File No. 817.812/106a.

The Secretary of State to Minister Hale.

My dear Mr. Hale: The Costa Rican Government seems to be very actively opposed to the proposed treaty with Nicaragua. This treaty covers an option on a canal route and a naval base in Fonseca Bay. Please explain to the Government that they need not fear that any rights that they have will be disregarded. Their treaty with Nicaragua does not require that Nicaragua must secure the consent of Costa Rica, but only provides that Costa Rica shall be consulted, and the words of the treaty indicate that the consultation is to be for the purpose of protecting Costa Rica from any injury in case the canal is built. This Government will, of course, safeguard Costa Rica from injury in case a canal is built along the Costa Rican boundary, and we have assured the Costa Rican Government through Minister Calvo that we also are ready and willing to purchase an option from Costa Rica on terms as favorable as those given by Nicaragua. We are also willing to lease a naval base near the southern extremity of Costa Rica, but were assured that Costa Rica did not desire to make such a lease.

As to the Platt Amendment, we have explained to Minister Calvo that that has not been decided upon. The treaty which the Senate Committee is considering in confidence is purely a tentative draft. We shall be glad to examine into the protest of Costa Rica in case the conference results in anything that affects Costa Rica’s treaty rights. We do not understand why Costa Rica should take so active! a part in the fight against the treaty. She has no reason to doubt the disinterested-friendship of the United States and no reason to fear that any harm will be done her by any course taken by the United States.

Please let us know whether you find any hostile feeling there, and, if so, what the foundation is.

Yours [etc.]

W. J. Bryan
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