INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
DISPUTE CONCERNING
NAVIGATIONAL AND RELATED RIGHTS
(COSTA RICA. v.NICARAGUA)
MEMORIAL OF COSTA RICA
VOLUME6
(Annexes 193 to 245) .
29 August 2006 LIST OF ANNEXES
(VOLUME 6)
Number Description Annexes
Page N°
Annex 193 Fundamental Law of the State of Costa Rica, 25
January 1825, Article 15
Source: Colecci6n de Constituciones de Costa Rica:
Del pacto de Concordia a la Constituci6n Politica de
1949 (San José:lmprenta Nacional, 2000), 80-81 ....... 769
Annex 194 Decree of Basis and Guarantees of Costa Rica, 8
March 1841, Article 1
Source: Digeste Constitucional de Costa Rica (San
José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 89 ........ , ....... 773
Annex 195 Constitution of Costa Rica, 9 April 1844, Article 47
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica (San
José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 107............... 777
Annex 196 Consti tution of Costa Rica, 10 February 1847,
Article25
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica (San
José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 130 ............... 781
Annex 197 Costa Rica, Decree No. XVII of 10 May 1847,
Articles1-3
Source: Leyes decretas y ordenes expedidos por los
Supremos Poderes Legislativo y Ejecutivo de Costa
Rica en los aiios de 1847y1848, Tomo X (San José:·
Imprenta la Paz, 1863), 90-91. ...................... 785
Annex 198 Constitution of Costa Rica, 30 November 1848,
Article 7
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica (San
José: Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 154 ............... 789Annex 199 Decree No LXVII of the Government of Costa Rica,
approving the Crampton-Webster Agreement, 22
June 1852
Source: Colecci6n de Leyes Decretas y Ordenes
expedidos por los Supremos Poderes Legislativo y
Ejecutivo de Costa Rica en los anos de 185, 1852 y
1853, Tomo XII (San José:Irnprenta la Paz,I868),
147-148 ........................................ 793
Annex 200 Costa Rican Decree No XXXVII declaring the Port
of San Juan blocked and prohibiting navigation on
the San Juan River, 1 Novernber 1856
Source: Colecci6n de Leyes Decretas y Ordenes
expedidos por los Supremos Poderes Legislativo y
Ejecutivo de Costa Rica en los aiios de 1856 y 1857,
Tomo XIV (San José:lmprenta 1a Paz,1871), 74........ 797
Annex 201 Costa Rica, Regulations of the Treasury, Decree No.
1Vof23 March I858,Articles161-163
Source: Colecci6n de las leyes, decretas y 6rdenes
expedidos par los Supremos Poderes Legislativo y
Ejecutivo de Costa Rica en el aiio de 1858, TornoXV
(San José:lmprenta la .Paz, 1871), 58-60.............. 801
Annex 202 Nicaragua Decree of the Constitutional Assembly in
its Legislative Character, approving the Treaty of
Limits of 15April1858, 4 June 1858
Source: The Case of the Republic of Nicaragua
(Washington, D.C.: Gibson Bros, 1888), Appendix C, 40. 807
Annex 203 Constitution of Costa Rica, 27 Decernber 1859,
Article 4
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica (San
José:Colegio deAbogados, 1946), 169 ............... 809
Annex 204 Costa Rica, Decree No. X of 6 February 1878,
Articles 1-3, 5
Source: Coleccion de las disposiciones legislativas y
administrativas expedidas en el aiio 1878 (San José:
Irnprenta Nacional), 30-31 ......................... 813
Annex 205 Costa Rica, Decree No. XXXI establishing a
maritime and customs guard at the mouth of the
Colorado River, 16 March 1886
Source: Colecci6n de disposiciones legislativas y
administrativas emitidas en el aiio 1886, Edici6n
Oficial (San José:Imprenta Nacional, 1887), 152-
1.53............................................ 817
11Annex 206 Costa Rica, Decree No. XXXII. of the Government
of Costa Rica, fixing the functions of the Maritime
and Customs Guard on the Colorado River, 16March
1886
Source: Coleccion de Disposiciones Legislativas y
Administrativas emitidas en el ano 1886, Edicion
Ojicial (San José:lmprenta Nacional, 1887), 153-
154............................................ 821
Annex 207 P PérezZeled6n, Argument on the Question of the
Validity of the Treaty of Limits between Costa Rica
and Nicaragua (Washington, D.C.: Gibson Bras,
1887)(extracts) 53-5, 100, 154-161 and 274-8 ......... 825
Annex 208 Reply of the Republic a/Nicaragua to the Case of the
Republic ofCosta Rica (Washington, D.C.: 1887)
(extnicts), 48, 49 ................................. 843
Annex 209 Report of Ciro A. Navarro, Assistant to the
lnspectorate, to the General Inspector of the
Treasury, 9 March 1892
Source: Archiva Nacional de Costa Rica .............. 847
Annex 210 Report of the Chief of the Guard [resguardo] of
Colorado, Juan Francisco Zeledém,to the General
Inspector of the Treasury, of 31 October 1892,
transcribed in document No.97 from the Inspector of
the Treasury to the Secretary ofState in charge ofthe
Treasury, 8 November 1892
Source: Archiva Nacional de Costa Rica .............. 853
Annex 211 Report of the Commander of the Post Rio Colorado
Colonia Irazu to the General Inspector of Treasury,
31 March 1894
Source: Archiva Nacional de Costa Rica .............. 859
Annex 212 Report of Rafael Cruz, Commander of the Post Rio
Colorado, to the General Inspector of Treasury, Note
No. 89, 10 March 1895
Source: Archiva Nacional de Costa Rica .............. 865
Annex 213 Report of the Navy TnspectorE.G. Chamberlain to
the Secretary of War and the Navy of Costa Rica,
1897
Source: Memoria de Guerra y Marina
correspondiente alaiio economico de 1897-98 (San
José:Tipografia Nacional, 1898), 195-196............. 871
IllAnnex 214 Report of Jose So16rzano to the General lnspector of
the Treasury, 16 March 1906
Source: Archivo Nacional de Costa Rica .............. 877
Annex 215 Report of the Sub-Inspector to the Treasury of
Colorado to the General Inspecter of the Treasury, 24
November 1908
Source: Archive Nacional de Costa Rica .............. 891
Annex 216 Report of the Sub-Inspecter to the Treasury of Barra
del Colorado to the General Inspecter of the
Treasury, 7 December 1909
Source: Archivo Nacional de Costa Rica .............. 895
Annex 217 Costa Rica, Revenue Guard Law No. 4,10 September
1923,Articles 1, 2,6-9, 18-19
Source: Colecciôn de Leyes y Decretas, Segundo
Semestre, Anode 1923 (San José:Irnprenta Nacional,
1923), 306-310 .................................. 899
Annex 218 Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica, 8
November 1949, Article 12
Source: Bilingual Edition, (San José: Cornisi6n
Nacional para el Mejoramiento de la Administraci6n
de la Justicia, 2001), 18 ........................... 907
Annex 219 Situacionjuridica del Rio San Juan, 1954
Source: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores,
Managua, 1954, 5-6 .............................. 909
Annex 220 Costa Rica, RuralAssistance Guard Law No. 4639,
23 September 1970, Articles 2-3
Source: Coleccion de leyes, decretas, acuerdos y
resoluciones,Segundo Semestre. 1 Toma.(San José:
Imprenta Nacional, 1970), 564-565 .................. 913
Annex 221 Costa Rica, Law No. 4766, 28 May 1971, Article 3
Source: Colecciôn de Leyes, Decretas, Acuerdos y
Reso/uciones. Primer Semestre. 1 Toma. (San José:
Imprenta Nacionall971), 1170...................... 917
Annex 222 Situacionjuridica del Rio San Juan, 1974 (extract)
Source: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores,
Managua, 1974, 5-6 .............................. 921
IV Annex 223 Manager of Swiss Travel Services, Emilia Gamboa,
to Costa Rican Minister of Public Security, Angel
Edmundo Solano, 7 June 1982 ...................... 925
Annex 224 Manager of Swiss Travel Services, Emilia Gamboa,
to Costa Rican Deputy Foreign Minister, Ekhart
Peters, 5 July 1982 ............................... 929
Annex 225 Manager of Swiss Travel Services, Emilia Gamboa,
to Costa Rican Deputy Foreign Minister, Ekhart
Peters, 13 July 1982 .............................. 933
Annex 226 Costa Rica, General Law of Police Law No. 7410, 26
May 1994, Articles 6, 8, 24, 27, 28
Source: Colecci6n de leyes, decretas y reglamentos,
1 Semestre 1994, 1 Toma (San José: lmprenta
Nacional, 1995), 260-261 and 265-266 ............... 937
Annex 227 First Commandant, Mayor Hugo Espinoza,
Sarapiqui Atlantic Command, to General Director of
the Border Police, Colonel Max Cayetano Vega,
Note 3054-98, P.F.S, 18 December 1998 .............. 943
Annex 228 Costa Rican Foreign Minister Roberto Rojas,
Statement to the Permanent Council of the
Organization of American States, 8 March 2000,
OEA/Ser.G CP/ACTA 1224/00, 14-20 ................ 987
Annex 229 Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Eduardo Montealegre,
Statement to the Permanent Council of the
Organization of American States, Washington,
D.C., 8 March 2000, OEA/Ser.G CP/ACTA
1224/00, 20-26 .................................. 1003
Annex 230 Costa Rica, Law of Creation of the National
Coastguard Service Law No. 8000, 5 May 2000,
Article 2
Source: Diario Oficial La Gaceta No. 99, A/canee No.
34. (San José:lmprenta Nacional, 24 May 2000), 1 ..... lO19
Annex 231 Declaration Recognizing as Compulsory · the
Jurisdictionof the International Court of Justice,
under Article 36,Paragraph 2, of the Statue of the
Court, Nicaragua Reservation, UN Reference
C.N.1157.200l.Treaties-l, 5 December 2001........... 1021
v
'Annex 232 Objection of 18 December 2001, UN Doc. A/56/770,
1 February 2002 ................................. 1023
Annex 233 Nicaraguan Foreign Minister, Norman Caldera
Cardenal, to Nîcaraguan Minister of Govemance,
Arturo Harding, Note No. MRE/DM-JI/0680/05/2,
27"'May2002 ................................... 1031
Annex 234 Costa Rica, Regulations for the Organization of the
Ministry of Publie Security, Decree 32177-SP, 1
December 2004, Articles 52,54
Source:Diario Oficial La Gace/a No. 6,A/canee No. 1
(San José:lmprenta Nacional, 10 January 2005), 9 ...... 1033
Annex 235 Municipal Mayor of San Carlos, Costa Rica, Lie
Alfredo C6rdoba Soro, to Director of Foreign Policy,
Costa Rican Foreign Ministry, Lie José Joaquin
Chaverri Sievert, Note No. AM-1315-2005, 18
October 2005.................................... 1037
Annex 236 Director of the Health Area of Pital of San Carlos,
Costa Rican Department of Social Security, Dr.
Kattia Corrales Barboza, to Director of the Regional
Management and Health Service Networks, North
Huetar Region, Dr. Omar Alfaro Murillo, Note No
RHNPI-303, 7 November 2005 ..................... 1039
Annex 237 Regional Director of the North Huetar Regional
Medical Services, Dr. Omar Alfaro Murillo to
General Director of Regional Management and
Health Service Networks, Dr. Armando Villalobos
Castaiieda, Note No. DGRRSSRHN-2511-05, 15
November 2005.................................. 1041
Annex 238 Mr Jorge Lao Jarquin and Mr Santos Arrieta Flores
to Costa Rican Foreign Ministry, 22 November 2005 .... 1043
Annex 239 Head of the Nurse Department ofthe Health Area of
Pital, Costa Rican Department of Social Security,
Lie. Antonio Garcia Pérezto Director of the Health
Area ofPital of San Carlos, Costa Rican Department
of Social Security, Dr. Kattia Corrales Barboza, Note
No. DAP-EA-030-2006, 9 February 2006 ............. 1047
VIAnnex 240 Note of the Intendent Commander in servtce of
Atlantic Command, Sarapiqui, Daniel Soto Montero,
to Costa Rican Foreign Ministry, 14 February 2006 ..... 1049
Annex 241 Receipts of payment of the "departure clearance
certificate":
(a) Departure Certiflcate for US$25.00 charged at
the Sarapiqui Army post and receipt thereof, 5
May 2001................................... 1055
(b) Departure Certificate for US$25.00 charged at
El DeltaArmy post, 5 May 2001 ................ 1058
(c) Receipt for US$5.00 charged at the Sarapiqui
Army post, 23 June 2006....................... 1059
(d) Receipt for US$10.00 charged at San Juan del
Norte Army post, 23 June 2006 ................. 1061
Annex 242 Tourist card charges:
(a) Receipt for the Tourist card charged to 2 persons
($10.00), 5 May 2001 ......................... 1063
(b) Tourist card of$5.00, 6 August 2005 ............. 1065
Annex 243 Receipts of payment of a tax for "transit permit
through the·border points'':
(a) Receipt of payment of the "transit permit
through the border points" charged to a Costa
Rican boatman, 28 December 2005 .............. _0167
(b) Receipt of payment of the "transit permit
through the border points" charged to a Costa
Rican passenger, 23 June 2006 .................. 1069
Annex 244 Visas required in order to navigate the San Juan,
receipts thereof, and copy of stamped passport,
December 2005 .................................. 1071
Annex 245 Receipts ofpayment ofthe "migratory service (entry
and exit)"
(a) Receipt of payment from a Costa Rican
boatman, 28 December 2005.................... 1077
(b) Receipt of payment from a Costa Rican
passenger, 23 June 2006 ....................... 1079
vn Annex 193
Fundamental Law of the State of Costa Rica, 25 January 1825, Article 15
Source: Colecci6n de Constituciones de Costa Rica: Del pacto de Concordia a
la Constituci6n Politica de 1949 (San José,lmprenta Nacional, 2000), 80-81 TRANSLATION
Fondamental Law of the Republic of Costa Rica, 25 January 1825
"Article 15
The State's territory will extend, for now, from West to East, from the Salto
River, which divides it from that of Nicaragua, up to the Chiriqui River, which
îs the border of the Republic of Colombia, and from North to South, from one
sea to the ether, being its lîmits on the north the mouth of the San Juan River
and the shield of Veraguas, and in the south the mouth of the Alvarado River
and that of the Chiriqui." -
!
~&ccitf/z
de ~n:Jû"/ucitYne:J
a'e ~J/a 9Îica
Del PactConcordia
a lConstituPolitde 1.949
2000
SMJose,Costa Riensusarmassinmasreglaen todaque lajusticia,sinmas1imitesque losderechos
desussemejantes,y sin masmiramientoque las Leyes.
ART.3°-Su seguridadindividuales garantidapor el Estadoque lapone
a cubiertotodaatentadocon Lèyesrepresivas.
.~T 4o....:.ursopiedadesson i.nvi~e~ealbsadopuedeexigirel
Sacnfic1ode alguna por razon de tnteres pubhco legalmente comprovado
indegnisandpreviamente. "
ART.5°- Toda Ciudadano Costa~r isadmniieoa los destinas
publicossinmasdiferenciaque la de sus virtudesy talentos.
ART. 6°-Ygualmente tiene d7echo de concurria la formacion,
execuciony aplicacionde la Le~edi oe sus mandatarios.
A~T:7°-_La Ley debeser igualvara tydno puede prohivir,sinô lo
queesdanosoâ la Sociedad,ni mandatsinô loque la sea utily justa.
ART.8°- Toda Ley que viole los sagrados derechos del hombre y
Ciudadano,declaradosen losarticulasprecedentes,es injustay no es Ley.
ART.9°-La resistencia moaala oprecion es consiguiente·â los
derechosdel hombre,y del Ciudadano,y unode sinteres debete.~
ART. 10.-Los Costa-ricenses deb1<>obedecer religiosamente, y
respetarla Ley, y los Magistrados y Agentes del Gobiemo quando son.los
executoresde ella: 2°Contribuircon proporcionâ sus haberes para los gastes
delEstado:3°Servydefendea la Patriatodas lasvecesque sea llamadopor
laLeyauncon Sacrificiode.suvida,-éinterecès. .
CAPITUL02°
DêE lstado
ART.11.-EI EstadodeCosta-ricase çomponede;todossus habitantês.
ART.12.-EI esy serâ para siempre liind~pendi deEnpaiïa,
Mexico;y qualesquieraotrapale6Gobil!moextrangero,y no serajamas
..;.Patrimoniode ningunafamilia,ni p'rsona.
ART.13.-Es y sera unode losque formanla Federaciôndel Centre de
America.
ART.14.-La s'c;bcradel Esr;do resid·:esencialmenteen él,en todo
aquelloque rnâsu Gobiemo,yadministracioninterior.
· ART.1".-f.l1erritodel Estado.se extiendepor ahorade Oesteâ Este
desdeel Riodel Salto que Jodivde Nicaraguahasta el Rio de Chiriqui
tennînode la Republicade Colombia,y Norte Suradotro mar, siendo
80sus limitesen eldelNortela bocadel Riode SanJuayel escudode Veraguas,
y en el del Sur ladesembocaduradel Riode Alvarayoladelde Chiriqui.
ART. 16.-EI Territoriodel Estadose dividirâ en Departamentos:cada
Departamento en Partidos y los Partidos en Pueblos: una. Ley particular
arregla.çâestadivicion.
Ain. 17.-El Estadose denominarâ,
ESTADOLIBREDECOSTA-RICA
CAPITUW3°
De los Cosla-ricenses
ART.18.-Costa-ricenses sontodosloshabitantesen el Estadonaturales
de êl,ô naturalisadoseél.
ART. 19.--son Ciudadanos Costa-ricenses todos los habitantes del
Estado, naturalesde êo naturalisadosen él,camo tengandiezy ocho anos
cumplidosy oficioô modode vivirconocido.
