810.154/3173
President Roosevelt to the President of Costa Rica (Calderon Guardia)
I have received and given careful study to your Excellency’s telegram of September 16. The decision to suspend work on the pioneer highway in Central America was taken because the military situation confronting the United Nations no longer justified the intensive efforts required to rush this highway to completion. I am gratified that the project has nevertheless provided permanent benefits to Costa Rica.
The War and State Departments together with the Public Roads Administration are now completing arrangements for the systematic continuation of the permanent Inter-American Highway project in Costa Rica under the cooperative agreement already concluded. The special appropriation recently voted by Congress will contribute to this end. It is my conviction that in carrying out this revision of plans, the pertinent agencies of this Government are seeking the greatest possible benefit to the progress and prosperity of Costa Rica.