Costa Rica
108. Special National Intelligence Estimate 83.4–73
Summary: The estimate assessed the threat posed to Costa Rican political stability by the activities of domestic Communists and Rightists and concluded that despite rising tensions the country remained committed to its democratic political tradition.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 361, Subject Files, National Intelligence Estimates. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. All brackets are in the original except those indicating original footnotes, text that remains classified or that was omitted by the editors.
109. Telegram 47730 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica
Summary: The Department reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission planned to present evidence in court of financial links between financier Robert Vesco and Costa Rican President José Figueres.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential; Limdis. Drafted and approved by Lazar. Vesco sought residency in Costa Rica after becoming the subject of an SEC investigation for fraud in connection with his management of the Investors Overseas Services mutual fund firm and his implication as the source of an illegal contribution to President Nixon’s 1972 reelection campaign. In telegram 939 from San José, March 17, the Embassy reported that Figueres told Vaky that he could account for the transactions involving Vesco and offered to facilitate an out-of-court settlement between Vesco and the SEC. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica) Telegram 983 from San José, March 22, transmitted a letter in which Figueres elaborated on his offer to mediate. (Ibid.)
110. Telegram 1248 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Ambassador Vaky informed President Figueres of the SEC’s rejection of his offer to help mediate a settlement between the Commission and Robert Vesco.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Nodis. The April 2 letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission to Figueres referred to in this telegram has not been found. In telegram 984 from San José, March 22, Vaky reported on a conversation with Figueres, observing that the President seemed to feel the SEC’s primary concern was keeping investment capital within the United States. Vaky countered that the Commission was seeking to ensure the “honest and proper management of funds.” (Ibid.) In telegram 58280 to Panama City, April 10, Rogers described Vesco’s possible bank deposits. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) Telegram 983 from San José was not found.
111. Telegram 1499 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Vaky reported that Figueres seemed committed to Vesco’s side in the dispute with the SEC.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Nodis. In a May 14 letter to Pezzullo, Vaky observed that “There is no doubt that Figueres is committed to Vesco’s side, and the tighter the battle the more his stubborn nature will lead him to rationalize his position. The upshot is that a situation is developing in which Figueres—psychologically—is in an adversary relationship with the USG, or at least a good part of it. And that is bound to have an effect on the degree to which he and his government are prepared to cooperate with us generally.” (Ibid., RG 59, ARA/CEN Files: Lot 75D469, Costa Rica—Political, 1973) Telegram 1248 from San José was not found.
112. Telegram 2028 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy asked the Costa Rican Government arrest Vesco in conjunction with a U.S. request for his extradition on a fraud charge.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Exdis; Immediate. In telegram 109575 to San José, June 7, the Department instructed the Embassy to deliver the diplomatic note. (Ibid.) In telegram 2070 from San José, June 7, the Embassy reported the opinion of a Costa Rican attorney that the U.S. request for Vesco’s extradition could be weakened by the fact that the activities that led to fraud charges against him in the United States might not be considered criminal in Costa Rica. (Ibid.) In telegram 2117 from San José, June 13, the Embassy reported that a Costa Rican court decided not to issue a warrant for Vesco’s arrest. (Ibid.) In telegram 2182 from San José, June 16, the Embassy reported that the judge had rejected its appeal of the initial decision. (Ibid.)
113. Telegram 2160 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: In a conversation with Facio, Vaky sought the revocation of Vesco’s travel documents and noted the U.S. Government was aware that Vesco was in possession of a Costa Rican diplomatic passport. Facio acknowledged Vesco had obtained a diplomatic passport through Figueres.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Priority. Corrected Copy. Repeated to Nassau. In telegram 124051 to San José, June 25, the Department informed the Embassy of its position that the Costa Rican Government should restrict all of Vesco’s travel documents upon the issuance of an arrest order against him. (Ibid.) Telegrams 2059 and 2115 from San José, and telegram 1117 from Nassau were not found.
