Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

CR–28. Telegram from the Chargé in Costa Rica (Kimmel) to the Department of State¹

San José, November 15, 1960, 6 p.m.

256. DEPARTMENT PASS DA FOR ACSI AND G–2 USARCARIB, CINCARIB

Discussed NIACT 356² this morning first with Foreign Minister and then with President explaining U.S. prepared respond Ydígoras appeal for U.S. assistance similar to that made by GOC during weekend.³ Explained GON probably making written request for such assistance today. Echandi said profoundly moved by offer U.S. assistance but GOC feels no need air or sea patrol or other assistance in present situation. Although President was convinced Friday night and Saturday that invasion by Cuban force was occurring, he said subsequent developments made clear that recent trouble northern Costa Rica caused by Nica revolutionaries as on previous occasions, with no threat against CR intended. However, Echandi believes trouble here probably part of general Commie conspiracy stir up trouble Central America with intention and hope toppling some governments, if lucky.

Regarding future, President said if any threat against CR develops directly or indirectly, will ask for U.S. assistance in writing as outlined, and will ask for OAS action under Rio treaty at same time.

Echandi suggested that if U.S. assistance is extended to Guatemala, Nicaragua or other countries U.S. might as well issue policy statement saying U.S. responding to formal request for assistance by governments and that similar U.S. assistance available when requested in writing by any CA government invaded or under threat of invasion by external forces whether Cuban or other Commie elements.

Comment: Country Team chiefs and I agree with President’s assessment that present situation under control and past weekend activity probably limited to Nicaraguan revolutionaries. Also agree with Echandi that Northern CR incident might have been part of general plan. Marcial Aguiluz,⁴ in Costa Rica link to Cuba and has been involved in previous excursions against Nicaragua.

Kimmel

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 717.00/11–1560. Secret; Niact. Repeated for information to Managua and Guatemala.
2. Telegram 356 to San José, also sent to Managua, and repeated for information to Guatemala City, November 14, 1960, expressed concern over possible “Castro-Cuban-Communist involvement disturbances Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.” It offered U.S. air and naval assistance to Guatemala to prevent entry of armed forces or supplies from abroad, stated that a Guatemalan request for OAS action under the Rio Treaty probably should follow the request for U.S. assistance, and instructed Embassies at Managua and San José to offer similar assistance. (741B–5811/11–1460)
3. See Document CR–29.
4. Marcial Aguiluz Orellana was a National Liberation Party Deputy in the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly and Secretary for Labor in the National Directorate of his party.