agricultura, Industria y Comercio de mes de setiembre de 1925, p. 271. "Contrato celebrado entre el secretaria de estado en el despacho de agricultura y don John Hambly para traer indios naturales de Indian. El Guatemalteco, 31/10/1925.

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16 11 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.50

Report on the economic conditions in Costa Rica. This document refers specifically to the development of agriculture by "importing Negro labor." It also refers to the characteristics of farmers and labourers (e.g. West Indians).

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23 11 1925 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence Black list of people Panama considers undesirable and who the UFC will help keep out.

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01 12 1925 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.52/6

One thousand Europeans are recruited to come to Guatemala as settlers.

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31 12 1925 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.9251

Metric system made compulsory in Costa Rica. Infractions of this law are to be punished by fines.

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31 12 1925 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, Enclosure.

Ultima Hora, newspaper based in Guatemala City, rejects foreign intervention by the United States in Guatemala. "El Derecho Al Grito," an editorial demonstrates that Guatemalans resent influence of the United States in negotiations aimed at establishing a Central Bank in Guatemala (1926).

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01 01 1926 -- Panama - FO 288 203 32, 4

More on immigration into Panama.

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02 01 1926 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, Enclosure 9.

Alleged meddling by the United States. Editorial in the Diario de Guatemala.

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05 01 1926 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, Enclosure 10.

"La Génesis de las Intervenciones," a commentary by the staff of Nuestro Diario.

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14 01 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.516/168

Commentary on Keith, owner of IRCA. No photocopy or accurate date.

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14 01 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.516/155

Keith gets involved in proposals to create a Central Bank.

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22 01 1926 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 41, 815.52127

Discussion of possible Japanese influence.

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18 02 1926 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8570 Guatemalan Consular authorities refuse to issue visas to East Indian British subjects seeking entrance into Gatemala. British Legation complains.

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02 03 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.61333-8

History of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. References to Europeanization of Costa Rican society and the effects of increased Caribbean labour are made. The document was prepared by Henry S. Waterman, U.S. Consul in Costa Rica. (See page 11 of document).

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14 03 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 19, 818.48H.

Northern Railway trains operated by United Fruit Company. One suffers a derailment and 200 United Fruit Company workers are killed. These workers are from Chert and Heredia, and possibly West Indians. Costa Ricans claim that the accident resulted because of unsafe working conditions. They are known as the "peon class."

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24 03 1926 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 65, 817.11101/1-3

Reciprocity treaties. Treaties dated December 4, 1924, July 28, 1925, and March 24, 1926.

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26 03 1926 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 42, 815.602c99/1-8

Concession to Cuyamel Fruit Company on February 21-1919. Protest against Cuyamel's operations on disputed territory G-H (October 5, 1925). Newspaper Reconciliation publishes the contract with CFC by Honduran government. Friday 26 of March-1926.

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02 04 1926 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 15, 814.156/2 to end of 156

Iztapa Port project proposed by IRCA.

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12 04 1926 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8570 British Legation asks that $200.00 head tax be waved for Mr William Bryan who the "Lord Bishop of British Honduras is anxious to appoint" ... "for the school for children, mostly coloured, of the United Fruit Company's labourers at Puerto Barrios.

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16 04 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/11

Attitude of Costa Rican newspapers towards the United States.

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16 04 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/15

Reference to United Fruit Company in relation to anti-American sentiments in Costa Rica.

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16 04 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/14

United Fruit Company backs Costa Rican to buy "La Tribuna," a Costa Rican daily.

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27 04 1926 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.151/10-13

Water rights are given to the Trujillo Railroad Company, a subsidiary of United Fruit Company, on April 27, 1926. The United States expresses concern that present water laws affect the operations of the fruit companies, including United Fruit Company. Regulations. United Fruit Company loan to Honduran government to build roads.

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30 04 1926 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.504/5-9

According to decrees 1367 and 1434, 75% of the workforce of all companies working in Guatemala shall be Guatemalans.

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13 05 1926 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 94, 817.52/54.

British law granting land to Creoles and Miskitos before 1894. Treaty between Nicaragua and England on the issue of land. 1905.

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13 05 1926 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 94, 817.52/1-35

Information on Miskito Indians, Creoles, Black immigrants, and Danish colonists. Grievances of West Indians, and racism of Hispanics.

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06 06 1926 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about labourers being brought in from Guanacaste to work in Panama.

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26 06 1926 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/21

Quarantine and passport regulations.

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27 07 1926 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 14566

Extranjeros tuberculosis. Aislamiento - Proyecto de ley del diputdo Jorge Ortiz E. para que los extranjeros que ingresen al pais y padezcan de tuberculosis pulmonar comprobada con certificcion medico legal quedan obligados a ingresar a un Sanatorio o a un Hospital donde haya el correpondiente aislamiento durante todo el tiempo que dure su enfermedad. Se ordeno pasar el proyecto a extudio de la Comsion de Higiene y Policía y no hubo mas.

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06 08 1926 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/24

Foreigners are now required to present passports to enter Honduras.

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10 08 1926 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8570 Guatemalan government orders "Palestinian peddlers to leave the Republic within ten days"

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24 08 1926 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.5051/1

The law is modified to suit United Fruit Company's interests. Liability is limited to accidents caused by use of "non-human" forces and machines; however, machetes are not included. Passed by president Jimenez on August 24, 1926.

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05 09 1926 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/79/81 (1)

Report on the spread of anti- white propaganda in Jamaica.

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23 09 1926 -- Panama - FO 371 11159 5519.

Bill just presented to Panama national Assembly prohibiting future immigration to Panama of West Indians. Also forbids Chinese, Japanese, Syrians, Turks and East Indians.

Bill passed 3rd and final reading 02/10/1926.

Includes letter from West Indian committee in Panama. Lists members, all are business or professionals.

FO 371 11159 5734.

Also FO 371 11159 6123, containing lengthy report on action taken by minister in Panama seeking modifications of the bill.

Also FO 371 11159 6624.

See also, for the year 1925, FO 371 10632 434, FO 371 10632 3004, FO 371 10632 4994.

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25 09 1926 -- General - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/79/101

Annual Reports on Cuba, Panama and Canal Zone for 1925. Good general info.

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28 09 1926 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8570 Lord Bishop of Honduras takes trip to Guatemala on 29th of this month.

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06 10 1926 -- Panama - FO 371 12015 190, 503, 710, 1131, 3140

Panama passes law protecting Panamanian Labour. Companies must have between 50 and 70% Panamanians in their workforce. The British and the Governor of Jamaica want the law withdrawn. Jamaica goes further though, and suggests that the Panamanians should be pushed to withdraw the law if they try to pass it in the future. In the end Panama agrees to postpone it.

Braithwaite Wallis of British Legation Panama to Sir Austen Chamberlain, MP:

"The Manager of the United Fruit Company at Bocas del Toro informs me that it would be impossible to substitute Panamanian for West Indian labour on the banana plantations, as the former have neither the strength, stamina nor physique to do the work."

Last communique 23/04/1927

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05 11 1926 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 23420

La Gaceta publishes statistics on banana exports and gives details about principal cultivators.

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18 11 1926 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 5- 7 legado 8570 Mabel Walfall applies through British Legation in Guatemala for the return of her $200.00 head tax that she paid in 20/12/1924 when she came to Gatemala. There are several other requests of this nature in this file.

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01 01 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 14785

Informacion reunida por la Comision Investigadora, respecto a la denuncia de sobornos en relacion con los contratos bananeros de 1927 (30 pages)

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01 01 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Census of 1927 reveals that 90% of the people of African descent in Costa Rica were considered to be extranjeros.

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01 01 1927 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.15/6

Editorial outlining feelings towards the United States.

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06 01 1927 -- Costa Rica - La Gaceta, 1 de Febrero de 1927

"Exposición enviada al soberano congreso constitucional al 6 de enero de 1929 por la Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País."

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19 01 1927 -- Panama - Major Wallis in Panama reports to FO that the "objectionable clauses in immigration been against British West Indians will be removed."

See FO 371 12015 397, 566. 27 01 1927 it appears bill will become law and adversely affect British West Indians in Panama

See FO 371 12015 844.

More on this subject FO 371 13504 805, 7593.

See also FO 371 12784 3284, 4158, 6239, 8408 for more on seditious East Indians in 1928.

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21 01 1927 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 39, 818.77/38

Proposed contract by United Fruit Company to build 40.0 kilometers of railway by eliminating an export tax on bananas.

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26 01 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Limón's Governor's request for information on Talamanca, Limón cultivations and industries established during 1916.

Response 21/02/17

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01 02 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15400 (30 pages)

La Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País La Comisión encargada de Estudiar Los Contratos Cellebrados entre el Gobierno de Costa Rica y Mr. M. M. Marsh y La United Fruit Company. Report by this group which is critical of United Fruit and the presence of West Indians in the country.

Printed in La Gaceta, Martes 1 de febrero de 1927 paginas 171-174.

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01 03 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter concerning freight bills on merchandise dispatched to the Aduana Central

See also 02/03/1927

----------

02 03 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file office staff ordered to work until their done and not just till 4:00. in response to complaints about late bills. A man by the name of Webb is in trouble over this.

Response from Sheehy 03/03/1927 and 04/03/1927

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02 03 1927 -- Panama - Major Wallis in Panama reports:

"Objectionable clauses in immigration and 75% labour laws have been removed." This is Ley 13 de 1926. Sent to Foreign Office.

See also 19/01/1927

----------

FO 371 12015 1344, 1392, 1659, 1740, and several others detailing the case. Also concerns East Indians. Govt. of Indian gets involved. Lots on East Indians in this volume. There is also a call for immediate registration of aliens resident in Panama.

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11 03 1927 -- Costa Rica - La Gaceta, 16, 03 1927.

Decreta: stating that all foreigners must have a certificate of good health to enter the country. "Los medicos de nuestros puertos no permitian el desembraque de ninguna persona que no sea portadora de referido certificado, debiendo estas autoridades, cuando haya duda, hacer un examen físico, bacteriológico o serológico según el caso, para constatar la veracidad de informe." Specifically aimed at T.B. and Leprosy.

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11 03 1927 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120

Machado, Consul in Kingston, to José Matos, Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Guatemala. Another $200.00 deposited by "Mr. Edward Fray, Jamaican (coloured)" who is traveling to Gatemala.

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23 03 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about an Engineer named Segura who is obstinate.

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01 04 1927 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 13, 814.15/7-8

Reaction of Guatemalans against American involvement in Nicaragua. J.G. White Engeneering Corporation. April, 1927.

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18 04 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning name Sixaola and its origin.

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24 04 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about a robbery at Moin Jct. see 27/04/1927

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25 04 1927 -- Panama - FO 371 12015 2870

Report on West Indians and East Indians in Panama. limited and part of same concern over immigration laws.

See also FO 371 12785 1591, 5442, 5798 for extensive correspondence on East Indians and how they are affected by new law. They are merchants and will suffer commercially.

See also 371 12786 6427

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27 04 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about a man by the name of McKinley who runs the Moin station and says he was robbed. Company does not believe him so they will deduct it from his pay.

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29 04 1927 -- Panama - Sikhs in Panama and anti-British activities. Seditious Indians in Panama. Advocating boycott of royal visit. Duke and Duchess of York.

See FO 371 12016 2586,3837, 5491, 6157.

See also FO 371 12014 19, 389, 401, 519, 597, 687, 711, 922, and other is same volume about visit.

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23 05 1927 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 7914

Enrique Leon Keith, a naturalized Costa Rican, asks the governor to help him bring his wife and child from China to live with him in Costa Rica. He is granted permission.

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28 05 1927 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 41, 815.5200

More on laws related to agrarian operations and foreign immigration.

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30 06 1927 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.607/2

Discussion of the "Mexican expansion" in Guatemala.

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04 07 1927 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about paying of labourers and the belief that majority of workers (West Indians) could be convinced to be paid monthly instead of weekly

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15 07 1927 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 7914

Secretario de Estado R. Castro Quesada allows señor Abdul Gafur Mollah, Hindu from Calcutta with business interests in "La Trinidad" to enter the country. Petition was made on the 8 of June and contains the usual letters of reference on official paper.

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18 07 1927 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about monthly production costs

----------

27 07 1927 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/22

Information on United Fruit Company and questionnaires to be filled when applying for passports.

----------

07 08 1927 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.602/8

The government makes a land concession to United Fruit Company in the Motagua region on August 7, 1927.

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07 09 1927 -- Costa Rica - La Gaceta, 15/09/1927

Decreta no 5 de 07 de setiembre de 1927. De conformidad con los articulos 131 y 133 de la Ley sobre Protección de la Salud Pública, Ley de Inmigración de noviembre 1905 y decreto No. 1 de 11 de marzo de 1927,

Decreta:

Articulo Unico. Los extranjeros tuberculosis cuya entrada al país fue consentida con anterioridad al decreto No. 1 de 11 de marzo de este año por tener rentas para ingresar al Sanatorio Carit, no poderán dejar el referido Sanatorio para establecerse en otro lugar dentro de la República , amenos que una Juna Médica integrada por el Mecios Director del Sanatorio, el Presidente de la Junta del mismo, yu un Delegado de la Secretaría de Salubridad Pública y ¿eoección Social declare que el iteresae - curado ya - no ofrece peligro para la comunidad.

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08 09 1927 -- Guatemala - El Guatemaltco, 08/09/1927

Limits imposed on immigration of "turcos, palestinos, libanes, arabes y sirios."

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03 11 1927 -- Cuba - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 77 361

Documents dealing with the Salvation Army hostel for the protection of Jamaicans in Santiago-de-Cuba.

----------

11 11 1927 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.504/5

Organization of Confederation de Trabajadores de Costa Rica. Detailed report on the new labour organization.

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25 11 1927 -- Garvey - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Garvey having his jail sentence commuted and advising division managers that he may turn up in their neighbourhood and agitate labour, so use his criminal record against him.

Response 13/11/1927

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01 12 1927 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence Diario de Costa Rica translation critical of the UFC and prices it pays

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13 12 1927 -- Garvey - Copies available - UFC correspondence commenting on the local reaction to the Boston Post article on Garvey

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30 12 1927 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120 - Telegram concerning Marcus Garvey's apparent desire to visit Guatemala

"Kingston, Jamaica, B.W.I.

December 30, 1927

Sir:

I am in receipt of cable of the 24th instant, reading as follows:-

"RECOMIENDOLE NO AUTORIZAR PASAPORTE NEGRO MARCOS GARVEY QUIEN INTENTA VENIR ESTE PAIS

CHACON"

and acting on the instructions given therein, I will not vise the passport of Marcus Garvey, who you advise intends to visit Guatemala in the near future.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant

signature

Sr. Dr. Luis Toledo Herrarte

Minister of Foreign Relations

Guatemala City

Guatemala, C.A."

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01 01 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 39,818.77/52

Operation of railways in Costa Rica.

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01 01 1928 -- Garvey - CO 318 391 12

About Marcus Garvey's activities in 1928. There is a letter advising that Garvey be prevented from seeking office in Jamaica, his wife Amy goes to Jamaica accusing him of bigamy and there are other bits of interest. European headquarters were at 57 Castletown Road, West Kensington, London.

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08 01 1928 -- Guatemala - El Imparcial, Editorial "La Raza de Don Quijote" p. 3.

More evidence that the Guatemalan élite have no doubt who they are.

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27 01 1928 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120 - Telegram concerning Marcus Garvey and Guatemala.

"Kingston, Jamaica, B.W.I.

January 27, 1928

Sir,

I have for acknowledgment your cable of the 26th instant, reading as follows:-

"No le autorice usted pasaporte Guatemala al negro Marcus Garvey" Chacon"

and beg to advise that Mr. Marcus Garvey applied to me for a vise, and I informed him that I had been instructed not to vise his passport for Guatemala.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

signature

P.R. Machado

Sr. Doctor Luis Toledo Herrarte,

Secretary of Foreign Relations

Guatemala City,

Guatemala, C.A."

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28 01 1928 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120 - Relating to Marcus Garvey and desire to visit Guatemala

"Relaciones Exteriores de Guatemala (letterhead)

Guatemala, 28 de Enero de 1928

Senor Consul:

Por la atenat nota de Ud., fechada el 30 de diciembre anterior, quedo entreado de que, en complimiento de las instrucciones que en su oportunidad lo fueron comunicadoas sobre el particular, el Consulado de su cargo se nego a visar el pasaporte del individul de color Marcos Garvey.

Soy de Ud. muy atento servidor.

Senor Doctor don Gabriel Machado

Encargado del Consulado General de Guatemala

Kinston, Jamaica"

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06 02 1928 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.11101/3

Visa fee is abolished between Honduras and El Salvador on February 6, 1928.

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28 02 1928 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence giving stats on production of Bananas and Cacao in Costa Rica Divison

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17 03 1928 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 29, 814.543/12

Anti-Americanism of Rafael Ponciano believed to be rooted in the fact that he was forced to sit in the "Jim Crow" section of a street car in a southern U.S. city. Rafael Ponciano was a Minister of Development under the regime of José María Orellana, the successor of Manuel Estrada Cabrera.

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17 03 1928 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 814.52/ Compañia Agrícola de Guatemala.

A concession dated March 17, 1928 authorizes this company to establish plantations, a port, and railroads. This company is also a subsidiary of United Fruit Company. To fulfill its contract with this company the government plans to expropriate land from individual owners [p27 of document].

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27 03 1928 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 814.602/13

Document outlining concession to Compañia Agrícola de Guatemala. March 27, 1928.

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09 04 1928 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence discussing immigration bill being passed by Panamanian assembly

----------

08 05 1928 -- Costa Rica - Cleto González Viquez becomes president and serves out his term.

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12 05 1928 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 816.55/2

Government (which) attempts to curtail further immigration of Chinese, Syrians, and Armenians. No details in file, but reference to Diario Ocifica #108 May 11, 1928. Law passed 23 March 1929.

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28 05 1928 -- Panama - FO 369 2046 7943

Later from British Legation in Panama to Sir Austen Chamberlain M.P. concerning the resignation of Mr. Frederick Gordon as His Majesty's Consul at Port Limón. "Subject to your approval, I have accepted Mr. Gordon's resignation from that date. (June 30th next) It is the best thing that could have happened, as his conduct has not only been most unsatisfactory, but probably dishonest as well. He ought never to have been appointed Consul."

Later in the same file is a report about Limón and the consul's job. "The greater part of the work connected with the British West Indians is extremely tedious and vexatious, since a considerable number of cases turn out to be frivolous, but they have first to be looked into, just as though they were serious cases; in the town of Port Limón, lengthy journey, at least in point of time have to be taken, since the only means of communication throughout the Province of Limón is by rail' the train service is poor - two trains in the morning and two back in the afternoon, on the Main Line to San José and on the Branch lines, anything up to one train a week - while accommodation, except at the private houses on the plantations, is non-existent. The actual amount of the work done by the Consulate, especially in British West Indian cases, cannot be judged from the records." Gordon left his common-law-wife of 18 years and married a woman of "low character". He has also dipped into the till and is considered to have disgraced the Consulate by his actions. Dated 12 July 1928 from Frank Cox to British Legation in Panama.

Mr. Frederick Gordon's correct name is Robert Henry Giles who was formerly in the Army in Jamaica over 20 years ago and was tried by Court Martial for an offence connected to money. See 05/09/1928, FO 369 2046 11925. They decide to prosecute him for theft and advise contacting Scotland Yard. Frank Cox says he should be tried in Jamaica or Britain "I know the condition at San Lucas fairly well, and I must say there are not such as I should think any white man should be exposed to." "...the ideal thing to do would be to kidnap the man on to an English ship and have him tried in England." Frank Cox to Panama Legation 22 08 1928.

See also FO 369 2046 12494 where Cox is told to have him prosecuted in C.R.

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01 06 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 818.43 Civic League.

Contains information on the Civic League and the development of railroads on the Atlantic Coast in relation to United Fruit Company's operations in that area.

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21 06 1928 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 15, 814.1561/4

Compañia Agrícola de Guatemala, a subsidiary of United Fruit Company, involved in the construction plans of Iztapa Port.

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05 07 1928 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15508

A few deputies put forward a proposition for the addition to "Art.12 de la Constitucion y modificacion al Parrafo 1 de Art 14 de la misma" to increase the oportunities of nationals to take advantage of the "Reservas territoriales en Sarapiqui y San Carlos." They are upset about the concessions given to foreigners and want the government to extend assistance to Costa Ricans by legislating against monopoly control. Government establishes a Commision to look into the matter on 07/07/1928.

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19 07 1928 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/88

IRCA links El Salvador with Zacapa and Puerto Barrios in Guatemala, a United Fruit Company stronghold.

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19 07 1928 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 21, 816.77/80

IRCA railway in El Salvador is perceived as an important alternative outlet to Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

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21 07 1928 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/23

Law preventing opponents of Central American regimes to enter the area.

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30 07 1928 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15031 (50 pages)

Exposicion de propietarios de Terrenos de la Zona Atlantica y Productores de Bananos sobre fijacion del impuesto de exportacion de ese producto.

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09 08 1928 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15800

Several petitions sent to Congress from banana producers in Zent, Rio Banano, and Santa Clara. Signators all have English surnames.