114. Telegram 2196 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: While noting that U.S. efforts to extradite Robert Vesco were generating some resentment in Costa Rica, the Embassy recommended taking the extradition request to a higher court.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. All brackets are in the original except “[desire?]” added for clarity. In telegram 2195, June 18, Vaky outlined the memorial that he would present to the Costa Rican courts if the U.S. Government decided to proceed with an appeal. (Ibid.) In telegram 119541 to San José, June 19, the Department instructed the Embassy to proceed with an appeal, judging that “advantages of clarifying charges and consolidating case to date, as well as keeping pressure on Vesco, outweigh the risks of a possible turndown by the court.” (Ibid.) In telegrams 2228, June 20, and 2641, July 23, both from San José, the Embassy reported both a first and second appeal had been rejected. (Ibid.)
115. Telegram 2786 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Emphasizing the importance of a strong inter-American system for Costa Rican national security, Foreign Minister Facio discussed with Ambassador Vaky the restructuring of the Organization of American States, the future of OAS sanctions on Cuba, and Costa Rica’s campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. Repeated to Guatemala City, Managua, San Salvador, Tegucigalpa, and New York. All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text and “[point blank?],” added for clarity. In telegram 2946 from San José, August 20, the Embassy reported that Facio appeared to be discouraged by Venezuela’s rejection of his alternate proposal on Cuba sanctions and noted that he would nonetheless continue to advocate his initiative despite U.S. opposition. (Ibid.) An attachment to September 27 talking points sent by Lazar to Kubisch in advance of an October 1 meeting with Facio outlined the Venezuelan and Costa Rican initiatives on OAS sanctions on Cuba and noted that the U.S. position on the issue had “not changed from that conveyed to him [Facio] by Ambassador Vaky.” (Ibid., ARA/CEN Files: Lot 75D469, Costa Rica—Political, 1973) In telegram 2772 from San José, August 2, Vaky reported on Costa Rican candidacy for Panama’s UN Security Council seat. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) The memorandum mentioned in section 3 was not found.
116. Telegram 168880 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica
Summary: The Department responded favorably to a Costa Rican suggestion to negotiate a new extradition treaty in light of the existing agreement’s shortcomings, highlighted by the Vesco case.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Malmborg, cleared by Lazar and in the Department of Justice, and approved by Feldman. In telegram 2789 from San José, August 4, the Embassy reported a suggestion by Facio that the 1922 extradition treaty be renegotiated and modernized. (Ibid.) In telegram 2790 from San José, August 4, the Embassy reported on a conversation in which Vaky told Facio that the United States still considered Vesco a fugitive and that his association with Costa Rica was hurting the country’s image. (Ibid., P750008–2322) In telegram 158767 to San José, August 10, the Department informed the Embassy of a congressional initiative that would reduce or terminate assistance to countries that rejected U.S. extradition requests without valid legal grounds for doing so. (Ibid., [no film number])
117. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Kubisch) to the Deputy Secretary of State (Rush)
Summary: Kubisch reported that Presidential and legislative elections were due to be held in Costa Rica on February 3, that Daniel Oduber was expected to be elected to succeed President José Figueres, and that either of the two leading Presidential candidates would likely maintain close relations with the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, ARA/CEN/CR Files: Lot 78D109, POL 1–2 Basic Policy Guidelines, Directives (Briefing Papers), 1974. Confidential. Drafted by Sullivan on February 1. In telegram 218 from San José, January 19, the Embassy reported that elections scheduled for February 3 had failed to generate much excitement. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) In telegram 474 from San José, February 7, the Embassy reported Oduber had won the Presidency with 43.4 percent of the vote. (Ibid.)
118. Telegram 508 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: President-elect Oduber discussed his plans and the state of U.S.-Costa Rican relations with Vaky.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. In telegram 491 from San José, February 8, the Embassy described the political situation that Oduber would confront as he came into office, noting that “Figueres’s personal desires and political directions will have to be taken into serious consideration by Oduber.” (Ibid.)