ART. 20.-EI derecho de Ciudadano se pierde: primera; por haver
reresidido fuera del territorio de la Federacion siete anos consecutives sin
licencia del Gobiemo: segundo, por aceptacion de pencion, distintiv6s,
tituloshereditariosde algGobiemoextranjero:tercera, porsentenciaen que
se imponganpenasmasquecorreccionalessinô si obtuviesereabilitaèion.
ART.21.-EI mismoderecho, se suspende: 1°por incapacidadfisica 6
moral, calificadjudici~lm 2°enor s:r deudor quebrado fraudulento,6
deudor requeridode pago en las rentas publicas;siendo en uyootro~aso
declarado: 3° por hallarse procesado criminalmente: 4 pçr el Estado de
sirvientedomesticosercade la persona.
ART.22.-La mayoredad principia.cumplidoslos veinw y tn·saii.os.
CAPITUL04°
DelGobierno y religiondelEslado
~ .'
ART.23.-EI Gobiemodel Estadoes y serapopularrepresentativ...1,
objeto es la feliciyaprosperidaddel mismo Estado,consistentesen las de
los individuosque lo forman.
81 Annex 194
Decree of Basis and Guarantees of Costa Rica, 8 March 1841,Article
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica
(San José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946),89 773
TRANSLATION
Decree of Basis and Guarantees of Costa Rica, 8 March 1841
"Article 1:
(...)
2. The State's territory is included between the following limits: on the west, the La
Fior River and continuing its 1ine along the shore of the Lake of Nicaragua and the San
Juan River, down to the mouth of the latter on the Atlantic Ocean: on the north, the
sarne ocean from the mouth of the San Juan River to the Shield of Veraguas: on the
east, from said point up to the Chiriqui River: and on the south, from this river,
following the coast of the Pacifie Ocean up to that of La Fior" Edicl[m dd ()oîeghl dt:t.<\bogu.tlos
dlrigida.. llOr cl
Uc, MARCO i'UUO ZEI.EDt)N
.l 9 4 6
1-.- LEYDE BASESY GARANTIAS
8 de mano de 1841
DECRETO II
Bases y garanlias
''EL JEFE SUPREMO DEL ESTADO DE COSTA RICA.
Con presencia de la acta de 27 de Maye de 1838, que le confie re omni.
modo y exclusivamente la adminislracion del Estado; y deseando establecer
arantias, e alejen las ·apariencias de un ré imen absoluto, y suvan de
base para la legîs ac1on gener . mientras que con majores elementos se pue.
de constituir el Estado de un modo mas perfecto, decreta:
ARTICULO 1
Del Estodo
19.-El Estado se compone de !odos sus habitantes, naturales, 6 natu
ralizados en él. Es Soberano é independiente, tanlo en su administracion inte
rior, com.o en sus relaciones- exteriores. La Soberania reside esencialmente
en todo él: ninguna seccion, grande 6 pequena: puede abrogarse este tilulo;.
ni las personas que ejercen el Poder Supremo llamarse Soberano.
2. El lerritoric- del Estado se comprende, entre los limites siguientes:
por el Oeste, el rio de la Floc, continuando su Hnea por el litoral del logo
de Nicaragua y rio San Juan, hosta el desagüe de éste en el inor Atlantico:
por el Norte, el m.il:lmà mar, desde la desembocadura del rio de San Juan,
hosta ei escudo de Veroguas; por el Este, desde dicho punta, hosta el rie
de Chiriquî: y par el Sur, desde este rio, siguiendo la costa del mar pacifiee
:!-.asta el de la Fior.
3. Se divide el lerritorio en cinco Departomentos. cuyas cobeceras
son. Cartèigo. San José, Heredia, Alajuela y Guanacasle: al primera corres
ponden las poblaciones que hay desde Matina al rio del Fierro: al segundo
desde este rio al de Virilla, con inclusion de los pueblos de Térraba y Boruca:
al tercera. desde el referido Virilla al rio Segundo: al cuarto. desde aqui al
rio Chomes: y al quinto, desde ahi al de la Flor. Se subdividen en pueblos,
y éstos en barries y cuarteles; conservandose sin embargo, los titulos gana.
dos hosta ahora, de Ciudad 6 Villa.; pero en Jo sucesivo. solamente se ·conca·
derân par grandes servicios heches al Estado. Cuando el aumento de la po.
blacion exija otra demarcacion de los departamentos, se bara ·esta por una
base, que no baje de treinta mil habitantes coda uno. Annex 195
Constitution of Costa Rica, 9 April 1844, Article 47
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica
(San José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 107 TRANSLATION
Constitution of Costa Rica, 9 April1844
"Article 47.
The State recognizes as the limits of its terri tory the following: on the West, from
the mouthof the "La Fior" River in the Pacifie, and continuing the tine along the shore
of the Lake of Nicaragua and the San Juan River, down to the mouth of the latter on
theA tiantic Ocean: on the North, the same ocean from the mouth of the San Juan River
to the Shield Veragu on~t:e East, from said point up to the Chiriqui River, and
on the South, from mouth of this river up to that of the La Fior; but the border line with
the State ofNicaragua will be definîtely fixed when Costa Rica be heard at the national
representation, or that, in its absence, the affaîr be subjected to the impartial judgment
of one or more States ofthe Republic." EdJ(:Iim delünîegio d& .o\.bogu.dos.
dlrigidll por el
Ue. MARCO 1.~UU ZEOl.EDON
). 94(l
1.(1buso de la confianza depositatia, y por el mismo hecho, sus autores se
ftoŒr. indignes de toda conti.J:nza pUblîcaa mas de las penas que respec:"'
uvrunente imponen las leyes.
TITULO Ir
DEL ESTADO, SU GOBIERNOY REUGION
SECCION 19
Del Estado
Art. 42. El Estado ~; eompone de !odos sus habitantes.
Art 43. El Estodo es lii.Jre, soberano é independiente, y no puede
'!!erregido sin6 por las autoridades que él mismo elija en la forma peri~dos
que sefiala la Constitucion.
Art. 4.4. O.bliga eseneialn\enteal Estado ·y6: sus crutoridades con~:er·
var las qarantias establecidas en favor de cuaiquier individuo.
Art. 4.5. El Estado es uno de los que componen la RepUblieo de Centra
América y concurrirâ con sus Representantes electos populannente a fonnor
el nuevo pacto de asociacion general cuando en este respecta estén de acuer·
do los demas Estados.
Art. 4.6. .El Estado es un asllo inviolable para todo extrangeroque se
ucoja é:él. y se sujete â sus layes, y no permite el tré:fico 6 posesion de
«selavos en su territorio.
Art. 4.7. El Estado reconoce por limites de su lerritorio: al Oeste, desde
la deaembocadura del rio de "la Fior" en el Pacifieey continuando la linea
por el litoral delLaqo de Nicaragua y rio de San Juan al desaqüe de ésto
en el Atlantico: al.Norte, el 'mismo mar desd.e la boca de SCn Juan, hosta
el Escudo de Veraguas: al Este, desd' este punta al Rio Chiriqui. y al Sut
desde la dasembocadura de este rio é:.la del de la nor: mas la Unea fron·
teriza por la parte del Estado de Nicaraqua, sera fijada defînilivament-?
r.nando Costa Rioa seo oido en lo representacion naeional. 6 que 'POtdefecto
de esta. el neqocio se someta al juicio im.parcial de uno 6 1;nas Estados de
la Republica.
Art. 48. El Estado se denomina ESTADO LIBRE DE COSTA RICA.
SECCION 29
Del Gobierno
Art. 49. El Gobiemo del E.,tado libre de Costa Rica. 9s y sera siem~e
popular representativo, y su objeto la fellcidad y prosperidad del mismo
:Estdo
-107- Annex 196
Constitution of Costa Rica, 10 February 1847, Article 25
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica
(San José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 130 781
TRANSLATION
Constitution of Costa Rica, 10 February 1847
"Article 25.
The lirnits of the State's territory are:on the West, from the mouth of the "La Fior"
River in the Pacifie, and continuing the tine along the shore of the Lake of Nicaragua
and the San Juan River, down to the mouth of the latter on the Atlantic Ocean: on the
North, the same ocean from the mouth of the San Juan River to the Shield de Veraguas:
on the East, from said point up to the Chiriqui River; and on theouth, from mouth of
this river up to that of the La Fior; but the border tine with the State ofNicaragua will
be definitely fixed when Costa Rica be heard at the National representation, or that,
its absence, the affair be subjected to the impartial judgment of one or more States of
the Republic." Ed.lcilm del C0oiegio tl.-; Abogado.Y
dl:rigida por el
Ue. MARCO TUI.lO ZEl.ED(lN
1 9 4 6
L Art. 25. Los limites del territorio del Estodo son: por el Oeste desde
.a desembocadura del rio de la Fior en el Pacifiee, y conlinuando la lineo
por el Utoral del Lage de Nicaragua y rio de San Juan al desagüe de éslc
c·n el Atlémtico: al Norte, el mismo mar desde la boca de San Juan hosta ei
Escudo de Veraguas: al Este desde este punta al rio de Chiriqui; y al Su:.
desde la desembocadura de este rio cila del de la Fior: mas la Unea front~.
rizo por la parte del Estado de Nicaragua, serét fijada. definitivamentc:uar.
do Custa Rica sea oido en la representacion Nacional. o que por defeclo ~e
esta,.el negocie se someta al juicio imparcial de uno o mas Estados de la
Republica.
SECCION II
De los habitantes delEstado
Art. 26. Los habitantes del Estado de Costa Rica son todos los que.
comprendidos dentro de los lîmitesde su territorio, forman la Soberania·
popular.
Art. 27. Los habitantes del estado, deben ser considerados como ·na
tura les. como natut'alizaclos y como ciudadanos.
Art. 28. Son naturales los nacidos en el Estado. Y. los hijos de e~to:s;
que nacieren en pais extrangero, siempre que sus padres estu.vieren al ser
vicio del Estado o que su ausencia no exceda de cinco aiios con conocimien
lo del Ejeculivo.
Art. 29. Son naturalizados: los naturales de cu.alquiera de los Est.:x
dos de la No:cion C. A. y de las otras secciol!es dE! América que C<lS<ll'en e~
el Estado, o tengan un capital en bienes raîces que no baje de mü pesos; y
los nalurales de otras naciones que hallandose radicados en cualqu.iera pun-:
to del continente Cen!ro-Americano al tiempo de la ilidependencia la huhie
sen jurado y no se hayan au.sentado del territorio de la Repûblica mas ~e.
cinco aiios, poseyendo un capital en el pais, que no baje de dos mil pesos,.
con calidad de ser casados con hijas del Estado.
Art.·30. Las carias de naturaleza se concederân: 19 por una inven
cion util establecida en el pais: 29 por la enseiianza de alquna ciencia, ari'J
u olicio no conocido: 39 por mejorar notablemente la i~dustr 49apor haber
hecho servicios muy reelevo:ntes al Estado: y 59 ~or vecindad en él de diez
cùios, o de cinco con sus familias: pero en ningun case, el hijo 6 hijos dt.>
nacion extrangera â qu.ienes se concedan clichas carias,podrém qozar de los·
derechos que eUas producen sin haberlas antes solicilado y obtenido en vir
tud de pertenecer â paises, con los cuales Centro..,Américo:ô el Estado de
Costa Rica tienen celebrados tratados é c:onvenios de reciproco interés y
cuya.s leyes pennitan al extrangero naturalizado, renu.ndar los derechos de
ciudadania que le acuerden las layes de su nacion.
Arl. 31. Son ciudadanos costarricenses, todos los natu.rales del Esta
do o naturalizados en él.que tengan vein.te aiios cumpli9os, é dieziocho si:
fuesen cosados o profesores de alquna ciencia, y que unos y otros poséar....
ademas, alguna propiedad u oficio honesto, ~yas ganancias y ·frutos sean
copaces de mantenerle con proporcion étsu estado.
Art. 32. De la fecha en que .se pUblique esta Constitucion hasta el
-130-·r-----·-------- .
Annex 197
Costa Rica, Decree No. XVII of 10 May 1847, Articles 1-3
Source: Leyes decretas y ordenes expedidos por los Supremos Poderes
Legislativo y Ejecutivo de Costa Rica en los aiios de 1847 y 1848, Tomo X
(San José:lmprenta la Paz, 1863), 90-91 TRANSLATION
Costa Rica, Decree No. XVIl of 10 May 1847
"Establishes Military Guards in "Sarapiqui" and the La "Fior" River
(...)
Article l. A military Guard in the North coast is established, on the margin of
the Sarapiqui, and another one on the margin of the La Fior, on the western
region of the State, and they will located on the points that the Government
decides.
Article 2. Each one ofthese Guards will be integrated by a Commander subject
to the orders of the General Intendant, and of a number of troops which
according to the circumstances is decided.
Article 3. The following will be responsibilities ofthese Guards: apprehend the
articles and effects that are illegally introduced in the State, and to impede the
exit of any person that does not bear its passport, and after six months of the
issue of this Decree, also the entrance ofthose who do not bear said document."
(...) ,·LE\'"E s nE··c v ~oR E TNoE s
EXPEDti>o:S:.poRS SUPREMOS YODERES
. .
LEG1SLAli V OJEOUTJVO
-·..JB<C;_i .i\~QI...-~·
jiJL_osdos DE 1841 v ~~48.
1SSS •
_. _
.ANJ(JS..
' ' ·tJ
~··.. l..L.f • '"'
..lmpillaPa~.- dtPne.~e-o. .·
\.fp...,_,~-'~11.• .. -!t0..
citrtl S~n;tJos é,_tl..J p1c,,ona_c~dias·clel
yo t.nL~iho.c~cntos nay~sicte.o~.\fr..
riA,lfa _~esio,:nte~-Te PilafoDiouta!"'
-~hLP.i.i~~r--~Ç ,aiI~Re1e.D!p·•.t·io.~Juan
.~dQ~.~gundo.~c tnt: - ~:JE c~·T e(s)s~~~Ï)ôr.
S».~Qf?t~~~ony:de.tniochocientoJ.euarenta:
' .
~·...te~·~l\~..Cast•-.AlJ\l~n.·tro ..e re-
L"\ç~ y~,9b~ern~ ~·DontJoac~B uitn~nar
do Calvo."
.~. ..
•
DECRETO X''II.
Jlstab~es~~ dUtaes~n"sa~ap ytequi"
rio de la "[11r.~ · ·!
N9 .l..
·.
"El Pt'esidente del Estado de Costa Rica ..
lnfor1nado de que_cos~ dl Nor~ ~nJa.:
.np.veg _dlsuaoiu", por lft·ontcocci- -
dentnl·Estaflo se bfrl~cu inntucio·
nes clande sstiefets extrangerco:rba
·'le ort\culos es.tuncado~ysiendo de su
'lebpreveni·csm~al tnn ruinuso ni cornercio •.
. cuana·JoL~te._ -euc;en uso .defacul-
~~~s- .:·~t-~~~J..croCi<>2e.Y26·:t:-t
-~_de} ~!·l~~t~ Y~1l~~yl.1.~(~ic~t;_1u~~~~
de 18Jdecrët. . .. •L•.•.
_~~t J?~:~-s.ln~C~n~r:r.~g1u1~_at:l·~~~-
ç~~ t_~t.rl.~b0~]a1arge~=d'1Sarui.f;.l
{UElr~gu&t'arRpeet~oua-cc:tckilalJd.s·
•.2~u,~l.l_~?~~ol)6~· ~ · ·--·---,
\
?$,:otro·:1,rdêl~ d;iiFiorpor-lparte :occi.
:dentqLdel,Està.do, -y,senfl(lpu~ttoûc ·
~ 1G..tel"Qestgne.....·:.. ,..... ·.'..
.:·.rt- .'da.2:~d.éstos'.'tte!iie:t.roi~~
{pattdttà·~Comabda;.l·!?U;l'là·s':.· oi-tle~es'd~l
.Intendente: ·1general.ÙtrJê·d~.tr(·)upa
::eonr-preseneiacirctins :s~idicsp8onfgt~;f;
"':.Art ~~B3o.bj'e dcbqs.-deesgu a;~d ·s~i
.~~.nd. .atrlol:y.:sefeqct.~lga·t•ente:'se
·lotroduzca:nr:al é.imp~d sliada.!cual-
qqi~ peroaa.que ·no.exbibacorrt!~pondiento
,p~aapo yr.ep,esde,·se·rriese;1d~·iion
.dè.e.d~(eet;·.~n)~ .nëruJinldë_a·s: :,qu~
~11r101gan~ idQ~1ÙJoèo>.t..!.:·:,· .·
_·Art. lt..essgu·a·rd~ e<:rr::eno~el»dos;
.ef~c .ut~osp,r~t ,a·:p~~uqè-.:orecont•..
,pensa Jes seiiaJe.y.~sa. eo··la.ciu·e4
,:Snos·~.â dif};'mny.d·r~:è.oc:l;tcua- .
:rf}.fasiete.~J JIo$ié.afi:~tAt,Jefede.
Seccion :encargado -aèeidentalmente delkdeSpacho ·
.4·h.u:ci·aguerra .Jlian deosZé..ped.es~'~
·.-~·.
.DÈC.'~ETO.XVIll. . ' '
•.•1.;•• ~-·'11 -••~•· -• ~1- -·
·mâliabnr:ee-,~~-.Ç~p ~j~-t~,rD?-·ino~o~
-6::0&~L;i·p~o_i;'at·ea·~~~ë'~bias~~cioa
:.... ·G.l.è·t.o.ce~ra•eilt~del'ijilO:.·::
'>. .f ~~· . >......' .·r,_:.;:.NJ.,.: ..
~·-:~: • ' ~: ~1 •:•:·•·~·:~}, ••
."·~~:lPr es ldell. ,nEs~t~(~p~~t~~-.·l~J<:J&·.