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13 08 1928 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/42

Emigration to Costa Rica and labour conditions at Limón.

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11 09 1928 -- Costa Rica - Comité Central de la Asociación de Agricultores Bananeros amigos de la United.

Letter published in La Tribuna (18/09/28) about the Comité's mediation efforts in the case of the government versus United Fruit.

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01 10 1928 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 70, 817.50/9

Economic conditions of Nicaragua.

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01 10 1928 -- Panama - Florencio Harmodio Arosemena becomes president of Panama and rules until Jan 2, 1931.

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29 10 1928 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence copy of the law restricting foreigners in the labour force in Panama

Response 04/12/1928, 04/12/28, 18/12/28, 08/01/29

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07 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 39, 818.77/55

Propaganda campaign against United Fruit Company and Northern Railways.

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07 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 30, 818.602/21

Propaganda campaign against United Fruit Company and Northern Railway has resulted in a law relative to transportation and shipping of bananas.

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07 11 1928 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 31, 818.6156/31

Letter to the U. S. Secretary of State regarding the propaganda campaign against United Fruit Company, the United States, and other United States-based American companies.

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21 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about Curtis Owens and how he should not be employed as a machinist.

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22 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 31, 818.6223/2

Ley de Servicio de Asistencia Pública y Ley Sobre la Protección de la Salud Pública. This document contains information of concern to West Indians. It provides regulations governing medical practices, public health, epidemics, burial for the poor, quarantine practices, etc.

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22 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/16-17

Enrique Lumen, "anti-American" editor deported from Costa Rica.

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22 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/18

Propaganda is harmful to American interests in Costa Rica.

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22 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911/21

Mass protests against proposed banning Víctor Haya de la Torre from entering Costa Rican territory. He is refered to as "a great intellectual of Spanish America."

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22 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.917/-

Repertorio Americano, a weekly of Spanish culture. U.S. reaction. See page 311 of Repertorio Americano, "El Caso de Nicaragua y el Deber de América Latina." The article makes reference to Hatian ruler, Borno, as having "el alma más servil y negra que su epidermis." On page 319 there is an article titled "Elogia a la Lengua Materna- [Spanish]". It discusses "el hispanismo como doctrina."

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22 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 31, 818.6156/34

Very extensive report on the activities of Luis Merla and La Liga Civica with regard to UFC operations and competition. Relevant to Cuyamel Fruit Company and its sale to United Fruit

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22 11 1928 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 31, 818.6156-6176

Banana "culture."

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28 11 1928 -- Costa Rica - Diario de Costa Rica, 29/11/28 - Liga Civica de Costa Rica

Letter to Herbert Hoover that appeared in el Diario de Costa Rica, (29/11/28) concerning his upcoming visit to the country. They want to bring several things about the conflict between the United Fruit Company and the C.R. government to his attention.

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05 12 1928 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file blacklist of men who struck for higher wages. List contains nine and only one is Spanish. Similar letter 07/12/28 blacklisted from all departments.

See 11/12/1928

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07 12 1928 -- Costa Rica - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 39, 818.77/58

Railway between Puerto Limón and San José is damaged, United Fruit Company reports.

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18 12 1928 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about law requiring 30% Panamanians in labour force. Response 08/01/29

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01 01 1929 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15777

Sometime around the month of July the "Cámara Nacional del Trabajo, organización proletaria que cuenta con un números no menor de trecientos socios" was organized.

See 03/06/1930

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08 01 1929 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about nationality of employees in Panama. It is suggested that Panamanians be lumped with other Central Americans to give the impression of being a very high percentage

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01 02 1929 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 814.42/10

The American Academy of Guatemala is organized. to foster cultural relations between the United States and Guatemala.

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01 02 1929 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 814.42/18

A copy of the document outlining the founding of the American Academy of Guatemala (later to be known as El Colegio Americano de Guatemala) is sent to the president of IRCA, which is owned by Keith.

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01 02 1929 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 18, 814.43

Sociedad Acción - IBero-Americana. This is suspected by the United States of being engaged in anti-American activities.

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01 02 1929 -- Honduras - Vicente Mejia Colindres becomes president of Honduras and rules until February 1, 1933.

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14 02 1929 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 15, 814.1561/15-23

United Fruit Company expands operations to the Pacific Coast.

----------

14 02 1929 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 15, 814.1561/14

Financial position of American representatives in Guatemala is related to the projects proposed by American firms in the country.

----------

19 02 1929 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 15, 814.154/74-7

United Fruit Company and highway projects in Guatemala.

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08 03 1929 -- Colombia - Copies available - UFC correspondence with photograph and descriptions of 5 individuals who were leaders of the recent disturbances in the Colombian Division.

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16 03 1929 -- Nicaragua - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 66, 817.113

Cuyamel Fruit Company.

Information on the conpany's acquisition of explosives and barbed wire. Purchased for operations in Bluefields.

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26 03 1929 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 70, 817.50/1

Financial conditions.

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28 03 1929 -- General -Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 39, 818.77/63

Amendments to Railway laws have negative effects on United Fruit Company operations.

----------

28 03 1929 -- General -Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 39, 818.797/-

About motor bus operations, the difficulties operating them, related accidents, and the population they served.

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28 03 1929 -- General -Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 40, 818.911

Articles against U.S. intervention in Nicaragua. U.S. response. References to "objectionable" classes of foreigners in neighbouring Latin American countries.

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28 03 1929 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 39, 818.77/60

Railway is reopened on March 28, 1929.

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01 04 1929 -- Nicaragua - FO 371 13472

More grievances of Indians and Creoles of former Mosquito Reserve. Several short files about 70 pages in total. Also others in the same document.

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06 04 1929 -- Nicaragua - FO 371 13471 2676

Nicaragua imposes tax on banana exports. Not sure if it was imposed and/or enforced.

Seems that Nicaragua's foreign creditors may not approve of the tax and the government might not be able to collect it.

----------

09 04 1929 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence barely legible letter about Indians and referring to an earlier letter about a stick dance.

See also 08/05/1929

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30 04 1929 -- Honduras - Copy available - FO 371/13471

Report on "Agitation against British negroes on Atlantic coast of Honduras"

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08 05 1929 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a request for information on the Talamanca Indians.

Related to 09/04/29

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15 05 1929 -- Costa Rica - FO 369 2101 7330

Report on Inspection of San José Consulate. By T.D. Dunlop, Inspector General of Consular Establishments. Cox is advised "to be careful not to register births of the children of the second generation born abroad unless it is clear that they are British subjects."

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16 05 1929 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Adolfo Leon Ossorio a Mexican labour agitator who was denied entrance to Costa Rica in 1927 and again 15/05/1929. Apparently wrote a nasty book about Ricardo Jimenez and Costa Rica in Cuba.

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16 05 1929 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence detailed report on the Panama Division also makes reference in C.R. division

----------

20 05 1929 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15408

Cartas cruzadas entre el Representante de la Cuyamel Fruit Company y el Sr. President de la Republic. Asuntos Bananeros.

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24 05 1929 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/25

Incident involving George Mitchell, an American citizen. He is denied entry into Honduras because he appears to be of the "Coolie" race.

----------

25 05 1929 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file Medical Department disapproves employment of Robert Gordon for physical disability. Has an idiosyncrasy for quinine and disqualified from employment for that reason.

----------

25 05 1929 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15650 and 15649 (the latter has all of the signatures)

"La Liga de Acción Social Católica" sends a letter and latter petition to the government demanding:

1. The Catholic religious instruction be made a part of the school curriculum. That the laws and decrees of July 1884 and 1885 and 1894 be overturned. And that the Catholic church be the body which decides who is qualified to teach religion.

2. That the laws prohibiting the entrada libre al país y el establicimiento de Comunidades Religiousas docentes en Costa Rica" be overturned to all Catholic missions back into the country.

Has some interesting implications for the black community because their churches were allowed to send missions to Costa Rica and teach religion in schools. The Catholics compare Costa Rica to Russia, Mexico and Guatemala and later admit that the country should not admit personas apestadas, a gentes de malas costumbres y a calaificados anarquistas" but not Catholic missionaries.

----------

29 05 1929 -- El Salvador - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 816.5200

Salvadorean law and land-holding tax [70%] are passed by the national assembly. Includes enclosures including translation of Alien law from Constitution. Translated in May 1912.

----------

12 06 1929 -- Nicaragua - Copies available - UFC correspondence detailed report of a trip to Bluefields Nicaragua to look at banana production in the region. Mentions other companies, problems etc.

----------

14 06 1929 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15594

Interesting document form Diputados requesting the government to set up a "estación radiográfica" en Limón because communication problems during the rainy season. Of interest is that they say that a line exists but it is owned the UFC and that they can use it for emergencies but only when the line in not being used by the company. Government publishes their positive response in La Gaceta of 14/07/1929.

----------

14 06 1929 -- General - Minor C. Keith dies in the U.S.

----------

16 08 1929 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15383 (50 pages)

Proyectos de Ley sobre empuesto exportación Bananos. The export of bananas is hindered somewhat by the introduction of a tax on exports that varies between 3 and 5 cents on the dollar per stem..

----------

22 08 1929 -- El Salvador - FO 371 13473 7071

El Salvador prohibits immigration of Chinese and Palestinians, and Arabians

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04 09 1929 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 818.5051/9

This is a document which discusses United Fruit Company's reaction to a ruling by a judge against the company in relation to an accident suffered by one of its employees.

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01 10 1929 -- General - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5034/11

Tax on foreign corporations.

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01 10 1929 -- Guatemala - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 20, 814.5034/12

Organization of a National Aviation Company to connect Izabal with the rest of the country. United Fruit Company is involved.

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08 10 1929 -- Cuba - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/179

Prohibition against entry of women and families.

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28 10 1929 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about two guy who were fired in Panama and who might be coming to Costa Rica to look for work. From UFC. to Northern.

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12 11 1929 -- Panama - Copy available - Gobernacion 7946

The Diario de Panama publishes an article entitled "Nuevos Inmigrantes indeseables rumbo a Pto. Armuelles, Chririqui" the story is about the immigration of workers from or through C.R. to the UFC plantations on Panama's Pacific coast. Costa Rican government responds.

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15 11 1929 -- Honduras - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Manuel Calix Herrera a Honduran Bolshevist who may be on the prowl

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06 12 1929 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15568

Dip Presidente del Soberano Congreso Lic. Alejandro Alvarado Quiros receives telegram for Diputado José Monge about the organization of an excursion to the Atlantic Zone. Reads in part.."Le ruego insenar hoy al poder Legislativo la conveniencia de que el Congreso en pleno ojalá jaga visita a la region Atlantico. Es mi deseo que ambos grupos sostenedores de opiniones antagonicas relacionadas con asuntos bananero y sus consecuencias =, pueda ilustrar criterio sobre el propio terreno. Pongo en sus espertas manos esta iniciacitiva," Congress names a Commision to go to the Atlantic.

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06 12 1929 -- Panama - Copy available - Gobernación 7946

Correspondence about arrival of 'nuevos inmigrantes indeseables at Pto. Armuelles, Chriqui

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15 12 1929 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter from a J. Rogers ? to Sheehy about the Seventh Day Adventists and disassociating them from some other person or group that has separated from them and is preaching race prejudice.

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21 098 1929 -- Honduras - Records of the U.S. Department of State: 1910-1929 - roll 28, 815.111/26

Immigration Law is passed by President Mejía Colíndres on September 21, 1929 outlines those "races" not allowed into Honduras. Later, a fee of U.S.$5,000 is established for individuals within those groups to enter Honduras.

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01 01 1930 -- Costa Rica - Limón had a total of 11 public schools and a total of 1254 students registered with the schools, which was the smallest numbers in each category, sex, grade etc. Of all the provinces, Puntarenas had 20 and the others had in excess of 42; in the case of Alajuela up to 141. The number of students increased to a high of 1672 and 12 schools in early 1935 then dropped to 1281 in 1936. Educación 3348

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01 01 1930 -- Cuba - Copy available - CO 378/398/8

Reports on emigration of Barbadians and Jamaicans to Cuba. Includes copies of various emigrants protection legislation.

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01 01 1930 -- Panama - FO 288 204 87

Communist Activities in Panama file at FO. Seems to be similar to C.R. in that White unions appeal for unity among black and white workers.

See also FO 288 203 87

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06 01 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about a Jamaican Negro who has been discharged with cause by the UFC and is not to be hired elsewhere. See also 24/01/1930 for response. Benny Banfield is sorry and would like to work

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05 02 1930 -- Guatemala - Limits imposed on immigration of persons considered "egipcia, poloca, afgana" El Guatemalteco 05/02/1930

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28 02 1930 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/143

Detailed report on Labour conditions in Canal Zone.

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05 03 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 7968

The Secretario de Estado en el Despacho de Gobernación gets the following letter. "Con instrucciones del señor Presidente remitio a Usted adjunto el borrador aprobado de la circular que esa Secretaría deberá remitir al administrador de Aduana y Capitán de Puerto de Limón, enviando copia además a las autoridades de Puntarenas (Gobernador, Administrador de Aduana y Capitán de Puerto), asi como también al Gobernador de Limón. Sel señor Secretario muy atentamente, Rafael Castro Quesada, Secretario Particular.

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12 03 1930 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 7960

Solicitud de ingreso al pais a favor de Abdul Kayem por su tio Abdul Latif. Interesting document that was sent to the Secretario de Estado en el Despacho de Governación. Mr. Latif asks that his Indian nephew be allowed into the country to work for his company. His solicitud includes references from the local police detachment, and four references from friends in Costa Rica.

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12 03 1930 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 7959

Radiograma sent to Secretario de Gobernacion in San José. "Lancha 'America' venida hoy de Puerto Armuelles Llegaro un negro y una negra sin pasaporte pero ellos alegan el primero haber residido en el pais y la segunda venir unicamente por un nino que tiene en Limón al respto muestra cartas de autoridades panamenas que le acreditan para reingreso, ruedo a usted resolverme sobre este asunto AFMO P. Molina" 13/03/1930 Telegrama oficial sent to P. Molina " Puede permitirse el ingreso a este País a las personas que indica en su comunicación de ayer, en la inteligencia de que vienen en calidad de traseuntes y de que, por lo mismo se alejaran enseguida del territorio nacional" signed Secretario de Estado.14/03/1930 Secretario de Estado sends copies of the two telegrams to the Capitán de Puerto for his information.

See also 15/07/1930

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15 03 1930 -- Guatemala - Federacion Obrera 15/03/1930

Federacion Obrera carries article entitled "Inmigracion novicia" it is by José Herrera Rivera and is an attack on "judios y sirios."

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26 03 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 7963

Correspondence between Secretary of state governor of Limón and Port Captain about Chinese and others attempting to enter the country.

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21 04 1930 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/79/430

Complaint of white Jamaican about treatment received from black Jamaicans. Appeals for help.

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01 05 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15747 (100 pages)

Various correspondence, telegrams and petitions from Limón concerning banana contracts and taxes.

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19 05 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15767

Luis Wachong Lee y Cia. writes a letter asking the government to permit him to import Chinese labour. Of interest is that Luis is obviously Oriental but he writes "Ingresen al pais otras razas tan peligrosas como los chinos y sinembargo estas razas no tienen obstaculo ninguno para hacerlo. Se alega que la raza china es propensa a la contaminacion de diferentes germenes. y que se dira de los negro, de los culies etc. Dejamos a la suerte y al buen criterio de los señores Diputados esta solicitud... He is turned down for a few reasons like "pero luego se esparcirían por toda la República para hacer la vida de parasitismo o de comercio a que esa raza de preferencia se dedica. Si el cultivo del arroz no ha prosperado en la República ello obedece más bien a la falta de terrenos jabilitados por caminos para el cultivo o otras dificultades que no tienen relación con la falta de brazos.

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23 05 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15799

Deputado Alfredo Saborío presents a bill to levy taxes against "terrenos incultos". The proposed law is based on la ley No.72 de 18 de diciembre de 1916 en su artículo 12 dispuso establecer un impyesto sobre terrenos incultos con la dedicación que allí en esa dicha ley se le dío" El decreto legislativo No.8 de 29 de diciembre de 1917 en su art. 3 modificó el elenco proporcional establecido por la primera ley, y lo cierto del caso es hasta la fecha ese impuesto nunca ha sido una realidad, no obstante la importancia de mismo. His bill is aimed at corporations and establishes a progressive tax based on the amount of land left uncultivated. The Comisión de Haceinda recomended it for consideration in the Cámara on 3/06/1930

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27 05 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15767

Permiso entrada Luis Wachong Lee y compañia solicitan entrada al pais de chinos.

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29 05 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congress agrees to send a Commision to the Zona Atlantica "con el propósito de que todo los miembros del Poder Legislativo puedan investigar la divrsas condiciones en que se ha hecho y actualmente se hace el cultivo de banano."

See also Congreso 16689 Congreso 15846

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03 06 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15777

La Cámara Nacional del Trabajo, organización proletaria que cuenta con un números no menor de trecientos socios y con diez meses de esixtencia, reuniendose todoe, duirante ese tiempo consecutivamente, ante la Representación Nacional, viene a exponer: Que considerando la anfustiosa situación porque atraviesa el país de la cual el mas perjudicado es el proletario, y por cuanto esa situación tiende a agravarse mas nos hemos propuesto a colaborar con los señores legisladores, a fín de conjurar un poligro tan grave, cuyas consecuencias serian fatales para la Nación y que en vista de los compleho del problema se requere un estudio concienzudoo y sereno, la Cámara Nacional de trabajo he juzgado oportuno y necesario legislar en el sentido de que el país llegue a producir más de lo que consumea fín de convertir a Costa Rica de país importador en país expotador. ...

Art.1 Facultase al poder Ejecutivo para que usando el contingente proletario del país ensanche la agricultura por medio de la formación de colonias, que habiliten las zonas incultas de climas sano y de pertenecia de la cación, o acaparados por particuares y en estado montañoso.

Art.3 Las colonias constarán de ciem familias que han de ser sanas moral y materialmente todos llcostarricenses con el setenta por ciemto de agricultores y el resto de otros oficios. No debern tener deudas mayores de mil colones.

Art. 10. Para asiento de la primera colonia se señala la finca de "La Emilia" jurisdicción de Pocosí de Limón colindante: al norte con United F.C.. Al sur as Deliciasy tierras morenas baldios del Govierno, Este propiedad de la United Fruit C. y al oesta propiedad de Mr. Minor Keith. (The farm in question was owned by UFC)

Signed by Juan Valenciano, Presidente, Alejandro Gomez M. vicepresidente, Ficardo Lovía, socio, Juan Ve conejo M. ??? Tesoreo, Ruben Capia, A. fiscal, J.J. Sandi 1 secretario, Abelardo Bonilla Vocal, Aquileo Arce S. Vocal, Ventura Umaña vocal, José Gonzalez, vocal and Eugenio Bonzalez, vocal.

M.M. Marsh declines to sell. Government argues that the land has been exhausted and is unsuitable therefore passes the decree but omits designating a property. The congress leaves it up to future discussion to decide where the colony will be established.

Refer to 09/06/1932

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09 06 1930 -- Guatemala - AGCA, Relaciones Exterirores, Guatemala, signatura B99- 4- 129 legado 9120

A Mr. Enrique Walker, native of Guatemala, is in Kingston and asks Colonial Secretary for help to get home. He is blind and lives on an allowance of two pounds from the UFC. The British want the Guatemalans to pick up the tab because his family did not answer his request and the company will not. Walker's applicatioon for help from the Consul did not produced anything since the Consul left Jamaica before any action could be taken. There are a few other applications by people born in Guatemala to return or obtain a passport.

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26 06 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15763

Government authorizes (decrees) the Poder Ejecutivo to give the municipality del Canton de Siquirres, 15,000 colones to build a "hospital" de dispensarios y emergencias. It comes as a result of a letter from the jefe politico de Siquirres which argues that the hospital will serve the working man, "esta raza de seres anónimos que tienen su mejor blasón en la bandera del trabajo y una inspirada estofa en nuesto himno nacional".

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30 06 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 15699 (100 pages)

Proyecto de ley concerning banana taxes. Debates telegrams etc.

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15 07 1930 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 7959

Secretario de Estado sent the Governor of Puntarenas (and other places see 05 03 1930) a letter asking him to inform San José whenever someone is refused entry into the country because they are Chinese, arabes, turcos, sirios, armenios, y gitanos etc. (acuerdo de 29/03/1911).

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19 07 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about the suspension of an engineer for neglect.

See also 24/07/1930

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15 07 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 7968

Correspondence from Secretary of state explaining what was meant by sirios, coolies etc. in the law to keep them from entering the country.

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24 07 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about the revoking of a motor car license because the driver was reckless.

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13 08 1930 -- Costa Rica - José Guerrero writes and article in La Tribuna that is entitled "Como se Quiere Que Sea Costa Rica, Blanca o Negra?" La Tribuna 13/08/1930. Otilio Ulate and José Ma. Pinaud are the editors of La Tribuna.

