Office of the Historian

740.00111 A.R.–Subs/19

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Costa Rica (Hornibrook)

No. 406
[Washington,] July 29, 1940.

Sir: With reference to your despatch no. 2355 of July 13, concerning the possible adoption by the American republics of a uniform policy with regard to the exclusion of belligerent submarines, you are informed that laws or decrees to this effect have been adopted by 14 [Page 786] of the 19 American republics having seacoasts. In Central America, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua have taken positive action in this respect since the outbreak of the current European war.

This information may be of use to you in any further discussion of this matter with the Costa Rican authorities which may be initiated by the latter.

Very truly yours,

For the Acting Secretary of State: [sic]
Sumner Welles