MID files, lot 57 D 15, “Costa Rica—Political 1954”
Memorandum by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Sparks) to the Secretary of State 1
Subject:
- Possible Attempt to Overthrow Figueres Government in Costa Rica
Discussion:
Reports from our missions and CIA in the first half of November indicated preparations of an “internal” uprising to overthrow Figueres, by his foreign enemies, (principally Somoza of Nicaragua and Perez Jimenez of Venezuela) in alliance with domestic opposition, initiated [Page 862] over the week end of November 20, with air support which Costa Rica cannot combat. A summary of this evidence is attached (Tab A).2
The plan avoided any overt invasion or foreign intervention, which was threatened last July, when we acted to preserve peace in Central America by warning the interested governments we would fulfill our obligations under the Rio Treaty if Costa Rica were attacked, and sent five United States Air Force C–47 transports from Panama on a tour of the five countries. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of international conflict, as shown by President Figueres’ statement to our Chargé that if an uprising occurs he will immediately declare war on Nicaragua in order to force OAS action.
The Under Secretary and Mr. Holland decided on November 19: (1) to ask Defense to make six United States interceptor planes available in the area, should we be called upon to fulfill our treaty obligation; (2) … and (3) to inform the Costa Rican Government that, although concrete evidence of any attack was not seen, the United States would honor its commitments under the OAS should such evidence develop. Action was accordingly taken: (1) Defense agreed to send six interceptors to Panama; (2) … and (3) instruction was sent to Embassy San José by the Department. Later information shows plan postponed but still pending.
When AP despatch from Panama on November 20 reported “United States sending interceptors under Rio Treaty to protect Costa Rica from attack”, which was apparently learned from unauthorized sources, AP in Washington expanded on the report, mentioning Nicaragua specifically as the offending country but also referring to support of plot by elements in Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Ambassador Sevilla Sacasa called today to request clarification. We ascribed the plane movement as routine and have so stated to press.
Recommendation:
That we continue to play down the incident publicly.3