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14 08 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15832

Guapilies, Deputy Juan R. Pérez proposes that the banana lands that the government is about to get in the region be converted into Colonias Agrícolas. Secretaria de Congreso "se aprobo la moción... agregabdi a ka excutatuvam de acyerdi cib instanciaue hiciera el Diputado Jiménez Ortíz, el proyecto deley para dotar con un millón de colones a las Cajas Rurales." This was for establishment of "colonias agricolas" to help overcome the growing economic crisis and high unemployment. Of note..."Ya sabeis, señores Diputados, que se pasa la contratación banabera, (sic) el Estado recupera 2144 hectáreas de terreno, con buen clima, buenas y abundantes aguas, con fáciles vías de comunicación y en la vecindad de mercados valisísimos; y que es una aspiración de la Municipalidad de Guápiles, de las sociedades obreras de la capital, que se funde en esos terrenos una colonia, que a la par que jará un positivo beneficio para los colonos, sera beneficioso tambien por reflejo inmediato para la República. Y que jaremos de aquellos colonos hombres libres y dignifecados por el trabajo.

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30 08 1930 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1930

Decreta No.2 Art.1 "Desde la promulgación de la presente ley y hasta el 29 de octubre de 1950 la exportacion de bananos, hagase por las fromteras terrestres o por los puertos habilitados o que en lo futuro se habiliten, quedara sujeta a un impuesto de dos centavos oro americano por racimo de cualquier clase o tamaño.

El estado garantiza que durante todo el lapso antedicho, no fravara la exportacion ni la industria de bananos con ninguna otra contribucion o impuesto nacional o municipal, cualquiera que sea el nombre con que se le designe, y aun cuando se trate de un servicio nacional, como el de muella u otro semejante; y que en caso de hacerlo, indemnizara los daños y perjuicios que sufran los interesados. No obstante lo dispuesto antes, la industria de bananos quea sujeta al pago de la llamada contricuion territorial. Half the tax goes to building canals in Tortugero, repairing the port of Moin buildsing colonias Agricolas de Pococí y para la construccion del ferrocarril a Guanacaste.

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30 08 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15699

Decreto:

Art.1 Desde la promulgación de la presente ley y hasta el 29 de octubre de 1950 la exportación de bananos, hagase por las fronteras terrestre o por los pyuertos habilitados o que en lo futuro se habiliten, lque dará sujeta a un impuesto de dos centavos oro americano por racimo de cualquier clase o tamaño.

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30 08 1930 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1930

Decreta No.2 Art.1 "Desde la promulgación de la presente ley y hasta el 29 de octubre de 1950 la exportacion de bananos, hagase por las fromteras terrestres o por los puertos habilitados o que en lo futuro se habiliten, quedara sujeta a un impuesto de dos centavos oro americano por racimo de cualquier clase o tamaño.

El estado garantiza que durante todo el lapso antedicho, no fravara la exportacion ni la industria de bananos con ninguna otra contribucion o impuesto nacional o municipal, cualquiera que sea el nombre con que se le designe, y aun cuando se trate de un servicio nacional, como el de muella u otro semejante; y que en caso de hacerlo, indemnizara los daños y perjuicios que sufran los interesados. No obstante lo dispuesto antes, la industria de bananos quea sujeta al pago de la llamada contricuion territorial. Half the tax goes to building canals in Tortugero, repairing the port of Moin buildsint coloias Agricolas de Pococí y para la construccion del ferrocarril a Guanacaste.

01 09 1930 -- Costa Rica - Sometime this year (probably September) Samuel Nation begins to publish The Seachlight/La Linterna. The Seachlight/La Linterna is "Devoted to the intereses of The Province of Limón & Costa Rica generally" It is a bilingual paper that is pro-black, UNIA etc.

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03 09 1930 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1930; 1931

Decreto No. 1 del 3 de Setiembre, 1930

Articulo 8: Al extranjero que ingresare al pais clandestinamente sin los papeles necesarios para su indentificacion, se le juzgara por violacion del decreto no.1 del 22 de enero de 1920, y estara obligado a salir inmediatamente del pais. Si no lo hiciere se le tendra expulsado del territorio nacional.

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04 09 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1930

New conctracts are approved between the Government and the United Fruit Company

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13 09 1930 -- Costa Rica - José Guerrero's article is republished by the Reportorio Americano. Obviously the editor, Garcia Monge, thought it was picking up for his literary and cultured audience.

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23 09 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 7958

Correspondence from Secretary of state concerning the attempted entrance of Chinese etc. into the country.

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23 09 1930 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 7967

Comunicaciones a la secretaria de hacienda en que se la dan instrucciones acerca de la entrada de extranjeros al pais a su ves la secretaria da instrucciones a los jefes de las aduanas. Explains the law concerning, asian immigration.

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26 09 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15820

Proyecto de Ley sobre Drogas Estupefacientes.

Aimed at whom??? They say" todo un grupo de personas especialmente entre los 15 y los 25 años de edad, psicópatas la mayor parte de ellas, han contraído el hábito del abuso de las drogas estupefacientes y lo que es peor, han formado escuela con gran perjuidio del bienestar individual, de la familia y de la capacidad para el trabajo." It is aimed a opium consumption which was said to have come into the country in the quantity of 900 kilos in 24-25 and 37 in 26. The reduction came about as a result of Ley No.89 de 6 de setiembre de 1923 which was in accordance with the Conveción Internacional suscrita en La Hay en 1912.

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28 10 1930 -- Panama - FO 288 204 172

Panama Naturalization law passed. Law No. 26 of October 28, 1930. Prohibits naturalization of people who are banned from immigrating under existing laws.

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29 10 1930 -- Costa Rica - Ley de 29/10/1910 espires after 20 years and government is in a position to impose higher taxes on banana exports.

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14 11 1930 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15784

Decree passed to stiffen the law against Loterias extranjeras. In the presentation of the reasons for the law etc. the Secretario de Estado en el Despacho de Policía, cites "Personas de distintas nacionalidades abusan de la vigilancia conrrespondiente, tan difícil de ejercer tratándose de ese comercio ilicito, alcanzoando ganacias mu elevadas por la naturaleza del fraude, ya que trata de valores de mucha demanda.

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20 11 1930 -- Panama - FO 371 14250 8254

Document on the Registration of foreigners in Panama. Quotes extracted from Annual Report for 1929 regarding the fees payable by foreigners in Panama and shows indefinite postponement of the measure. Comments on hardship on British West Indian subjects by the measure and shows part played in having the matter shelved:

"The enforcement of the registration would have been especially hard upon most of the British native subjects on the isthmus, West and East Indians, etc; and the imminent threat of its execution caused a good deal of unrest. It was also responsible for numbers petitions, meeting, and the passing of various resolutions hostile to the measure..." "Decree provided for a registration fee of 5.00 dollars, and a fine of 25.00 dollars or imprisonment for non-compliance."

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01 01 1931 -- Britain - CO 888 1 Colonial Labour Committee is established.

For files covering 1931-1941, (and there are other years that can be found in this 888 series) see CO 888 1.

This deals with labour recruitment for the entire Empire. Has lots of labour legislation and details about the kinds of indentured and other contracts used. Found in files FO 460/1, FO 476/1,2,3, FO 477/1,2,3,4,5, FO 478/1,2,3,4, for the 1940s and 50s.

There is also information on special treatment of women and young people as labourers.

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01 01 1931 -- Honduras - copy available - UNIA makes push into Bluefields. Moravian Mission annual report.

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01 01 1931 -- Panama - FO 288 204 4, 4A

Various files on immigration laws in Panama. Also on West Indian labour in Canal Zone and Panama.

See also FO 288 204 13 and FO 288 202 340

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02 01 1931 -- Panama - Harmodio Arias becomes provsional president of Panama until January 16, 1931.

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07 01 1931 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about Gregorio Cortes who wants to set up a Spanish school at the Northern. Turns out that he is referring to using something called the St. Kitts Camp Room where the M.P. Sports Club Committee is in control. They have a library etc.

See also 21/07/1931 and 28/01/1931

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15 01 1931 -- Costa Rica - Gobernacion 7990

Two "chinos" named Augusto Chony and Armando Chong are denied permission to enter the country at Sixaola. Their request was made on 03/01/1931 and the communications went to the Governor of Limón (J. Hernandez Sanches) then to the Secretario de Estado (Juan Rafael Arias) The "chinos" returned to Panama on the 18/01/1931.

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15 01 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence Star and Herald article on the inspectores del trabajo which are appointed by the president. Gives the decreta.

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16 01 1931 -- Panama - Ricardo J. Alfaro becomes president of Panama until Oct. 1, 1932

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17 01 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Seachlight/La Linterna carries an editorial that reads in part... "From the pen of an optimist" About turmoil in the local Division of the Universal Negro Improvement Association.

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03 02 1931 -- General - Incomplete file of Copies available - UFC correspondence on a communistic movement that might make itself known in some divisions.

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05 02 1931 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16131

Government sets up "una Junta de Técnicos con integración también de representantes de agrupaciones obreras, formle proyuectos económicos de leyes que den pronta y eficaz solución al provlema de los sin trabajo, y los envíe a esta Cámara un sesiones extraordinarios.

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12 02 1931 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16015

Decreta to spend 30,000 colones on Obras Públicas

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20 02 1931 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file to all tropical division accountants about embezzlements and misappropriations. Need for vigilance during times of depression and desperation.

See also 02/03/31 about bad cheques, 07/03/31 about Panama and Costa Rica divisions trying to keep as little cash on hand as possible, 11/03/31 about payroll padding by clerks, and 25/06/31 about coded messages concerning funds.

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28 02 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Seachlight/La Linterna runs the following letter.

Ms. S. C. Nation, Editor Limón Search Light, Box No. 123, Cartago,

Respected Sir,

Permit Us a little space togive the following information for the public good.

Be it informed that this Limón Division has not, given its consent or approval to the Garvey Club or any unit or branch of or belonging to the U.N.I.A. & A.C.L. in Costa Rica. EXCEPT those Branches established previously or prior to August 1929. These mean and include such units or branches published in the official organ of the Society viz, The Negro World (OR) Black Man News Paper.

While we are not antagonistic, to any Club or Society: we cannot or will not allow any one to infringe on our rights; we will not assume any responsibility, wherein we have not consented , or given our approval.

Herein please see our authority from the "Registration" with the Government of Costa Rica C.A..

Be it understood that we are prepared to use every means at our disposal to combat any infringement of our legal rights. Interested parties are asked to be governed accordingly.

With best wishes for the public good.

Thanking the editor for publication.

Limón Division No. 887 U.N.I.A. & A.C.L.

Box no.388 Limón, C.R.

Per W. E. T. P. E. S.

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03 03 1931 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16018

Decree passed para "restringir el ingreso al país de aquellos individuos que llegan sin los medios necesarios para sostenersem y que antes por el contrario se convierten en una carga". People coming into the country have to have 1000 colones in their pockets in order to enter. This is not a law that affects tourists or people in transit.

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05 03 1931 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1931

El Congreso Constitucional de la Republica de C.R. Decreta: No.39 Art.1 Todo inmigrante al desembarcar, debera presentar a las autoridades del puerto, o de la frontera, en su caso, una suma en dinero efectvo no menor de mil colonies o su equivalente, junto con la documentacion de autenticida, libre transito y demas que exigen las leyes respctivas, No obstante, el P.E. en vista de las circunstancias, podra dispensar el monto de la suma a personas que por sus antecedentes, meritos o condicioes de honoabilidad comprobada merezcan esta atencion.

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05 03 1931 -- Costa Rica - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1931

El Congreso Constitucional de la Republica de C.R. Decreta: No.39 Art.1 Todo inmigrante al desembarcar, debera presentar a las autoridades del puerto, o de la frontera, en su caso, una suma en dinero efectvo no menor de mil colonies o su equivalente, junto con la documentacion de autenticida, libre transito y demas que exigen las leyes respctivas, No obstante, el P.E. en vista de las circunstancias, podra dispensar el monto de la suma a personas que por sus antecedentes, meritos o condicioes de honoabilidad comprobada merezcan esta atencion.

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11 04 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Seachlight/La Linterna

The Seachlight/La Linterna runs an article which is, among other things, critical of the use of the term "Jamaican" for all West Indians.

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01 05 1931 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Lengthy report on the United States' efforts at repatriation of Jamaicans from Panama.

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06 05 1931 -- Costa Rica - Decreto prohibiting the use of the postal system to distribute Communist propaganda.

See 17 09 1936

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08 05 1931 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16109

Petition sent to San José Talamancan residents with Hispanic names to ask that Talamanca be designated a Canton.

See 09/07/1931 for Governor's response.

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08 05 1931 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16109

Vecinos de Talamanca ask for their own Cantón. Accompanied by letter from the governor that gives a brief history of the region. They do not get what they want because the governor says no.

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15 05 1931 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 1590

Group of unemployed labourers ask Congress to increase the amount of money for Obras Públicas urbanas. They had worked on obras publicas but were laid off. 40,000 colones is to be spent. They refer to decreto No. 36 del 13 de febrero de 1930 as the bases for their ability to spend money on public works.

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12 06 1931 -- Guatemala - AGCA Fomento, ligado 22576 this is for (1930- 38)

Ministerio de Fomento requests names, positions and nationality of workers on UFC plantations and Ferrocarril Internacional and port.

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20 06 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Seachlight/La Linterna prints the following:

"The Immigrants' Law"

"Under the provisions of the recently passed Immigration Law, which provides that foreigners coming to this Republic in search of work should make a deposit of $250 we wish to inform our readers that any alien who has resided here for some time and wishes to temporarily leave the country should make application to the Ministerio de Gobernacion for permission to re-enter without being required to make the deposit and not to the Governor of the Province of Limón."

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04 07 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Searchlight 18/07/1931

The University Club of Limón - a literary club - holds its inaugural Banquet. Another literary club exists and it is called the Alpha literary Club.

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09 07 1931 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16109

Governor of Limón writes letter to government in San José arguing against the formation of a new Canton in Talamanca. Inn the letter he offers a history of the region that speaks of blacks mistreating the Indians.

See 08/05/1931

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23 07 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence from head office mentioning a Chiriqui Strike and the discussing how to deal with Panamanian government with regards to 50% nationals clause.

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25 07 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Seachlight/La Linterna runs the following

"Continuing on Politics"

Judging happenings around us as they are looking, the question of natuarlization of our your men looms more forcibly before us than it has ever done and the necessity is more apparent than ever...Write at once, because if you are to vote and take part in this election so as to ensure your participation in the works of improvement in the country you must do so by October, do so at once."

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02 08 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Searchlight 22/08/1931

West Indians in Limón celebrate the 93rd anniversary of the emancipation of the "West Indian Negroes" at the Waldeek Liberty Hall.

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06 08 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Jimenez the Secretary of Hacienda in Panama who is "very agreeable" and "friendly to our interests."

Response 10/08/1931, 12/08/1931,27/08/1931,23/09/1931, and 11/08/1931

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07 08 1931 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 15978

Decreto to amplíase con la nueva suma de 50,000 colones la autorización otorgada en el articulo 2 del Decreto 36 de 13 de febrero próximo pasado, para invertirla en obras públicas en beneficio exclusivamente de los obreros sin trabajo." Juan R. Perez id the deputy that initiates the motion.

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11 08 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence from Panamanian government requesting information on the percentage of nationals employed by the UFC.

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15 08 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Searchlight/La Linterna publishes the following

"The Musterious 2,000 again"

The following which forms part of an article appearing in The Gleaner's issue of the 25 th. ult. will we feel sure be read with much interest:

"According to mail advices which have been received in Kingston, the Costa Rica Government has expressed its willingness to contribute half of the passage money that will be required to get the unemployed West Indians, principally Jamaicans, out of the country. And it is understood that parties in the Republic who were approached by the authorities on the subject, have obtained the names of about two thousand Jamaicans who are at present unemployed. It is believed that in a shot time definite steps will be taken to secure the return of the men to Jamaica...."

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27 08 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning the percentage of nationals in Panama Division. Says that they only have to hire 50% if they are available and to wait until the government makes another move.

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02 09 1931 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter about a foreman called W. Yorkshire who incited his men to strike because of wage cuts.

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19 09 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Seachlight/La Linterna runs the following.

"Naturalization"

"So many requests for information as to this matter have been made to us that we wish to state for the guidance of our readers the following:

To be naturalized an application must be made in Spanish on a fifty cent stamped paper addressed to the Ministerio of Foreign Relations, giving ones age, nationality, profession and the length of residence in the country, asking for citizenship; this mus be accompanied by a Certificate from the Secret Information Bureau of this Country as well as one from that of the applicant's own country proving that he has never been incriminated.

The names of three influential gentlemen in your vicinity must be given for reference, to prove the statements in the application. 2 photographs are to accompany the solicitud.

We should gladly place our services at the disposal of any one wishful of obtaining Costa Rican citizenship, who can furnish the necessary requisites as outlined.

The approximate cost for obtaining all these Certificates & presentations to the Government for their approval, would be in the region of about twenty colones.

anyone however who is born in costa Rica has only to present proofs of his Birth before the governor and ask for his Certificate of citizenship on a fifty cent stamped paper.

There is no governmental fee attached to this."

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21 09 1931 -- Panama - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs Series D, Part II, Vol.8, A 6103/47/32

Sir J. Crosby to the Marquess of Reading. A confidential dispatch on the West Indian "problem" in Panama.

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23 09 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence connected to previous citation about Jimenez the Minister of Hacienda Panama. Jimenez proves to be very friendly as he will not report on the number of nationals unless asked to.

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16 10 1931 -- Honduras - Copies available - UFC correspondence from Honduras stating that managers should share information about wages so that they can be standardized and lowered.

Related info 02/11/31,20/11/31

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03 11 1931 -- Panama - Copy available - CO 318/404/13

Despatch from Panama regarding position of British West Indians in Central America.

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11 11 1931 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Colección de Leyes y Decretos 1931

Decreta requiring a Cédula de Identidad for foreigners resident in the country..

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20 11 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence detailed report on prices paid for work on Chiriqui land company.

See also for details and other responses 20/11/1921, 23/11/1931, 21/11/1931, 23/11/1931, 24/11/1931, and 27/11/1931

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21 11 1931 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence rates paid to workers etc. in Limón.

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21 11 1931 -- Costa Rica - The Seachlight/La Linterna publishes the following story.

"Further Discrimination"

"Even in semi-civilized Black Republic of Haiti, are Jamaicans being discriminated against. The Chief Engineers of Public works there, has issued an order that no foreigners and particularly Jamaicans must be employed in public works and those now employed must be dismissed. etc.

... Is it any surprise that our thinking men are advocating Nationalization in any country where coloured Britishers may find themselves because unfortunately Britain can do or is doing nothing for them.

Remember if you see your neighbour's beard get afire, quickly wet yours with saltwater to keep it cool. Naturalize and learn the Spanish language so you may not de discriminated against here."

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24 11 1931 -- Colombia - Copies available - UFC correspondence giving unit prices for work in Colombia

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28 11 1931 -- Britain - Copy available - CO 318/404/10

Copy of an ordinance to amend the Emigrants Protection Ordinance of 1927.

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01 12 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence giving figures for Panamanian nationals working for the UFC on Pacific coast.

Response 03/12/31

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03 12 1931 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about nationals says that now the figures include all Panamanian-born, including West Indians.

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08 12 1931 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence from head office ordering that all salaries over $1201 per year be cut by 10%.

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16 12 1931 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence more concerned with percentage of Nationals in Strategy for dealing with the government.

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29 12 1931 -- Panama - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 8., A 359/359/32. Sir J. Crosby to Sir John Simon. Report on recent visit to Costa Rica. Mentions debt of kindness to "Alexander Murray, Cox's partner in busines ana our honorary vice-consul in the Costa Rican Capital."

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31 12 1931 -- Costa Rica - Oton Castro gets pass to ride the Northern Railway through out the year of 1932.

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01 01 1932 -- Costa Rica - For brief discussions of communists in C.R. see FO 288 205 636, 637. Visit by Crosby to C.R. and report by Cox respectively. There is some agitation in 1932 when Crosby visits and in 1933 when Cox submits his annual report. These official visits are interesting because the envoys from Panama seem to always arrive at Limón where they spend the least amount of time possible, not mentioning meeting West Indian community leaders, then get special trains from UNITED FRUIT COMPANY (Presidential Car) and proceed to San José where they meet govt. officials and the small British community.

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01 01 1932 -- Honduras - Dispatch 667, Confidential U.S. Diplomatic Post Records, reel 33, 190- 211, RG 84, U.S. National Archives

What is considered to be the last significant strike by farm labour in Honduras occurred in January and February 1932. John D. Erwin, replying to questionnaire regarding labour matters in Honduras December 30, 1943.

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01 01 1932 -- Panama - FO 288 205 635

Foreign Office report on Communism in Panama. Nicaraguan and Salvadoran agitators in Panama. Rent strike in Panama August 1932. Flysheet circulates in English among West Indians urging them to continue strike. Another clearly from non West Indians urging support for rent strike.

See also FO 288 205 831 and FO 288 202 554

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11 01 1932 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Letter from Sgd. P. Cunliffee-Lister with regards to possible legislation checking the immigration of BRITISH WEST INDIANS.

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18 01 1932 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence a decreta concerning Inspectores del Trabajo who will be looking at UFC. Letter sent to Andres Mojica who will tour Chiriqui in February.

