Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973–1976

147. Telegram 4487 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Embassy in Honduras¹

San José, September 16, 1976, 2222Z.

4487. For Assistant Secretary Shlaudeman from Ambassador. Subject: Suggested Handling of Meat Issue During September 19–20 Visit.

1. You will be aware from our previous reporting that there is deep disappointment here over USG inability to find way to accommodate GOCR request for higher level of meat exports this year. Ambassador Yeutter’s very candid firm and authoritative statement, during his recent visit here, to effect that there will be no increase this year was a shock to GOCR and Costa Rican public, particularly because GOCR had continued to believe there was a commitment by the Secretary to provide an increase. I think Ambassador Yeutter’s statement has effectively killed all hope here, but there is a deep feeling of bitterness over what is perceived as USG failure to deliver on its promises.

2. Under the circumstances, in amplification of Qs and As we sent earlier, I recommend that you respond to any press or official GOCR queries re “the Kissinger commitment” with a statement that leaves no doubt about the time and attention the Secretary devoted to this question. I would advise against acknowledging to press that there was in fact a commitment by the Secretary. However I think it would be helpful to make clear that the Secretary was sympathetic to Costa Rica’s problem and explored every angle to see whether an increase might be granted within the framework of our legislation and the global meat import program. The same point might be made to Oduber and to Facio, if they raise the subject, and it would be helpful to state our regret that we could not deliver an increase.

3. I would strongly recommend against mentioning the possibility of a sub-regional quota for Central America next year. While such action will undoubtedly be welcomed when it takes place, to mention it now would be taken as an effort to fulfill a promise with another promise, and would bring even greater disappointment should regional quota not materialize.

Todman

1. Summary: In a telegram to Assistant Secretary Shlaudeman, the Embassy suggested a strategy for handling the issue of meat quotas during upcoming meetings with Costa Rican officials.

   Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760350–0225. Limited Official Use; Immediate. Repeated to the Department of State. Shlaudeman, then in Honduras, was scheduled to arrive in Costa Rica for a September 19–20 visit. In telegram 4281 from San José, September 1, the Embassy reported that U.S. officials had informed their Costa Rican counterparts that the United States was in the process of issuing regulations to prevent further imports of Costa Rican meat upon the fulfillment of the country’s 1976 quota. (Ibid., D760332–0765) In telegram 4340 from San José, September 3, Todman commented on the September 1 consultations, noting that the “civilized demeanor of the Costa Rican participants” masked deep local unhappiness with U.S. handling of the meat issue. (Ibid., D760336–0471)