·.~~rs ~~~ ''u·'de~i·d lo ~ ~j e. nt ~4·~·.-Tha$·:
flycrit·elamoralpû-l;Uanitt, i~1pu ~r~t~nt·c~· Annex 198
Constitution of Costa Rica, 30 Novernber 1848, Article 7
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica
(San José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 154 789
TRANSLATION
Constitution of Costa Rica, 30 November 1848
"Article 7.
The lirnitsof the Republic's territory are those of the uti posidetis of 1826." clirlgida })ùr cl
tic.. MARCO ~l'lJ ZLFl.;U(lN
l 9 4fi
,._ J9 Todos los hombres nacidos en el territorio de Co3ta Rica:
~ Los nacidos fuera del territorio de Costa Rica, de padres co~tarj.
censes, ausentes en servicio de la Repûblic:a, 6 en asu.ntos propios, con l~i
aue no se huhiesen domiciliado en pais extrangero.
• Art. S. Son c:ostaricenses por naturalizacion:
19 Los nacidos en cualquier otro pais que hubiesen estado domiciliad
03
en Costa Rica al tiempo de proclamarse su independencia en 1821, é de il!i.
girse en Repûblica en 1848:
29c Los que han adquirido este derecho en virtud de algun tratado 0~.
blic:o:-
39 Las mugeres no c:ostaricenses desd~ que se hayan carodo o case,
ren con costaric:ense:
49 Los que hayan obtenido y oblengan carta de naturaleza conforrn~
é:la ley:
59 Los naturales de cualquier pais del munda que manifiesten la v~
luntad de serlo ante la autoridadque designe la. ley.
SECCION 39:
De los deberes de los costaricenses
.Art6. Son deberes de los costaricenses:
19 Vivir sometidos é:la Constitucion y é:las layes; y obedecer y res.
petar las legitimasautoridades:
29 Contrihuit para los qastos pUbJicos:
:W Servir y defender la patriaë
49 Ser hospitalarios.
SECCION 4v
Del territoriode Costa Rica
Art. 7. Los limites del territorio de la RepubJîca son los del uti poside!i.;
de l82S.
Art. B. El terrilorio de la Hepûblica de Costa Rica se dividira en Pro·
vinclas. Coda Provincia 6e compondra de uno b mas cantones, y coda cantor.
sc dividiré: en dislrilos parroquialesLa ley arreglara la division territorial.
y determinaré: las autoridades que deban ser nombradas.
TITqLO II
DE LOS CIUDADANOS
Art. 9. Son ciudadanos los c:ostaricensesv~ron qeus reunan la'>c~>.a·
lidades siguientes: -· · · · · ' .. ·
19' Haber cumplido la edad de veinûun aiios:
2ÇI Ser dueiio de bienes raices en Costa Rica que alcancen al vdlor
libre de tresc:ienlos pesoô,tener una renta anual de ciento cincuenta pe!:os 1
pagar las contribucionesestablecidas por la ley:
3o;r Saber Ieer y escribir; pero esta cualidadsolo se exiqira desde 18$3
en adelante.
-154- Annex 199
Decree No LXVII of the Govemment of Costa Rica, approving the
Crampton-Webster Agreement, 22 June 1852
Source: Colecci6n de Leyes Decretas y Ordenes expedidos por los Supremos
Poderes Legislativo y Ejecutivo de Costa Rica en los aiios de 185, 1852 y
1853, Tomo XII (San José:Imprenta la Paz,1868), 147-148 TRANSLATION
Decree No LXVII of the Government of Costa Rica, approving the
Crampton-Webster Agreement, 22 June 1852
"Approves the bases for an arrangement between Costa Rica and Nicaragua
over territoriallimits, agreed upon in Washington, D.C. by representatives of
Great Britain and the United States of America
No 10
Juan Rafael Mora, President of the Republic of Costa Rica.- Whereas the most
Excellent Constitutional Congress has decreed the following.
The most Excellent Constitutional Congress of the Republic of Costa Rica,
considering the bases agreed upon in Washington by the Représentatives of the
two great Powers of Great Britain and the United States of the North, over the
issue of the territoriallimits that exists between the State of Nicaragua and the
Republic of Costa Rica; and considering its approval given by the Supreme
Executive Power, decrees:
Single article. The assent, adhesion and subscription that the Supreme
Government of the Republic has accorded through act of the 16th of the current
month to the bases agreed upon in Washington the past 3oth of April, by
Representatives of the Governments of Great Britain and the United States, for
a settlement between the Republic of Costa Rica and the State of Nicaragua
over the issue of territorial limits pending between both countries, is hereby
approved. "
(..) DE LAS
LEVES DECRETOS Y OltDJ~NRS
..
EXPEDIDOSPOR LOS SUPRE!\IOl)ODEHES
LEGISLATY IEJECUTIVO
ID!E ctJ®~~~~Qllll1CD~~~
EN LosANos DE 18s1,1as ~ 1853.
1969.
SAN JosÉ.
--·--
·lmpre~·-la-Paz.-<Jalle-dG-Ja-ba~ --l47-
t.ario; ·~&à·riGaiCia.Secreta rio.-. Por tanto:
1
EJEcuT'Es;.alacic;JNadona·SarJoséjunio: diezio ..
··chôde util i·dchocincuent.ydos-.:...JRafael
·Morll M:iitr-de~Estd-eltel Despacba de Ha..
.ciendaMânuelJosé·Oartt.z~':'
·~·:·~~~·•~•;
~. . .'. '•~-;.''. • .' .. ' •
Apr.u~ba.l ê~t-•àéomodamlentoentre ·costa
··ll~ca"N~ëari stbr'e.liidterritoriaeoiave
.,::·:•·llidas--·en·Wpor ·Representaz..e la·
.. . .q~ .~~y~J:. vu. de~éric~ (L). ·.
~ ~ '"•4-" ~• ~ " ' • •~ '• '~
~.·i :•; • K· 10.
. ..-.·.' ~ -{ ~-'
. .
. .'"JuanRa~t~ Mo.r~Ees_ideneQtf_.Repüb1icde
Costa Rica.-Pp1· ç,naoto;~J:, C o~~.gxre slu~nt~s~.mo.
C~nstitu ha io~n_al.lr_~iu~ete~_4Q ·
El .ExcPien , Cio~ g~(onsttucimia' ·de la
Repi!_ ~tCista Rica, con presencia de las bases.·
-'Ct'fi\fehiti'a"s E~~!!!f~t-rW~a~d~:s~·~g~~'i;'·~i?~:lQ$~
.~o:~~ra esPdôtënCidse·aGrànBretaiia y Esta dos
Unido del Norte, sobre la cuestion de -li.mite&terri
·tor ·i~èexiée~eutfk;·stado-deNicaraguayla
·Repûbl)ca 'de Costa.yÜen.ista de la aprobaribu
qu~ les ba:àeordada:t uprettto.:Poder· .Rj"ecutivo,
decreta: ... .
Art!' i~ =ièc~tp.'.reiasêbint.Ün1.erit·,'e~~Oil
..s..l•~t~·~1••• = ~•..'•.lG.~~o~d~eelm.~v\ )
,''~\'.-~~.~' . .·. : .~.l-~~ ~~ ....•••
(t).YeFl~) ey10 mayêde1858q1ieompTéndâpro~!ll1-
.:.-~~~·•~ntade~l•mites ~..~;li,de abd~llllÏs-
:moano. ·. · ... ·hlthaaooEi:e;-prt>J dvt~f~r.cœ-·.rA~n~e.
:J~!bsaseQ.~-~.-iduWs.içn-.~.4Al-.ll~
-11lt'(~tl:e~pr~s-_d~i~Q$.Qhi4~tJ:"flO~---
<~u.a.eat~~ JQRJMi VftOmîP!.\!Jhf'W'"
modamient.Oen~JJ:bi ,tWa.!tt iY~li~~-
Bstado Nicarasobrlcuestiori deter..·eJ
ritoripendiente asm··pis&.ÏrPoer
F.je(·utJja) -_trla.-dt;JosSupPo·os
~~J -~~"_~~a.n~v~_il-~~.til~_-s~j:~·
niQ~m.~_-~.;t ~çj~pQy~~~t"·!t:~.-;~îg~e,_t;~o
1·.-'~ce.;Fr. Br-uide-:?~:éêr.ta.afls~,-
-Jos·'Mit;arc,:secre_ta tnfo.~cPor
-·'r.aas~~NacionaSaJosé junio veintitres
demil ochocientos cincuenRafaeMo.-Juan
.-ta. 1~;Ei-ét~E~tA elD:sanb:deGo
.:berl' !aqunonratd~Gà•h·-:o:'·"'
. ·= • -.'\
.·DEC·RET-~L~VIil.
.....
- .'
-.~e. -.-l"aCo~~on_per--~J··e·,·~.1'.,
. ' ' - - .-.. ·- -. . ' .'1•1.
·'tJ~aaael_.~rr~ido;de~!ep"bJÇe
Costa -~icit.,~.;&~r~-~Cçù,Çtîsgi_rn'o,
C.on$tit.u_ci_t:tn.~l ·- :~ba,df~.r~tado·_loj_;f!ig!l~:~\~.
--~.E~.c~~~O'olti~~J:ra_nosdelt9cio,nal_
ARe,p•î_4~li_~<~~.a~-d eç}a_ra;
·'Art. ûniSonindivjddelaHonorable Co
mi:;petmanen_..lt)ft R~.DonM;~ne~es.
1\loLiccnciad·o1u1D~nranDo',\todes...
·1<;uevyDonS~ttu rlncnu-APode·~je:.. Annex 200
Costa Rican Decree No XXXVII declaring the Port of San Juan blocked and
prohibiting navigation on the San Juan River, 1 November 1856
Source: Coleccion de Leyes Decretas y Ordenes expedidos por los Supremos
Poderes Legislativo y Ejecutivo de Costa Rica en los anos de 1856 y 1857,
Tomo XIV (San José:Imprenta la Paz,1871), 74 797
TRANSLATION
Decree No XXXVII declaring the Port of San Juan blocked and
prohibiting navigation on the San Juan River, 1 November 1856
No9
"Juan Rafael Mora, President of the Republic of Costa Rica.
The campaign against the foreign usurpers having been re-initiated after it was
interrupted, I declare:
Article 1. The port of San Juan del Sur is hereby blocked as of from this
moment.
Article 2. The navigation on the San Juan del Norte River is prohibited to ali
types of vessels while the hostilities against the invaders of the Central
American territory persist.
Article 3. Being the steamers that navigate the San Juan River currently under
the absolute control of the filibuster W. Walker, and therefore his most valuable
assets, they will be apprehended or destroyed by ali means.
Article 4. The chiefs and military forces of the Republic will implement this
decree using ali the means within their reach."
(..) (JOLECCION
DB LAS
LEVES DECRETOS Y OH.DENES
tXPEDlDOS POLOS SUPREMOPODERES
LEGISLATIEJECUTIVO
tDŒ (fJ®QU\~Qœacc~~
EN LOSANOSDE 1856Y 1857. -74-
.âlos treta diasd~l .tnes de octubre de mil ochu..
cientos c:inruentay seis.-J uan Rafael M01·-El
Ministro rle Estado en el Despncho de lladenda ..
-Rafael G. Escalante."...···~~·····~··~... ~~
DECU~ET. OL~XVIt
Declara bloqv.ea.do el puertde Sail Juandel Sur y
Jlrohiblaaavegacioa en el rio de SJuan del Norte'·
N..9·~
"Juan Rafael Mora, Presidente de la Republiea
de Costa-Rica.
Empezadn nuevan1entela CfLtUpafinterrutupida
contra losadvenedizos usurP.aclores de Nicaragua,.
declaro:
.Art.1" El puerto de Sitn·Juan del Sor queda
bloqueado desde esta fecha en adelante ..
Art. 2" La navegacion del rio de s~i .unn del
NorteP.SPI'Ohibidaa toda cluse de entbcH'caciones·
mientras durE;n lashostiliJ cntrle ~s: n~aso
x·esdelsuelo centro·atuericnno ..
Art. 3IIalhindoseboy los ,.apm·es que navegan
el rio de San Juanbnjo el domioio absoluto del filL
bustero W. Walker, shmdo -sns 1nas activosauxilin~
res,s~râ a.nsados 6 d~strui a toostrance.
· Art:4~ Losjetesy fuerzasnlilitarede la .;tep(t~
lJlica haraefectiva esdeclaratoria usando de· cuan··
tos. n1edios estén a SU alcarice.--ÜOtUUn·îquesa
'!UL c~responde y a todos los1\iinistl'·S·agen- -75-
t~ x.tranjeros y nacionales.-Daùo en San José, eu
el Palacio Nacional, el primer elia.del mes de nn·
viembre de 1856.-Juan Raf1'elJ\ff.>l'a.Ministro
de Estadu en el Despacbo de Guerra y l\rlurina.-H.a-
fael G. Escalrtnte."
DECRETO LXXVIII
A-dlclona el decreto n• 51~éde agosto de 1855 que
trata de impuesto en favor del HospiyaLasareto.
N. 9.
"Juan· Rafael MorS: Presidente de la Repûblioo
de Cost~·Ricà.
Habienrlo m:1nifcstado la experiencia q ne lus
7
pr0\ Îdencias dictadas pordccn~ tuo ero 5 de 14
d~ agosto de 1855, no son nun hastan ptr~s ha
_cer efectivo, con puntuz\lidctd, el impuestosohre
hts mortuales en fùvor de! I-Im~p yitLnzlareto;
ycou el ·fin .de que estos piarlo!iùSestahlecimien.
tos e.n que t<lnto se interesa la hurnanidnd, no
desap!nezcan por falta de.fondos, he tenido 3 bien
dccretar ydecreto:
Art. io El Tesor·ero del IIospita1, con prescn·
·cia de l9s conocimientos que Je pasen los Sefiore:-J
Curas, ,Jue c~ Aslcaldes, llevnnun indice de ln8;
personas que tuueran en catln. uuo de ]os pueblos
de la Rep\tblica deja.udo hienes de I)Ue dehn pn·
garse la mnndn forzosa en fa\ror del llospital y
La.znreto.
Art. 2. Al intento los Jueces de 1• Instan- Annex 201
Costa Rica, Regulations of the Treasury, Decree No. IV, 23 March 1858,
Articles161-163
Source: Colecci6n de las leyes, decretas y 6rdenes expedidos por los
Supremos Poderes Legislativo y Ejecutivo de Costa Rica en el ano de 1858,
Torno XV (San José:Imprenta la Paz, 1871), 58-60 801
TRANSLATION
Regulations of the Treasury, Decree .No.IV of 23 March 1858
(..)
"Article 161. Besicles the fixed revenue guards that are established by these
Regulations or that are estabhshedby the Customs Ordinances, there will be an
ambulatory guard, whose most immediate chief will be the Jnspector of the
Subordinate Treasury. This Guard will consist of three rounds, and each round
of one corporal and three guards: the corporal is the chief of the round, and the
guards will be subject to his orders and respect in all matters ofthe service.
Article 162. There will always be an ambulatory round, watching over to
prevent the commission of any fraud or contraband from the Rio Grande to the
vicinity of Turrialba: another round will carry out the sarne vigilance in the
territory comprehended between said Rio Grande and the one of Chomes; and
another from the latter to the confines Nicaragua. The Inspecter of Treasury
will ensure that each ofthese rounds carries out the service alternatively in each
of the said territories four months a year."
Article 163. The following will be the duties of each and everyone of the
Ambulatory Rounds: 1st to ohey and carry out the orders that they receive from
the Revenue Judge, of the fnspector of Treasury, of the Administrators of
Public Funds, and from the Govemors of the Provinces in regards to the purauit
of frauds and contrabands, and the capture of smugglers or defrauders: 2n
to continuously rnake the round in the territory in which they are to carry out
their service, always watching that transgressions against the Fiscal interests
are not committed, and therefore.pursuing and seizing the clandestine factories
and sales of gunpowder and liquors: the clandestine plantations and sales of
tobacc?, and the introductions aad extractions0~ <:rticlt~~ ae attemp tte~
be camed out by contraband: 3r to frequently VISitthe spmt shops, to wetght
the liquors, to check the rneasures and to report to the re1pect\re Administrator
and to the Treasury Inspector the faults they observe; and4 to equally visit
the salesof foreign liquors and the beer distilleries to verity that they are being
made with the proper authorization."
(..) (10LECCION
DB LAS
LEVES DECRETOY ORDENES
EXPEDlDOS POR LOS SPODERES
LEGlSLAIOlEGUTIVO
tDr<D<D~ U\nil<nA~
EN LOAKODB 185Y 1857. -5.8.~
~a~;4qpeqa~· .l.coll1 ·pF.~o:_rrre~pq.ndt~~Jtr
--.J~••; ••. •••-••<•:Jit••o- ~e' • - •
el~nspec deoresorerias subalt09~0.Jq~
'peç ~~:~I~nsta~ expa~~e~sl~.lgl~sL:J.rl;in
~ )~l] .viteg:.~· .. . . . ...! ___
t 1\r~:~s.-..-dispp dè-·ic~~ùpe~h..lQ:.
~d. air~:J .P~P}ju.p.p e~n·s~·j d8?;i-, ~q,
~e~p _1d..·1Ûl-[~len _q~.fJ(a··~~!·+E!
