c meramDTTMAN LIBRARY:P. The President then said he thought he would instruct his Minister in Nicaragua to ask the Nicaraguan Government for a list of the names of the prisoners to be reported immediately by telegraph and also to ask for their release, promising to send chartered Pan American planes to bring them to San José. He added that, of course, the treaty did not apply. anyway since whatever Somoza said, he knew that the men had been carried across the border by force, but he would base. his argument on the fact that the men are regular soldiers of the Costa Rican army; Costa Rica and Nicaragua maintain normal and friendly relations; and, according to Somoza, he is not organizing or backing any activities against this country. Therefore, it would be an act. Op ordinary courtesy to facilitate the return of his soldiers.
The President then picked up a telegram which proved to be the text of the Council resolution and said, Have you read this Cantinflas message. You know who Cantinflas is. Mexican clown who talks a lot and says nothing. replied that had read the message but did not think it was a Cantinflas product. thought it was a very fair statement and trusted that his government reply would treat it as such. He asked how thought he should reply. said his reply was none of my business but if were doing it would take note of the Council finding that Nicaragua could and should. have prevented an invasion from its territory and, therefore, assumed that the Council would look with the greatest displeasure on any, repetition of an act, which could and should have been prevented. would then take note of the Council findings that Costa Rica can and should prevent the organization of expeditions against: Nicaragua, giving assurances that Costa Rica will follow that suggestion and state that the military observers when they arrive will be given every opportunity to satisfy themselves. that. Costa Ricais living up to that promise.
The President grinned and said, think that will be a smart answer, and asked if he shouldn include a statement that he would expect the Council at the appropriate time. to decide what penalties should be imposed on Nicaragua for having allowed something it could and should have prevented. He mentioned that as a result of Nicaragua failure to do what it could and should have, Costa Rica had suffered loss of life and property and very heavy expenses. said felt that was a matter for his decision on which could not advise him.
Tradintully the President said he had been About in tuesto holy Chows he love this affuch. wonder if the assailants were ofth him?