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19 02 1932 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning Andres Mojica his tour of Chiriqui. Related are the UFC files on how to avoid damage from this man and his colleagues. See also 24/02/32, 28/02/32, 04/03/32, 10/03/32

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20 02 1932 -- Nicaragua - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/29

To Foreign Office from Legation in Managua. Submission of Claims against Nicaraguan Government. Detailed description of Ill-treatment of Jamaicans in Nicaragua.

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24 02 1932 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence report on Mojica's visit and discussion of how to counter anything he might do.

See also 19/02/1932

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12 03 1932 -- Guatemala - AGCA Fomento, ligado 22576

To minister of Fomento. A very short list of extranjeros workers for Ferrocarril Internacional. 21 names, all either European, American or Central American. Mainly skilled workers but a couple of C.A. labourers.

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12 04 1932 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about % of nationals in Panama Division. Includes break down according to farms.

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09 04 1932 -- General - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Report by Sir John Simon regarding the immigration of British West Indians into Central America.

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30 04 1932 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence regarding Ernesto Lopez who has been appointed labour inspector for Puerto Armuelles.

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08 05 1932 -- Costa Rica - Ricardo Jimínez Oreamuno becomes president and serves out his term

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09 06 1932 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16237

Reforma de la Ley que creó la Colonia Agricloa de Guapiles. Refers to Ley No.4 de 19 de Mayo de 1931 and is designed to open new land up for colonization. Of interest is that extranjeros are allowed to become colonizers.

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11 06 1932 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about cuts in railway staff in Panama

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01 07 1932 -- Britain - CO 323 1175 6 contains a report describing the legislation in all British colonies concerning the deportation of British Subjects from them. Some are quite elaborate, many do not have any provision. Altiman Dabney could not be deported from Jamaica because for example."There does not appear to be any legislative provision for deportation of British Subjects from the Colony."

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10 07 1932 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16200

Proveyendo a la apremiante necesidad de abaratar los medios de subsistencia y de reprimir el acaparamiento y la especulacion de los articulos de primera necesidad.

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13 07 1932 -- Britain - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Emigration of West Indians.

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26 07 1932 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16333

Proyecto Económico presentado por la "Union Obrera Pro-Trabajo" Concerns impuestos on bananos etc. and appears to be soft on La United.

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13 08 1932 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16358 (100 pages)

Correspondence concerning banana contracts with the United and the company's compliance with the September 1930 contract.

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26 08 1932 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence circular to department heads concerning the need (now 75%) of workers to be Panamanian. Long and detailed account of the law and its history Calls for a permanent corps of nationals to be had which means displacing others because in the past Panamanians were more transient

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13 07 1932 -- General - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 77 140

Documents about the emigration and protection of British West Indians. Some discussion of the West Indies Conference and the establishment of a General West Indian Secretary for Immigration in Cuba.

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29 08 1932 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16358

Unsigned letter addressed to Diputados Urbina, Ulate, y Ortiz complaining that "la raza jamaiquina que no solo son los dueños de la zona atlantica sinó que ya tambien estan invadiendo el enterior de país sin que nadie we preocupe de ello y cuando queran hacerla y será tarde."

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30 08 1932 -- Guatemala - Diario de Centro America, Oficial, 30/08/32Tomo V, No.40, p. 1.

"Ley reglamentario de inmigracion Amarilla" is passed.

See also 03/12/1932

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07 09 1932 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about communistic elements and offers a spy's report of a meeting in New Orleans which identifies that Fitzsimmons and Hardy, two West Indians, are in C.A. and could cause trouble.

Response 19/09/32 which gives descriptions of the two who are near Bluefields

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08 09 1932 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Report by Sgd. J. Crosby about a meeting with the Governor of the Panama Canal in which a discussion of the BRISITH WEST INDIANS workers took place. Of concern was the growing pressure on officials to substitute "Panamanian for West Indian employees in these hard time of industrial depression."

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01 10 1932 -- Panama - Harmodio Arias becomes president of Panama again and rules until October 1, 1936.

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25 10 1932 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Privy Council paper on BRISITH WEST INDIANS immigration and repatriation.

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15 11 1932 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16689 (50 pages)

Correspondence etc. refered to as "Adicional a los Asuntos Bananeros"

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03 12 1932 -- Guatemala - Diario de Centro America, Oficial, 03/12/32

"Ley Inmigracion Amarilla Madifica el Reglamento"

See 30/08/1932

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06 12 1932 -- Panama - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 9, A 8739/205/32

Letter from J. Crosby in Panama to Sir John Simon in London with a number documents relating to the West Indian "problem" in Panama.

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06 12 1932 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

A variety of letters dealing with the "prevailing distress and unemployment among the BRISITH WEST INDIANS population of Panama." Describes the worsening of the situation and the growing calls for repatriation.

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27 12 1932 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Letter from the British Legation discussing the repatriation of illegitimate children born of BRISITH WEST INDIANS parents.

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01 01 1933 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 10., A 1246/1246/32.

British description of prominent people in Costa Rica.

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01 01 1933 -- General - Copy available - CO 318 408 3 (150 pages)

Contains files on Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Panama. Concerns the repatriation of West Indians.

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09 01 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Letter from British Legation in Panama Sir John Simon.

Report on BRISITH WEST INDIANS employment on the Canal as discussed with the newly appointed Governor of the Canal Lieutenant-Colonel Scheley.

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01 02 1933 -- Honduras - Tiburcio Carias Andino becomes president of Honduras and rules until January 1, 1949.

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16 02 1933 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16293

Government signs a contract with the Costa Rican Palm Nut Company which agrees to set up a palm nut "Corozo" (Nombre científico Attalea Cohune) y la fruta de cualquier otra clase de palmeras, exceptuando el coctero y el pejibaye y para exportar de ellas la nuez, o la corteza, o ambas separadamente" plantation. Art. IV states that "La Compañia se obliga a emplear en sus explotaciones personal exclusivamente costarricense.- El el personal técnico y de dirección empleará por lo menos un 50% de costarricenses.

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01 03 1933 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16470

Petition de vecinos de San José concerning the Congressional discussions of the law for the Unemployed.

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16 03 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 9. A 2611/2611/1932.

Sir J. Crosby to Sir John Simon. Report on four week visit to Costa Rica.

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17 03 1933 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 18393

Decreta: No.61.

Art. 1 Mientras no se emita una nueva ley sobre inmigración se mantiene en vigencia la No.39 de 5 de marzo de 1931, adicionada con los artículos siguientes.

Art.2 El poder Ejecutivo queda facultado para exigir, cuando lo creyere conveniente, en vez de la simple presentacion de los un mil colones a que se refiere el articulo 1 de la referida ley, deposito de aquella suma por el tiempo que tuviere a vien señalar.

Art.3 Los centroamericanos no están obligados a hacer el depósito a que se refiere el articulo anterior, siempre que además de llenar los requisitos de la ley, los países de orgien concedan iguales derechos a los costarricenses.

Art.4 Cuando se trate de compñias teatrales de reconocido mérito, el Ejecutivo aceptará, en vez del depósito que estipula el articulo 2, una garantía de persona abonada por el monto ue corresponda al número de personas que integran la comañia. - En el caso de que por malos negocios u otras causas la compñia tuviere dificultades para salir del páis una vez terminada su actuación, elEjecutivo hará efectiva esa garantía para hacer frente a los fastos que ocacione el embarque del personal. -

Art.5 Esta Ley rige desde su publicación. Singned into law by Volio. initiated by Santos, Leon Herrera, Scretario de Gobernacion. 14/03/1933.

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07 04 1933 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence a report on a slight labour disturbance on April 1st. Mentions a guy by the name of Aguilar a Brazilian who is the leader, a confrontation with the local manager Miskell, and how Aguilar et al are a "decidedly an anti-white race" Response 09/04/1933 stating that Aguilar was jailed and will be deported

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02 03 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Privy Council paper dealing with British West Indians immigration and repatriation.

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27 04 1933 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/79/672

British West Indian Regiment ex-soldiers unemployment demonstration in Jamaica.

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31 05 1933 -- Britain - Copy available - CO 318/408/3

Lengthy and detailed report on condition of British West Indians in the Caribbean area.

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12 06 1933 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18674

Report of la "Comisión Especial" encargada de investigar el cumplimiento de los "Contratos Bananeros" Decreto #3 de 4 de setiembre de 1930.

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20 06 1933 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16466

Gobierno falcultan al Banco Internacional de Costa Rica para que invirta fondos que le señala la Ley en dar trabajo a los descocupados.

Art.1 El Banco Internacional de Costa Rica pondrá a disposición de la Secretaría de acienda, para que los invierta conforme al artículo 2 de seta ley, los fondos acumulados de acuerdo con el articulo 24 de la Ley No.52 de 15 de enero de 1932.

Art. 2 Dichos fondos serán invertidos exclusivamente en la ejecución de obras públicas, de preferencia caminos y carreteras, a fin de dar trabajo al mayor número de deocupados. 20/06/1933.

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27 06 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Letter from the British Legation in Panama, Sir John Simon, on the unemployment situation of the West Indians. Includes a summary report of an interview held with the Panamanian Minister of Foreign Affairs in regards to the "repatriation of all unemployed foreigners."

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29 06 1933 -- Costa Rica - FO 288 205 563

Foreign Office report on immigration laws in Costa Rica. New Law No 61 of 22 03 1933. Cox reports but there is no mention of effect on West Indians. Cox is Costa Rican of Scottish descent.

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01 07 1933 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16753

Letter to government signed by over 500 individuals that are upset by the presence of blacks in Limón. They see them as inferior, unclean, immoral and a threat to the security of the nation.

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17 07 1933 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16776

Petition signed by hundreds of Vecinos de San José para prohibir que extranjeros ocupan ols puestos publicos.

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20 07 1933 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16527

Government orders the former Hospital de los Niños to be given to the Vicarato Apostólico de Limón. Passed into law same day. Letter sent asking for the Hospital to use it as the residence of the Vacario Apostólico on 14/07/1933 Letter of thanks sent to government some days latter.

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10 08 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Letter from the British Legation in Panama on the status of the repatriation of unemployed "foreigners." Documents outline the public's reaction to the economic situation and their reaction to the presence of "foreigners."

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10 08 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Report by Sgd. P. Cunliffe-listrer with regards to the decision by the Government of Panama to repatriate unemployed "foreigners." Outlines the Panamanian policy toward illigitimate children and long standing resident British West Indians.

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15 08 1933 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16589

Decreta to build telegraph line between Limón and Cahuita.

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23 08 1933 - Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a meeting held between authorities and merchants in Puerto Armuelles concerning the percentage of nationals they must employ.

See also a letter to Blair in Puerto Armuelles about the percentage of nationals 25/08/1933

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25 08 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Letters and Gaceta Oficial article dealing with -- and translation of -- Decree no. 150 of 1933 "By which two Repatriation Commissions are established." Documents outline the composition and powers of the commission.

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28 08 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Report to the British Consulate from C. Marriot of an interview held with the Alcade of Colon, Mr. L. Ducret, on the repatriation of "foreigners shortly to be undertaken by the Panamanian Government." Discusses the function and mandate of the Repatriation Commission.

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07 09 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Despatch from C. Marriot with regards to the status of the Repatriation Commission established to deal "with cases in which local residents should be deported to their native lands."

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19 09 1933 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter from Marmodio Arias, President of Panama, complaining about percentage of foreigners working for the UFC in Panama.

See response 23/09/1933

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23 09 1933 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning President's letter 19/09/1933 and stating that the mix-up occurs because West Indians are buying their own passage on UFC boats and the port captain figures they are employees of the UFC. Directs Blair not to hire the West Indians who are about to arrive on a boat from Panama City.

Response 27/09/1933 29/09/1933, and 10/10/1933

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27 09 1933 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about hiring Panamanians first. Mentions that a couple of West Indians have become Panamanians. Both are from Blair in Puerto Armuelles.

See also 28/09/1933 and 10/10/1933

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28 09 1933 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence from Blair to head office about employment of Panamanians.

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09 10 1933 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Privy Council paper dealing with the Government of Panama's policy of repatriation.

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28 10 1933 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence giving rates for farm labour.

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01 11 1933 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 16647

Minimum wage law passed. Initially proposed by Communist Party and supported by two petitions from employed and unemployed who argue that there should also be some support for the unemployed if the minimum wage law is to work.

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08 11 1933 -- Cuba - Repatriation of Haitian and Jamaican workers in Cuba begins. 5907 to be repatriated by May 25, 1934, 8,000 by July 8, 1934. 100,000 expected to remain.

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01 01 1934 -- Britain - Copy available - CO 318 413 1 (150 pages)

Contains files on Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Panama. Concerns the repatriation of West Indians.

----------

01 03 1934 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 14024

List of wages for different jobs is compiled for government as part of study of minimum wage law.

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09 04 1934 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 17542 A3464

Report by Sir Josiah Crosby from Panama on visit to Costa Rica. Written to Sir John Simon, M.P..

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09 04 1934 -- Costa Rica - Copy available -. British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D. Part II, Vol 11. A 3464/1615/32.

Sir J. Crosby to Sir John Simon at Foreign Affairs. Report on a visit to Costa Rica.

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09 04 1934 -- Costa Rica - CO 318 413 1

Sir John Crosby to Sir John Simon, concerning the "threat to the racial purity" in Costa Rica. "The menace, economic no less than ethnological, thus offered is potentially a serious one, and Sr. Gurdian, the Foreign Minister, is fully alive to it. He would like to see the enactment of legislation forbidding the negro to settle above a certain limit, and he would go so far as to prohibit mizxed marriages even in the lowlands." ...."since most of the negroes born in Costa Rica are of goreign parentage, and are therefore not nationals of the country in contemplation of the local law. Of the un;easant possibilities of the situation there can be no doubt, and, if Costa Rica is not to imitate the example of Panama, which is already on the way to becoming a black republic, it behooves her statesmen to grapple with the problem while it is yet time.

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19 04 1934 -- Costa Rica - CO 318 413 1

Frank Cox to Sir John Crosby, informs him that the C.R. government has distributed a circular suggesting restrictions on Black immigration.

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13 05 1934 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 16830

Proposal to build road between Estrella and Cahuita.

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08 06 1934 -- Cuba - copy available - Diario de la Marina, Havana,

Report on, and suggestions concerning labour imports to Cuba

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14 07 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlantico begins publication in Limón.

The paper was founded by don Rogelio Gutérrez. Editor in chief Enrique Garrazola, Cronista Social -Teodoro Ruben Jr., Corresponsal en Siquirres, Vincente de la Peña, Corresponsal en Matina. E. Catulo Albarez, corresponsal en Talamanca - Fermin Regidor. In their english editorial they claim to represent the masses and not the privileged class. They ask for help in producing the paper and ask that their English-speaking readers submit articles.

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01 05 1934 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Document on the restriction of BRISITH WEST INDIANS immigration.

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17 05 1934 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Article from The Daily Gleaner commenting on the representation of Jamaicans in Cuba and the conditions of Jamaicans in the canal zone.

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18 05 1934 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Letter from the Foreign Office dealing with the discussion of the repatriation of BRISITH WEST INDIANS from Panama. Contains the observations and regrets of John Crosby over the Jamaican governments inability to agree upon the repatriation of illegitimate children over sixteen.

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21 07 1934 -- Costa Rica - A,J. Roden is the editor of the English section of La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice

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28 07 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlantico begins publication of the "English Section" with editor A. J. Roden. First story is entitled Emancipation and is a story about the potential of blacks etc. Section is 2 out of 8 pages. Within a few months S.C. Nation becomes a regular anti-communist contributor to the English section of the paper. Nation was the editor of the Searchlight in 1931.

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04 08 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico runs article from New York Times critical of communism in USSR. New people on staff include Willie Hart in Estrella, Ram On W. Mora in Cahuita, Leonel alvarez in Zent and others.

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08 08 1934 -- Cuba - Copy available - CO 318/413/1

Translation of a report by Mr Rogelio Pina on the situation of Haitians and British West Indians in Cuba.

----------

11 08 1934 -- Costa Rica - Luis Wa Chong Lee defends the "colonia China" in a letter to La Voz Del Atlántico

----------

18 08 1934 -- Costa Rica - Article entitled "The Strike" in La Voz Del Atlántico states that The West Indian labourers have, so far, declined to associate themselves with the movement, but due to the intimidations leveled at them they have kept from work, except in such places where they felt they could with safety do" (sic). Also states that the police arrested some strike leaders and were looking for others.

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22 08 1934 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - U.S. Consular Report (#21)

George P. Chittenden sends letter to Ricardo Jimenez about the Banana strike.

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25 08 1934 -- Costa Rica - Sojourners Committee publishes editorial in La Voz Del Atlántico

"The Colored (U.S. spelling in original) Workers & Planters of the Atlantic Zone"

Series of questions for the consideration of workers dealing with whether the Costa Rican communist Party is advocating in the best interest of wage earners, as a few of our people seem to believe. Geared for those who do not enjoy any political rights in the country in conformity with article 35 of the Constitution of Costa Rica.

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25 08 1934 -- Costa Rica - Article in La Voz Del Atlántico

"Cancellation of Naturalizations Likely"

"We understand that there is a possibility of the Government canceling the papers granted to many of the naturalized citizens of the Republic.

It appears that a number of these persons holding naturalization papers have been found taking an active part on the side of the Atlantic strikers, not only be assisting them in their determination to abstain from work but also in many of their subversive acts; these acts are said to be regarded by the Executive as distinct violations of their naturalization, under the terms of which they assumed an obligation to strictly observe the laws of the Republic.

Should the cancellation of these paper be eventually decided on, it would not be surprising if the parties concerned were expelled from the country."

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28 08 1934 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 1032

Bases sobre las cuales pactaron los Bananeros y Trabajadores para poner fin a la huelga del atlantico.

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31 08 1934 -- Cuba - Headline in Diario de la Marina. "No contrataria los sentimeientos cubans la solucion que propone la lonja de comerico: Presenta cienco soluciones al problema de la ley de 50 porciento, despues de analizar deteridamente dicha ley."

1) Fomento, pero fomento incesante y nacional de loas fuentes de trabajo. Es imperativo que en Cuba cese la desocupacion y el desempleo.

2) Supresion total de la inmigracion mientras no ese perfectmente demostrada la necisidad de permitirla de nuevo en cuyo caso la de tolerarse en la forma y cuortia mas conveiente a lo interes del pueblo Cubano.

3) Garantias absolutas para el complimiento de los contratos de trabajo estipulados y que se estipulen lo cual exige la cesacion de molestias y persicuciones de todo clase contra las partes contratantes...

4) Equiparamiento completo en el ordern de trabajo de todos las cubanso seando por naciomiento o por naturilizacion y adecuada facilidad para la obtencion de la diudadania cubana por todos aquellas que lleven por lo menos cinco anos de residencia en Cuba y ademas, en todos casos carezcon de antededentes penales.

etc. etc. etc....

signed, Lonja del comercio de la Habana. Eudaldo Bonet, Presidente.

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30 08 1934 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 79 551

Jamaican Privy Council paper on the repatriation of BRISITH WEST INDIANS.

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23 10 1934 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/18/88

Letter concerning recruitment of labour in Jamaica and regulations that apply.

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03 11 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico

English section reports on the Banana Contract that is before Congress and reveals some of the details. Notably, it does not mention that blacks will not be able to work on the Pacific coast. However, it does contain a letter to the editor from S.C. Nation asking about the clause.

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10 11 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico defends itself against charges made by Otilio Ulate that the paper is funded by the United Fruit Company.

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12 11 1934 -- Guatemala - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/92

Lengthy and detailed correspondence to Foreign Office from Legation in Guatemala. Claims for compensation for murder of eleven British Subjects.

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14 11 1934 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 11684

Various landowners submit claims for reparations to government for damage committed during the strike. Lots of good statistics on farms.

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17 11 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico carries an article about "Sovietism" in Cuba, but is silent on the coloured clause in the Banana contract.

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24 11 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico carries editorial on "El fracaso de balneario" which talks about how the municipality did not get anyone to offer to build the pool complex because of the state of the Banana contract and that the municipality should get congress to hurry up with its decision.

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08 12 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico

Editorial in English entitled "At Last."

"In the interests of the economic life of our Atlantic province, in particular, as well as in that of the country generally, we breath a sigh of relief. After a long and weary wait, the end, and for us, a favourable one, is at hand. Our legislative Body has at last approved the agreement which our Executive Power entered into, some time ago, with the Fruit Company, in the interest of our Banana Industry.

By a vote of 29 Deputies in its favour and 12 against, the report of the Special Investigating Committee, which embodied the agreement in its recently amended form,. was accepted and approved by congress during last Tuesday's session."

Still no mention of the discriminatory clause.

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10 12 1934 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 17004 (100 pages)

Ley Reglamentadora Especal, prohibió "ocupar gentes de color en dichos trajabos.

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14 12 1934 -- Costa Rica - Still no mention in La Voz Del Atlántico about clause.

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22 12 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico

Report on the first banana shipments from the Pacific.

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29 12 1934 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico

Runs an article entitled "Mexico for Mexicans" which tells of Lazaro Cardenas's Dercee that states that only Mexicans by birth can serve in the Military etc.