~gp~ dP·:R?:':'LoA~n?J-û~tr~~~r~·-.:·.s~gPJï~~q,
p·~np ~.p~ie:~q.ië~1.~·~fW-~l10S:~:~,
~~b~dp_.de, .r~fcle~a.oquo.~")~:hfl~
~~p;re:~ .d~c:;·L~~rnca~d~~~s~J~~~c~l~-~~(·
.~]( :~fi.ac_n,aq~UQ Q~lj;t·l·Uer·e·
~~r-,_.~ei6 r_ntrpt-rrl~clr-aomoQ.:i·e~ee.r
~-çlÀ~ pÎtep.'~J~. ···.·' .::
·._A~t~.'j.n)conpai'.·tEi:o;r d-el-,Adt
•in-iit:futh~g &éj,,fueseco.nde ·a:a4·a~·j
g"ttéfla.ocJ!eal-ed.rechopo~·surepl'et
s.ent-&éi~~-J:uvei!all:ocaes.·h.d'e~i~~
chHT?iel::;fno,:ue~.:là.t~sae 'Bosâs:
·f!i.:~haE:c0:b·ûum·:rreg.&:d~cr:.eto
"éJ:".i..~d&.leB-i·,i:iarzo ···
j ~~,'',. ; ) •: . ' ~~.;
'·•...-"--..•~ 'tt ,~'.- ;. ;.
•~;''.1,~_=
. . -....,._711:.-( - • :- ." ';,
1..'..~· -'~-,)'r88gu~a.. ' · ··.. ·"·
..~-•...<~·:·'ï :'·~-~·.,:_..~.:~.·\..:
2:~Att16l.A!~eJn& .sest:ddai:1j~aé~1-q
·eSitJablwan:q:ionJ-e s1lu.Ei_·;:ï:egl!f!l.nuioto~
blecidpo..~.Jlr.d:a .nainrsHhhe.ilnf
resg!! vl~nedcuyoefe maainm~if .t-sJ~rtât·~·liim ,a·:Tctsor:·':sr*i~~Jtérnmi.:···ik$tSU~fes!}
.guài:o:cotirl'e·'+or1~~:;afi.fi (l-d~
un-'è·de··.guar·d~Lcabo'·<esi'fê:i::(léi:.J-il
randy::dehen/1ogiut:;;sà~~isi::ofis:-:-f.Y·r
éiJtQ,:latntd·ael~ se·.···.-·r~~_.-,:
Art.12-r'Hai:;iemùè:_-rdd_;a.nuTh~té~r:
v:i:g i1un«re0i:e,;fr~:J.-:r··.ahW€lo
algp'Ô:Ïi Rid'.·-i:h~~.[8$.::i'{Jnêdaiàoiôl'
·nasL_'i;ruv.ot1·xonl··te..:ll1--'S-.:vi.
gil~nci.a.:rvti.::cdmpre '~di~éJ.:~;el'ïe~
~sadorRi1Gratf.e.detCIU>mj:·Çii~ê1:·
estrÛltiJm~t.·s~on-lir~i·é,o'~J.·~~~Ü7®li
IRspecllét·œesprciiaV·:SJ_tdàfsj13
clstar.r-o.sïa;e:si:l~avfrti,t)U3o%éÜ
eh;ca:u:P.e· l~exp1~ e:tiotis:èu;iitN)r~
m·as'w Q..l.l:v:t.·:.../~.. 4J•1••.' ,·.• .,-,.·.,·
:~~:· So:6BB1~'gaéi tioU!Efcida>~m:ar·J
d-é\1·<"ls.Îbldnë,·T-üeed 1eè~erwtn~liri
}arj.;6 :u-Éèl-·'luë~d;'iHh:>ë·~eJa-_à~.{f
Iirsp:'d:Tesl:>~ariIa!t~am-d~rtstrail~t~:;.
' • • ' 1 .
dé~au&wl bleiy::~~Jf;·~_N.~~·f-Jr~#iif~pr~w
P.r.oxriéiî'-·-ârtp-e~éë~ tllffi6ëH.
y::eoJ:tt;s;-.-ea.ae!.t&s~:.-~cb~:r~'Btitlistiâii
6 defraudad-2eecorrcontifiüa~in:elnt'é;::e1It·~t'l8
1
ri~i~ C1\1)~:i.ier:tNn·StiJtriltifu;·:~i.;
l4WdtoJFd&m~;.'tn;oJiièd1iiiné Hf~?~eif-:.
l. .o!c-r§J.=. . ,.n't,J..,e~•f.,_;±b:;t
p,t·tf-yapfeë'!'àlij'~~t'qit~.mitJ·~?i
c~11~e -'é~,~~it-ft~s'·Çt ssle'nf)B~à--y~
vé~t.a;s ·~a~~ llaut~H-l.~f~~J~i~~:o.\-3d'è.~~
yl'eetmb :cdé~-~ê>~~-''il ~î1-~tc ~@ clW@J
c~tifaw j.'alià'tr<àril·éltüslni~1R~~ 805
~6Q-
de,~gu~~· p~i~rJ_li,~Çel~.s1~-~~~.fli~,
d~y~:;;-~ue n.ta:-~f!· IÏi·fj_Y.l~:..!c:I-or
In~pe dt-esorerde·~latasqueob~t)rv:a.:.·
reny4~vis.isi .mÎ_lasventalicoe~s,
trangeros y las.fahi'iças.ayefiguar;za:-_para;,
si~4~cecon co_~p.paf?teain_:;_:
, Ar164..rotid·ambulantelo-lesguar-·
dos.Jijos_quetengn.na-viso.privado 6 sospecben.::que
enalgu:casà.. se· f6expen d:aï•ticulo~
estaticprocede.a·,regide :ella;·-acompa·
iiados:·sie;AdŒinistr;a:.lic·';de:la:
PrQvtnc.~~,, ·ce~'.,de.uluei'tiiTotra.
a:ut~ eluaadd~~q. Uiaa·.··soli ~c.itado:~~es
teser~icio;-ola.ol~nilo;:_eL:verl-·.a
d:t;de]..âa.:.lmac,pava q~parmie~·:.
registro; .mas en caso despues-:de,·~ser.·
.i·equer~1~eii,ortreyece:en:-;:/Jit,o,
p:rQcedaall~nam ·ie~ito,ieJ_fSèt~,:
s..!le~~.~G•$u;:c·tnto,.de;Str:.de,.
l~:~j~m .çr~p.ndde.tta_h~~.con,6~~
resgu.afçlqs s~,~tpan~ar~u~~alag.:.,p.tu~.
t~riÇia.:~.A~rpiv.idernas,y.dotes-·
tigqq~P,~l.;.;ranpl~ntd~tabacy~pre-.~
se~~ Uarge~t•"•Z.·.·' ;;.~.:~; :; ;·: (:
.Art._,_.llac~usas,j_;dye.::f.rauden~.n_;._:
..do.lo~1:1 ~re~,scon.~i·,Qr;àtqp~b..ne-ïJ.o~:
test,\gqS pfe;~·em~el~,,cn4x}f1riO!.~.~
·Ii:~oih~y;i4.apr~J:t ~9D:.;fr)<.l.ç..;
dac l\}e,.r~sbnrie~~.rti~a~tqerî~~;r~,
·c~y91 &~J-r~~ie9Q.~_·'?994ft·e ·&9~i:gp_s
.,·i. ~~)q)91~.:_ 4el.;,rçlha:~-9~1~~P;'-::~~~~·1a<
_c~tW9J ~?.c-ei:9!!~-l~-.~~.ljt·:s~~~''. Annex 202
Nicaragua Decree of the Constitutional Assembly in its Legislative
Character, approving the Treaty ofLimits of 15 April 1858,4 June 1858
Source: The Case of the Republic of Nicaragua
(Washington, D.C.: Gibson Bros, 1888), Appendix C, 40 807
.···---------....
!SecretyfStats
THE CASJ~-<: \.~-----·81 )
OJ:o"THE
REPUBL O IC ICARAMfA
SUIIMITTOHIS EXCELLENCY
HoN.GROVER CLEVELAND,
Presidl'1litif the Umïed States,
ARBITRA TOR,
UNDER THE TREATY OF GUATEMALAOF
OECEM.BER zt886:
W,\.SII.l'O~,
J!'i!'iï.808
40
legisla1e has the power to exercise ali others which
were conferred bv tConstitutiof t838 upon both
cbambenï,wbethéracting jointly or separately, in all
casesof emergency.
Det:rtoftheCollsfihltÙJnal c41.ltiïsLegislath't..'
Ckaractcr. ajlprot·ù"g tlzoj'fitlle .;, .r858.
The~ousti Assum~ly~ henRelnbliCofNi~a
raÇ'lt11exerctSeof the legtslattve w1thwinchs
it1sinvested, decrees-
SOLE.ARTICLE-The treaty lünitsceleb~ n ted
the citv of San Josthe rstof. April, opresent
vear, betweethe ministers plenipotentiary, Genera]
bou 2fhiximoJereOJlth:_.paof this Republic, ~ud
General DojoséMana Canasouthe part of CoR1ca,
\Vitht11eintervention of the minister plenipotentiary of
the Govennn.eut of SalvadColonelDon Pedro R.
Negrete, is approved.
A.PPENDIX " D."
Jft•ssttgt} 'Sïatepepartm cfN&ica1~a tgheta
.')èll.•f .1.Vicaa,vi1zHitorytitheBoJutdary
.\·F,~f lwitCatiaRJcil$
SEcRE'tAB.\"SHIPFOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE
GOVBRN.lO lFEI~ARAGUA,
MANAGUA, jattuary8,1N76.
To the HonorableSscRETARIESOF TR!t SENATE:
GENTT~E MhEv~:thehotforto send to )ron the
co):'Iespoudebetween this Cabinet and that of Costa.
Ricaabout the boundary ques.tionsand the invalidity of
thert or heatth~ofApnl, 1~58.
~ou wtll observe that the Cabtnet of Costa Rica re
fuseto ackno\Vledthe duties that were itnposed·upou
tbat Govem1ne.nt.by the treaty of the 30th of Jnly,
1868; uotonly den1esthe-existence, fullv authenticated
of tl1e rights of Nicaragua, brefuse5to accept
the onltneatlof solving tdifficultv-aimpartial
arbitration. · · Annex 203
Constitution of Costa Rica, 27 December 1859, Article 4
Source: Digesto Constitucional de Costa Rica
(San José:Colegio de Abogados, 1946), 169 TRANSLATION
Constitution of Costa Rica, 27 December 1859
"Article 4.
The State's territory extends between the following limits: on the side that
limits with Nicaragua, those established by the Treaty subscribed with that
Republic on 15 April 1858: on the side of Nueva Granada, those of the uti
possidetis of 1826, except for what may be determined by later treaties with
that Nation; and on the other sides the Atlantic and the Pacifie."Èdlclim dêl ()ofegiad& Abogados
dlrigida por el
Ue. MARCO 1:UUO ZEI.EDON
1 9 4a CONSTITUCION POLITI~A
27 de diciembre de 1859
DECRETO L
"José Maria Monlealegre, Presidente Provisorio da la Rcpilblico. d~
Costa-Rica.-Por cuanto la Asamblea Naciono:l ConsHtuyenle ha decrelado y
sancionado la siquiente
CONSTITUCION
Nosot:os los Representantes del Puebla de Costa-Rica convocados le
jllimomente pua: establecer la justicia, proveer 6: la defec:omun. pr'?mover
E:lbien jenend y asequrar los benelicios de la libertad, implçnando eau~i
lio del Soberano Regulador del Universo para alcanzar estos fines, herne:;
decretado y sancionado la siquienle
CONSTlTUCION POLITICA
TITULO PRIMERO
De la Republica
Art. 19 La asociacion politicde todos los Coslarlcenses c0nstiluyeuna
Nacion que se denomina.: RepubUca de Costa-Rica.
Art. 29 La RepUblico es libre é independîente.
Art. :39 La soberanla reside esdusivamente en la Nedon.
Art.49 El terrilorio de la Republica esta comprendido entro los lin1ites !!1-
guientes: .IX'rel lado que linda con Nicaraqua los que fija el tralado ojus
tado con aquella RepUblica el 15 de Abril de 1859: por el de la Nneva Gro
noda los del uli possidelis de 1826, salvo lo que se delermine por lwtall~r.
ulteriorec~~ aquel1a Nacion: y por los demas lados el /\tlémticÏ el Padlico.
TITULO SECUNDO
Del Gobierno
Art. 59 El Goblerno de la Republica es popular. represoitlalivoa~- Annex 204
Costa Rica, Decree No. X of 6 February 1878, Articles l-3, 5
Source: Coleccion de las disposiciones legislativysadministrativas
expedidas en el aiio 1878 (San José:Imprenta Nacional), 30-31 813
TRANSLATION
Decree No. X of 6 February 1878
"Decree No. X establishing a Guard in the mouth of the San Carlos River
(...)
Article 1.-A Guard comprised of a Chief and four guards, to be situated on the
left margin of the "San Carlos" River, is hereby established.
Article 2.- The Chief, as weil as the guards, will watch with utmost diligence
that none of the natural products of the country are exported without having
first cancelled the dues established in the current Customs tariff.
Article 3.- It will the responsibility of the Guard's Chiefto charge and receive
the taxes that originate in the export, and to report this to the Treasury
Department, for which he will keep a book to record the amounts, signing each
entry together with the payer.
(...)
Article 5.- It will also be the responsibility of the Guard of San Carlos to pursue
the contraband of the articles of Fiscal monopoly and to proceed with the
utmost diligence in the pursuit of fraud that might be committed against the
National Treasury, complying with the regulations on matters of contraband
and the instructions he may receive from the Treasury Department."LAS DISPOSIC LIOENGE IS8LAY TIVAS
ADMINÎSA TR S,ATIV
EXPEDIDAS
·r0"• .-r-::-..-
• 1'4•j·.~ •4 .>..- 815
-30-
DECRETO N? X.
:r.::stabDecicI!Ircsguaa·do en ln boen t1eJrio
S:ua Cdt·Jos.
ToMAS G·uARDIA, Generalde Division y P'l'esi
denlcde la Repûblicade Costa--Ricaconsiderando:
1~-Que lnimportancia que de dia en dia ad
quieren los t.crrcnoco]ocados fi.las niftrgenes del rio
Sa.n Cfirlos, por sn_:fcracidydpor sn inmediacion al
mn.rdel Norte, ~l consiguiente facilidad para el co~
mCl·cio ùe Îlnpo]:t.aciynexportacion,debe Hamm· la
nt.eneion er;pecidel Gobierno;
2~-, no Ullrproteccion liberal en favor de ]a,
agricultnra.os ind~spens pnestl eue ésta eonsti
tuye la.prhnern.y principal fuente de la riqneza pù-
hliea; '·
3~-Qn ear ahora, a.lgunos poseedores de tc
rrenos,y n1uc.hosnu\s en lo adelante, desearan uti
lizar con grandes pla.ntaciones la fertilidad de sus tc
rrenoF;;
4~)-Qn aunquc el Gobierno con el 1nejor de
seo de sa.tisfncela.sjustay convenientes exigencias
de los cluel'ïosde tetrenosdebe cuidar escrupulosaw
mente los intereses fiscales, manteniendo nna cons
tante vigilancia para impedir todo fraude en los ra
nws del monopolio fiscal y en los productos natura
les del pais, qnc estân sujetos alp~go de derechos
de exporta'cion;
·5~-Quc para poder· conciliar nnosy qtros in
tereses,hay necesidad de establecer un resgnarclo
que vigileé :in1pidael cont1·abando sin OJJOna.rseà
permitir ln.i1nportacion yexporta.eion de todos los
elementos indispensables al incrernento v desarrollo
de ln n.gricult,uy:rlel r.om.e:rcio; ,) -31~
-DECRETO:
Art.~-Seestablèun resguarcompuesto
de un Jefe y cuatro.guardas, .que .}fi:.itu;:tdo en
roâTgizquierda de la boca del rio "San Câl·los." .
Art2?-E~Jef.;~icor:o1~uardascuida
ràconeln1ayor cde_que noexporte ninguno
de los frutos naturales del pais, .sin haber ·satisfecho
previ..mlos derechos designados en la Tarifa de
·.Aduanas vigent..
Art3~-Corresp JJfcf.eel.Resg cua,rdo
bnuypercibird.erechqt~c~:q~~.eportacion
.ydarcuentconsp:rod~ '-~l.ectqr!e~lafa
cendaacttyefecto ..l!jlipro.,q1n.1,~.
1
~ien aepnartiç6ester_-;finp~~4o_· · paqa;pa.r~·r;la
en union del enter. .e· ··· -· ····
Art4~-S iepedir(t tan~d,i~JJ.Qi~~acion
sjpreviauto1izacioM~nh;t ëJiH_Q.i~ndf\.;
y cuando. antoriz acpre:o~pr.ceet;el,
Jef{pract l fr~~detp.daq1;\ .eltlç~~slos
grvaos ~o._d_~r ~pclo..·o~~I-l\:eri~,~.,
tiendla.col,.~e~pondi .e.atOQn~.cdjillizn,,
~a.yor.. .. .•-....·->· ..._,_.;,1••.
- Ar5?-Correspo~de ·_-~~ill~.4-vsgtalàrdo'
SanCru·lpersegt~c.on~p,g ~~1o1d>~.r~·et1},?.~
·de monopofi~cya~·ocedco~la mayoacbvl
dadenlpersecuCld~l.fr~·uudeed~ometer:- _
se en pmjuicio de la 'Haéienâcinéndosel,
en utodà las.d.isp.o_ge!te-~.9 brea-
':delS.ecr~ctar:fa.ci;_··~a,.'··.·~,_,-.i}p?J~an'~s.:q~.{~
•~,.. ~~•.t: l~•'~J·..'.,' .!t1.}
_: ~t.~~-~IJv.I .~~Irl~ïë~tepd ~.li:ua~:~;~-
ga~d.e.ict}a#I~posi cCIpÇluqesn~~~~w'(-
~umo.~d~tl_~~ ,i,ft1..,·r\. .-.-.,-~
1
.~.,:.Pael:·et}P~ -.~;~~~. ntcfi~in..~,~J:?~~~-.,tâ
·.peisf~pr e~~r9,J11rl .~C.?~1?Ip?-to~r~-~~ltos Annex 205
Costa Rica, Decree No. XXXI establishing a Maritime and Customs Guard at
the mouth of the Colorado River, 16 March 1886
Source: Coleccion de disposiciones legislativas y administrativas emitidas en
el aiio 1886, Edicion Ojicial (San José:lmprenta Nacional, 1887), 152-153 817
TRANSLATION
Decree N° XXXI
Creates a Guard at the mouth of the Colorado river
Treasury Department
National Palace- San José,16 March 1886.