119. Telegram 34272 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica
Summary: During a briefing for Oduber on the activities of Robert Vesco, the Costa Rican President-elect indicated that he was considering the possibility of freezing Vesco’s assets.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Lazar, cleared in substance by Robert Kushner of the SEC and by Malmborg, and approved by Lazar. In telegram 493 from San José, February 8, the Embassy reported on a request by Oduber for a briefing by U.S. experts on the case against Robert Vesco. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P740146–0979) In telegram 1002 from San José, March 13, the Embassy reported on a bill introduced in the Costa Rican legislature that appeared to be intended to protect Vesco against any future extradition proceedings, adding that the timing of the legislation’s introduction, at a moment when both Figueres and Oduber were out of the country, suggested that “no one apparently wants to be around to take the inevitable heat.” (Ibid., [no film number])
120. Telegram 1138 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Lane reported on a meeting in which Solórzano presented him with a memorandum rejecting U.S. Government concerns regarding a proposed Costa Rican extradition law that would benefit Vesco.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. In telegram 1075 from San José, March 19, Lane reported on a meeting with Figueres in which he outlined U.S. objections to the proposed law. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P740141–2046) In telegram 1098 from San José, March 21, the Embassy reported that the legislature had approved the extradition bill. (Ibid., D740060–0165) In telegram 58359 to San José, March 22, the Department approved Lane’s suggestion that he meet with Solórzano. (Ibid., P740141–2595, D740062–0242) In telegram 1195 from San José, March 27, the Embassy reported that Figueres had signed the Extradition Bill into law on March 22. (Ibid., D740066–0750). In telegram 55653 to San José, March 20, the Department transmitted questions regarding the proposed bill. (Ibid., D740059–0093)
121. Telegram 1313 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that Facio told Lane that the new extradition law “was not intended to protect Vesco,” an assertion which the Embassy found “hard to swallow.”
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Exdis. In telegram 1285 from San José, April 2, the Embassy noted student protests against the new extradition law and reported on allegations in the Costa Rican legislature that the United States had been involved in fomenting the demonstrations. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740073–0859) In telegram 1300 from San José, April 3, Lane reported he had assured Facio the Embassy had played no role in supporting protests and that Facio had stated his intention to downplay the matter. (Ibid., D740074–1059) In telegram 1006 from San José, March 13, the Embassy transmitted the Legal Advisor’s views on the proposed bill. (Ibid., P740145–1003) For telegram 58359 to San José, see footnote 1 to Document 120.
122. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: During a lunch conversation, the president of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly told Embassy officials that Oduber had agreed not to oppose the recently passed extradition law in exchange for Vesco-linked funding for his election campaign.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P740044–0780. Confidential. Drafted by Johnson. Sent as an enclosure to airgram A–58 from San José, May 1. The meeting was held at the Hotel Amstol Restaurant. In airgram A–52 from San José, April 19, the Embassy reported that efforts to tie demonstrations against the Extradition Bill to U.S. interests appeared to represent an effort by political allies of the Figueres administration to discredit the protests. (Ibid., P740037–0730) In a July 1 letter to Sullivan, Johnson stated his view that Oduber sought to create the appearance of non-involvement with Vesco while enjoying the benefits of his presence in Costa Rica. (Ibid., ARA/CEN/CR Files: Lot 76D290, Chron—Letters, Correspondence from Embassy, 1974)
123. Telegram 1943 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that Oduber released a letter indicating conditions with which Robert Vesco would have to comply in order to remain in Costa Rica. The Embassy concluded the letter was intended primarily to deflect criticism of the Oduber administration for its failure to act against Vesco.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740128–0602. Confidential. Repeated to USIA. In airgram A–4610 to San José, June 6, the Department instructed the Embassy to submit a written request to the Costa Rican Government for a detailed explanation of points of concern in the new extradition law. (Ibid., P740058–1016) In telegram 2398 from San José, June 25, the Embassy reported that Lane delivered the aide-mémoire on June 24. (Ibid., D740167–0439) All brackets are in the original except “[With]”, added for clarity.