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29 12 1934 -- Costa Rica - "Branch of Jamaica Burial Scheme Society Inaugurated" in Limón. La Voz Del Atlántico

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31 12 1934 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives

Statistics on repatriated Jamaicans for 1930- 1934.

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05 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico article "La colonia China de Limón felicita al Excmo. señor Presidente de la Republica por la aprovación de los Contratos bananers en el Congreso, y éste le contesta my agradecido"

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05 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico article "Equal Rights for all Costa Ricans Declares President Jiménez"

"In response to a memeorial subscribed by a number of the coloured residents of this city, Prsident Ricardo Jimenez, in a telegram dated the 17th December, made the following statement: 'The prohibition to employ coloured worker, contained in the recent banana contract , cannot be applied to Dosta Ricans, whether naturalized or natural born. In costa Rica, all Costa Ricans enjoy equal rights.' a more extensive comment was, however, made on this subject, by don Ricardo to a representative of the "Diario de Costa Rica," on the same day he dispatched his response to the memorialists, wherein he state that, in his opinion, the Law was unconstitutional even where it affected coloured foreigners residing in the country.

This criticism of don Ricardo Jimenez, one of Central America's foremost Jurists and the father of our country's democracy, will, we feel sure, be now approved, even by those who took a prominent part in the passing of the humiliating clause against a small portion of the country's inhabitants, with no other ground for objection that the dankness of their complexion; and we are anticipating that the enforcement of this clause of the "Ley Bananaera" will be reluctantly faced not only because of this frankly expressed opinion, but also on account of there being no penalty provided for its infringement."

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05 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico editorial "Our Burial Scheme Associations"

"The "Jamaica Burial Scheme Association" recently organized and formally inaugurated...is apparently becoming the most attractive organization of its kind here, that is, if we have not misinterpreted the many comments we have heard. ... There are at present, three Burial Scheme Associations" functioning here:- The 'Catholic' the 'Costa Rica' and the Jamaican'

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05 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - Editorial of La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice is pro "baños publicos" and advocates turning Limón into a tourist spot.

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08 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence to head office from Panama city about law #9 of 05/01/1935 which requires 75% Panamanian employees. Becomes effective 01/04/1935. Letter states that the President Arias has said it is aim specifically at Hindus, Chinese and other restricted races.

Response 22/01/35

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09 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Curia

Archbishop Oton Castro gets a letter from a distinguished catholic concerning the parents of a young woman who became seventh day adventists and how the girl wants to be married in the Catholic Church.

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12 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico "Happenings at the U.N.I.A."

It affords us pleasure to record that the Board of Management of the Limón Division of the Universal Negro Improvement Association has been doing much good week since its inauguration.

As a result of the operation of the Board, during the first three months of its appointment, the liabilities in connection with the governmental taxation, Territorial and Municipal, are being punctually met by voluntary donations and the proceeds of various functions.

To render unto Caesar those things which are his, Mr. J. Mitchell and his twenty coworkers have exhibited wonderful zeal and deserve the co-operation of their fellow citizens.

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19 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz Del Atlántico "UNIA officers Installed"

"The undermentioned Officers, elected by the financial members of the Limón Division of the UNIA, were duly installed last Sunday night, in the presence of a most enthusiastic assemblage of the Negro Race:

President, Mr. J.Mitchell; 1st vice, Mr J. Thomas; 2nd vice Mr. John Samuel; President Ladies Division, Mrs, S. McPherson; 1st vice Mrs. Maud Laird Laird; 2nd Vice. Miss H. McPherson; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. R. McKenzie; Secretary to Board, Mr. F.A. Foster; associate Trustee, Mr. William Bosently; Treasuer, Mr N. Williams; General Secretary, Miss Elena Douglas; Chaplain (by appointment) Mr. R. M. Plundett."

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22 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about Panamanian law on foreign workers. Discusses law and its application to the Chiriqui Land Company.

See also 30/01/1935, 04/02/1935, 09/02/1935, 06/04/1935, and 11/04/1935

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26 01 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice runs the following

"Atlantic Farmers Claim Damages"

"We understand that the first batch of claims which a large number of the farmers of this Zone will be presenting the government for damages suffered by them during the late "Strike movement" have been lodged in the department of the Minister of State.

The farmers are claiming, it is alleged, that the government did not take sufficient measures to suppress the movement nor all the necessary precautions to prevent the strikers, or mal-contents, from destroying the large the quantities of fruit cut and prepared for exportation on their farms.

The Claims already presented are supposed to reach, in value, several thousands of Dollars."

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09 02 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice runs the following letter to the editor.

"Sir,

I regret having to trouble you so often but please grant me sufficient space for this.

It is my desire to speak, to the hearts and consciences of the intelligent members of my race, who are domiciled in this blessed country. From al view points, I observe that my people are being tossed about for lack of racial protection. is there not a single one, with sufficient wisdom and energy, to step forward in the interests of the struggling race? I do not wish to be personal, so will only enquire what of the many leading intellectuals? what are they doing for the preservation of the coming generation?

I would remind them all that Liberty and independence are much more important than political growth. It is a sorry fact that, today, the inteligencia of our people are ever more ready and willing, and without invitation at that, to go to the support of other races and nations in the fostering of their civilization or the straightening out of their difficulties, while they give no heed to their own kith and kin. Can't it be seen that our younger ones are traveling heading to oblivion?

There is such a thing as "Over production," known largely in our commercial life, which causes loss to those concerned; and so it is with us, we are being universally rejected so that in the near future our position, at vest, will ve at the foot of the busy ladder of progress.

An American student was once asked by his teacher. Who was the first man God created? Without the slightest hesitation he replied "The Great George Washington" and on his teacher assuring him it was Adam, remarked that he did not know they were being told about "foreigners." To me, this incident is a mark of real pride and race consciousness. Like the student, let us, in turn, always think first of our own race and unite our forces so that we may be able to survive the doles.

We can do it by uniting; we can do it by respecting ourselves and others and by patronizing our own. If we will but do these, our efforts must, of a surety, be crowned with success.

I urge all Divisions of the U.N.I.A. operating here, to publish their activities so as to encourage, to greater zeal, those who may now feel despaired, Use the columns of The Atlantic Voice, the People's Journal, the Vindicator of our Cause.

Thanking you mister Editor,

I.A. Murray"

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11 02 1935 -- Venezuela - CO 318 417 6

Telegram sent to Edward Keeling from British Legation in Caracas

"Passports were first instituted by Strangers Law of 1928. Until 1925 a foreigner owning property in Venezuela could not be expelled. Since that time by laws of 1925, 1928 and 1932 a foreigner is considered pernicious and can be expelled if he has entered the country in infringement of regulations regarding admission.

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20 03 1935 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/416

Detailed description of British West Indians expulsion from Panama.

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30 03 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice says that according to UFC's annual report they netted $12,049,299.60 in 1934 against $9,240,941.65 the previous year. "Cash and government securities on had at the close of the year is given as $40,957,541.61 or $3,838,734.21 more than in 1933. During the period under review, dividends amounting to $3.30 per share were paid, absorbing the sum of $8,717,985. 49,879,345 stems of bananas are said to have been disposed of from the Company's tropical divisions."

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31 03 1935 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/71

Former British West Indian Regiment Association discussed.

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6 04 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice runs the following

"Another Echo of the Atlantic Strike"

As our readers will recollect, at the time of the labour troubles in this Zone, last year, the leaders of the movement established their headquarters at 26 Miles, on the Farm known by the name of "Los Angeles," and that as the result of the efforts of the government forces to dislodge them and break up their activities a number of the farm buildings and other assets wee destroyed, some by fire.

Mr. Salomon Esna, the owner of the farm, subsequently rendered a claim against the government for the sum of eleven thousand Colones for damages; after a careful investigation, the government decided that the claim should be entertained and it has just been settled, amicably, for the sum of 11,000 colones.

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08 04 1935 -- Venezuela - Copy available - CO 318 417 6 (100 pages)

Prison diary/declaration from CO 318 425 9

Treatment of British West Indians in Venezuela and claims for compensation. Concerned with clandestine immigration of West Indians from neighbouring islands to Venezuela.

See also CO 318 436 15

These people were arrested, imprisoned for months and shipped out of the country. They worked with the oil companies and had land. They had proper British documents and were still thrown out penniless. See also, CO 318 425 9 for more.

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27 04 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice runs the following:

"Our Banana Output"

For first quarter of the present year Costa Rica has exported 531,020 stems of bananas, which yielded the sum of $10,620.40 in the Export Tax. compared with other countries, it will be noticed that the Banana industry of the country is, year by year, dwindling into insignificance; Jamaica has already gone over 5 million stems for the same three months.

During the same period coffee has given the governments a revenue of $445,224.95

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30 04 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice runs the following;

"Identification Cards an urgent Necessity"

"We would like once again to remind our readers that it is an urgent necessity on the part of every foreigner to go t the Governor's Office, the Jefe Politico's Office or the Agent of Police's Office, on the lines, wherever you may reside, and make your declarations, as to your occupations, earning, nationality etc, and get your.

IDENTIFICATION CARD

Do not be afraid to have this done; you will have no taxes to pay and the Officer, in charge, is supposed to fill it out for you. FREE. You will only pay a Tax if you were earning Ten thousand colones per annum, about C833.00 per month; and then you would, we feel sure, pay with pleasure.

Remember-you cannot go to Court without such a Card; you can't buy or sell property, get or secure a document without it; you cannot go on the Docks or any public place or Office without it; and if the Authorities are vindictive, they can fine you five colones if the police demand it of you anywhere and you do no possess it. The cost is but fifty cents yearly to place a Revenue Stamp (Timbre) on the Card. Each year a new declaration has got to be made so that it may be seen if you have anything eligible for taxes, and to have Card renewed.

Please submit yourself to the rulings of the country which provides you with the means of an existence; don't allow ignorance to dominate you - have this matter attended to with the least possible delay."

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18 05 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice states that on Tuesday the 14th the last of the Strike Leaders was apprehended. Lino Bustos was his name and he was taken to San José.

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05 06 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 7466

Petition to form an agricultural colony in Zent.

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15 06 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice

S.C. Nation's name first appears as the editor of the English section.

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15 06 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice reports that the first stone for the balneario Municipal was put in place (clocación) on Sunday the 19th.

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26 06 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 17466

Vecinos de San José asking for the establishment of a Colonia Agricola en Zent.

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02 07 1935 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 17461

Congress approves the initiative of Jiménez Ortiz que literalmente dice " Para que se dirija mu atenta excitativa al señor Secretario de Estado en el Despacho de Fomento para que se sirva enviar a la Cámara un proyecto de ley para la fundación de un Colonia Agricola en Zent y otras similares en las tierras a que se refiere el articulo VI de la Ley N0.30 de 10 de diciembre de 1934.

Refer to Congreso 17466 (Copy available)

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13 07 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice runs the following

"Empleados del Tren de Pasajeros de la Linea vieja, son atacados por Jamaicanos"

El martes nueve, los empleados de tren de pasajeros de la línea viean, señores José Córdoba y Enrique Quesada fueron brutalmente atropellados por un grupo de jamaicanos en la estación de Guácimo. Nos informa el correcto conductor de tren de pasajeros señor Brenes Días que hace actualmente la carrera Siqurres Buapiles, que son fecuentes las veces que sus empleados son atacados por un grupo de jamaicanos que viven entrel Pocora y Guacimo. Agrega el conductor Brenes Días, que él repetidas veces se ha quejado a las autoridades respectivas, y espera que con ests eltimo atropello. las graves irregularidades denunciadas se corrihan de una manera absoluta para evita fatales y graves consecuencias. Se queja al amigo Brenes Diaz, de que algunas personas tienen la mala ostumbre de bufir al tren, y de que cuando él se presnta a cobrar el valor del pasaje, no solo se niegan a pagarlo, sino que lo insultan y quieren atropellarlo....

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17 08 1935 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 17349

Decreto No.155 de 17 de agosto 1935 por el cual se feculta al Banco Internacional para invertir 25,000 colones en instalar una fábrica desjidratadora de bananos en Siquirress - Sancionado en octubre de este año el Poder Ejecutivo presenta un proyecto modificando la anterior ley - ay de 1936 de nuevo se presenta la citada reforma - La Comision de Agricultura rinde su informe en el sentido de esperanza la nueva organizacion de Banco y en Mayo de 1937 vuelven a perdir traer este asunto a discusión.

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28 08 1935 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/865

Statistics on Jamaicans returning from Cuba, Haiti, and Panama.

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31 08 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice runs the following:

"La municipalidad de Limón Acondicionara el Saliente de Piuta para un nuevo balneario resolviendo en esta forma el problema de las razas de color"

La municipalidad de Limón acondicionara el lugar llamado piuta para hacer alli un nuevo balneario. En seta forma queda solucionado el problema de la raza de color que tan dicutido havía sido en los últimos tiempos cuando se proyectó el balneario que se está construhendo actualmente. El Ingeniero Montagne Joes Actualmente al sevicio de la Municipalidad hizo ya los estudios de caso y el presupuesto resulta tan pequeño que vale la pena su acondicionamiento.

Se proyecto por el momento construir una serie de tampolines una pequeña cortina de rieles para evita el peligro de las fieras marinas y una serie de cuartos para desvestirse. Posiblemente también se construirá un pequeño salón de suficiente capacidad para fiestas. Las condiciones especiales del sitio permiten todos estos trabajossin un costo mayor de tiempo y de dinero. Nos parece muy acertada la idea de los señores munícipes ya que eses sitio es uno de los más bellos de todo ests litoral.

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28 09 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice announces that "Rubber Industry a Possibility"

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08 10 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 17386

Decreta that allows for the denunciation of land around Zent and Linea Viejo that handed over to the government in 1934.

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12 10 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice publishes the Boycott Sheet asking that blacks boycott Italian merchants. Signed by "The Boycott Committee"

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12 10 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice

"Gente de raza de color boicotea mercaderías y comerciantes italianos"

El jueves último circuló en esta ciudad una hoja suelta firmada por miembros de un comité integrado por gentes de la raza de color, pidiéndole a las personas de su misma raza, acuerpen un boicoteo general para toda mercadería y comercio con casas italianas establecidas en la zona atlántica.

Nos informan que algunos señores comerciantes italianos se has acercado al cónsul inglés, pidiéndole detalles y informes completos sobre esta grave resolución acordada por la gente de color, que indudablemente perjuidicará granemente el comerico italiano en esta provicia.

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19 10 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice

Publishes an article stating that Good-Year will get 1000 hectares in the Atlantic region.

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16 11 1935 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice publishes the rules governing the "balneario municipal de Limón" which includes the exclusion of non-whites. The rules are only published in Spanish.

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25 11 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 11665

Documents concerning the Balneario Municipal in Limón including the rules.

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02 12 1935 -- Honduras - FO 369 2442 7560

Interesting letters from residents of Puerto Cabezas asking that the British Government retain its consular office. Only a few pages long, but contains letters from a couple of residents. One was beaten by United States marines while others were robbed and beaten by national Guard. Plea is for protection and mentions 5,000 British Subjects living on the Atlantic Seaborad of Nica.

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14 12 1935 -- Costa Rica - Leon Cortes has a body guard called the Camisas Negras with him during his election campaign. La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice 14/12/35 runs a political advertizement to this effect.

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16 12 1935 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 17386

A Decreta sacntioned the "Declarar denunciables las tierras que traspasa al Estado la Compañia Banaera de Costa Rica. Referring to the 1934 contract with United the decreta is aimed at making the land given to the government available for colonization. Art. 3. En la adjudicación de estas tierras se observarán las siguientes reglas: a) Tenfrán derecho preferente a las mismas los particulares que las posean y tengan cultivos, en el tanto de la posesión y área adyacente- hasta completar veinge hectareas, cualquira que sea el motivo de la posesión;

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01 01 1936 -- Costa Rica - Copy available -. British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 16., A 3663/3663/32

British description of prominent people in Costa Rica.

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01 01 1936 -- Costa Rica - The Balneario doesn't get any play in the English section of La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice but it gets losts of reports on its progress in Spanish.

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24 01 1936 -- Costa Rica - Curia de S.J. Correspondence Collection

Gobernador de Limón invites the Archbishop of Costa Rica, don Rafael Oton Castro Jimenez to the inauguration of the Balneario Municipal on 01/02/1936.

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01 02 1936 -- Costa Rica - La Voz del Atlántico/The Atlantic Voice 1/02/1936

Balneario Municipal de Limón is inaugurated.

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25 02 1936 -- Britain - CO 323 1364 6

British are concerned about setting their own legislation with respect to persons born to subjects residing outside of the Dominions. Legislation passed "British Nationality and Status of Aliens" on this day (Statutory Rules and Order, 1936, No. 198). This revises the "The British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914"

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22 03 1936 -- Costa Rica - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 15., A 2379/142/32

Mr. Adam to Mr. Eden. Despatch on the election results in Costa Rica with a break down of votes etc.

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08 05 1936 -- Costa Rica - Cleto González Víquez's term in office ends and so does the rule of the Conservatives. Serves out his term.

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08 05 1936 -- Costa Rica - Reformist National Republican Party (PRN) wins in Costa Rica with León Cortés Castro as President.

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09 05 1936 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Relaciones Exteriores 1819 bis

Costa Rican government begins a process to repatriate undesirable Jamaicans to their island. Correspondence goes back and forth until December 1936 when the Costa Ricans appeal to the British. The British talk to the Jamaicans about the situation, but they maintain that their refusal to repatriate is a result of the claimants inability to satisfactorily established that they are in fact Jamaicans.

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03 06 1936 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 17726

Diputado Ulate pushes through an Excitativa al Poder Ejecutivo para que se cumpla el Art5 de Ley No.31 de 10/12/1934" about the preference for "Trabajadores nacionales en Industria Bananera".

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30 06 1936 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 17726

Diputado Otilio Ulate Excitativa al Poder Ejecutivo para que se cumpla el Art 5 ley #31 de 10 de diciembre 1934. Concerns coloured workers on Pacific.

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07 07 1936 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 17747

Bananeros de la Zona Atlantica piden la Reforma de Art 1 de la Ley No.31 de 10 de diciembre 1934 - contrato Bananero. They say that despite the good intentions of the law that states that " desde la finca de cada interesado al la platforma de la línea feria, no podra cobrarse, por cada racimo, mas de un centimo de colon por cada kilometro de recorrido en la linea de tranvia incluyendo el derecho al paso de los puentes construidos en el mismo trayecto..." and as a result "Es tan pequeño el derecho que se paga , que los propietarios de tranvias casi no reparan sus lines, con grave perjicio para los que por ellas tenermos que transitar, siendo my comun el caso en donde el inquilino, ademas de pagar el canon que le señala la ley, debe tambien reparar de su propio peculiio los daños de la via. They ask for an arbitrator in disputes between producers and transporters and that they be allowed to strike their own deals with the transport companies to pay an appropriate amount to have the bananas transported and to have the rail lines repaired.

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08 07 1936 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18245

Reglamentos del Balneario Municipal de Limón state that blacks are not allowed. Congress approves of the contract.

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15 08 1936 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - U.S. Consular Report. 818.5041/10 (#23)

The United States consular report reveals that Black Railway employees were paid less than half that of whites for the same work.

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17 09 1936 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 17739

Proyecto del Poder Ejecutivo pidiendo que el Decreto Ejecutivo No.394 de 6 de Mayo de 1931 que prohibe que por medio del correo circule las publicaciones de propaganda Comunista, de procedencia exterior o de interior de pais. - Despures de extensas discusiones con el diputado comunista Manuel Mora V. quedo pendiente este asunto.

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01 10 1936 -- Panama - Juan Demostenes Arosemena becomes president of Panama and rules until December 16 1939.

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04 11 1936 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 77 865

Emigration statistics dealing with Jamaicans returning from Cuba, Haiti, and Panama.

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24 11 1936 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 17642

Poder Ejecutivo Sanctions a modification del Art.3 de la Ley #30 de 10 de Diciembre de 1934. Modification has to do with hospitalization coverage for workers on the Pacific coast and a "cuenta separada para cada zona"

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01 01 1937 -- Britain - CO 884 25

Pamphlet published by the Colonial Office entitled "The West Indies, Information Relating to Unemployment in the West Indies, Correspondence 1937-38. In response to the "Unemployment Commission's Report" It is pretty straightforward, gives numbers and describes situation in colony. Requests sent in early 1937 and responses received by early 1938.

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01 01 1937 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 17, A 7687/3947/32.

British description of prominent people in Costa Rica.

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15 01 1937 -- Honduras - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/177

Report of deportation and condition of British West Indians in Honduras.

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11 02 1937 -- Cuba - Copy available - CO 318/424/4

Information on the situation of West Indians in Cuba. Lengthy and detailed.

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20 02 1937 -- Cuba - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs Series D, Part II, Vol 17, A 1864/65/14

Letter and report on "The Labour Situation in Cuba and the British West Indies."

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16 03 1937 -- Venezuela - Copy available - CO 318/425/9

Despatch on a claim by British West Indians against the government of Venezuela.

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30 04 1937 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file referring to a petition from conductors, enginemen and dispatchers for higher wages. Sheehy talks openly about how faithful the employees are and how they need more pay to keep them around. Says that the foreigners all have their names with other railroads and will go if the opportunity presents itself.