With the purpose of establishing the necessary surveillance of contraband in
the Atlantic coast of the Republic, His Excellency, the General President
Decrees:
1st - To create a guard, that will depend on the General Treasury Inspection,
whicb will be stationed at the mouth of the Colorado river, subject to the
provisions of the corresponding law.
2nd- This guard will consist of one Commander and five guards; the first with
a monthly salary of eighty pesos, and each of the others with forty pesos.
3rd - The appointment made by the Inspector General of the Treasury of Mr.
Juan Barth y Quesada as Commander of the said Guard, and ofMessrs Diego
Chaves y Salazar, Higinio Saborio, Ramon Garcia, Manuel Herra y Delgado,
and Justo Oviedo y Chaves as guards, is approved.
4th - The budget for installation expenses of the said Guard, in the amount of
one hundred and seventeen pesos ($117-00), submitted to this Department by
the Treasury lnspector, is equally approved, and the aforementioned employees
will receive an advanced payment of half of their salary for the preliminary
expenses incurred at the place of destination.- Let it be published.
Signed by H.E., the General President of the Republic.- Femandez·c·otECCION
E·.M.lTl DAS
en el afio
1886.
EDICION OFICIAL.·
SAN .JQSÉ.
1887. ~152-
ACUERJ)Q N~ XXX .
•Yom.lt,,.,uldehlionwddon.Manuel Ocn·Peralta,.
SecretariaeReJacion Eesteriores.
Palacio Naciorial.-San José, 16 de.marzo de 1886.
Siendo necesario establecer en las .Secretarfas
de Estado la plaza de Traductor de idiomas, por los
muchos trabajos de versi6n que ocurren ·enlos dife
.Jrentesramps del Gobierno, .n6mbrase con tal carâc
.ter al sefior don Manuel Carazo Peralta, quien dis
Jrutarâ par ese cargo, de la dotaci6n de setenta y
cinco pesos mensuales que se imputaran a eventua
les del rama de Relaciones Exteriores.-Comuni
tquese.
Rubricado por S. E. el General Presidente.-·
ESQUIVEL.
ACUERDO N~ XXXI.
Crea?1'l'esguaenla boen.r(o Colo1·ado.
SecretariaeHacienda.
.
Palacio Nitcional.-San José, marzo 16 de 1886.
Con la mira de establecer la necesaria vigilan
cia'del contrabando en la ·costa atlântica de l'aRe
pitblica.,SuExcelencia el General Presidente
AcuER.DA:
1?-Crear un resguardo dependiente de la Ins- -153-
pecci6n General de Hacienda,· el cual residirlt en la
boca del rio Colot·ado, con sujecalas disposicio-
nes de laleysobre la materia.. .
2?-Este resguardo se forman\ de un Coma:n
Elanty_cinco guardas, el primero con ladotaci6~1
mensual de ochenta pesos, y cada uno de los dem/1s
con la de cuarenta pesos. ·
3~-Apruéb alseo1nbra1niento hecho por el
Inspector General de Hacienda, en el sefior don Juan
Barthy Quesada para Comandante del enunciado
Resguardo,y en los senores Diego Chaves y Sala
zar, Higinio Saborîo,.Ram6nGarcia, Manuel Herra.
y Delgado y JustoOwviedoy Cha,;espara guardas.
4'?-Apruébase 1gualmente el presupuesto de
gastos de in::;talacion del 1nisn10 resgqne por
la s'uma de ciento·diyzsiete pesos ($ 11~00 )a~
pasado{testa Secretaria el senor Inspector del raD"lO,
y con~éd e oe empleados aqui noii?-brados·el an
·ticipo de media mensualidad para los primeros gastos
que se les origina1;an en ellâ que van destina-
dos.-PubHquese. ·
Rubricado por S. E. el·GeneralPresidente de
·la Rep1lblica.-FERNANDEZ.
ACUERDO N? XXXII.
Pija las a,tr·ibuoionesdel1'680lt·at·dodel Colo·tado.
Secretard.eHacienda.
Pa1acio N·acional.--,.SJosé, marzo 16 de 1886.
Est~ble ciraouerdo' nûmero 46 de estafe~
cha, un resgnardo .n1aritimy ·t~rres tnle boca
del rfo Colorado, en el Ath\ntico, .Su Excelencia. el
General Presidente de la Repûblica ·
20 Annex 206
Costa Rica, Decree No. XXXII ofthe Government of Costa Rica, fixing the
functions of the Maritime and Customs Guard on the Colorado River,
16 March 1886
Source: Colecci6n de Disposiciones Legislativas y Administrativas emitidas en
el aiio 1886, Edicilm Oficial (San José:Imprenta Nacional, 1887), 153-154 TRANSLATION
"'Decree N°. XXXII
Establishes the dulies of the Colorado guard
Treasury Department
National Palace- San José,16 March 1886.
Having established under agreement number 46 of this date a maritime
and terrestrial guard at the mouth of the Colorado River in the Atlantic, His
ExceHency the President General of the Republic
Decrees:
The Guard in question shaHhave at its disposai a national steamer with
its respective crew made up of a captain-pilot, an engineer, and a stoker and his·
helper.
The duties of the Guard are the foHowing:
1st To prevent contraband in the waters and territories of its
circumscription.
znd To give the relevant notice and information for the persecution of
smuggling to the guards in San Carlos and Sarapiqui, or to the Inspecter
General, according to the circumstances.
3rdTo request assistance from the guards of Sarapiqui and San Carlos,
and obtain it whenever the Commander of Colorado deems it necessary.
4th To make at least one monthly visit to the port of Limon in order to
take correspondence to and from Colorado.
5thTo reconnoitre at least once a week the Rivers San Juan, Colorado,
Sarapiqui and San Carlos; the first in the whole extent that it is navigable for
Costa Rica, the second in its entire extent, and the latter two along the entire
stretches that are navigable by steamer.
The itinerary shall be reserved in order that the guard's actions are not
eluded.
6thTo institute preliminary proceedings and to report seizures to the
respective authorîty at Limon.
7th To carry out orders received from higher revenue authorities that
have been duly communicated.
The General Inspecter of the Treasury shaH, following the approval of this
Department, issue the instructions it deems necessary for the proper
functioning of the guard of Colorado. - To be published.
Signed by His Excellency the President General of the Republic. - Fernandez.~.M E1TI. DA S
.en el afio
1886.
POICIONOFICI.AL
SANJOS~.
1887.
.. -153-
pecci6n General de Hacienda,. el cualresidira en b,
boca del rio Colorado, con sujeci6na las disposicio
nes de la ley sobre la materia..
2~-Est esguardo se formant de un Con1ùn
Elantey cinco guardas, el primero con la dotaci6n
mensual de ochenta pesos, y cada uno de los demAs
con la de cuarenta pesos.
3?-Apruébase el no1nbramiento hecho por el
Inspector General de Hacienda, en elsenor don Juan
Barth y Quesada para Co1nandante del enunciado
Resguardo, y en los seflores Diego Chaves y Sala
zar, Higinio Saborfo,. Ram6n Garcia, JVIanuelHerra.
y Delgado y Justo Oviedo y Cha,'es para guardas.
4t.>-Apruébase iguahnente el presnpuesto de
gastos de instalaci6n del misn1o resguardo,que. por
la suma de ciento· diey siete pesos ($117~0 ha )!
pasado lte~t aecretarîa el sefior Inspector del ran1o,
y con0édese <tlos empleados aqui no~bra. dlan·
.ticipo de 1nedia mensualidad para los primeros gastos
que se lesoriginat'an en el lugar à que vandestinA
dos.-PubHquese.
H.ubricado por S. E. el·General Presidente de
la Rep{lblica.-FERNANDEZ.
ACUERDO N? XXXII.
Fija las Mdbucclel1·es,quColorado.
SecretaraeHacienda.
Palacio Nacional.-Sa.n José, marzo 16 de 1886.
Est!lblecido por acuerdo nûn1ero 46 de estafe
cha, un resguardo .nlarîtirny ·terrestreen la boca
del rio Colorado, en el Athi,ntico, .Su Excelencia. el
General Ptesidente de la Repùblica ·
20' -·' .••t. •-
.~'lf5~ - • 1••
•'••1
• <.
AcUERDA: .'::~'-:"
1 ~:_·~~.-·:,:·~.~
- El resguardo de.que se tratatendra·,arsu-dispo.~.
sici(Snun vapor nacional con su tripulaci6ncon·es
poncliente, formada de un capitan-piloto, un.-maqui
nista } un fogonero y su ayudante.
Son atribuciones del Resguardo: .
l?_:_Celat· el conirabando er!.las aguas y·territci-
r!u de su circunscripci6n. ; ·· ·
2~- Dar a los resguardos .establecidos en San
Carlos y SarapiquJ, .6 al Inspector Gener~ segUn
las circunstancias,los avisosy noticias del caso para
1~ p:..:r.secucdel contrabando. - - ·
_3?-Pedir auxilioa los resguardo_s de Sarapiquf
y San Carlos, y obtenerlo siempreqD:e fuere necesa-·
rio t.uicio del Comandante de Colorado.
4~- Racer cuando n1enos un viaje cada mes. al
puerto de Lim6n, con objeto d.e conducir .la cOITes
pm~d.c hecyipara Coloradq.
5«?-Reconocercuando menos ·unavez -pDr se:Qla
na los dos de San Juan, Colorado,. Sar~pi yqSuaf;1
Carlos, elp~ime rnotoda la extensi6n en que es
}I«vegable para Costa Rica, el segundo ·en·.toda: su
çxteusi6n, y los dos ultimos en todo e~ trayecto que
uon navegables a vapor. .
El itinerario serreservado, para que no se elu-
da la a.cciondel resguardo. ·
6~-Instr ls prin1erasdiligencias y dar cuen
tt:d~ las arrehensiones ;hachas, a ,la autori4ad res-
l)BCtlvade puerto de L1m6n. . · ·
.7~-Cump las 6rdenes ·que.reciba de las auto
ridades superiores fiscales debidamente comunicadas.
El Inspector General.de Hacien don ~aproba
c.i6n de esta S_ecretarîa, dictarâ. las instrucci.que
eonvengan para el buen régimen del resguardo ,del
.Colorado.-Publfquese. · Annex 207
P PérezZeledon, Argument on the Question of the Validity of the Treaty of
Limits between Costa Rica and Nicaragua (Washington, D.C.: Gibson Bros,
1887) (extracts), 53-5,0, 154-161 and 274-8 ARGUMENT
ON THE QUESTION OF_THE VALIDITY OF
THE TREATY OF LIMITS BETWEEN
COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA
OTHES RUPPLEMENTA PORYNTCSON.NECT \VDITIT,
StJBMJTTTO TIŒ
Arbitra ofioenresid oethte niS tetatefs merica,
FILED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF COSTA RIOA
BY
PEDRO PEREZ ZELEDON,1
ITENvoE:r.TBAOBDOU.l!IIJ:NPLBNIPMZNTI.A.BY
IN'l'BE UNITED BTATFA
(Ta.\N&mTOENoLISIJ. L Roostoou..)
\• ~1•...
..·--_:.-
WASHINGTON:
GmsoNBaos.PBINTE.umBommiNDEBB.
1887. 53
tthe ocean up to threemUes this aide of Castillo Viejo and
the eommunity of sovereignty on theba.ysof San Juan and
o.fSa.linas.
General Don Tomas Martinez, Provisory .President of Nic
aragua, bad been invested b;ythe Constituent Asblyof that
Republic, at that time in session, to wh1ch he bad reported in
full the situation, ample and unlimited fa.culties to get over its
difficulties as he might deem best, by means of treaties, which
·_wouldnot need ratification by the same Assembly, except only
in case that the agreements made an.d entered into by him
·should prove to be at variance with the secret instructions
·.simultaneously communicated to him. Tben, and only then,
·the ratification by the Assembly was necessa.ry.
In eompliance with this decree, President Mattinez ap
proved of.and ratified the treaty of April 15, 1858.
.No one bas ever said that he exceeded his instructions.
The decree by which be approved of and ratitied the treaty
reade a:sfollows: ·
" Tomas Martinez, the President of the Republic of Nic-
8l'agua.:
u Wherea.s, GeneralMaximo Jerez, Envoy Extraord.inary
and Minister Plenipotentiary of Nicaragua to the Republic
of Costa Rica, ha.s adjusted, agreed upon, and signed, on the
fifteenth instana.treaty of limitfully in accrrrdancwitlt
the oaeeswkick,.jo1'that purpose, wetrarunn .oihi~ebd
way of instruc tidingnhat said treaty is conducive to
the pea.ce and prosperity of the two countries, and recipro
cally useful to both of them, and that it facilito.tes, by remov
ing aU obstacles that might prevenitthe mutual alli~ nfce
both countries, and their unity of action against all attempts
of foreign conquest; considering that the Executive bas been
duly and competently authorized, by legislative decree of Feb
ruary 26th ultimo, to do everything co.nducive to secure the
18ee Doc. No.16. 54
sa.fety andindepen df~te c epublic ; andby virtuefu1·~
thermore, o'f the reservation of faculties spoken of in the
executive clecree of the 17th instant:
" Does hereby ra.tify each and ali of the articles of the
treaty of limHs made and concluded. by Don José Maria
Canas, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Government of Costa
Rica, and Don Marimo Jerez.Minister Plenipotentiary of
the Supreme Govert;lment of Nicaragua, signed by them. on
the l5tb instant, a.nratified by the Costa Rican Govern
ment onthe 16tb. And.the additiona.act of the sa.medate
is likewise ratified.
u Given at Rivas on the 26th day of April, 1858.
"TOMAS MARTINEZ.
''GREGORIO JUAREZ,
''Secretary.''
On the side of Costa Rica the treaty wa.st·atifiwithout
difficulty; and as its conclusions deemed to be a happy
event for Central America, and more especiall. for th..Re-
publics immedia.tely concerned in it,the excha.nge of the
ratificationwas made with unusual solemnity by the Ptesi~
dents of the twoRepublics pet:sonally, attended by their re
spective Secretati.eof State,and with the intervention of
the Mediator Minister,Colonel N egrete. ··
With the act of exchange of th'ese ratifications, told
question, which so oiten had caused both countries to com.e
to the very vergeof UD}Jleasà.ntsituations, wa.settledand
set atrest.
The Nicara.guan Executive took, however, a step further,
and submitted the treaty to the Assembly. This was don.e,
not because necessary, for thetreatya.ccording to the terms
of the decree. of the Assembly,. was va.lidwithout auch a
requisite ; nor becaussuch a submission w~ required as a
matter of form, since theratificationshad been exchanged,
and this exchange· is a formality which nev~ ftl·ws, but
precedes legislative sanction ; bbecause of.th i~ portance 55
0 f the matters involved in itAnd the A.ssembly came then
and added its supreme sanction to the treaty bdecre wehch
reads as follows : ·
"NUMBER 62.
"The Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Niearagua,
in.use of the ~egisla p.wtesvvested in it,decrees:
"Articleonly. The treatyof limits conr.:ludat San José
on tl-,15th of .April,instant;bel-weenGeneral .Don .Mdximo
Jerez,Ministe1 •lenipotentiarj1·om thiRepub_lic ,1àGeneral
])on José ff{ariaOanas, .Minister 1'leniptdentiarf1·om the
Rep-ublic of OostaRica, with the intervention of Colonel Don
Pedro R6mulo Negrete;M.inister Plenipotentiaryfrom Sal
vador,IS HEREBY APPROVED.
" ToTHE EXECUTIVE PowER.
"Giv€m a.the Hall of Sessions of the Constituent Assem
bly in Managua, on the 28tb of Mn.y) 1858-Hermenegildo
Zepeda, Vice·President ;José A. Mejia,Secretary; J.Miguel
Ctl.Tdenas,Secretary.
" Thereupon : Let it be executed. National Palace, Ma.n
Boaua,June 4th, 1858-Tomas Martinez.''
In consequence thereof the treaty wa.spublished in the
Officia.ourna.l1:and. the text thereof was communicated ns
a law of the Republic to the diplomatie body, both foreign
and national. · ·
The same thing was done at Costa Rica._
The Co;nstituent Assembly framed and enacted subseq uently
the Constitution o.f the Republic, and, by its Article I, d.e
cla.red 'that t~pecial onlliwis formed part of the Con
stitution. By virtue of this provisiothe trea.ty oAprillo,
1858, was clearly and indisputably embodied in the funda-
mental charter of that country. ..
The Costa Rican Constitution, which, in the following
Gaceta de Nicaragua, No.May,28, 1851. '00
The Nica.raguan Min.ister, Don Luis Molina, handled the~
case successfully, anda settle.ment satisfactory to both par-,
ties was reached, wherein the prin.ciple was esta.blished, that.
on the Nicarag soi~and waters no other flag could right..~
fully be carried than the one of Nicaragua.
In the latter addressed to Mr. William H. Seward, Sacre-.
tary of State of the United States, on October 7, 186q, tP.e
Nicaraguan diplomatist expressed himself as follows:
11
On the other band I can assure Your Excellency that the
present administration of Nicaragua does not feel disposed
to consent that any other flag,except ber own AND THE O.NE
OF CosTA RICA, AB BORDERING STATE, should float in the
na,dgation of he.r interior waters; that it consideJ·ed as un
authOl'Ïzedthe use of the United States. flag macleby the Cen
tral A.merican Transit Company, and even by the least of its
laborers, for the purpose of evading the orders of the Gov
ernment and escaping the authority of Nicaragua i and that
it being persuaded that such an abuse can lead only to com
plications, itwill maintain its right and demand that the
aforesaid_Co.mpany, or any other owing its existence to it,
be rooted and nationalized in the country in accordance with
the Law of Nations, and that the national flag be uaed pre-·
eminently whenever a flag be required within her jurisdiction,
w.ithout admitting any ether, except under .exceptional cir
cumsta.nces and through courtes y."
