818.00/4–1948: Telegram
The Ambassador in Costa Rica (Davis) to the Secretary of State
173. Following is English text (re mytel 171, April 18) statement read by Picado to diplomatic group presence political leaders, etc., regarding Nicaraguan invasion:
“The President of the Republic categorically declares that he has never authorized the President of Nicaragua invade Costa Rican territory. That the sole request made Nicaraguan Government is guard frontier accordance established practices of reciprocity and in fulfillment its duties of international neutrality prevent entry into ranks of revolution of Nicaraguan elements.
In these moments Foreign Minister of Costa Rica is communicating with Costa Rican delegation Bogotá clarifying allegation of Nicaraguan Government; and requesting Minister Managua make appropriate representations to Nicaraguan Government to the end of ordering retire from Costa Rican territory any Nicaraguan force which may have invaded it.”
As the President was visibly disconcerted when aware we had text Somoza’s telegram I believe only that factor made him apparently reverse decision to accept Somoza’s help.1
- In despatch 205, April 20, from Managua, not printed, Chargé Bernbaum enclosed copies of alleged true copies of two documents signed at Punta Arenas on April 16, purporting to prove General Somoza’s claim that he had been authorized by the Picado Government to send troops to Costa Rica.↩