Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The American Republics, Volume IV

811.05118/12–2853: Telegram

The Ambassador in Costa Rica (Hill) to the Department of State

confidential

San José, December 28, 1953—2 p.m.

60. Re Deptel 55, December 24.¹ Department should understand we have been working diligently to channel Figueres’ thinking away from nationalization United Fruit Company. Record shows considerable success to date. Figueres has been informed repeatedly our position re United Fruit Company negotiations but still persists in trying involve Department. We are aware reasons and only allowed letter² be addressed me to keep negotiations alive and pin Figueres down re nationalization. United Fruit Company requested letter twice without success. I have asked United Fruit Company through San Jose reply directly to Figueres as Embassy had no intention replying unless instructed otherwise.

Believe trip³ to Pacific banana zone fruitful, gave Stewart and I opportunity reach working class, see other side United Fruit Company, know President better and discuss multitude problems with him. Believe ultimately trip asset rather than liability.

Figueres far from firm in ideas which has expounded and can be influenced if handled properly. We realize Figueres has profited propagandawise at expense United Fruit Company, but at this point I believe it more important get his confidence and allow him a little propaganda instead remaining diplomatically aloof. I believe we have already tempered his attitude toward United Fruit Company and many other problems. Department may be assured that Stewart and I are aware of our responsibilities to Department and protection American interests in Costa Rica. Seriously request consideration my letter to Cabot dated December 24⁴ and would appreciate early reply.

Hill

1. Not printed (811.05118/12–1953)
2. A copy and translation of the referenced letter, from President Figueres to Ambassador Hill, dated Dec. 19, 1953, stating the President’s views concerning the Costa Rican Government’s desire to renegotiate the United Fruit Company contract, were transmitted to the Department of State under cover of despatch 473, dated Dec. 21, 1953, not printed (811.05118/12–2153).
3. Reference is to a 3-day inspection tour of banana-producing areas during which Ambassador Hill and Mr. Stewart were accompanied by President Figueres.
4. A copy of the referenced letter, in which Ambassador Hill requested consultation at the Department, and Assistant Secretary Cabot’s reply, dated Jan. 5, 1954, suggesting that the Ambassador spend the latter part of January in Washington for that purpose, are contained in Cabot files, lot 56 D 13, “Costa Rica”.