There cannot be found a more strik.ing acknowledgment
of the rights of CostaRie~ un.der the treaty of 1858.
Neither the United States of America1nor any other ·power
bas the right to carry its flag into the interior Nicaraguan.
waters, this right belonging only to Nicat·agua herself by
virtue of ber sovereignty and to Uosta Rica as a l>ordering
nation.
The action of the Nicaraguan. Minister in W asl1ingtonwas
not only approved and commended, but especially rewarded
by the Government of that country.
The fact was made known to the Chambers, and they also
approved what bad been done.. 154.
Rhode Island, or itsLegislature, had no power to do sncb a
thin.g. .
But the best proof which can be given of the fa.ct thath~
doctrine herein held by me is the only legitimate and correct.
one willbe found in the explicit sanction which Nicaragua:
herself bas given toit.
By Article VIII of the treaty of limits of 1858 it was stipu-,
lated tbat, before entering into any contract of canalization
m· transit, Costa Rica should be consul ;tand the reason
of this provisionwas.,as plainly stated in Article VIII, be
cause of the " disadva.nta.ges that the transaction might pro
duce n for Costa Rica. This was proper and just, as, also,
was the stipulation that the opinion ·Of Costa Rica should
not be merely .ad\'Îsory and consultative, but an actua.l vote,·
when the disadvantages a.lluded ta"we1·eauch as "to injure.,
the na.tural rights of CostRica.
Natural rights, disa.dvantages, injury, necessity consul-~
tation, therightof veto, ifsuch can be said, have been ac.:.
knowledged; and ail of. thismeans that Costa Rica bas~
pedect and indisputable right to oppose the deviation ofthe.
course of the San Juan river. . ..
If Costa Rica has this right when the work to be don.e re~
fers exclusivelyto eanoliza.ti.on and transit, how can it be'·.
·denied when the work. to be done is the radical one ofcarry~
ing the river elsewhere, and dep~vin Costa Rica of the'
long river front whieh she now enjoys?
•Angel on Water-Couraes, cbapp.607. 831
CHAPTER II.
WBRTBER MEN·OF-WAR OR REVENtTECUTTERS OF COSTARIOA.OANNAVIGATE
ON THE BAN JUAN RIVER.
BY the necessity of system, and following the plan initiated,
I must now pass to occupy myself with question No. 8, pro-
pounded by Nicaragua. ·
This question reads as follows:
u.Eiglti.
"If Costa Rica, who, according to Alticle VI of the treo.ty,
bas only the.right of free navigation for the purposes of com
merce in th~ waters of the San Juan t·iver, oa.n also navigate
with men-of-war or l'avenue cutters in the sa.me waters?"
In order that the language be precise, and that the .mea.n
ing .of the compact should not be modified. by the introduc
tion of a word, I must begin by calling the attention of the
arbittator to the fo.èthat the word onZy which occurs inthe
question does not occur in Article VI of the treaty of limits.
Tha.t article simply t•eads in this 'way:
uBut the Repnblic of .Costa Rica sball have in. the sa.id
waters the perpetua! rights of navigation., from the above
said mouth up to a point tbree English miles distant from
Castillo Viejo, for the purposes of commerce, either with Nic
a.r&oauaor with t~e interior of Costa Rica," &c.
Does this mean tbat Costa.Rica. e.annot under any circum
sta.nces navigate with public vessels in the said waters,
whether the said vesse} is properly a man-of-war, or simply
a revenue cutter, or any otber vesse! intendèd to prevent
smuggling, orto carry orders to the authorities of the border
ing districts, or for any other purpose not exactly within the
mea.ning of transportation of marchandise ? .
The answer seems to be very simple, especia.lly when the 156
fact is taken into consideration that, under no oiroumstances:
whatever, even in case of war, acts of hostility oan be don.e·
by eitber of the two Republics against the other in the:
waters of the river, or of the Lake of Nicaragua, o.rtheBayl
of San Juan. ·
It seems to be lJeyond discussion th.at Costa.Rica. ca.nnavi.
gate in the San Juan river with publie vessels, which are not
properly men-of-war.
It was stipulated in the treaty, to the benefitNicar~u a,
that Nictnaguan _vesselseonld bring their cargoes to the
Costa Rico.n bank of the river and unload them there ; and
this permission, or right, presupposes, necessru:ily, the cor
relative right of Costa Rica to wa.tch its own banks by the
only practicable means, which is the revenue police,. during
the whole course of the river navigable for Costa Rica.
If this only mea.ns of vigilance would not be permiUed,. the
Costa Rican commerce would be deprived of protection and
a.t the .mercy of smuggling.
Within the mea.ning of the words, commercial na.vigatiou,
both therevenue police, the carrying of the mails, and all
other public services of the same kind ·are necessarily in
ciudad.
In regard. to men-of-wa.r, there is no reason why they can
nat be ad.mitted.upon the waters of the San Juan river.
Carlos Calvo, in hie work a.h·eadycited, Book IV, § 230,
sa.ys the following: • • • "In principle, a port of free
entry is consid.ered ta.cia~yone accessible to the men-of
war of ali nations, and, unle-ss stipulated~he contrary, the
free accessgra.n o ~d.llmarchant vessels is extended to war
vessels of the friendlyitions. This is a point upon which
aUwritet-sof public law fully agree." .
By ana.l.ogy,this doctrine ean be perfectly well applied to
thenavigable rivera; and if aJlthe friendly nations have the
right to na.vigate with men-of-war in the large rivera, why
can the right of Costa Rica to do the same thing on the San
Juan river be clisputedby Nicaragua, who is separated from 833
157
1be1o·nly by the river? How can. that right .be disputed
·when the fact is ta.ken into consideration that before the
·treaty of 1858 Costa Rica was co-owner of the San Jua.n
river, and tbat by the treaty itselCosta Rica. reserved for
herselfthe perpetuai right of navigation in the same river,
and that, in fine, the compact does not read that Costa Rica.
ha.s the said right of navigation 011ly.for purposes of com
merce, and for no other ?
And. if the limitation of the rights of Costa Rica is to
be derived from the alleged fact tha.t the trea.ty only men
tions commercial purposes, such a.n argument could be ~et
at once with the assertion that the maxim., qui. dicit de
?tnonegatdealte-ro,is only applicable when the thing affirmed
excludes the other, which does not happen in this case.
Even in those very rare instances in whicp. the navigation
with vessels of war is forbidden, as it happens in th'eDarda
nelles, the prohibitionho.snot b.een made except by specio.
convention, in the absence ofwhic it would be cliffi.cultfor
the Porte to close the Dardanelles or the Bosphorus aga.inst
vessels of war.
Somethin.g similar to this ho.ppens in the Black Sea. By
the trea.ty of Paris, oM~rcp 30, 1856, the neutra.lity of the
Black Seo. wa-sdeclared exactly in th~ same way as the neu
tralityof tlleSan Jua.n.river, the p6rtof Sn.nJuo.n, and the
Lake of Nicaragua, as far a.t ]east âs Nicaragua and Costa
Rica are respectively concerned, was declared by the treaty
of San José,.of April 15, 1858. It was aJso decla.red in
the form·er treaty that the Black Sea was open to thtt com
merce of the world, and so are also the· wa.te.rsof the river,
port, and lake above mentioned, at least for the two Re
publies.
The trea.ty of Paris forbade "forma.lly and perpetually that
. vessels of wo.r,whether of the bordering nations, or of any
other whatsoever, should na.vigate. in the Black Sea." .But
soon the necessity was recognized of establishing there some
force to do the shore· service ; and the same treaty provided
' 158
the manner in which Russia. and Turkey shoulcl entel' int&
some agreement in regat·d to this poin.t.
As it is kno,vn, there a.re now in those waters a. certain:
number of steamers of no more than 800 tons burden, and
som.e sailing vesselof .certain dimensions agreed upon by
both pa1·ties; but ail of them men-of-war ancl belonging to
the two nations.1
As 1·emarkeclby Dr. What·ton, in his Digest, in reference to
the. work of Fauohille (Blocus Ma1·itim.e,Pa1-is1882), one
thing is the n.eutrality of certain wa.tet·s,and the prohibition
fo.1th~ nations who so stipulated it to commit bostilities
against each other in the saicl waters, and another, and a very
different, thing, is to navigate in those waters with vessels of
wn:r.
So it is that Costa Rica and· Nicaragua ca.nnot wage wa.r
against each otlter in the San Juan river, but, nevertheless,
they can navigate with men-of-warin the waters thereof.
And certainly Nicaragua is, perhn.ps, the nation who bas
proclaimecl most loudly the distinction above referrecl .to.
She has coucludacl severa! treaties with different European
mttions, and hu.sstipula it~tem that the'-wa.ters of the
intet·ocea.nic canal, the waters of the San Juan l'Îver being
includecl in·them(ifthe cant\l is ever built) shaH be .neutra.l;
but, nevertbeless, she ha.s permittecl the said :uatoinavi- ·
gate the said canal with vessais o.f war, and to station there
tumed forces for the purpose df pt·otecting commerce and
the intet·ests of thforei giizens or subjects of the con
tracting nations which might be in cln.nger.
So it was stipulated with }1:a:nce, by Article IX of the
treu.ty of the llth of April, 1859 ; with Great Britain, in ArtiR
cle XXII of the treaty of February 11, 1860; and witb the
United States of Ametico., by Article XXI of the trei ~f>liy
June 21, 1867.
1Woolsey,§61.
Dr. Wbaroon'sDigest, cbap. ii,§ 40, p. 169. 159
Costa Rica might claim the same privilege gntnted to the
~bre above-named nations, because, under ArticlIV of the
treaty of August 14, 1868, between Nicaragua and Costa
:R~. icaas provided that tnrerything granted to any nation
1hatsoever by either contracting party must be at once uu
:ael'stood to be cornmon to the otheThis stipulation would
give Costa Rica the right to place on twatet'Sof the San
Juan river, in the event foreseen, and for· the purposes hacl
-inview by these treo.ties, all kinds of men-of-war.
·.. But there is, after all, a fundamental considet·o.tion which is
perplexing,not, certainly, on accouut of the decision to be
.given to the point in question, but owing to the difficuity of
unde1·stancling how the Governmeut of Nicaragua coul<l ever
consider this point of the treaty of limits of 1858 to be
doubtful and admit of different. interpretu.tions.
Ailthat 1 have said in this portionmyfwork in exphtna
tion of the facts and lawhich relate to the subject might
be erroneous., ba.dly brought, irrelevant, and absolutely inacl·
missible on general principles, and, neverthelitwould be
true that Costa Rica can navigate with men-of.:.warand other
Government vessels on the waters of the San Juan river.It
is Nicaragua herself who ha.s solemnly granted that rbyht
an. article of tve1y sa1netreaty whicb she alleges to be
doubtful or capable of diff'erent interpretation.
"Costa Rica shall alsbe l?'ound,"says the second pltrt of
Article IV of the treaty, "owing to the portion of the right
bank of the San Juan river,which belongs to it,~ * *
to co-operate iu its custodyand th.e two·Republi shall:~
equally concur inits clefence in. case of foreign aggresaions ;.
and this will be doue by them with ail the efficiency that may
be within their reach.''
Itcau be seen by these phrases, as ph\inla:t tt·nspar
ently as they can be, that Costa Rica has not only the t·ight
but the cluty, or to follow exactly the language of the treaty,
the ''obligation," not only of wa.tching, guarding, and de-.
fe.nding its own .river bank, but of contributing to the custody
and defence of the other bank belon.ging .to Nrca.ragua..· 160
If that d.uty shou.ld not be compliedwith.with alltnéëfti
ciency withinthe reach of Costa Rica,the latter natiowoul'\11
viola.ta.nobligation. contra.ctein. solem.ntreaty, an.dNid;J
ara.gua. might prefer against Costa Rica. a.well-grollDc]k~
charge. And if this is thecase, how can i~be possible for.
Nic&·aguato suppose th.a.tCosta Rica has no a.uthority,fi~,
navigate in the said.1-ivwitb Gover..ment vessela to be use(l.
in the policeserviceo.fthe locaJity, anin the custodyof tlie·
two banks, and witb.t·egulamen-of-wa.r to be used in thede..
fence, as efficient as possible, ·Ofthe same banks in cn.seof
foreign aggt~es ?sions
No one can aceomplish apurpose. unlesshe hasthe meall.s
to d.oitio.nd itwould he against logicanclreason to imposè,
upo,n, either a man or a.governmentl the duty of gua1•àing
and d~fe?u aplace,. and at the same timedepl'iveth.eon·e':
or the other of theright of arming m.·preparing themselves:~
for res1stng 1n ·e pt·oper .manner . e aggresston foreseen>)
41
"The right to 9.thing:' says W11ea.ton, gives also tlf~1
right to~h mee&ns witbout which that thingcannot be used/~:
(Part III,cha.p.IV, §18). " This isfouncled.on na.turare~-~J
son, is &eerediteby the common opinion of ma.nkind,and~i~l
declared by the wrlters."' ·:
Let it not be said tha.tthe authority to n&vigate wi~;
lllen..of-war ia only confined Lo the special case of foreig#1
aggression. The treatydoes not refer to this caexclusiYely;~
but speaks also of guard or custody, whicb means wa.tehin'gA
vigilance, and otberthings,of permanent character and neèl!
essa:rily previous actua.ldefen.ce. This,. espeeially in a.river;J
cannot be improvised at the very sam.e instanttbat troubl~
· arises; sinee, in ordtha.tit may be possible and effi·cient,-~:
perfect knowledge of the looality, wbich ca.nnot beacquir~d~
except by na.viga.tinthe sa.meriver, is absolutelindispen~
sable. ··::-
Mu.chmo1·eso when ît is well kn.own.that the navigo.tior(':
of the San Jt.tan .river encounters many obstacles,not onlyJ
on .aocount.ofits shallowness at certain pla.but also owiùg:: 161
to its rapids and other dangers,The defence of a l'ivar of
.thisiud, without pntctica.l kno\vledge of alpeculi~rities,
ro.tbeltba.clefencewould be asure sunender to the enemy
of the elements brought iota action to oppose it.
Let it not be claimed either that Costa Rica is "ralieved
from the .dntyassumed by her ofguarding and defending the
11ver, nor that such duty has ceasecl or been abridged through
the fact that Nicaragua denies to her the_rightto navigate
.:;tticlriver with men-of-wabecause the navigation of the
So.nJ nan river, which is the bouncla.ry between Costa Rica
and Nicu;ra agcu s a, bouudary open ~n· dccessible to
in:vi.1.siousby all kiucls of anemies, was mentioned in the
treat.r, not simply for the benefit of Nicaragua, and a.s an ob
ligation on the part of Costa Rica, but because it· involves
also a sa01·edright of the most vital importance for its sa.fety
and preservation. ·
11 274
No. 56.
.Remarks made oy the Government of Costa Rica to ~à~.
Government of Nicaragua when thelatter aubmittedipJ
th~ Nzca1·aguan Oongressits so-called doubts in rega-r1;(Q
the validity of the treaty of limofs1858.
(BEAL]. SANJosÉ, February lat, 1870.
Sm : I have reâd with deep sorrow that pa.Ii of-thme~t
sage addressed by Your Excellency to the Nicaraguan ConÎ',;
grea ws~erein the treaty of limita between Costa Rica an(:};
Nicar.agua of Aprill5, 1858, is discussed. . ;j
That passage of Your Excellency's message reads literallJi,
as follows:
- "-Article Il 'of the Constitution .No~embe 12, 1838;"=
which was the one in force at the time in which thétreaty;.
of limita was adjnsted, declared that the territory oth~:
State of Nicaragua was exactly the same· as the territo:ry.
which the Province of Nicaragua had. been. This Province,
befor the independance, embraced the whole territory of,
Ouanacaste. . · · ·
"Article194 provided that, for the amendmen.t of or addi...
t10nto any article of the Constitution, it should be reqpired
among other formalities that the said amendment or additionr
should be approved by. the .two-third vote of the Senator:s,'
a.nd Members present, and that, after securing this vote,!·
neither the amendm.entnor the addition should be consideredi·
as forming a part of the Constitution, as ali Iaws on ·Iimits
1
are, until sanctioned by the next ltegislature." ·..
''The same formalities .are established for similar cases.by;:
Article 103 of the present Constitution." .
"Tb.e treaty. of limita, iwh~c hicaragua, abrogating,:
Article II of her ·constitution, generousceded to Costa ,
Rica a large portion of territory, which she bas possess·ed)
quietly, both be.ore and after the independanrequi:i-ed·'or~ 275
its va.lidity to have been sanctioned by the next Legislature.
It was approved by the Assembly of 1858 ; but that was not
enough. ·It ought to have been approved, also, by the Con- .
greas of 1859, because the two Legislatures .were considered
by the Constitution as ü they were twco-ord~ egislative
bodies, the approval by the fust being only _of initiat~ve
character and lacki:pg legal force without the approval of
the second, exactly in the same way as the action of one
Chamber in the enactment of a law méans nothing ifthe
other Chamber does not act accordingly.''
" The said formality ~avin been omitt~ te ,treaty of
limita lacks legal force, and therefore Costa Rica has no right
to demand its execution, because, according to the principles
ofthe law ofnations, treaties are void a.ndinoperative through
·the omission of any requisite which, according to the Con
stitution of the State, was necessary for its cêuisummation."