124. Telegram 2846 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: During a July 24 meeting with Facio, Mailliard explained U.S. objections to OAS action on Cuba and urged the Foreign Minister to delay any possible discussion of the subject in the regional forum until later in the year.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Bogotá and Caracas. In telegram 2639 from San José, July 11, the Embassy noted Costa Rican concern over the possible breakdown of the hemispheric security framework as some countries abandoned OAS sanctions on Cuba. It also reported Facio’s advocacy of an OAS meeting on Cuba’s status in the hemisphere. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740185–0460) In telegrams 3247 and 3339 from San José, August 26 and 31, the Embassy reported that Facio would accommodate the U.S. desire for a delay of final OAS action on Cuba until November. (Ibid., D740236–1245, D740235–0852, D740241–0996) A September 16 memorandum of conversation records a Kissinger-Facio discussion on possible OAS action on Cuba. (Ibid., P820097–2068) All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text or text that remains classified.
125. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: During a flight between Quito and Panama, Rogers and Facio discussed the Vesco extradition case and the meeting of OAS Foreign Ministers that had just concluded.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830033–1221. Confidential. Drafted by Rogers. During the November 8–12 OAS Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs at Quito, a resolution to lift diplomatic sanctions on Cuba failed to win the two-thirds majority necessary for adoption. In a November 18 letter to Rogers, mistakenly dated September 18, Facio objected to a Washington Post article critical of the Costa Rican courts and noted the deficiencies of the U.S. request for Vesco’s extradition. (Ibid., P820146–1135) In a November 25 letter to Lazar, Lane stated that it would be inappropriate for any U.S. official to carry a Costa Rican complaint to the Washington Post, noted that many observers believed that Facio was still connected to Vesco, and pointed out the danger of launching a second extradition attempt that might also fail as a result of the obstacles imposed by Costa Rica’s extradition law. (Ibid., ARA/CEN/CR Files: Lot 76D290, Chron—Letters, Correspondence from Embassy, 1974)
126. Telegram 4342 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: During a discussion regarding the Vesco case and Costa Rica’s extradition laws, Oduber reportedly backed away from a recent public suggestion that the United States had been disrespectful of the Costa Rican judiciary by presenting a defective request for the extradition of Robert Vesco, adding that he would be glad to see Vesco leave Costa Rica.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740329–0154. Confidential; Exdis. In telegram 4248 from San José, November 7, the Embassy reported an allegation by Oduber that the United States had intentionally presented a weak extradition request, thereby making a mockery of the Costa Rican judicial system. (Ibid., D740319–0611) In telegram 246409, November 8, the Department instructed Lane to stress to Oduber that the United States had made its request for Vesco’s extradition in good faith. (Ibid., D740321–0254) In telegram 4288 from San José, November 8, the Embassy reported on Lane’s attempt to meet with Oduber regarding the Vesco matter. (Ibid., D740322–0750) The Washington Post article was not further identified.
127. Telegram 278673 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica
Summary: The Department instructed Lane to review aspects of the Vesco case with Oduber.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740370–0290. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Sullivan; cleared in draft by Lazar, Malmborg, and Feldman; and approved by Bowdler. The November 6 letter from Senator Henry Jackson to Oduber referred to in this telegram is ibid., P800029–0171. In telegram 4864 from San José, December 24, Lane reported on his December 23 meeting with Oduber, in which the Costa Rican President agreed that it was important to prevent the Vesco issue from impairing bilateral relations but stated that “he could not deport Vesco simply on the basis of a demand ‘from the street,’” adding that “the best solution, from his point of view, would be to see Vesco in a third country from which the U.S. could get him.” (Ibid., D740373–1004) The Department communicated their position in telegram 268662 to San José, December 6, the Department communicated its position regarding the Vesco case. (Ibid., D740355–0407) The Washington Post article was not found and not further identified.
