715.1715/1305a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (Corrigan)
43. In the course of a conversation upon his return from Costa Rica, Sr. Castro Beeche53 expressed the opinion that it would be extremely desirable for you to proceed to San José as soon as possible to discuss plans for the future work of the Commission with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He said that the Minister for Foreign Affairs is under the impression that this Government does not sincerely desire the Commission to proceed with its efforts to bring about a successful conclusion of the boundary controversy.
This wholly erroneous impression seems to have been derived from the attitude taken by you under the Department’s instructions at the meeting of the Commission last spring. At that time, it will be recalled, consideration was being given by the Costa Rican and Venezuelan members to fixing responsibility for the existing impasse, which would unquestionably have resulted in the retirement of Honduras from the mediation. The Department suggested the advisability of a recess during which consideration could be given by the three Governments to the steps that might be taken to bring about a definitive solution of the boundary dispute.
The Costa Rican Minister states that he endeavored in every possible way to disabuse Señor Zuñiga Montufar of his misapprehension, but he feels that he was only partially successful. Although the President fully understands what took place, the reasons therefor, and the very urgent desire of this Government that the boundary dispute be satisfactorily adjusted, Dr. Castro Beeche believes that an informal but frank exchange of views between you and the Foreign Minister would have the effect of clearing up any misunderstanding of our position. He does not wish it to be known, however, that the suggestion has come from him as he feels that your visit would be more effective were it to appear that it was made entirely on your own initiative.
I feel that in view of the apparent uncertainty with regard to the position of the Foreign Minister toward the future work of the Commission you should proceed as soon as possible to San José to discuss the subject with him. Before doing so, however, it is desired that you consult with and inform Dr. Rodriguez of what you propose to do, and the reason therefor, in order that there may be no misunderstanding in that quarter. This visit will not of course take the place of your later visit to San José with Dr. Rodriguez, and you may wish to [Page 265] make it clear to Dr. Rodriguez that the present visit is solely for the purpose of a preliminary discussion with Señor Zuñiga Montufar of the results of your recent conferences in Washington.
Please report by telegraph as soon as you decide on the date of your departure for San José.
- Costa Rican Minister.↩