174. Editorial Note
In despatch 391 from San José, January 10, First Secretary of the Embassy C. Allen Stewart reported that he had been invited by President Figueres to attend a session of the Costa Rican Cabinet on the evening of January 7. At the session, Foreign Minister Esquivel stated that he believed an invasion from Nicaragua was imminent, and requested the United States to send a flight of jets to Costa Rica and Navy warships to patrol off its coasts. Stewart reported that he replied “that it was highly unlikely that the United States would take such action but that if the President so desired, the request would be forwarded to the Department.” (Department of State, Central Files, 718.00/1–1055) Stewart also reported in the despatch that on January 8 the Costa Rican national guard reserves were alerted but were not placed on active duty.