128. Telegram 49 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that Costa Rican officials were shocked by news the United States was imposing limits on meat imports and that Costa Rican producers would be asked to reduce their shipments to the U.S. market under the terms of a proposed voluntary restraint agreement.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750006–0690. Limited Official Use; Priority. Telegram 28297 to multiple recipients is dated February 7. (Ibid., D750045–0927) Telegram 626 to San José is dated January 7. (Ibid., D75006–0690) Telegram 4919 from San José is dated December 31, 1974. (Ibid., D750001–0317) In telegram 282971, December 28, 1974, the Department reported that limits on meat imports would have to be imposed in 1975 under the terms of a 1964 law and asked addressee posts to conclude voluntary restraint agreements establishing quotas, with Costa Rica’s quota to be set at 43.2 million pounds. (Ibid., D740376–0575) In telegram 392 from San José, January 29, the Embassy reported that Costa Rican officials had made a strong case for more favorable treatment under the U.S. meat import program and noted that a Costa Rican delegation planned to travel to Washington to discuss the issue with U.S. authorities. (Ibid., D750033–0487)
129. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Facio discussed inter-American relations, matters pending in the OAS and the United Nations, and Costa Rica’s interest in a more favorable meat quota.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Lot 78D217, Box 10, Nodis Memcons—February 1975. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Lazar and approved by Gompert on May 11. The meeting was held in the Secretary’s office. After this meeting, Facio transmitted a memorandum laying out the Costa Rican case for a higher quota under the proposed U.S. voluntary restraint program for meat imports under a February 28 covering letter to Kissinger. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, P810026–0629) In telegram 59665 to San José, March 17, the Department transmitted Kissinger’s reply to Facio’s letter, in which the Secretary stated that the U.S. Government was considering modifications to its original proposal for import restraints. (Ibid., D750093–0288) In telegram 61201, March 19, the Department announced adjustments to its meat quota proposals, including a slight increase of Costa Rica’s quota to 52.2 million pounds. (Ibid., D750095–0414)
130. Telegram 1343 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Ambassador Terence Todman discussed the Vesco case with Oduber.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750116–0784. Confidential; Limdis. In telegram 1495 from San José, April 15, the Embassy reported that Facio had belatedly delivered a response to a June 1974 U.S. note requesting clarification of the 1974 Costa Rican extradition law; the Costa Rican Foreign Minister expressed the view that the first U.S. request for Vesco’s extradition was poorly formulated and suggested that the U.S. Government prepare and present a stronger case. (Ibid., D750131–1008)
131. Telegram 1745 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Oduber informed Todman that Figueres had reportedly grown disillusioned with the workings of Costa Rica’s democratic system and had suggested to Facio that Oduber should resign or be removed from office. Oduber told Todman that Figueres’s activities could result in disturbances.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, Box 3, Costa Rica—State Department Telegrams, To Secstate—Exdis. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Managua and Panama City. Telegram 773 from San José is dated February 24. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750066–0343) In telegram 1862 from San José, May 8, the Embassy reported on a conversation in which Figueres told Todman that he favored an interruption in the democratic process in Costa Rica so that reforms could be carried out. (Ford Library, National Security Advisor, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, Box 3, Costa Rica—State Department Telegrams, To Secstate—Exdis)
132. Telegram 116934 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica
Summary: The Department sought Todman’s suggestions on how best to dissuade Figueres from taking steps that might disrupt constitutional government in Costa Rica.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750176–0294. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Kilday and Ryan; cleared by Lazar; and approved by Ryan. In telegram 1948 from San José, May 14, the Embassy reported on Oduber’s account of a conversation with Figueres in which the former President was said to have suggested that Oduber dissolve the legislature and rule by decree, threatening to act himself if Oduber did not take such steps. (Ibid., D750170–0633) In telegram 2071 from San José, May 21, Todman reported he had stressed to Figueres that any disruption of constitutional government in Costa Rica would do great damage to the country, and he recommended to Rogers that a respected friend of Figueres, such as Senator Hubert Humphrey, be sent to reinforce that message. (Ibid., D750178–0901)
133. Telegram 2226 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Responding to questions posed by the Department, the Embassy analyzed the relationship between Oduber and Figueres and provided suggestions for a U.S. strategy in the event that tensions between the two men led to open conflict or a coup attempt.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750192–0778. Secret; Immediate; Stadis; Exdis. The May 8 letter from Lazar to Todman referred to in this telegram has not been found. In telegram 4716 from San José, November 6, 1975, the Embassy reported that public reaction to calls by Figueres for a period of rule by decree was predominantly negative and that the former President was backing away from his proposal for extra-constitutional political reform. (Ibid., D750386–0720) All brackets are in the original except “[6.]”, added for clarity.
