Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-09
Attitude South and
 Central America
ENTRY OF SEVERAL COUNTRIES
 INTO WAR REGARDED CERTAIN
IN SUPPORT OF U. s.
At Least Two of the Five Central American Republics Are Certain American Officials Are Closely Watching Every Move In Mexico.

Washington, April S.-Early entrance of several of the South and Central American countries into the war against Germany is regarded here as virtually certain. Brazil, aroused by the sinking of her steamship Parana, is expected to become belligerent t-.is week, and it is assumed that ner lead will be followed promptly by other countries.
 Reports of divided opinion in Argen- tina have given officials here little reason to look for aggressive action by that country
 Support of Central American Republics
 Active support of the United States American republics and possibly by four would not be surprising. Offfeial and unofficial reports that Gudtema "a is contemplating seriously a break with Germany have been received So long as Mexico's course is undefined unusual interest is attached te the po- sition of the Central American gov ernments, especially that of Guatemasa, controlling the southern frontier of Mexico. In the event of the develop ment of an unfriendly situation in Mexico it is realized that Guatemala's role would be far from unimportant. In Guatemala President Cabrera has built up what is regarded generally as the most efficient army in Central America, and with it he would be in a position to lend valuable assistance tc the United States Antipathy between the Guatemaians and Mexicans there has existed for years.
 It is known that earnest efforts have been made by counsellors of Cabrera to induce him to enter promptly into the war. If he does place hi ,country will quickly follow and that the long, standing difficulties between those two countries and Salvador and Honduras may be swept away.
 Odd Situation in Costa Rica.
 An odd situation would be left n the position of Costa Rica. There a new government has just been installed and has apparently no opportunity of recognition by the United States Federico Tinoco. who overth ,ew the goveFnment Of Alfredo Gonzales in January, was elected president on April l. Official notification of his election was received at the state department yesterday The country is at peace, but prior to the election and irnmedi- ately after the overthrow of Gonzales the United States government an nounced that it would not recognize the de facto government ami would not recognize Tinoco if elected
 Some anxiety has been manifested in the probable position Tinoco would take, but in case the executives of the other four Central American govern ments join the war any obstruction Tinoco might set up would be Cf little consequence.
 Closely Watching Mexico.
 American officials continue to watch closely every move in Mexico but lit tie real anxiety remains. It is be- ieved now that German machinations in that country have failed and that the worst that may be expected from that quarter is declaration of neu- trality.
 Investigation by officers of the Amer ican army showed that the reports of German reservists crossing from the united States into Mexico have been exaggerated and that since the break Ing of relations with Germany up to ten days ago not more than one hun dred have crossed