" The Government of Costa Rica has acknowledged that
this is the condition in which the above said treafind.it
self, because in Article VI of a conventi~ade on the 12th
of July, 1869, between the ;f.llenipotentiaries Don Mariano
Montealegre and Don A. Jimenez, about the cession of the
waters of the Colorado river for the·purpose that thsh~:mld
be thrown into the San Juan, a convention of which, in due
time, I gave you the proper information, it asked Nicaragua
to ratify the treaty of limits With Costa Rica, and to agree to
submit to the arbitration of the Government of the United
States of North America. ailquestions arising out, eit;ller of
the said treaty., or of the execution of the convention just
spoken of." ·
"Costa Rica, inasking Nicaragua to ratify the treaty of
limitsin which the latter State ceded to the former~ large
extent of its territory as preliminary for allowing the waters
of the Colorado river to be thrown into. the San Juan, looked
as if pretending that .Nicaragua first should give it the whole
thing, and subsequently take back a portion of it. It is
useless to·repeat here the obvious rea.sons which ypu had in
·view for rejecting the convention." 276
~
uIIi order to avoid perplexities inthis:bus_~se of
ness, t~x:e ceuetti~vouHonor Baodt~d~efi.~~~
well the r.tghts of the Repubhc m the maw1t~ of Iim1ts
Costa Rica before undertaking works or densing plans -f~~
the improvementitways of communication on the nortb-
em side." ·;,
This grave subject being now under discussion in ·tne'f
Chambers of your Repnblic, I tmyduty tpres~~~
to Your Excellency sorne remarks, andideemëQ.lthat,
proper, they be transmitted to the CNicaragn~; _
for their consideration. !'
The Constitution of your .Repubiic, promulgated on .théi:
12th of November, 1838, as Your Excellency yourself recog.:.t
riizes, did not say anywhere that the territory ·ofGuanacaste1
was part of NicaragItconfrned·itself to ithat~.e
the territory of·the State was the same as belonged ·to: it.;;
when a Province.
In reference to this I must state that Guan.acaste, in the::
time of the Spanish Government, always was under the im
mediate jurisdiction and coCart~gofnd that the
Spanish Cortes, when they promulgated the Constitution of
1812, decidedat Guanacaste should be incorporated in.
Costaica for the purposes of electing deputies both for _
the Cortes and for the provincial deputatio,·or assemhly.
I ·must say further, that according to the charter of ·the;
Colony of Costa Rica, the King of Spain appointed Don..
Diego A.rlyeChirinos to be the fust Governor and Cap,....';c
tain-General of this Province, markÎ!lg as limit for the same:
the San Juan river on the Atlantic.
But there are other conclusive reasonsdoc~.ded upon
uments of subsequent date in support of the treaty of limita....
It was approved by the Government of Costa Rica· an&
Nicaragua.
It was ratified by the Congresses of Costa Rica and Nic.:..
aragua.
Theratifications treatwere dulexchangedand!·- 277
the treaty waspromulga it~both Republics as the law of
the land in.regard to limita. ·
Thirteen years have elapsed since that publication, and all
the Legislaturès which have met during that period have
looked at that treatyasthe basis of the relations between
both countries.
The Legislature of Nicaragua approved the treaty of peace
and amity concluded on the 30th of July, 186S.,taking
for granted that the limita .between both Republies were
settled.
The present Constitution of Nicaragua, subsequent in date
to the treaty,sa.ys, in. Artic I~hat the laws on limita
make a part of the Constitution.
The treaty herein referred to is a Nicaraguan law onlimita,
and a law of the highest importance.Therefore it is an in
tegralpart of the Constitution of Nicaragua; according toits
own literai language.
Under these circumstanceS',the august Chambers of your
Republic would need, before declaring the treaty of limita
to be tnvalid, to be invested with ali the power which Your
Excellencysays to be indispensable to amend the Constitution
of your country, in addition to ail other circumstances pre
scribed by international law to invalidate a treaty signed, ap
prove r~tfied, exchanged, promulgated, and executed during
13 years.
Your Excellency refers to a project of Convention cele
brated on the 21st of July, 1869, between the Plenipoten
tiaries Don ·Agapito Jimenez and Don Mariano~ontealegre.
Article VI of the said. project alJ.udedto by Your Excel
·1ency says: " The Govern,ment of Nicaragua ratifieby this
convention the treaties which it has celebrated in regard to
limita with the Government of Costa Rica."
I do not un.derstand what was the reason why the Costa
Rican Plenipotentiary acceded to subscribe to auch an arti
cle, included in a project whiwas relative to a matter en
tirely independant of ali question ofli~ ;~but I under- 278
stand very wall that the said article does not prove at,.a:JJ1
that the treaty of limiteis not valid.
Senor Montea.legre, Plenipotentiary of Nicaragua, carne tq
suggest that Costa Rica should a.llow the waters of the Cole~.::
ra.do river to be carried into the San Juan. ·i
He recognized the validity of .the treaty of limits, and·;
requested that the waters of the Colorado river be granted to
his country, and the request was granted by the Costa Ricari
Plenipotentiary, who assented,. furthermore, to the enactment
of Article VI above copied. .
But the said·project.ofconvention, including its ArticleVI,.
was not ratifi..by the Congr_essof this Republic ;. and, there:,;..:
fore, it ha.no more force and strength than if itwere sim ply·
blank paper. -
To have some right to argue against Costa Rica on the
ground of the said convention, it would be necessary for the
convention to have become a law, which .never happened. · ',.
Now, by virtue of the discretionary faculties vested in the. ·:
President, His Excellency ha~ the power to ratify public:
treaties ; but His Excellency has not only refused to rat~ ..
the convention refelTed tQ,but ha.s been pleased basides .-té··
decree that it isinvalid and void.
Be plea.sedto accept the consideration with whioh I have.·
the honor to a.sstirYour Excellency tha.t 1 am your mo, ·:e~
attentive servant,
MONTUFAR.·
To His Excellency THE MINIBTER OF FOREIGN RELA.~O çN~S.
Nicaragua. · · Annex 208
Reply of the Republic of Nicaragua to the Case of the Republic of Costa Rica
(Washington D.C.: 1887) (extracts), 48, 49 48
sovereigutyof.the two Republics shottld be the River
Colorado.
EIGHTH.
The ~ig hotntofdoubtful interpretatiosubtnitted
by NicaraguatoCostaRica isthe satne that is describcd
in the sixth paragraph of the treaty of r886,to wit,
whether Costa.Rica bas the right ofnavigation of the
San Juan river with ves~ ofewlasor of the revenue
serArtiCleVI of the treaty provides that Cw.;ta 1{ica
shall have perpetua]rightsoffree navif.,ratupon the
San Juan river fromits mouth to three English tniles
belowCastilloViejofor titejmrjJoJ'e!fcmùmcn.:c. Does
this implytheright tonavigate thesewaters with ves
selsof war or of the revenueserviceNicarag·na !nain
tainsthatitdoes not,while Costa Rica affirntsthat it
does. ArticleIX provides that noactof hostilityshall
be practiced on the waters of this river even iu the
event ofactual war.
· The navigation ofa river forco1nmercial purpodoes
notdraw with itthe menace that thenppearance on it:-;
watersof vessels.of war must necessari111:r1. What
need hasCosta Rica of war vesselin tht: lighof Arti
cleIX of the treaty? Even if war was fiagnlnt,hcr
commerce on this river could nbe iuterfcredwith.
This article simply transfonned to a perfectright
what the laofnationsdenom inatesan intperfcctigltt
a right of ontlet to the sea, and a right of tradc, bv
meansof this natural highway, with foreign nation~.
This imperfectrightdid notimply the righttouuvigate
with v~ss oelwsar.
The sovereigntyover the riveri~accorded to Nicara
gua. ShaHher territory betnenaced by foreign ships of 4U
war? It is claimed such navigationis needed to pro
tect conunerce. Againsw hom issnch pro tectionneede?
Certainly not against Nicaragua, for that cannot be
iuterfereclith, e\·en in case of actual hostilitiXo.
other power can interfere, because the sovereign rig·ht
vests solely and exclusively in Nicaragua.
The presence,. then, of anued ,·essels would be a
1nenace to the peace of Nicaragua, and cannat be ad
mitted, either under the laws'?nations or the provis
ions of this treaty.
Vessels of the revenue service are akin to Yessels of
war. vVhilethey ha\'"enot ali the means of aggression as
the fonuer, still they are arntves~e capable of eu
forcing their demands by force, and must be classed in
the saine category as vessels of warNeither have tite
right, under a commercial 1icense, to .invade the terri
tory, domain, or sovereignty of the Republic of Nica
ragua.
Nor does the treaty of r86S,by which Costa Rica
bec01nes entitled to enjoy the rights of the "ntosfa
vored nation" in Nicaragua, change the force or effect
of the foregoing. By this term is 1neant those rights
which tnay be accorded sintply as tnatter of favor as
contradistiuguished from those rights acquired frotn
tnutnal concessions, reciprocity, or in consideratofn
son1e equh·alent. The concessions to other nations.
referred toby Costa Rica are not matters. of favor, but
have been granted in consideration of advautages.
gained by Nicaragua, and hence do not exteud to other
nations.
TENTH.
As the reasons for tnaking the stipulations of Article
VIII- have disappearedtnust Nicaragua bestill obliged
-no to~·grant canal concessionsthrough ber ter~itory Annex 209
Report of Ciro A. Navarro, Assistant to the lnspectorate,
to the General lnspectorf the Treasury, 9 March 1892
Source: Archiva Nacional de Costa Rica TRANSLATION
Dear General lnspector of the Treasury:
Extending my report from the 7th of the current month,
regarding the commission that you kindly assigned to me on the 11th of the
previous month, l am glad to add: that on 21st February 1 sai1ed off from the
mouth of the San Carlos River in the steamboat "Adela", bound for "Castillo
Viejo", accompanied by Mr. Jenaro Soto Sibaja, appointed Commander; and
the guards Alberto Vargas, Luis Martînez, Leonidas Morales, Pascual Campos,
Hilario Santamaria, JoséSoto, Francisco Elizondo and Toribio Berrocal, with
the purpose of installing them in their residential guard point in "Terron
Colorado", in "Rio Frio". Before entering the waters under exclusive
dominium of Nicaragua, 1 did hide in Costa Rican territory the arrns and
ammunitions that I carried for that post, and thus the guards having been
disanned I left them on board of said steamboat white at a place ca!Ied "El
Ticho" and 1 went before them to "Castillo Viejo" with the intention of
requesting, as1 did, permission from the commander of that fortress to cross
the San Juan River with the aforementioned weapons; explaining to what end
I was carrying them and the great difficulties that it would suppose for me to
transport them by land to "Terron Colorado" where the guard would remain. 1
asked for this permission in attention to the fiscal purpose with which I carried
the weapons, and as retribution for the acquiescence from the Govemment of
Costa Rica, which places no interdiction and does not demand the respective
licenses for the transit of troops and weaponry that passes by the Colorado
River, which is exclusive1yCosta Rican territory, from Nicaragua every month
heading for "Prinsa, Polka", "Rama" and other places in that country,
following as accustomed the provisional use granted to Nicaragua by the
Article 5 of the treaty of limits of 15 April 1858, for as long as Nicaragua does
not recover, as it has by now, full possession of ali its rights in the port San Juan
del Norte; for which reason the use and possession of Punta de Castilla has
remained shared by Costa Rica and Nicaragua until its limits in the Colorado
River, and even the river itself, granted the use that they freely make of it, in
addition to that of the same coastline of the Punta de Castilla where there exists
a warehouse that the steamboat Company has established on the left side of the
Colorado River. ln spite of this, the commander of "Castillo Viejo" answered
me that he would gladly grant my request, but that he had to follow previous
orders which forced him to deny permission tolet weaponry pass by the river;
nevertheless he would communicate my request by telegraph to the Nicaraguan
Minister ofWar, whose answer was doubtless negative since instead, following
the orders of the Customs Manager, the steamboat carrying the guards was
searched, as weil as the river's coastlines; and the Castillo was reinforced with
at !east 25 soldiers. Due to th1sfound myself forc.edto take the weapons andammunition through the mountain, crossing lagoons, swamps, channels and
rivers that make the transit by San Carlos land almost difficult to the point
called "Terron Colorado", to finally set up the Guard [resguardo]in accordance
with the agreement with the Treasury Department. I nevertheless understand
this guard's [resguardo]situation, for although it is beneficiai for the revenue
service, for the individuals at the guard [resguardo] it is troublesome and
damaging, so that few people would like to serve at that place, mainly on
account of the Jack of resources to live, which can only be obtained in the
stretch ofhouses in the San Carlos Fortress area, and on the left side of the San
Juan River, more than seven leagues away from "Terron Colorado".
I hereby conclude my report to the honourable Tax Inspector, remaining your
humble
servant
(S) Ciro A. Navarro
Assistant to the lnspectorate
San José,March 9, 1892.
It is faithful copy
San JoséMarch 12, 1892.
(Signature) Manuel Leiva Annex 210
Report of the Chief of the Guard [resguardo]of Colorado, Juan Francisco
Zeled6n, to the General Inspector of the Treasury, of 31 October 1892,
transcribed in document No. 97 from the lnspector of the Treasury to the
Secretary ofState in charge of the Treasury, 8 November 1892
Source: Archiva Nacional de Costa Rica 853
TRANSLATION
No 97
Mister Secretary of State
For the Department of Finance
San José,November 8, 1892.
The Chief of Guard of the Colorado, Mister Juan Francisco Zeled6n, informs
me of the following, among ether things, in a communication dated October 31
past:
=I must also inform you that since fifteen days ago there are armed troops in
San Juan del Norte and sailing in the steamers.1 would also lîke to inform you
that the tempest was so strong, it sunk Cabo de Gracias, wîth no survivors
except for two persons and a bouse; fourteen sail boats and a steamer went
down with ali their crew.= 1 would also like to communicate that during a
meeting 1had with the Customs Manager ofNicaragua aboard the steamer, he
gave me the authority to seize ali contraband and criminals who put up a
resistance along the coasts of Nicaragua. He granted me this power with the
authority of his government under the condition that 1 would allow them to
enter Infiemito to seize the contraband crossing toward "Castille" so they could
protect themselves; that he would set up a Guard [resguardo] in the Colorado
bifurcation and in the Nicaraguan coast for mutual protection while pursuing
smugglers and criminals, since this was the only way to guarantee protection
for honest farmers and settlers who come to take possession of these coasts.
Since it was not possible to subscribe a formai extradition treaty between the
two Republics, this tolerance should be made as advantageous as possible for
both countries. 1 then responded that 1 would forward his proposai to my
Superior, so that he, in turn, could communicate it to the Govemment and that
depending on the answer, which should arrive through this mail, I would give
him my response, and if the answer was favourable, or accepting what he bad
told me, we would both sign a treaty in El Castille, as long as we both were
authorized by our respective govemments. That the treaty should not go
beyond authorizing our mutual protection between the Colorado bifurcation
and Boca del Infiernito, but if the govemments wisbed, it could be extended
from the Boca del Taura to the Rio Frio. That is what we agreed and when we
were parting, the Manager told me that I bad free passage with my armed
Guard through El Castille in case1 wanted to carry out any mission in Rio Frio.
1will be expecting a response through this mail, as 1promised to give him an
answer by the 19th.= 1 would also like tolet you know about what happened
here during the last days of September:That an American steamer from the Canal Company, the Millard, arrived, and
after saluting the flag, the Captain told me that the sole object of his visit was
to request my assistance in capturing an escaped prisoner suspected ofbeing on
this beach. He is believed to have robbed and started a fire in Bonfield. Since
1denied such request, they begged me to allow them to make another request
explaining to me that the day the crime occurred, two individuals bad
disappeared from Bonfield. One bad been captured in San Juan, but he denied
having cornrnitted the crime, and the other they bad received information that
he had gone through the sweet water coasts. All they wanted to verify was if
the individual who bad run away to these coasts, was indeed guilty so as not to
harm the other individual who was already under arrest. Since I didn't see any
harm, 1 granted permission as long as they took a guard along to protect the
rightsof the individual on Costa Rican soil. They took the guard Alberto Vargas
whom 1gave instructions on the purpose of his mission; upon his return, both
he and the stearner's Captain informed me they bad reached Tortuguero and
that they received communication that the individual had left on a schooner.=
1inform you of ali events. Respectfully yours. S.D.
Signature (Illegible)- ~ Annex 211
Report of the Commander of the Post Rio Colorado-Colonia lrazû to the
General Inspecter ofTreasury, 31 March 1894
Source: Archivo Nacional de Costa Rica ,. 859
TRANSLATION
Report presented by the undersigned Commander to the General Inspector of
the Treasury of the operations conducted by the police under his cornmand
during the economie year of
1893 to 1894
Taken into Custody
On October 4 of last year, a national rifle in the "Lagunas de Chirripo" to Pedro
Hemandez.
On the 9th of the same month, ail the tools for the exploitation of rubber were
confiscated from Hip6lito Torres and cronies.
On November 30 of the cited year, in the "Laguna de Pereira", ail that was
stipulated in the inventory N°l was taken away from Juan Matute.
On December 3, ibiden, in "Cano Pataste" of the San Carlos River, ali that has
been stipulated in inventory N°2, was confiscated from Guillermo Alvarez'
rubber extractors.
On the 9th of the same, in Boca de San Carlos, a boat and nine quintales of
rubber was confiscated from Nicaraguan rubber extractors.
On the 16th of the same December, in a farm of the "La Tigra" channel, allthat
has been written down in inventory N°3 was confiscated. We don't know who
it belonged to since the owner ran away never to be found.
On January 4 of the present year, five quintales of rubber were confiscated
from young boy Bemabela Mora in Tortuguero.
1
On the 22 of the same month, in "Sayman Lagoon", ail that has been indicated
in Inventory N°4 was C<?nfiscatedfrom VV Buesley.
On the 20th of the month ending today, in the Sarapiqui River, which bas been
detailed in inventory N°5 was confiscated from Policarpo Cortedano.