134. Telegram 3354 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: In a meeting with Todman, Oduber said that a statement accusing U.S. diplomats of intervening in Costa Rican internal affairs in connection with the Vesco case had been directed against recently departed Political Officer Peter Johnson and not against the United States Government.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750273–0820. Confidential; Immediate; Stadis. In telegram 3325 from San José, August 6, the Embassy reported on Oduber’s indirect accusation against U.S. diplomats, as carried in the local press on August 5. (Ibid., D750271–0558) In telegram 3388, August 11, San José reported that Acting Foreign Minister Roman had informed the Dean and Secretary of the Diplomatic Corps that Oduber’s criticism of diplomats “was aimed only at well known and publicized case of a U.S. diplomat who was asked to leave the country several years ago,” although there had in fact been no recent case in which a U.S. diplomat had been expelled. (Ibid., D750277–0483) Telegram 186401 to San José, August 6, is ibid., D750271–1122.
135. Telegram 237081 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Costa Rica
Summary: The Department instructed the Embassy to continue using its discretion in reassuring Costa Ricans of U.S. concern about the Vesco case, noting that the recent publicity on the issue had helped to demonstrate that the United States had not lost interest.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750345–0453. Confidential; Limdis. Drafted by George Gowen in ARA/CEN/CR, cleared by Feldman, and approved by Lazar. In telegram 3909 from San José, September 11, the Embassy noted the belief of many prominent Costa Ricans that the United States had lost interest in the Vesco case. (Ibid., D750317–0420) In telegrams 4075 and 4096 from San José, September 25 and 26, the Embassy reported on renewed attention to the Vesco issue in the Costa Rican press. (Ibid., D750333–0604, D750337–0187)
136. Telegram 4728 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: Facio requested a reassignment of unused meat quotas to Costa Rica or permission for Costa Rica to ship part of its U.S. meat import allocation for 1976 ahead of schedule.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750386–0621. Limited Official Use; Priority. In telegram 272783, November 18, the Department replied that it was not possible to grant either Costa Rican request. (Ibid., D750401–0764) In telegram 282526 to all American Republic diplomatic posts, December 1, Rogers specifically cited the Costa Ricans’ “anxiety for a miniscule increase in their meat quota” as example of the kind of issue on which Kissinger was interested in taking action in order to improve bilateral relations with Latin American countries. (Ibid., D750416–0746) In telegram 5069 from San José, December 2, the Embassy replied that the meat question remained urgent and that “whether ‘miniscule’ or not, the meat restraint level is of great importance to Costa Rica and they have specifically requested our help.” (Ibid., D750418–0901)
137. Telegram 4789 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported Oduber was considering proposing a bill to repeal the 1974 law that protected Vesco from extradition.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750392–0996. Confidential; Limdis. Telegram 4757 from San José is dated November 7. (Ibid., D750388–0463) In telegram 273138, November 18, the Department stated that either the restoration of pre-1974 Costa Rican legislation on extradition or a repeal of all such legislation in favor of strict reliance on the U.S.-Costa Rican treaty on extradition would be preferable to the existing situation but that the treaty was out of date and should be renegotiated in any case. (Ibid., D750402–0105)