See also 02/05/1937, 03/05/1937, 08/05/1937, and 08/05/1937

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04 05 1937 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 18355

Several solicitations are made by various labour organizations in an effort to "elevar el nivel de vida de los trabajadores. They ask for, among other things, sanitation campaigns in poor neighbourhoods, pasteurization of all milk, credit to be made available to poor campesinos, and that the government change its attitude toward the Civil War in Spain (and start supporting the elected government). One of the signators is none other that Rafael A Calderon Guardia, secretario por el Gremio Sastres.

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19 05 1937 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18245

Congreso aprueba Acuerdo IV de la Sesión Municipal de Limón. concerns a bathing area which is designed for tourists but will allow locals to use the facilities. The contract is between the Municipality and señor Santiago Ruiz Sáenz. Art. 2 of the contract states..."para tener derecho a tales servicios, se requiere:

a) Ser de buenas costumbres.

b) Cumplir con las disposiciones de presente Regalmento.

c) Pertenecer a la raza blanca.

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19 05 1937 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file on UNIFRUITCO NEWS asking which employees should receive it.

See also 21/05/37

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26 05 1937 -- Panama - FO 371 20641 7491

Confidential report on position of coloured community on the Isthmus of Panama. " The coloured community on the Isthmus of Panama is passing through a period of transition the change having been brought into relief by the Coronation when the number of West Indian children taking part in the celebration was considerably below that for the Silver Jubilee. Transmits an extract from the "Panama Tribune" summarszing evidence before committee of U.S. Senate that West Indian of Canal Zone were de facto citizens of the U.S.. Race feeling has been stirred by Italian invasion of Abyssinia and constitutional crisis in British Empire."

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24 07 1937 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18407

Proyecto de Ley de Salario Minimo is presented to congress.

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19 09 1937 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 18365

Petition by residents of Turrialba asking for the same conditions in their contracts with the Banana companies as those that exist in the contracts with individual producers on the Pacific Coast.

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08 12 1937 -- Costa Rica - Diputado Ovares proposes a "mocion para dar un Voto de Solidaridad al Poder Ejecutivo por su actitud en asuntos Bananeros.

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23 12 1937 -- Panama - FO 369 2505 1094

Inspection of Consular office in Bocas indicates that office is in UFC company building.

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01 01 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 18., A 1764/1764/32

British description of prominent people in Costa Rica.

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04 01 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8866

El Gobernador de Limón devuelbe a la Secretaria un escrito de queja del Señor Carlos Marin contra la Pensjurst Banana Co. Con motivo de un accidente sufrido por el dicho Marin.

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12 01 1938 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 8866-1 Legajo 5

Governor Ricardo E. Alverado send the Secretatio de Estado this telegram. "Los informes que hasta ahora tengo dicen que en los diferntes lugares de esta Provincia hay completa tranquilidad y ningun anuncio de huelga. Existe sin embargo, el descontento de siempre entre los individuos blancos que intagran las cuadrillas extra de la compañia bananera y la United en trabajos de carga y descarga, por cuanto dichas empresas no les proporcionan trabajo continuado, mientras, a su ver,ocupan continadamente un numero desproporcionado de elementos de color.

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24 01 1938 -- Costa Rica - Gobernacion 8866-1 Legajo 4

Governor of Limón (Ricardo E. Alverado) asks the Secretario de Gobernacion if he should apply art. 11 de la Ley de Extrajería to Carlos Aníbal Achan because he has been out of the country for more than two years without permission and the Governor wants to know if he should let him in again. The Secretary (Luis Fernandez) says not to apply it because Achan was born in Costa Rica.

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04 02 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence request from secretary of labour for a list of employees, nationalities etc.

See also 14/03/1938, 15/04/1938, 21/03/1938, and 22/03/1938

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23 02 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8866

Governor of Limón sends San José a telegram about "incidentes con la Comapañia Bananera".

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24 02 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8866

Asunto de la destitución de unos empleados de la Compañia Bananera por baber votado en una papeleta contraria a la de uno de los gerentes.

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11 04 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter to Sheehy about people throwing rocks from trains at innocent people. From Z Farquharson president of the A + B Corporation.

Response 14/04/1938

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27 04 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8866

Manuel Ching (Westfalia) complains about being robbed and then losing his revolver to the local police who investigated the robbery.

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21 05 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about Luther Campbell alias George Scott who was discharged in Almirante and should not be hired elsewhere.

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31 05 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18254

La Sociedad de Mejoras Publicas petitions government concerning banana contracts and asks where the improvements are on the Atlantic coast. Interesting criticism.

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10 06 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8866

Nathaneil Sandcroff of Cahuita complains about the UFC refusing his bananas.

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21 07 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18524

Mociones presentadas para modificar la contratacion Bananera. Debate concerning modifications of banana contract.

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22 07 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18524

Congreso discusses the 1934 contract with the Compañia Bananera and makes amendments to it. Debate began in May 1938. Some deputies pushed for 100% Costa Rican employees in some positions. Vecinos of Turrialba want to be considered part of the Atlantic Zone because the price for bananas is better there. Petition from the "Sociedad de Mejoras Publicas" asks where the improvements are in the Atlantic zone in their criticism of the new contracts for the Pacific.

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05 08 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18548 (30 pages)

La Compania Bananera de Costa Rica concede al Gobierno un prestamo de un millon de dolares.

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11 08 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 18722

Deputies submit an "exposición en la cual se afirma que es inconstitucional el contrato de 02/04/1937."

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16 09 1938 -- Jamaica - CO 950 916

A complete breakdown of wages and numbers of employees working for United Fruit in Jamaica in 1938 can be found in this file.

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30 09 1938 -- Panama - Congreso 18820

Panama and Costa Rica sign a treaty concerning the border region at Bocas del Toro/ Sixaola.

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31 10 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8866

A couple of letters sent to San José about expelling George Davis Gordon who was a "verdadero jefe de las sectas de "Pocomia" quien no pudo ser capturade cuando se deó la primera batida que peritió la expulsión del famoso Altiman Dabney y otros." Referring to religious practices that were prohibited.

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01 11 1938 -- Belize - CO 950 334

An excellent little study entitled "Compendium of Living Conditions and Dietary Statistics of the Labouring Clasees in the town of Belize, British Honduras" compiled by the Black Cross Nurses under the direction of Mrs. Vivian Seay, M.B.E. Head Nurse for presentation to the Royal Commission on the West Indies, November 1938. It details what several families eat during about a two week period.

(file 50 pages, study itself is only 25 pages long)

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02 11 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8866

Documents concerning the "aprobación de estatutos Club Social Blanco y Negro in Siquirres. A club to foster better relations between the ethnic groups.



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15 11 1938 -- Jamaica - CO 950 240

Memorandum of the Jamaica Ex-Service men Labour Union presented to the Royal West India Commission during its stop in Jamaica. Little to do with C.A. other than it does indicate something of the employment problems in the West Indies. Interesting because they ask for restrictions on alien immigration to Jamaica and complain about the Syrians and the Chinese who have opened shops and "monopolize certain trade positions."

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21 12 1938 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file About an embargo against Leopold Skinner an employee of the Marine Department. He owes 76 dollars and is eventually fired.

See also 29/12/1938

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01 01 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - British Documents on Foreign Affairs, Series D, Part II, Vol. 20., A 5176/5176/32

British description of prominent people in Costa Rica.

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19 01 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about firing a guy by the name of Guillermo Muñoz who has engaged in Communistic activities. Fire him and let people know he is a commie.

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04 05 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8882

Inscripción de los estatos Club Social "Blanco y Negro"

See 02/11/1938

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08 05 1939 -- Britain - CO 950 893

Royal Commission on the West Indies receives a report on banana imports and exports. U.K. takes in 272,873 (4,400,169 pounds) tons from Empire countries and 53,912 (696,505 pounds) from foreign countries. Canada takes 2,901,652 stems ($ 1,395,148) from the Empire and 490,657 stems ($607,818) from foreign countries.

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27 06 1939 -- Britain - CO 950 906

Colonial Office was asked to "ascertain what would be the likely reaction of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia to the suggestion that facilities might be provided for the emigration of "poor whites" from Barbados." The problem appears to be that there is some suspicion that they are not really white. Before anyone is willing to move ahead on this they require, among other things, "a full description of the people concerned; their habits and conditions of life; etc."

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01 07 1939 -- Britain - CO 950 912

Discussion of reconstituting the West India Regiment. The bottom line of the discussion is the cost that such an action would result in . The only reason to revive them would be if it was necessary to maintain the "internal security" of the West Indies and if the "War Office decided that the British battalion stationed in the West Indies must be withdrawn."

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14 08 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8882

Se transcribe telegrama al señor Jefe Politico de Siquirres, enviado por J.R. Ugalde R. referente a la pregunta que en él formula para ver sí un negro puede desempeñar puesta público, máxime autroidad. Y se le ruega informar lo que haya en particular. Interesting because Jefe Politico defends use of bilingual police deputy.

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17 08 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8882

Se transcribe el informe de Registrador del Estado Civil al Bovernador de Limón referente al indeseable jamaicano Wilmoth Nathaniel Cameron.

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24 08 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8882

Governor of Limón sends Secretary of State a copy of a "nota del senor Jefe politico de Guapiles donde informa de actividades comunitas en esa zona, principalmente en Jimenez y Rio Jimenez.

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17 09 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file telegram "Por Preferencias del señor Flores con la Gente de Color en el tragajo me Ausento signed Milton. To Pablo May from Limón

See 03/11/1939, 29/10/1939, 06/11/1939, and 08/11/1939 for more information on Milton

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29 09 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file copy of a La Tribuna story Costa Rican Workers of the Northern reduced to 20%.

See also 29/09/1939, 11/10/1939, 11/10/1939, 14/10/1939, 25/10/1939, 29/10/1939, 02/11/1939, and 22/11/1939. All of these reveal a great deal about the number of black employees. There is also a flysheet of interest from the Comité Pro-Costarricenses Blancos.

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03 10 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8882

Se trascribe nota del Agente de Policía de Puerto Viejo refernete a un movimiento entre gente de color contra los blancos.

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17 10 1939 -- Jamaica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/199

Passport Office Annual Report. Lengthy and filled with info about departures etc.

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03 11 1939 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gobernación 8882

Documentos relacionado con la nota que se la envió al Gerente de la Compañia Bananera por la queja que contra el Agente de Policía emitió dicho señor.

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12 12 1939 -- Costa Rica - Gobernación 8882

Telegram from Gobernor de Limón to Secretario de Estado... "Anoche a las 19hs tuvo verificativo en esta ciudad la primera reunión política en forma pública verificada por el partido Bloque de Obreros y Campesinos. Tal reunión se llevó a cabo en la esquina del correo, todo estuvo en órden e hicieron uso de la palabra dos oradores, el segundo de los cuales fué el diputado Mora. Terminó con todo órden. Atte, Ric. E. Alvarado, Gobernador

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16 12 1939 -- Panama - Agusto S. Boyd becomes president of Panama and rules until October 1, 1940.

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01 01 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Fomento 3387

Jorge Curling De Lisser and Roberto Sutherland Polson send a petition to the President concerning the clause of the 1934 contract prohibiting blacks from working on the Pacific Coast. The government responds a month later telling them that if they think that they have a case the should take it the supreme court.

01 01 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file. Leaflet like the one printed in the Diario de Costa Rica 21/11/1939 about the Northern's hiring of blacks

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01 01 1940 -- Panama - CO 318 444 1 (200 page )

File on the recruitment of labour in BRISITH WEST INDIANS for service in the Panama Canal Zone. It has to do with the desire to expand the Canal and to recruit skilled West Indian labour. They want to recruit from Jamaica became it will keep transportation costs down. Governor of Barbados and Governor of Jamaica compete for the jobs.

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10 01 1940 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about quantities and prices of bananas exported

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07 03 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Congreso 21094

Gobernor de Limón manda su Memoría de Gobernción a San José. Contains resume of Limón's affairs for 1939.

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25 04 1940 -- Britain - CO 318 446 1- West India Committee:

"The WIC is the oldest Colonial body of its kind in the world; it was established about 1750 and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1904. It is an Association of Planters, Merchants and others interested in the British West Indies and its object, in the word of its Charter, is 'By united action to promote the interest of the industries and trade and thus increase the general welfare of the West Indies, British Guiana and British Honduras.'" British officials consider them useful in the war effort. Claim to have correspondents all over the West Indian Colonies, Bermuda and Canada.

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08 05 1940 -- Costa Rica - Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia (PRN) wins in Costa Rican election; more radical groups dominates Costa Rica to 1948; León Cortés Castro leaves (PRN) to form more conservative Democratic Party. He serves out his term in office.

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17 05 1940 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19425

Diputado Ricardo Toledo Escalante puts forward a motion to form a commission para investigar" cada uno de los casos de ingreso de todos los ciudadanos polacos y de otras nacionalidades que residen en el país en virtud de los permisos otogados por el Poder Ejecutivo y rinda un informe amplio al Congreso con el propódito de dictar las medidas pertinentes a fin de normalizar la angustiosa situación de que se queja el comercio nacional" Gene says this could be antisemetic. 2 reps from Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica were Don Francisco Chacón Castro y don José Barzuna. 2 from poder Ejecutivo were Lic. don Luis Fernando Jiménez Méndez y don Miguel A. González Camacho.

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01 06 1940 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19224

Congress approves of spending 25.000 colones to repatriate poor Costa Ricans from other countries. in the preamble to the discussion the deputies state that "Numerosos costarricenses se encuentran en aflictiva situación en diversos países del exterior. Su estado es manto mas congojoso cuanto que las legislaciones del mundo tienen a la proteccion de los nacionles y a exluir de todo beneficio al extranjero pobre. Un deber humanida, si no hubiera de por medio una oblibación de soberanía, obliga al Estado a repatriarlos."

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05 06 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file on train crews which makes mention of a coloured crew as distinct from others.

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06 06 1940 -- Panama - FO 371 24219 3540

Illegal entry into Panama of persons from the West Indies. copies of correspondence. Concerns boat load of West Indian labourers from British Honduras. "On two successive occasions in the course of last month there arrived on our Atlantic coast, proceeding from British Honduras, a schooner named "Paisano" illegally carrying West Indian coloured labourers attracted by the bait of the wages in force in the Panama Canal Zone and the large works there projected."

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07 06 1940 -- Costa Rica - Ley 37 de 7 de junio 1940 estableció la Oficina de Inmigazción, en la Secretaría de Seguridad Pública, encargada de controlar la entrada y salida de los extranjeros y la permanencia de éstos en el país. No se determinaro en la citada ley las sanciones correspondientes, sin las cuales el cumplimiento de sus normas puede ser impunemente violado.

See 08/04/1941 where this law is referred to Congreso 19951

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08 06 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file on the disbanding of a crew let by foreman Henderson.

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11 06 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file list of people to be released in line with an economy program. See also 15/06/1940, 15/06/1940, and 15/06/1940

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15 06 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter to Munch from Sheehy referring to the list provided in 11/06/40

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04 07 1940 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file giving a list of the names an nationalities of the Motive Power department employees. Related to previous agitation against blacks at the northern.

See also 06/07/40

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24 07 1940 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19400

Congress: Art.1 Autorízase al poder Ejecutivo para que invierta hasta la suma de 5.000 colones en la exhmación y traslado al país de los restos del señor Minor Cooper Keith, suma que firará de "Eventuales" de la Cartera de Relaciones Exterikores. It is passed as a result of a request by Senora Rosalía Yglesias Castro viuda de Lara, who argues that Keith did a lot for the country and that he should rest beside his wife Cristina C. de Keith.

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31 07 1940 -- Jamaica - Copy available - CO 318/442/10 Letter supplying information about the settlement of East Indians in Jamaica.

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09 09 1940 -- General - Congreso 19211

Costa Rica and all other Latin American countries sign an accord refered to as la "acta de la Habana sobre administración provisional de colonias y posessiones europeas en América.

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12 09 1940 -- Guatemala - El Liberal Progresista p.3.

"Los Negros en la Costa Atlantica"

Es considerable el numero de negros en toda la costa atlantica; sobre todo en Livingston y en Barrios. No se diga en Belice, Honduras, y paises de Caribe. Hay "Morenos" Patois" que hablan frances, "ingleses y coolies originarios de la India, El negro es trabajador y diligente..

Como navegantes, no tienen rival los "morenos..."

Entre los "coolies" hay uno ha labrado un capital en Puerto Barrios. Esta zone Guatemalteca ha sido "Eldorado" para muchos...

y el elemento negro, que es ya quatemaltico forma los "pioeers" que se aventuran, cuando este lugar era mas insolubre y lleno de peligros,..

El negro representa una heroica gesta, poblando estos sitios. Solitarios de la patria. Han hecho lo que no han querido hacer mulitudes de "parasitos sociales" que han amontanado en la urbe; sin accordase que hay en regalo para todos en las tierras billas y exuberantes de Guatmala.

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01 10 1940 -- Panama - Arnulfo Arias becomes president of Panama and rules until October 9, 1941.

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15 10 1940 -- Britain - Copy available - CO318/442/1

Secret Despatch on the British West Indian Labour Party in Trinidad.

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19 10 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence from secretatio de agricultura to Blair in Panama. About nationals working for the company.

Related to 22/10/1940, 25/10/1940, 08/11/1940, 30/11/1940, 19/11/1940, 22/11/1940, 20/12/1940, 2/12/1940, 3/12/1940, 4/12/1940, 5/12/1940, and 11/12/1940.

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22 10 1940 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence memo on ley 16 de 1923 concerning foreign labour

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25 10 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence Myrick asks for more forms to document labour force

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10 11 1940 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19290

Decreto 21 de 8 de noviembre 0740 para establecer la Religión en las excuelas. Compulsory religious education. Art. Establécese en las excuelas primarias del Estado la enseñanza de la religión, que sd dará a los niños cuyos padres, tutores o encargados, no manifiesten por escrito su voluntad de que se les exima de recibirla. Put forward by Luis D. Tinoco h. Secretario de Educación

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19 11 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence Morgan Stone to Myric concerning living conditions and government politics.

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22 11 1940 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence to M. Stone data on how much each company paid to the Federal Government in taxes, licenses, etc.

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30 11 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence From Stone to Myrick concerning Minister of Agriculture saying that a number of Panamanians reported is incorrect.

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02 12 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Stone from Myrick concerns number of actual Panamanian labourers and coloured labour not allowed in C.R.; however, the Company is within the 75% imposed by law.

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03 12 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence From Stone to Myrick concerns the information that the canal zone wants black labourers and laid off Jamaican labourers

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04 12 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence Myrick on how he will get rid of Jamaican labour

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05 12 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence From stone to Sec. of Agriculture personnel list

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10 12 1940 -- Panama - Copy available - CO 318/4441

Reports on labour in the Panama Canal Zone.

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16 12 1940 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19254

Poder Ejecutivo sanciona la creación de una plaza de perito valuador en la zona del Atlantico. Some kind of tax assesor.

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20 12 1940 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Myrick from Stone concerning problems with data presented to Minister of Agriclture.

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06 03 1941 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19899

Maria Yglesias Castro viuda de Echeverri askes for a pension.

See Mine claims in 1900

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08 04 1941 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19951

Sanciones contra extranjeros cuyo ingreso al pais hoya sido clandestino. Fines or expulsion of foreigners who enter the country illegally.

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01 05 1941 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19574

Calderon Guardia in a speech to Congress states that "El movimiento migratorio del país fué intenso; durante el año se consideraron 594 permisos de entrada, 500 de residencia, y 1,348 de reingreso. Además se autoizaron por la vía radiotelegráfica o telegráfica, 465 ingresos para personas que en la mayoría de los casos vinieron de visita por poco tiempo. Se denegaron 126 gestiones de ingreso, y se prorrogó se permanencia en el país a 127 turistas dentro del límite de la ley. En principio esta Administración ha mantenido restringida la entrada al país de súbditos de las naciones beligernates en la guerra actual. Se hjizo, desde luego, alfuna que otra exceptión justificada.

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17 06 1941 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence labour situation in Panama to Munch from Kelly. Panamanian government will not let in foreign labour.

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01 05 1941 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19574

Rafael A. Calderon Guardia, in a speech to Congress offers figures for road construction and improvement in the country during 1940 Limón had only 1.1 kilometres of new roads built while Alajuela had 28.9 San José 9.7 and the next lowest to Limón was Guanacaste where 5.0 kilos were built. In terms of repairs Limón had none and Guanacaste had none while S.J. Cartago, Alajuela and Heredia all had some kilometres improved.

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16 07 1941 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Chittenden concerning labour situation in Almirante and Bocas

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16 07 1941 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence Chittenden to Munch inability of black Panamanians to get ceduals, lack of labour as men go to zone for higher wages

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17 07 1941 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence labour rates in Almirante division from Kelly to Munch

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31 07 1941 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19599

Rodrigo Soto Guardia, ciudadano ... sends a letter to the Congress asking for restrictions on the number of extranjeros that can be employed by industry or agriculture in Costa Rica. He wants at least 80% C.R. citizens and the only area where he sees a need of exemptions is in technical fields where qualified Costa Ricans are not available to fill the position.

