Office of the Historian

818.00/12–1148: Telegram

The Ambassador in Costa Rica (Davis) to the Secretary of State

confidential
us urgent
San José, December 11, 1948—5 p. m.

396. President sent for me 3 p. m. With Ulate and Foreign Minister present asked if US would permit Costa Rica purchase arms in event invasion not speedily repulsed.1 I replied my understanding US had not refused his government export license for arms procurable private sources, although for some time US Government itself unable sell. On his repeated request, seconded by Ulate, I promised inquire possibility obtain 2000 rifles, 100 light machine guns using same ammunition, [Page 537] 100 medium mchten [machine?] AA guns and armament for P–38. Please wire reply.2

Replying my direct question said Caribbean Legion offered support as unit with 600 men. This proposal rejected but stated individual volunteers acceptable, and he is demanding delivery all Legion arms which would be taken forcibly if not given up by tonight. Emphasized while Legion has arms in Costa Rica for that number, actual membership far less.

Said no reports any support within Costa Rica of invasion, on contrary offers pouring in aid government. Endeavoring detain Vanguardia leaders but all except one in hiding.

Has instructed Marten3 invoke Rio treaty.4 While his information sketchy, understands 800 men in attack La Cruz. Says only about 200 can possibly be Ticas.

Davis
  1. The northwest frontier of Costa Rica was reported to have been invaded on December 10, allegedly by armed forces from Nicaragua.↩
  2. Acting Secretary Lovett replied in telegram 267, December 12, not printed, as follows: “As Costa Rican Govt already informed US Govt has no surplus arms available for sale but no objection granting export licenses for approved purchases Costa Rican Govt. Reurtel 396, Dec. 11.”↩
  3. Alberto Marten, Minister of Economy and Finance, who was in Washington on government business at that time.↩

  4. The Inter-American treaty of reciprocal assistance, signed at Rio de Janeiro, September 2, 1947, effective December 3, 1948 (Department of State Treaties and other International Acts Series 1838, or 62 Stat. (2) 1681).

    For documentation on this subject, see Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. viii, pp. 1 ff.

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