810.20 Defense/722/15: Telegram

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

63. The President of Costa Rica13 today urgently wants loan or gift from the United States Government of arms and ammunition for [Page 84] internal defensive purposes, on account supply here is antiquated and wholly inadequate.

The President is manifestly concerned as the result of Nazi and Communist activities and he ventured the hope that either by Executive order or legislation this request might result in a shipment at a very early date. He further expressed the hope that the officers mentioned in the Department’s telegram No. 40 of June 3, 3 p.m. would arrive at a very early date in order to consult on local defense measures.

Referring to my telegram No. 61 dated June 4, 1 [2] p.m.,14 it has been definitely established that the arms and ammunition found at Golfito yesterday were transported from San José by Taca plane to that point. Investigation proceeds.

Hornibrook
  1. Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia.
  2. Not printed.