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

NI–25. Telegram from the Ambassador in Nicaragua (Whelan) to the Department of State¹

Managua, November 16, 1960, 10 a.m.

155. Further regarding DEPTEL 134² and EMBTEL 153³ GON has delivered diplomatic note dated 15th substance as follows:⁴

1. Preamble refers past invasions Nicaraguan territory by mercenaries supported by Communist Castro regime in connivance some Nicaraguans purpose subvert public order and violent overthrow freely elected democratic government substituting by government Communist ideology.

2. Such efforts presently continuing and armed forces concentrated Costa Rican territory continuing receive Cuban aid.

3. Foregoing demonstrates existence imminent danger Cuban aggression and intervention Nicaraguan internal affairs seriously altering peace and security American continent.

4. GON supported by virtually all citizens proposes resistance above threat but efforts in danger through superior numerical forces and more abundant and modern war material.

5. In circumstances and view obligation preserve country’s peace GON formally requests U.S. Government patrol borders and coasts Nicaragua with air and naval forces to prevent invasion by forces assisted Castro Communist regime and prevent sending of arms and other aid those forces.

Re DEPTEL 136⁵ Department will observe [illegible in the original] clear indication existence proveable Castro Cuban Communist participation or [illegible in the original] in olive green uniforms with insignia “Patria Orpto Muerte”. In radio address to nation evening 14th President also stated no foreign elements involved in [illegible in the original] internal actions. He has however informed Embassy statements made by captured Communist or Communists participating these internal actions establish Communist purpose to use conservative and other opposition groups and when GON overthrown latter would be liquidated.

In common with opening statement DEPTEL 134 President is known to regards simultaneous character CA disturbances as part of systematic Cuban Communist plan, see EMBTEL 142,⁶ but Embassy [text not declassified] unable cite single instance Cuban involvement.

Lastly GON desire for U.S. patrol of borders appears logical in view Costa Rica’s inability pérform this function and its reluctance to have GON do so effectively. Some situation in much more aggravated form applies Honduran border where boundary dispute would render any independent attempt at effective surveillance entirely impractical.

GON awaiting Department’s decision.

Whelan

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 741B.5811/11–1660. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Repeated for information to Guatemala City and San José.
2. Telegram 134 to Managua and San José, November 14, expressed the Department’s concern about Communist involvement in the recent disturbances in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. It also instructed the Embassies to inform the presidents of their respective countries that the United States was prepared to consider their written requests for air and sea assistance to seek out and prevent attempts at reinforcing rebel forces from outside their countries. (741B.5811/11–1460)
3. Telegram 153 from Managua, November 14, reported that telegram 134 had been conveyed to Somoza and that he indicated that Nicaragua would make a written request to the U.S. Government. The telegram also reported that Somoza was particularly interested in air and sea patrol off the Atlantic coast. According to the Embassy, Somoza believed that Communist involvement could be established but proof of Cuban participation would have to await confirmation by President Echandi. (741B.5811/11–1460)
4. The text of the note in Spanish and an English translation were transmitted in despatch 165 from Managua, November 21, 741B.5811/11–2160.
5. [illegible in the original]
   “In face widespread public assumption Castro responsibility or complicity in revolutionary activities your area and in anticipation early investigation through OAS Dept. urgently needs your current evaluation of evidence tending show Cuban involvement. Sources of information and basis for Embassy’s appraisal will also be useful in consideration here of likely credibility in international forum. Request roundup all information this nature coming available through November 15 by cable to be received here November 16.” (620.37/1–1560)
6. [illegible in the original]