New-York tribune., 1919-06-10
U. S. Ready to
Aid Nicaragua
If Need Arises
Government Prepared to
Protect Central American
Nation Against Invasion
of Costa Rican Troops
Neso York Tribune
JYdShtncton Bure0n

ITdShtncto1 Buredu
WASHINGTON, June 9.-Nicaragua
will be protected from Costa Rican
aggression by the United States, it was
stated here to-day, if the threatened
invasion by Costa Rican forces under
General Tinoco, brother of President
Tinoco, materializes.
owe will cross that bridge when we
come to it," was the answer given to
requests for specific information as to
the exact nature Of the action the
American government would take. It
was readily conceded that, in view of
"a certain responsibility which the
United States holds toward Nicaraguan
internal affairs, the United States is
prepared for any eventualities For
some time, it was stated, American war
vessels have been stationed on both
coasts.
Warm approval was expressed by
the Nicaraguan Legation on receipt of
this news.
States takes that stand" it was stated.
"In view of the relationship between
Nicaragua and this country we feel
we deserve protection. The situation
is critical. We expect news of an in
vasion at any moment"
Carlos Lara, former Minister of For
eign Affairs of Costa Rica, ins a state
ment tonight denied with deep in
dignation" that Costa Rica had any de-
sire except to defend herself 8gainst
"an invasion of more than fifteen hun
dred adventures who were not only
given every help by the government of
Nicaragua, but were openly abetted,
stimulated and assisted with all kinds
of arms ammunition and necessary
food supplies.
Calls Plea Sham
"But the limit is reached by the
Nicaraguan minister in Washington" ;"
the statement continued, when he asks
help from the American government
against Costa Rica, basing his claim
on the good services his government
rendered to the United States by de-
claring war against Germany
Judging by this, how very great
are the obligations of the American
people toward Costa Rica, in view Of
the fact that the day after the Ameri-
can people declared war against Ger
many Costa Rica offered the United
States the use of her ports and waters
and he cooperation to defend the Pam
ANA Canal, broke her neutrality with
Germany, and after that declared war
against that country.
II myself, at that time Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Costa Aca, also gave
orders to concentrate German sub
jects, who were a menace to the United
States, and to imprison German spies,
whom the government of Nicaragua
was not able to arrest.
"The Costa Rican government acted
as it did, believing it to be it's duty in
accordance with continental solidarity,
and guided as we'll by sincere feel
ing Of friendship for the American
people.
Gwen now, although diplomatic re-
lations with the American government
are suspended, we would not hesitate
to render again legitimate service to
the American people.
"1n view Of the correct attitude of
Costa Rica, the present situation af-
fords this problem: Can Nicaragua
promote revolutions in Costa Rca,
violating the most elemental principles
of international law; and is Costa Rica.
on account of the peculiar relations
between Nicaragua and the United
States, obliged to suffer passively the
invasion of it's territory