Read to congress on 6/08/1941.

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01 08 1941 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file stating that the train shop force in Limón didn't take kindly to an 8 hour day. Protest launched against the salary reduction the reduced hours mean. Letter to Green.

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20 08 1941 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/110

Repatriation of Jamaicans from Costa Rica. Reciprocal Passport Agreement with Panama and Costa Rica. Detailed.

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29 09 1941 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19842

Unlike the contract for a Balneario in Limón, a contract submitted to the government on this day did not specifically exclude non-whites from the bathing area.

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09 10 1941 -- Panama - Ernesto Jaen Guardia becomes president

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09 10 1941 -- Panama - Ricardo Adolfo de la Guardia becomes president of Panama and rules until June 15, 1945.

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21 10 1941 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB 5 77 165

Foreign Office reports on Panama Canal workers. Contains information on the alleged ill-treatment and the repatriation of Contract Workers.

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21 10 1941 -- Panama - Copy available - Jamaica National Archives - IB/5/77/165

Detailed report on Panama Canal Workers.

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10 11 1941 -- Costa Rica - CO 318 449 9

Costa Rica visited by Sir Rupert Briercliffe Nov. 10- 15. The is the Medical Adviser to the Comptroller for Development and Welfare in the British West Indies. Also went to Cuba 20- 24 November, Panama 4 to 10 November. Venezuela, U.S. and Puerto Rico, total trip 29 October to 19 December, 1941. The report looks at health organization and contains information about training and availability of health care.

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24 11 1941 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about making one guy do two jobs to save money. Sheehy to Green

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02 12 1941 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file Personnel Report for Northern detailing salaries etc.

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02 12 1941 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about a petition by workers that they have had the same salary since 1935 and want a raise. Port workers (Mooring Gang). From Green to Fred Gordon. See also 11/12/41, 19/12/41

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08 12 1941 -- Costa Rica - Congreso 19964

Poder Ejecutivo is authorized to declare war on Japan. Decreto No.2 de 8 de diciembre de 1941.

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11 12 1941 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file response to Green from Gordon about the Mooring gang petition. 02/12/41

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18 12 1941 -- Costa Rica - Gobierno 8905

Telegram to Secretario de Estado Despacho Governación from Abel Robles Gobernador de Limón. "Me permito informar de que anoche los trabajadores de la descarga de los muelles se declararon en huelga pacifica por cuanto la Cia Bananera de Costa Rica dió aguinaldo a los empleados de las oficinas y á ellos nó. Estuvimos presentes el Sr Comandante de Plaza, El Sr. Inspector de Hacienda y el suscrito, quienes pudimos hacer que 150 trabajadores de los 275 que debian trabajar en la descarga de banano entraran a sus labores. El resto se retiro a sus casas. Por tal motivo el barco se ha atrasado un poco y saldra hoy en la tarde. Muy atentamente..."

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19 12 1941 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file petition sent to Northern by the mooring gang detailing their wage cuts.

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24 01 1942 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 1706

Pastoral letter issued by Archbishop of San José on the occasion of Lent (Victor Sanabria) in which he attacks the Protestant religion:

"Conspicuous and discouraging is the progress of Protestant propaganda - abundantly financed and well directed - throughout Latin America in general and in our own country in particular as part of a programme or system of social, cultural and even of political infiltration of ideologies foreign to our race and blood; a campaign of penetration which is not and cannot e based upon any sincere Christian principle - a penetration favoured by a mistaken social and political tolerance arising from a certain type of doctrinarian Liberalism which derives its own satisfaction from diminishing or weakening the position of the Catholic Church asa social or historical institution."

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22 02 1942 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file petition by dock workers for higher wages. Response from Green is that they are lucky to have a job.

See also 25/02/42

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25 02 1942 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file response sent to the Mooring men telling them that they can't have more money

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26 04 1942 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1942; 1943

Decreto No. 4 de 26 Abril, 1942

Articulo 41: No seran admitidos en el pais, y por consiguiente deberan ser rechazados por las autoridades de los puertos, aeropuertos y fronteras de la Republica los extranjeros que vengan en calidad de inmigrantes o transeuntes, que se hallaren en las condiciones siguientes:

a) Los de raza negra, chinos, arabes, turcos, sirios, armenios, gitanos, culies, etc.

b) Los extranjeros que sin estar comprendidos en los incisos anteriores, sean personas incoveninetes, nocivas o peligrosas al orden o pregreso de la Republica, o a la conservacion de la raza, ya sea por sus tendencias agitadoras, ya por sus excsos medios de subsistencia o por las caracteristics raciales que predominen en ellas y sean de notoria desafinadad con la poblacion nacional.

Articulo 42: Los chinos y de otras razas de inmigracion prohibida, inscritos en el Departamento de Extranjeros, que se ausentaren con el proposito de regresar al pais, deberan proveerse del respectivo pasaporte, que llevara admas de los requisitos antes consignados, las impresiones digitales del interesado. para obtener el pasaperte, que no degbera entregarse al intersado sino en el momento de embarcarse, ha de exigirse previamente la Cedula de Residencia, adoptandose elmismo procedimiento cuando se verigique el regreso. Cuando este inmigranete vuelba, la autorica del lugar por donde ingrese, recogera el pasaporte y lo enviara al Departamente de Migracion done sera incinerado mediamte acta que al efecto se levantara.

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11 07 1942 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Duda invoice for mules

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14 07 1942 -- Costa Rica - Ley de Ocupantes en Precario

Ley 88, 14 julio 1942; Decreto Ejecutivo 11, 6 agosto 1942.

el govierno podia comprar a cualquier propeitario las tierras incritas que les habian sido invadidas por precaristas y compensarlos con terrenos baldios de las zonas virgenes. Se reconocio a los precaristas que habian estado en posesionpor mas de un ano en terrenos titulados por otro el derecho de permanecer en las tierras que ocupaban. Las consecuencias practicas de esta ley fueron desastrosas, Muchos latifundios fueron adquiridos por terratenientes que habian empleado individuos para que invadieran sus fincas en la Meseta Central que ya havian sido explotados para sacar madera, o pue estaban practicamente agotadas, haciendo asi a los duenos susceptivles de compensacion. Esta ley fue derogada en 1951 por ley 1294, 1 julio 1951.

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20 10 1942 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Kelly on how to deal with squatters in Talamanca

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16 12 1942 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Kelly report on strike by Latin workers and black response

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18 12 1942 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Hammer from Kelly report on previous letter 16/12/42

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01 01 1943 -- Panama - Copy available - CO 318/447/6

Series of British Consular reports on "THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE". They are excellent and look at conditions for British West Indians in Panama. One is written by a woman and all are frank about discrimination and changes brought about by American. control.

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20 01 1943 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about cocoa trees destroyed by Panama/Costa Rica boundary commission

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16 02 1943 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about labour agitators from Armuelles named Eleuterio Reyes. Response to Myrick from Atwood of a letter of February 12, 1943

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04 05 1943 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about meat and the company's order not to send any to Guabito for C.R. government employees. To Kelly.

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28 05 1943 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Tayler from Hamer about C.R. Panama boundary commission.

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10 06 1943 -- Costa Rica - Relaciones Exteriores 1203

The United States embassy tells Costa Rica of the American military's plans to install radio equipment to service the Canal Zone in Parrita. Deactivated in May 1949.

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20 07 1943 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Gob 9525

Governor of Limón gets a petition from Manuel Martinez (El Hondureño) stating that he is being harassed by the police and that he should not be. One of his complaints is that the petition made against him saying that he was a thief and he had threatened several people was signed by only one white and that person withdrew his signature.

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21 10 1943 -- Costa Rica - Copy available - Relaciones Exteriores 18

Costa Rica signs the "Acta Final del Primer Congreso Democrafico Interamericano". held in Mexico City from the 12th to 21st of October. Of interest is that the convention singles out blacks and comes out against eugenics. Sr. Lic. Román Jugo Lamicq is Costa Rica's representative.

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29 12 1943 -- Costa Rica - FO 371 38385 566

Decree passed lifting "every restriction on Chinese immigration, based on the nationality or race of the immigrants is hereby abolished. Calderon Guardia is president.

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29 12 1943 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1943; 1944

Ley No. 51 del 29 de Diciembre de 1943

Articulo 1: Queda suprimida toda restriccion referente a la inmigracions china, vasada exclusivamente en la nacionalidad o raza de los inmigrantes.

Articulo 2: El articulo anterior deroga todas las disposiciones legales ques esten en contradiccion con el.

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21 03 1944 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence sent out between this date and 08/04/1944 concerning boundary discussion of land titles to land formerly in Panama, but now in C.R.. To Pollen from Hamer.

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08 05 1944 -- Costa Rica - Teodoro Picado becomes president and is overthrown on April 20, 1948.

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03 07 1944 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about labour trouble in Monte Verde in Abaca production and labour ruling by judge. Lengthy report to Pollan in Boston from Hamer

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06 07 1944 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Pollan from Myrick about a strike at Luzon Abaca farm. Police were called in, ring leaders arrested and things are back to normal.

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21 07 1944 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a recent strike in Almirante which is tied up with a similar movement in C.R. Stirred up by a Honduran.

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26 11 1944 -- Panama - Meeting of the Women and Men's Working Club at the Panama Capital hall on 22nd street Guachapli. announced in the Panama Tribune of this day.

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26 11 1944 -- Panama - Editorial in Panama Tribune.

Honor to Whom Honor is Due

(By Lino Tipo in La Nation)

"Every man to his own liking. Every region on earth, every nation, town has its own prejudices, its own peculiarities of judgement, aberrations of criteria, opinions that, in general are conducive to the bringing about of "disagreeable incidents" as some of our new men term the recent occurrences in Caracas, Benequela, with the Cuban team, or as referring to such catastrophes as that through which the whole world is passing because of the Hitlerian "team"...

Here in Panama there is a strong prejudice against the Jamaican, and this should not be so. It is true of every five rogues, three will have an English name and are of the black race; but before stigmatizing in general....e should take into consideration the fact that they constitute about 75% of the population in our two terminal cities. Panama and Colon, and they take part equally in all manual trades, even though am in great majority in the humbler occupations, such as street cleaners, garbage men etc. But so far as I know there are no Jamaicans who operate bars, gambling dens or hotels for immoral purposes or anything of the kind; corrupt businesses occasion our communities a harm ten times greater than that of a few pickpockets and petty thieves."

Goes on to offer a tribute to Sidney A Young who became the publisher of The Panama Tribune in 1928. The paper started 16 year ago in 1918. This tribute appeared first in Friday 16th edition of La Nation. Lino Tip is the pen name of Don Guillermo Colunje who is a descendent of Gil Colunju a former educator and statesman. This editorial appeared as his column, "Seriously Speaking" in La Nation.

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26 11 1944 -- Panama - Panama Tribune

Meeting of the Women and Men's Working Club at the Panama Capital hall on 22nd street Guachapli.

04 12 1944 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file concerning the attached fly sheet calling for a general strike in the labour code is not adopted.

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26 11 1944 -- Panama - Poem from the Panama Tribune of 26/11/1944, Colindale Library, London

This liddle tung is a blessid place;

Rain fall from heavin every minnit!

Sunday mawnin chance latt'ry, hass-race

Ebery-baddy out try to WIN it.

Run it dung bwoys, an spoil yuh baddy

Headin for Canal-Zone force ripe marriage!

All kinda sinting oh not good smaddy

'Ooman poizin man in ah parrige

Bad-minded meighbors in lakka TUMAH

OBEAH is "king" fe de John Cro',

Coco Solito scandal an rumah

Say, White Saul gibb black-gal de blo'!

Tung fulla t'eatah an new Bar

Colon Musicians dem unite.

Decent gals fighting fo' Sailor

In rum-shop and big brawd day-lite

Crismus breeze bring season's greetins

All day an' slap thru de nites

Mother LOU's open-air meetings'

Raisin 'nuf hell up in de heights

Bovament jobs fulla black fools

Who carry Su-Su to white boss

Bosses use Naygah fe foot stools

An wuk dem lak puppa Jack-ass

Thank God an while yuh's distressin

Whether juh's good or juh's bad;

Yes dis liddle tung is a blessin'

A blessin' for both good and bad.....Amen!

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09 02 1945 -- General - Copies available - UFC correspondence about professional labour agitators circulating among the divisions. Discusses sending a list of agitators to other divisions. From Hamer.

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15 06 1945 -- Panama - Enrique Adolfo Jimenez becomes president of Panama and rules until October 1, 1948.

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16 10 1945 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about abaca strike in Almirante. Related to 18/10/1945

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18 10 1945 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence report on the strike in Panama.

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21 11 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file fly sheet appealing to dock labourers in Spanish and English concerning wage demands. Signed by the FTL

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18 12 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file 2 from Green on union demands. letters from Green to the chief of transportation in San José an the local shop steward about a meeting that was held with the minister of labour.

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20 12 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file Green send President Picado a letter telling him that the workers of the Northern are threatening an illegal strike.

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21 12 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter telling Green that a strike is going to take place. From Alfredo Picado S and Carlos L. Fallas S.

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21 12 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter to the secretary of state from Green about the strike. Possibly same one that appeared in La Voz.

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21 12 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file report from the wharf agent on the strike meeting held on the 20th. Includes the flysheet that was distributed.

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24 12 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter to Brenes the secretary of state from Green about the strike. Possibly same on that appeared in La Voz.

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26 12 1945 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file Green was given the figures on the cost of living in C.R. during 43,44,45 by the Banco Nacional de C.R.

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01 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file daily jottings on the strike that went on between the 20 and 27th of Dec. at The Northern.

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01 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file There is something form Benjamin Nuñez without a date which mentions celebrations for the 15th of September with parades organized by Rerum Novarum

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03 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file memo about the strike outlining company position. Long and detailed

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08 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file memorandum about concerning the strike. Would appear to discuss Manuel Mora and some misgivings he has about calling the strike. From Green, long and detailed account.

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09 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file to F.G. Coultas from Green about railway strike and Manuel Mora.

See 11/01/1946

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09 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter to Green from Luis and Mariano Anderson - who Green secretly uses to spread news to social clubs etc. - discussing the strike.

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09 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file about a rumor of another strike at the Northern

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11 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file very long letter on the resent strike which discusses how the company handled it. Green discusses what to do if the government tries to take over the railroad. It is sent to the board of directors in London and makes reference to Mora..

Related to 09/01/1946

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18 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file 42 employees fired because of strike. copy of letter sent to each by Green. File also includes circular about the strike sent to heads of departments, telegram sent to President Picado, translation of letter sent to Picado on 21/01/1946, letter sent to President on 22/01/1946, letter sent to Green by Prospero Guardia ordering Green to reinstate the fired workers 24/01/46 and Green's reply to Guardia 24/01/1946 telling him he will do it but that the law is not being followed by the government in this case.

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28 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter to London saying that the enemy (communism etc.) has won the second round of the battle. Concerning the recent strike at the Northern. Long and detailed account by Green to the board of directors. Mora is attacking him and calling for the nationalization of the railway and deportation of Green.

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29 01 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file from Green to president of the Northern in New York (D.C. Holmes) about the strike and its aftermath. Also a possible partial response from Holmes.

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13 02 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter from the union at the Northern to Charles Hayling Asst. al Jefe de Transportes. Argues that the ringleaders of the strike are being singled out for discipline by the management.

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08 03 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file to Green from the union about pay increases and referring to the strike

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05 11 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file Fly sheet from the FTL which is later translated into English. See /20/11/1946

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20 11 1946 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file letter in English to workers in all departments of the Northern. Regarding the strike last year and attacking the company.

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05 12 1946 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence Panamanian government asks for details of a strike in Changuinola agaca plantation. Hondurans are on strike.

Related to 05/12/1946

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07 12 1946 -- Honduras - Copies available - UFC correspondence discussing the repatriation of the Honduran strike ring leaders. names of them are given, Discusses the strike.

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14 12 1946 -- Nicaragua - Copies available - UFC correspondence which discusses permission to bring in Nicaraguans to C.R. and on to Panama. Entrance to Panama has not been secured yet. Sanderson to Myrick.

Related to 19/12/1946, 31/12/1946, 17/02/1947

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19 12 1946 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning Nicaraguans being brought in to work in Panama. From Myrick.

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31 12 1946 -- Nicaragua - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter from Nicaraguan minister to Nicaraguan consul in Panama about the 500 Nicaraguans being sent to Panama.

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12 02 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file union correspondence between railway unions in Colombia, Cuba and Central America looking for coordinated action

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17 02 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about LACSA flight which brought in a handful of labourers to Sixaola

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13 03 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence from the Sindicato de Trabajadores Cerdas Mora et al to UFC. Report of their findings in the Sixaola region.

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13 03 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence complete list supplied by Jaime Cerdas Mora and Neheniash Nesbeth Brown, Pederico Picado Sanez of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la United Fruit Company officers in Costa Rica.

Related to 13/03/1947, 16/03/1947, 19/03/1947, 01/04/1947, 22/04/1947, 21/07/1947, 23/09/1947, 02/10/1947

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16 03 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence from Federacion de Trabajadores de Limón (FTL) (Picado Saenz) to Eduardo F. Spence UFC official at Sixaola. Asking for various things from the Company.

See 19/03/1947

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19 03 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence Spence to Diebold regarding the demands made by the FTL.

Refer to 16/03/1947

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01 04 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence response to Cerdas Mora from UFC about the demands made.

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21 04 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence answer to Diebold from the FTL

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21 07 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence from FTL to Spence with more worker concerns.

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22 08 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file stating that the workers syndicate has been out of business for two years and is being revived. Appears that the workers are not too happy to see the syndicate come to life again.

See 25/08/47

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23 08 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a LACSA bill for transporting labourers.

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25 08 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - INCOFER file list of FTL set up for Limón. Details who the leaders are and what their job is.

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10 09 1947 -- Nicaragua - Copies available - UFC correspondence list of workers brought in from Nicaragua recently

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23 09 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence to Diebold from Picado Saenz about offices for the FTL. See also 02/10/1947

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22 12 1947 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence stating that of 33 labourers arriving in Sixaola 19 had malaria, but all were approved to work.

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01 01 1948 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence from FTL giving new list of officials at various farms in Costa Rica.

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24 03 1948 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a film shot in Almirate lagoons.

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20 04 1948 -- Costa Rica - Santos León Herrera takes over the presidency

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08 05 1948 -- Costa Rica - Otrilio Ulate wins Costa Rican presidential election, but Calderón Guardia and PRN attempt to retain power. José Figueres leads Army of National Liberation successfully against government, beginning of period of dominance for Figueres in Costa Rican politics.

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08 05 1948 -- Costa Rica - José Figueres Ferrer becomes Chief of Junta and promptly steps down on November 8, 1949. Junta Fundadora de La segunda Republica.

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29 07 1948 -- Costa Rica - La Gaceta 29/07/1948

Costa Rica proclaims national sovereignty over the seas adjacent to the continental and insular coasts of Costa Rica to a distance of 200 nautical miles.

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01 10 1948 -- Panama - Domingo Diaz Arosemena becomes president of Panama and rules until July 28, 1949.

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12 11 1948 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence concerning a letter from the new C.R. government requesting info an all foreign employees. Only have list from Panama division but some farms are in C.R.

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01 01 1949 -- Honduras - Juan Manuel Galvez becomes president of Honduras and rules until November 16, 1954.

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29 01 1949 -- Costa Rica - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter about and copy of an article from La Nación, San José, Costa Rica, 28/01/1949 about company not hiring as many Panamanians as it should.

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02 04 1949 -- Costa Rica - Newsweek, April 18, 1949 pp. 51

Defense Minister Edgar Cardona seizes the two leading fortresses in San José. "This was as far as he got. Provisional President José Figueres produced almost out of his hat heavy machine guns, light automatic weapons, and deadly mortars. Thousands of Costa Ricans flocked to his banner, many of them bringing their own sporting rifles and shotguns."

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07 04 1949 -- Costa Rica - La Nación, San José, Costa Rica, 07/04/1949

Alex Curling writes the following article for La Nación..

En Defensa de los Costarricenses de Color -

En dias pasados dio a conocer la presa el grave hecho de que las personas de color nacidas en el pais de padres extranjeros topiezan con dificultades en sus gestiones por optar a la ciudania costarricense.

Desde lyuego, tales dificultades no son de orden legal ni mucho menos constitucional, ya que tanto la Constitución como las leyes consran, sin discriminacion alguna el derecho de los hijos de extranjeros nacidos en el pais de ser tenidos por costarricenses de origen por el tramite sencillisimo de solicitar su inscripcion como tales en el geristro correpondiente, El problema que confrontan dichas personas en sus patioticos empeños parece radicar en la actitud de algunos de los funcionarios de la Zona Atlantica encargados de recibir y tramitar las solicitudes de opción.

De paredica arbitrariedad han sido tambien objeto las personeas de color nacidas en el extranjero que han querido cambiar su nacionalidad por la costarricense. En efecto, mientras que las solicitudes de naturalizacion de elementos de las honorablies colonias extranjeras residentes en el pais, entre ells la polonesa, eran tramitadas y resuelts favorablemente, las de honorables elementos de la raza de color, de larga residencia en el pais (en algunos casos hasta de mas de cincuenta anos) se apolillaban en los archivos de la Secretaria de Telaciones Experiores.

