718.1915/325a: Telegram

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

14. You are instructed to convey immediately the substance of the following to President Acosta:

The Department of State has today been informed that Costa Rican troops have invaded the territory adjudged by the White award to be that of Panama and that they are now advancing on Almirante and Bocas del Toro. This information, which appears to be confirmed, has caused the Government of the United States the gravest concern. This Government desires to urge upon the Government of Costa Rica in the most earnest manner, immediate compliance with its recommendation that instructions be given to its forces between the status quo line and the Cerro Pando–Punta Burica line to advance no further and that immediate instructions be issued to those troops which have advanced into Guabito and which are now approaching Almirante and Bocas del Toro to withdraw at once to the northern bank of the Sixaola River.

This Government recognizes the fact that the controversy with respect to the boundary between Costa Rica and Panama has been finally determined by the award of Chief Justice White as arbitrator, and desires to urge upon the Government of Costa Rica the importance of immediate cessation of hostilities to the end that appropriate settlement be promptly made in an orderly manner in accordance with Chief Justice White’s decision. This Government cannot [Page 182] regard forcible measures by either party as justifiable. Representations of a similar nature are being made to the Government of Panama.

Report at once by cable the reply of the Costa Rican Government to the above message.

For your confidential information, the Department is of opinion that this long-standing controversy must be settled in accordance with the White award, unless parties otherwise voluntarily agree. With this information, you should be able to procure immediate compliance with above message. Ships are being sent to protect American lives and property.

Hughes