817.01/11–2547: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica
382. It is not clear to Dept why Costa Rican govt feels impelled to follow action mentioned urtel 549 Nov. 25.83 It is equally difficult to believe Betancourt would participate. You may however inform Fonmin that Dept would not interpret action as “hostile” to US policy although definitely not in line with it. You may also inform Fonmin that in opinion this govt exchange of messages with Somoza would not constitute recognition since Somoza is not technically head of state. Dept does not anticipate acknowledging or sending any holiday messages to Román, Somoza or any other Nicaraguan official.
- The Chargé in Costa Rica replied in telegram 553, December 1, 1947, 4 p.m., as follows: “Foreign Office has now informed me Acting Foreign Minister meant greetings with Román and not Somoza and (2) he was mistaken concerning Betancourt (817.01/12–147).↩