HARRY TRUMAN LIBRARY Papers of NATHANIEL DAVIS. The President said he had no communications with the frontier area and, therefore, could not say whether or not any Nicaraguan forces had entered the country, but he thought possibly the information from the American Ambassador was based on a misunderstanding. For a long time Costa Rica and Nicaragua have had an understanding that border patrols of each, engaged in protecting customs revenues, might pass through the territory of the other from one point to another in their own country. pointed out that Somoza had not spoken of patrols, but of occupation of strategic positions. The President continued to stall. The Mexican broke in and said rather forcefully that the matter was too serious for subterfuges and we must know whether or not Somoza was invited to enter Costa Rica. Mora interposed to protest in the tone used by the Mexican in addressing the President, saying that he would be the first to oppose with arms an invasion by any nation, but Mexican Ambassador should not talk to the President about subterfuges. The Mexican apologized but said we still needed an answer. The President, who was furious, stood up abruptly, said he would have to consult, and stalked out of the room, followed by Bonilla Lara and Quesada, They went into one of the offices and borrowed the Ambassador secretary. After some time they returned and the President handed us a typewritten statement categorically denying that he had knowle Nicaraguan troops in Costa Rica, Bonilla Lara read us a telegram to Bogotá quoting Somoza statement saying it had come to his attention from me, and denying it; also, one to his Minister at Managua instructing him immediately to demand the withdrawal of all Nicaraguans from this country.
Nunez then read us the basis of agreement reached between him and Mora, essentially what we already knew, and it was agreed that the Mexican and (the Nuncio begged off to say his prayers this being Sunday; and the Panamanian on the ground that he had a headache) should escort Nunez.
to Cartago, wait while he consulted with Figueres, and bring him back for another meeting. suggested that he should also have a thorough investigation made of Somoza charge that revolutionaries were threatening his border so far as Figueres territory is concerned. He agreed.
We reached Cartago without incident about 5:30 and after delivering Nunez at headquarters were escorted to a private house for coffee and crackers and cheese. Since our only lunch