La actitude de los que, cegados por el odio racial, pretenden negarle al elemento de color residente en el pais, el derecho a la ciudadania costarricense no pyede ser mas contraria a los elevados intereses de la nation, pyesto que la mas trascendental de todas las nacionalizaciones es la de elementos humano, que es el que da a la nation su fisonomia espirityal y unida a factores materiales, determinar el grado de su desarrlollo economico.

Esa nacionalizacion lalleva a cabo en forma silenciosa la escuela costarricense a despecho de los que no han sabido inmolar sobre el altar de la conveniencia nacional sus intereses mezquinos, sus caprichos y prejuicios. Contra éstos levanto su voz el mas grande apostol de la docencia nacional, el maestro Omar Dengo defendiendo el derecho del negro a la cultura y a la ciudadania, y abriendole con las de su Escuela Normal, las puertas de su noble corazon.

Aunque no en la extension que seria de desear, la escuela costarricense ha hecho sentir tambien su benefica inlfluencia entre las juventudes de color: ha ilustrado sus mentes con los anales de nuestra histroia; ha pyesto en sus labios el himno nacional y en sus corazones el amor por la tir=erra y el pyeble que los vio nacer.

Pretender borrar con medidas arbitrarias - querer disober con el agua fuerte de la discriminacion racial - toda esta labor de la escuela costarriecense es antipatriotico en sum grado, por que mas que en el verde esmeralda de sus rios y mares, mas que en sus cumbres y majestuosos volcanes, mas que en sus pampas y fertiles valles, y mas que en sus hermsa bandera, sus prodigo suel y el limpido azul de sus cielo, la patria late en el corazon de sus hijos.

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26 06 1949 -- Costa Rica - Alex Curling writes el Diario de Costa Rica.

Que Los lnegros de costa Rica Tengamos en Mayor Brado Patria, Cultura, Justicia y Libertad. - Y que se lleve asi a su cabal realizacion en nuestra Partria la Obra redentora de Lincoln y Bolivar - En 1943 la democracia costarricense sufrio la mas profunda herida: La prohibicion para que los negros pyedan ser empleados en la industria bananera de pacifico. dice en el presente articulo don Alex Curling. - Liga Para La Defensa de Los Derechos de Hombre

Pte. Señores,

Es de lamentar que puedan denunciarse violaciones de los derechos de hombre promulgados por la Organizacion de las Naciones unidas en un pais como el nuestro en que esos derechos so constitucionales y la expresion mas elevada del tradicional espirity cristiano y democratico de un pueble. Y es especialmente doloroso que tenga que denunciarlas quien como el suscrito ha podidido apreciar intemamente a lo largo de su vida el espirity generso de un pueble para quein el hombre es hombre a pesar de su color y que ha perpetuado en el bronce la humilde y morena figura de un Juan Santamaria. Y es duro tener que hacerlo despues de haber escuchado a ese pueblo decir con Omar Dengo: "Bienvenidos los Negros. Los recibire con los brazos abiertos" y con Ricardo Jiminez: "En el trato que quiere darle a los negros los menos negros son los negros"

Pero es lo cierto que la minoria racial a la cual me honro en pertenecer, no obstante su incalculable aporte al progreso economico de la nacion vio cercenado en un dia negro en la historia legislativa de la Republica, el mas caro de sus derechos himanos: el derecho bibilco de fanarse la vida honradamente con el sudor de su frente, con ese sudor que dio a Costa Rica un ferrocarril y una prospera industria bananera.

Ese dia en que la democracia costaricense sufrio la mas profunda herida fue aquella fatidica fecha en que un congreso de la Re[publica olvidando que era la representación de una patria noble y gentil, olvidando que los derechos del hombre con el patrinonio constitucional de todo ser humano que piso suelo costarricense, consgros en su ignominiosa le No.30 de 10 de diciembre de 1934 la prohibición de emplear gentes de color en la industria bananera del Pacifico.

La vigencia de esa ley y su observacia constituyen una inicualviolacion de los derechos de hombre, que mas que en la Constitucion de la Republica y en la Declaracion Internacional de los Derechos del Hombre, ésta escrita por la tradicion y los sentimientos religiosos en la conciencia del pueblo costarricense.

La abolicion de la trata de negros y la esclvitud, maxima negacion de los derechos humanos, es la primera etapa de un largo proceso de liberacions lque aun no ha termidado: a los negros todavia se nos humilla y maltrata con grilletes como el que nos coloco un congreso de la Republica a los ciento iez anos de haber abolido Centra America el regimen opobioso e in-humano de ;a esc;avotid.

Vengo por este medio a pedir la proteccion de la Liga parala Defensa de los Derechos de Hombre, y no solo de esta humanitaria organizacion, sino tambien la de todos los hombres de buena voluntad, para que los negros de Costa Rica tengamos en mayor grado, cultura, justicia y librtad, y se lleve asi a su cabal realizcion en nuestra patria la obra redentora de Lincoln y Bolivar. Atentamente, Alex Curling.

Diario de Costa Rica 26 06 1949.

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28 06 1949 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about unions in Panama. Mentions a coloured boy who was mixing with them and how it would be better to get rid of the Panamanians before any more outsiders get involved.

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28 07 1949 -- Panama - Daniel Chanis becomes the acting president of Panama until November 20, 1949.

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25 08 1949 -- Nicaragua - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter from a lawyer discussing previous letter from Juilan Sepelvada and asking for damages.

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25 08 1949 -- Nicaragua - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter to Dr. Rosendo Jurado from Julian Sepelvada complaining about a Nicaraguan forman at Changuinola.

See also 25/08/1949

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28 09 1949 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence letter about CIO organization in Panama which discusses how to attack them.

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07/10/1949 -- Nicaragua - Copies available - UFC correspondence about the Nicaraguan being transferred. From Maters to Diebold.

See also 10/10/1949

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07 10 1949 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence memo to Masters about the transfer of a labourer for unsatisfactory work. Mentions problems with indians on the Luzon farm. Seems that there was some labour agitation here on the part of one Nicaraguan.

See also 07/10/1949 and 10/10/1949

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10 10 1949 -- Panama - Copies available - UFC correspondence about a Nicaraguan inciting the Indians to strike.

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04 11 1949 -- Costa Rica - Ley No. 836 Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1949; 1950.

Considerando:

1) Que el artículo 5, párrafo 3, de la ley número 31 del 10 de diciembre de 1934, prohibe que se ocupen gentes de color en los trabajos de producción y explotación de la industria bananera en la Zona del Pacífico.

2) Que de acuerdo conproncipios sociales que se imspiran en la dignidad de la persona humana, no debe haber discriminación alguna por motivos raciales para la lebertad de trabajo y de tránsito en la Repúbilca, por lo cual debe dejarse si efecto esa disposición legal.

3) Que en vista de la ausencia de datos precisos sobre la población de color, en cuanto a su múmero y verdadera situación jurídica, es ncesario prodecer a un empadronamiento debido de todos sus intergrantes, sean costariricenses o no, a fin de determinar con exactitud los extremos antes enunciados,para así aplicar adicuadamente en su caso las leyes de inmigración, asi como todos los demás textos legales pertinientes.

4) Qje la asamblea Nacional Costituyente elevó una excitativa a la Junta Fundadora de la Segunda República en el sentido de eliminar aspectos discriminatorios contra las gentes de color, entre las que hay ciudadaanos costarriceses,

Por Tanto, Decreta:

Artículo 1. Crease un comisión, dependiente del Ministerio de Trabajo, que seá intergrada como se indica en el articulo siguiente, la cual debera llevar a cabo un empadronameient do toda la boplación de color de Costa Rica, sean ciudadanos costarriccenses o no, a fin de preceder al arreglo de toda la documentación de identidad de cada uno de dichos individuos, de conformidad con sus nacionalidad y las leyes respectivas vigentes.

Artículo 4. Se deroga el parafo 3 de articulo 5 de la ley numero 31 de 10 de diciembre de 1934. Esta derogatoria entrara en bigencia una vez que la Comision, que se crea por esta ley haya efectuado los fines especificados, y hecho anuncio el el "Diario Oficial" de la conculsión definitiva de sus tareas, y lbeneficiara a los individuos que hayan arreglado su situación jurídica en debida forma, en cuanto a la documentación indentificatoria. Los ciudadanos costarricenses de color, que puedan comprobar su estado jurídico, fozarán de los beneficios de esta derogatoria a partir de la publicación e esta ley. Colección de Leyes y Decretos, 1949.

law cancelling the law of 10/12/1934 that restricted blacks from moving freely in the country and creating the Comission especial para el empadronamiento de toda la poblacion de color en Costa Rica, con miras a prodeder a arreglar la documentacion que los integrara al libre ejercicio de la ciudadania costarricese.

07 11 1949 -- Costa Rica - Costa Rica introduces new Constitution.

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07 11 1949 -- Costa Rica - New Constitution allows blacks to apply for citizenship and to move about freely within the country.

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08 11 1949 -- Costa Rica - La Nación, San Jose, Costa Rica, 8/11/49

La Nación runs the following story...

Control estricto en cuanto a elementos de color que trabajan en la Zona Bananera de Sur - Las autroidades de aquellas regiones deberán levantar censos de esos elementos a fin de impedir que extranjeros se acojan a las disposiciones legales que al respecto entraron en vigencia -

Como en su oportunidad informamos, la Junta de Bobeirno emitió decreto ley por medio del cual se derogan disposiciones legales anteriores que restrinhen el trabaho a elemenos de color para poder estos baborar en las regiones bananeras de Sur. Al respecto se nos entera de que se han girado instrucciones a las autroidades todas de las regiones de Sur Pacifico a fin de que verifiquen censos o empadro namientos de todos los elementos de todos los elementos de color que por allá lleguen, y se impida así que extranjeros puedan acogerse a este Decreto Ley, ya que los alcnces del mismo, lbnefician únicamente a los costarricenses. Por medio de estos lcensos, se podrá saber en forma exácta el numero de trabajadores de color que se trasladen a las regiones bananeras del Sur, acogiéndose a estas nuevas disposiciones legales.

08 11 1949 -- Costa Rica - Otilio Ulate Blanco becomes president and holds office until May 8, 1953.

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08 11 1949 -- Costa Rica - La Nación, San Jose, Costa Rica, 08/11/1949

La Nación also runs an article by Alex Curling...

Jublio de los Costaricenses de color -

Llenos de júbilo celebramos los costarricenses de color la derogatoria de la discriminacion legal que coartaba nuestra libertad de trabaho en la zona de Pacifico. Pero nuestra intima complacencia no es tanto por las consecuencias economicas de tal derogatoria que pierden importancia ante el auge providencial que el los ultimos años ha experimentatdo la zona Atlantica, como por su trascendencia en el orden moral, ya que la patriotica acogida que la Junta Fundadora de la Segunda Republica ha dispensado al gesto sublime de la Asamblea Nacional Constituyente reafirma nuestra fe en el espirity cristiano y democratico del pueblo costarricense; da conteido real a la brillante defensa que los derechos del hombre hiciera Costa Rica en la Organización de las Maciones Unidas; constituye un motivo más de profundo agradecimiento para quienes expusieron sus vidas y haciendas por devolverle a la Patria sus mas preciadas libertades; y sobre todo dice al costarricense de color con la sinceridad sublime de los hechos, que la ciudadania que ostenta es en verdad el galardon de que hablara Omar Dengo en su vibrante defensa de la raza de color, la llave de oro que abriera a San Pablo las pyerts de la justicia romana, el titulo que glorifica Simón Bolivar ante los pyeblos de America, y el tesoro inapreciable por el que derramaron su sangre sacrosante los héroes de Santa Rosa y Rivas.

En esta hora de triynfo de la democracia costaricense, rindamos el homenaje de un revernete recuerdo a la memoria de las veneradas figueras de Omar Dengo y Ricardo Jimenez, quenes lucharon con la fuerza incontrastable de su prestigio moral e intelectual porque Costa Rica sea siempre para todos sus hijos la tierra gentil y madre de amor que exalta el Himnno Nacional.

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15 11 1949 -- Panama - Copy available - CO 318/497/8

A lengthy report on the Labour conditions in Panama and the Canal Zone.

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20 11 1949 -- Panama - Roberto Chiari becomes president of Panama for five days until 25 November, 1949.

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25 11 1949 -- Panama - Arnulfo Arias assumed presidency of Panama by coup d'etat until May 10, 1951.

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04 12 1949 -- Britain - Caribbean Socialist Party resolves then requests that Trinidadian workers be considered in the labour recruitment schemes for B. Honduars, B. Guiana and the United States. Sent to the Governor.

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01 01 1950 -- Costa Rica - Costa Rica abolishes army.

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01 01 1950 -- Costa Rica - copy available - 1950 census

El censo de 1950 que es el último en que se califican las razas en Costa Rica, nos da 2 la información de la existencia en todo el país de un total de 15.118 negros. Limón sigue siendo la relación que tiene el mayor número de ells, puesto que el total asciende a 13.749, de manera que para el resto del país, quedaban distribuidos 1.169 negros. Esto conduce a la conclusión de que el 91.8 de los negors tenían su residencia en la provincia de Limón.

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15 02 1950 -- General - CO 318 510 7

City of New York Department of Welfare concerned about the jobs West Indian seasonal immigrants take from Puerto Ricans.

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20 08 1950 -- Costa Rica - La Nación, San Jose, Costa Rica, 20/08/1950

Alex Curling sends and open letter to the President to La Nacion. Dated 16/08/1950

Señor don Otilio Ulate B. Presidente.

Ha llegado a mi conocimiento que funcionarios de Ministerio de Seguridad publica estan cobrando a los subditos britanicos de color el impyesto de cincuenta colones a que hace referencia la ley No19 de 3 de febreo de 1950, no obstante que los exime de pagarlo el articulo X de Tratado de Amistad Comericio y Navegacion aun bigente suscrito por nuestro pais La GranBretaña en 1849.

Lo que hace mas contraproducente tal medida es que se a;lica a los hijos de elementos de esa nacionalidad nacidos en el pais. precisamente cuando gestionan su inscripción como costarricenses, viendose asi la mayoria de ellos privados de ese derecho constitucional al elevarse en forma desmidida los gastos que apareja tan patriotica determinacion.

Aunque no sea en el fondo su finalidad, se convierte asi el impyesto en uno mas de los arbitros a que en diversas oportunidades se ha recurrido para negarles a los habitantes de color el derecho de ser costarricenses.

Se ha tomado como pretexto para cobrarles el impyesto el hecho de ue la mencionada ley fue modificada en el sentido de que : solo estaran exentos del pago del impyuesto a que se refiere esta ley, aquellos extranjeros que preseten servicios docentes en centros educacionales publicos o privados reconodicos por la ley y los etudiantes extranjeros matriculados en esos mismos cintros." Pero no obstante que el citado testo legal no los excluye exopreamente, su aplicacion a los subditos britanicos es indevida y riñe con la hermeneutica legal, pues coexistiendo un tratado solemne que expresamente los excluye de pagar impyestos distintos de los lque paguen los nacionales, lo aconsejable sria, aunque las disposiciones fuesen aparentemente contradictorias armonizarlas y no atribuirle al Poder Legislativo la intencion de lmancillar la bien cimentada reputacion de Costa Rica de fiel cumplidora de sus compromisos internaicoanles.

Tampoco podria tomarse la citada disposicion legislativa como derogatoria de Tratado, poque los tratados por tiempo inderterminado com el presente solo se extiuguen por el consentimiento reciproco de las partes contratantes o por denuncia que de ellos hag una de las partes por los procedimintos que los mismos tratados establezcan.

Como costarricense y partidario suyo en las pasadas elecciones presidenciales desdeo para su administracion el maximo de entradas fiscales a fin de que pyeda realizar una brillate labor administrativa, tanto para su prestigio como en lbeneficio del pais; pero por sobre ese deseo, por laudable que sea, estan en el caso presente tanto los postulados de justicia social como la santidad de los tratados porque, dada la miseria en que vegetan las masas de la Zona Atlantica, la pretendida imposicion vendria a ser una mas de las ltantas vicistudes que ha venido padeciendo esa sufrida gente.

Apelo a sus sentimientos de bondad y de justicia seguro de que comprobado por Ud. el hecho que pongo en sus conocimiento y ponderadas la razones que he expuesto en abono de la tesis de que es incoveniente e ilegal ed cobro del impuesto a los habitantes de color que todavia no han podido nacionalizarse, atendera el clamor de justicia que por mi medio elevan a Ud.

Con las muestras de mi mas distiguida consideracion quedo de Ud. att. y S. S., Alex Curling

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09 05 1951 -- Panama - Alcibiades Arosemena becomes president of Panama until October 1, 1952.

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04 06 1951 -- General - CO 318 505 5

Letter to Mr. Foggon from E.W.M. Magor dealing with "the recommendation by the West Indian Conference to intensify their efforts towards the removal of restrictions on the migration of labour to the Americas and elsewhere, particularly those imposed on the ground o race or colour."

See also, The Times Tuesday August 14, 1951 for article on the "Opening up Brazil".

All this concerns a "Caribbean Commission on the Migration of Labour"

The Fourth session took place at Curacao in Nov. 1950 and issued a report.

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01 06 1952 -- Costa Rica - Relaciones Exteriores 5460

New York Times publishes article describing how "Costarican Jews" are under attack from a group called the Junta Patriotica Costarricence who run antisemitic newspaper adds and write slogans on walls. "The government has adopted an official hands-off attitude. It will interfere only if violence is threatened to persons or property. This was made clear to Jewish leaders by President Otilio Ulated Blanco himself. News paper called El Trapiche "has carried articles to match anything the Nazis ever pour out on a purely racial basis." ... "Similar anti-Jewish campaigns in 1934 and 1949 were nipped at the start on word from the Presidential office. No word has come from President Ulate and, in fact, those running the campaign point to the President previous speeches to support their propaganda against Jews." Governments response to all of this in answer to the "World Jewish Congress" is that in Costa Rica there is no discrimination against race or religion. The government maintains that it does not know who is behind it but that it appears to be commercially and not racially motivated.

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01 10 1952 -- Panama - Jose Antonio Remon Cantera becomes president of Panama and rules until his assassination on January 3, 1955.

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01 01 1953 -- Costa Rica - Relaciones Exteriores 2340

21 passports corresponding to 21 solicitudes for "opciones de Ciudanía" were sent to registro civil from Kingston Jamaica in 1953 according to the Consul for Costa Rica in that country.

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08 05 1953 -- Costa Rica - Jose Figueres administration in Costa Rica brings modest social and economic reform, but fails to improve Costa Rican standard of living significantly.

Figueres serves until May 8, 1958.

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07 11 1954 -- Costa Rica - Relaciones Exteriores 2340

The opportunity to obtain Costarican citizenship ends for extranjeros.

News paper article sent to Consul in Kingston on 26/03/1954 reads as follows.

"En noviembre vence el Plazo para obtener la Ciudadania Costarricense"

De acuerdo con lo dispuesto don el articulo transitorio primero de la constitución Política. -Es una notificción del Tribunal Electoral y del Registro Civil.

El Tribunal Supremo de elecciones y el Registro Civil están avisando:

A los hijos de padres extranjeros nacidos en territorio nacional y a los hijos de padres soctarricenses nacidos en el extranjero, mayores de 25 años, que el plazo de articulo 1 transitorio de la Constitución Politica, para obtención de la diudadania, ezpira el siete de noviembre de este año. Que, en consecuencia, deben presentarse por escrito antes de ese término solicitando - se así lo desean - su inscripción de costarricense (Opción). Articulo 1. incisos 2) y 3) de ley de extranjeria y naturalizacion de 1950. Vencido dicho téramino se considerán extreanjeros quienes legalmente no solicitaro la ciudadanía. A los hijos de padres extranjeros nacidos en territorio nacional y a los hijos de padres costarricenses nacidos en el extranjero, se les advierte: que para obtener la ciudadanía costarricense, (Opción) se requieren 25 años cumplidos o menor de esa edad. Pasado ese lapso se considerán extranjeros.

Requisitos para obtención de la ciudadanía costarricense (Opcion):

a) Solicitud dirigida al Registro Civil en papel de cincuenta céntimos, firmada por el intereado si fuere mayor de edad o por su padre o madre si fuere nemor, con la autenticación de abogado:

b) Certificación de nacimiento expedida por el Registro Civil;

c) Tres fotografías, tamaño pasaporte de frente;

d) Un timbre fiscal por valor de dos colones; y

Last bit is unknown because article is cut at this point. It appears that Costa Ricans abroad claimed their citizenship by obtaining a passport.

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26 11 1960 -- Costa Rica - Coleccion de Leyes y Decretos, 1960; 1961

Ley No. 2694 del 26 de Noviembre, 1960

Articulo 1: Prohibase toda suerte de discrimination determinada por distinciones, exclusiones o preferencias fundada en consideracions sobre raza, color, sexo, edad, religion, estado civil, opinion politica, ascendencia nacional, origen social, filiacion o situacion economica, que limite la egualidad de oportunidades o trato en materia de empleo o ocupacion.


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Department of History Copyright Ronald N. Harpelle
Last revised: January 31, 2001