186. Editorial Note

In telegram 223 from San José, January 16, Woodward informed the Department of State that Costa Rica had purchased four aircraft from the United States for defensive purposes. (Department of State, Central Files, 718.5622/1–1655) In telegram 214 to San José, January 18, the Embassy was instructed to advise President Figueres that Costa Rica could choose to return the planes and pay only the service costs. (Ibid., 718.5622/1–1855) According to a memorandum prepared in the office of the Special Assistant to the Secretary of State for Mutual Security Affairs, dated January 25, the Costa Rican Government chose to purchase the planes, a decision which was approved by the Department of Defense. (Ibid., 718.5–MSP/–2555)