Remittances from customs taxes
Charged to San Carlos importers for importing rnerchandise as ordered by the
Ministry of Finance
$243.19
Charged to Tortuguero importers for importing merchandise as ordered by the
Puerto Limon Administrator 62.61
Charged to Belisario Medina for introducing supplies to (illegible) 6.33
Total surn $312.13 Constructions
Two bouses have been built in the San Carlos and Sarapiqui Rivers, in the points
of"Rosalia" and "El Toro" for the guards stationed there; the bouse in the Mouth
of San Carlos is being repaired first and then preparing the materîals to build a
new one in the Mouth of the Sarapiqui, since the former one is falling apart.
Where the Reventazon and Parismina rivers join, that is, "Dos Bocas", a formai
ranch was built to service and lodge Govemment employees and above ali, to
safeguard the aforementioned two rivers.-The bouse belonging to the
Govemment in Tbrtuguero, where there is a permanent guard [resguardo]
integrated by two individuals assisted by the Police Agent, bas been repaired as
much as possible.
Security
The security services offered along the San Carlos, Sarapiqui, Tortuguero,
Reventazon, and Parismina Rivers and the Pereira and Palma channels, continues
uninterrupted; the Iess important channels are also safeguarded as long as the
other duties allow it.
Public Safety
The patrols that constantly travet along the assigned areas also seek to keep the
peace of the people living in the neighbouring areas and protect their rights of
possession. Due to that, and even more to the beneficiai results derived from the
permanence of the Inspector in these areas and his agreements with the
authoritiesof San Juan del Norte, way oflife ofthese inhabitants bas changed in
a notable way in a short time. They now seek assistance from the authorities to
resolve their differences, insteadof taking up arms, as they used to, since they
know that the crimes they commit will not go unpunished, since they will be
captured, regardless of whether they bide in Costa Rican or Nicaraguan territory:
that is how in general the people in this area today enjoy a more peacefullife.
Health
During the economie year ending today, there have been no epidemies in the area
since preventive measures have been taken when there is an alert of a disease in
a neighbouring community, and because of the obligation to present the health
passport that bas been imposed on those boats coming in from foreign ports.
J would like to end, Mr. Jnspector General, that the plantations of each of the
guards [resguardos] are kept clean and when revenue service activities allow,
they are enlarged, since the more growth that is pushed away, the healthier and
benign will be the climate.
1 hope that this report, albeit deficient, satisfies your wishes. Very respectfully
yours,
Chief Commander.
March 31, 1894
(illegible) Nuiiez (signature)1 861 1 --~ ~'
t~ru~·~~ 1)J~~--:t~~~/;,.;,
' Al 4~. ..f.~
~~ ~~~T~~- ~t;~1~~')-_'~~
rJJ~~ tw_ftMWO~~I~~
e;off.~fU'~b~YVI~~~A,w;
~H~"'~ ~-- ~~
~t.t'l\A'OHI(~~.
,~?:.d~,C~iIf..·
'~----//;-7'.1~~~·~
- . Annex 212
Report of Rafael Cruz, Commander of the Post Rio Colorado, to the General
Inspecter ofTreasury, Note No. 89, 10 March 1895
Source: Archiva Nacional de Costa Rica TRANSLATION
[Costa Rican Shield of Anns]
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Number 89
10 March, 1895
Dear General Inspector of the Treasury
San José
In conformity with what was ordered in your kind letter Number 113from 20th
February past, I am sending you the report of the fiscal year just finishing, for
a greater accuracy in the General Report of the office under your distinguished
command.
For the better service and fulfilmentf the duties of the Guard of this zone, it
was divided into four Corps, as follows:
1. Guard of San Carlos: Integrated by four guards and a Chief, who
traverse from the Mouth ofthe River with the same name up to the dock of San
Rafael, penetrating the channels of Rosalia, Patastes, Tres Amigos, Sabalos,
Estero Grande and Arenal.
IL Guard of Sarapiqui; Integrated by four guards and a Chief; traverses
from the mouth of the River with the same name up to Hacienda Vieja, visiting
the channels of Toro Amarillo, San José,Masalla and Sucio, and la Tigra.
III. Guard of Tortugero: Integrated by two guards who watch over the
beach and traverse the Bay and Channel ofTortugero, Palacio Jalora, Parismina
and Reventaz6n.
IV. Guard ofBarra del Colorado: Main centre of the Guard's operations, is
integrated by a Commandant, a Second Chief and five guards; traverses from
the Barra del Colorado up to the mouth of the same, penetrating in Cano de
Palma, Symon Lageon, Agua Dulce, Pereira, Chirrip6 and Lagunas."
As ali the main operations are carried out here, ali the Guard Posts depend on
this last centre, and there are five main divisions of work, as follows:
SEIZURES: In spite of the activity and vigilance displayed by the Guards
[resguardos], the results have not been very satisfactory, since the small
number of guards is not enough to cover even the main points assigned to them.
Nevertheless, three boats carrying imported goods from San Juan del Norte,
that attempted to go unnoticed by the guards in order to evade the payment of
export rights, were seized. Other three beats that were carrying illegally
obtained rubber from the national forests were seized; the corresponding
reports were written, the superior authority was informed and those indicted
were sent to hirn.
IMPORT POLICIES: Every month we have sent to the Chief of the National
Seal the declaration and value of the import policies, which have always been
charged with great irregularity due to the JackofTariffs. The rights charged inthe current year are more than five hundred pesos, and I am totally convinced
that these dues have only been charged to hardly the tenth part of the imported
merchandise, being this originated in the ease with which the finn vigilance of
the Guard is evaded, due to the small quantity of guards, and to the fact that
those in charge of collecting the dues usually do not even know how to add.
SUMMARIES: In my work as Police Agent, I have had to write down several
legal reports, sending them aftetwards to the superior.
AGRICULTURE RECORDS: In order to avoid disturbances among the
farmers of the maritime mile in this area, it was decided to extend a written
authorization granting permission (not property) for the cultivation of one to
:fiveblocks of land. There are sixty farms of this kind.
COMMISSIONS: Generally, weekly commissions are carried out around the
main rivers, lagoons, and main channels, and when the guards stay at the
houses they take care of the Guard Post's farm crops.
This is, Mr. Inspector, the main information on the operations carried
out during the current fiscal year. 1 take the liberty of separately including
severa! comments about this report.
I remain with ali due respect
your humble servant,
[Signature]
Rafael Cruz 867
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~~· Annex 213
Report of the Navy Inspecter E.G. Chamberlain to the Secretary ofWar and
the Navy of Costa Rica, 1897
Source: Memoria de Guerra y.Marina correspondiente al aiio econ6mico de
1897-98 (San José:Tipografia Nacional, 1898), 195-196. TRANSLATION
Secretary of State to the
War and Navy offices
Dear Minister:
In fulfilment of my duty 1am honoured to present you with the report
regarding the condition of the national steamships under my inspection.
1 shall begin with the Poas which, although it îs the most recently
acquired, heads the Govemment steamships due to its convenience as
transportation for war; ît has Compound engines, inverted cylinders that are in
good condition; there are 2 cauldrons with 4 furnaces, for the propellant engine,
and another independent one for the hoist engines; both this cauldron, and the
former have been in use for only 6 years and are in good condition. Two rapid
range U.S. orderly Drigg system cannons have been put into place in this
steamship, 1 weighing 6 pounds and the other 1 pound.
This steamship can comfortably transport 800 troops and their
equipment, as it practically has been oflate, and is used for deep-sea crossings,
as was the case under its intelligent Captain's orders when it travelled direct
from Valparaiso to Puntarenas in 12 days.
The new cauldron which had been ordered for îtwas set in place in the
Turrialba steamship; the mdder was changed for a new steel one; in addition
to 2 freshwater tanks of 800 gallon capacity each; and severa! other repairs
were carried out and a boat was purchased for the same. This steamship has
two Nordenfelt machine guns and one 1 pound cannon.
This steamship makes regular trips from Puntarenas to Culebra under
the command of the ship's Lieutenant, Captain Salas.
The srnall steamships under the care of the engineer Mr. Luis
Matamoros, are the Doctor Castro, the Puntarenas and the General Fernandez.
The Puntarenas has been equipped with a new cauldron, in addition to
severa! new engine parts, and has undergone general maintenance; this has
been covered by the Supreme Governrnent
The small steamships are in perfect condition, and have provided
excellent service - this can be confirmed by the Minister - in transporting
troops, and under the direct command of the serving officer Mr.Agustin Guido.It would be advisable, in my opinion, to request a new cauldron in advance for
the General Fernandez.
The newly acquired Chirripo steamship was taken to Colon in order to
check its hull, and clean and paintit in the Canal Company's dike; the result of
the inspection was that it was declared in good condition, apart from a sheet in
the flotation line to which a patch was applied. It bas been equipped with a
rapid range cannon. This steamship will provided good services from
Talamanca to San Juan del Norte with correspondence and passengers, under
the command of Captain Chivi, who is very familiar with these shorelines.
Anew cauldron, with its pipes and other parts, has been requested, from
the company that built it, for the small Nicoya steamship, and it will be put in
place as soon as it reaches Limon, and this steamship will undertak:ethe patrol
and post service up to Barra del Colorado.
I take this opportunity to inform you, Minister, that for the best service
in Puntarenas two srnall steamships like the Doctor Castro are required but
with more fentoque and less draught, with Compound engines and freshwater
tanks, sufficient for its radius in the Gulf; in addition, for service in the Atlantic,
to a 150-tonne steamship with only four feet of draught in order that it may pass
through the mouths of the different rivers along that coast.
Two full boats are required for the Poas.
The condenser pipes of the Turrialba have recently been damaged,
resulting in the need to use freshwater in the cauldron, which will eventually
prove detrimental to the latter; it is therefore necessary to irnmediately request
a full surface condenser and adapt it to the engine.
There is an urgent need for an 8 to 10 thousand gallon capacity iron
water tank to be placed opposite the Puntarenas Custom's office with a
cauldron and steam pump, and piping up to the quay for supplying water to the
steamships. The latter also require cleaning and painting, now that urgent
service has ceased, both of the freeboard as well as its hulls, and an order for
special paints should be placed for this purpose; in addition to oil, tallow, tow,
etc. and lamps. Equally, sign flags, according to the Regulations published in
the official newspaper La Gaceta, edition 75 of 31 March, are required.
1remain, Minister, your faithful servant,
E. G. Chamberlain,
Navy Inspecter REPUBLICA DE COSTA RICA
MEMORIA
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wrreBpnen~e1 noewmlmtilde
PFtESENTADA AL
0.?
i~ONGRESO
GENER DAOLNJUAN 8. QUIROS,
actal eto.eol01.!hŒd
HindJaComercio
pAN yosÉ
Tipogrot :lcofi
MDl:CCXCVIH Sen Snercrel aerlosta d nlos
despac no es uer frMa arina
SENOR MINISTRO:
En cumplimiento de mi deber, tengo el honor d.e readV. el informe que
· corresponde al estadde los vapores nacionalesque estân bajo mi inspecciôn.
Principiaré poel Pot!sque aunque es el ultimo adquiresta a la cabeza de
los vapores del Gobierno, por su comodidad como transporte de guerra; maqui·
nas son C.ompound,cilindros inverti dos que se encueen buen estadolascalderas
son2 grandes con 4 hornes, para la mii.quina propulyotra independiente para las
mâquinas de laScabrias; tanto esta caldera, comolas anteritienenapenas6 aiios
de,pso y estan eri buen estadEn este vapor se han colocado2 caftonesde tiro
rapido, del sistema Drigg de la Ordenanza de los Estados Unrdde 6librasyotro
de I libra.
Este vapor pueél.etransportar c6modamente Soo hombres de troysus equi·
pos, como prâ.cticamente Jo ha hecho ultimamenyes de traves{a de alta mar, como
la hizo bajo ·las 6rdenes de su inteligente CapIZâdias, de ValparafSo a Punta.
renas directamente. ·
En el vapor Turrialba se coloc6 la caldera nueva que se haMa pedido para el;
sele cambi6el tim6n por uno nuevo de acero; adem:i2 estanques de Sogis.cada
uno para agua duleey se le hicieron varias otras reparayse compr6 un bote pa.
ra el misrno. Tiene este vapor çlos ametralladoras Nonynr caMn de r libra·.
Este vapor hace viajes con regularidad de Puntarenas a Culebra al mando del
Teniente· de Navlo,. Capitao Salas.
Los vapores pequeiios questan al cuidado del senor Ingeniero don L~·s
tamoros, son el .Doc/or Castro, Plmta,y GeneralFermindez.
Al Rmtarmas se le ha puesto una caldera nueva, lo mismo que varias piezas
nueva!>ala mâquina,y se leha hecho reparaci6n general; esto ha sido por cuenta del
Supremo Gobierno. .
mo le consta al seiior Ministre-en el transporte de tyobajo la direcci6n iume·
diata del activa don Agustin GuidoCreo conveniente se pidiera con tiempo una
caldera nueva parael.GeneralFernc!!zdez,
El vapor Chirript!, comprado ultimamcnte, se llev6 a Col6n con el fin de exa
minar su casco, limpiaryopintado en el· dique de la Compan{a d.el Canal; result6
delexamen estar en buen estado, con excepci6n de una plancha en la lfnea de flota
ci6n, donde se le puso un parcheSe le ha colocado un caô6n de tiro rapidoEs·
te vapor presta1a buenos servicios desde Talamanca hasta San Juan del Norte, con
correspondenciay pasajeros, al mando del Capitâ.n Chivi, muy conocedor de esas
costas.. . ·
Para el vaporcitNùoya se ha pedidoâla casa constructordel mismo, una
caldera nucva con sus tubos y demâs ûtilysera colocada tan pronto lieguâ.Lj
m6n, poniendo a este vapor al servicio de resguyrcorreo h!lSta.adentro de la Ba·
rra del Colorado.
Me pcrmito indicar at sei'iorMinistre que para el mejor servicio en Puntarenas,
dcber(an tenerse dos vaporcitos iguaDoctorCastro,perQ con mis fentoquymenos
calado,con maquinas Compound y estanques paraagu.a dulce, suficiente para su radio
en el Golfo; como también para servicio en ei.Atlantico, un vap1sotoneladas y
solamente.jpies de calado, para que pueda pasar las barras de los diferentes rlos ço
e$a costa.
:?ara el Pol# son neces!lrios z botes com?letos, 875
- rg6-
El 7itrria!bha sufridoultimame n\c~ias en los tubas del condensactor,
obligando con esto â usar agua salada en la calt\cra, lo que rcsen detrime.nto
"'ara ésta;e hace por Io tanto indispensable pcdir inmcdiatamente en condens:tdor de
superficie completa y acloptaâlla maquina.
Es de mucha urgencia colocar enfrenâela Aduana de Puntarena:> un estanque
de hi~r dr oi Io mil galones de agua, ca\ùeyabomba de \·apor, yc:uicrla. hasta b
punta del muelle, para dar agua i los vapo'res. También har qulimpiar y pintar
los vaporcs,hora que ha cesado el scn·icio urg:!nte, tanto la obra mucomo sus
casees,y para clio se hace necesario hacer un pedido de pinturas cspectambién
aceite, sebo, estopa, etc. y lâmparIgualmc baJdtrs de seflales, scgün el Re
glamcnto publicado enLa Gaula oficial numero 75 de 31 de marzo ultimo.
Soy del sefior Ministre muy atto. y seguro servidor,
E. G. CHAMBERLAIN,
lnopector de Marina Annex 214
Report of Jose Sol6rzano to the General Inspector of the Treasury,
16 March 1906
Source:Archivo Nacional de Costa Rica TRANSLATION
Official Seal
Number47
16 March, 1906
Mr. General Inspecter of the Treasury San José
Sir,
ln compliance with your orders given in your kind letter number 389 of
· March 5th, 1 am honoured to inforrn you about the work carried out by the
guard post under my command during the year that ends on the 31st of the
current month.
Having taken charge of this position just on thwth oflast month, it is
natural that this report may suffer from sorne logicallimitations, which1have
tried to overcome by doing my best and with the few data 1have been able to
obtain from the records kept at this office; books that, as the note copier, either
by carelessness or negligence, these shed no light at ali about the work done
during whole months, as there are not copies of the notes and monthly reports
sent to your honourable office. Such lack of care means not even having kept
records of the service lists corresponding to the fiscal year that is ending, and
what happens to the book 1have been referring to happens to ali of the other
books that are kept in this centre.
Having made this point clear, 1start:
The guard posts under my cornmand are divided in three sections located as
follows:
At Barra de Colorado, with a Sub-inspector, six guards under contract and two
on probation.
At La Vela,composed by a Corporal and two guards, and
At Boca del Colorado, with a Corporal, three guards under contract and one on
probation.
l
Barra de Colorado.- This guard post is under my direct vigilance, and itis
located on the left bankof the confluence of the Agua Du/ce Lageon with the
Colorado river, and here we watch over those vessels that may come and go
through the Barra, as weil as those that navigate along the whole lagoon and
the lagoon's arms.~ During the sumrner, ail the water from the San Juan River follows the
course of the Colorado, left almost completely dry the first, from its mouth to
Greytown, there being no passage, even for light vessels, the forced way for
imports and experts of Nicaragua by the Atlantic, is the Colorado River, and
the place where this guard post is located becomes the obligatory port for
steamboats in transit that go from The Castle to San Juan del Norte and
Bluefields with cargo, passengers and mail. That is how this guard post is,
almost daily, in communication with passengers from our neighboring
Republic in the north, this guard postis up to date to what happens there and
we cao easily provide any reports that may be useful to the Supreme
Govemment through your honourable office: for example, last year on May
27th we timely reported that the sea had destroyed the marker stone that signais
the border with Nicaragua, and the Government was then able to immediately
send a work team to repair the damage.
By the letter Number 151 of last September sth,it was forbidden the
purchasing of groceries in San Juan del Norte and it was made compulsory to
purchase them in Limon Port, to be sent by means of the National Sloop to the
Barra, but afterwards, and due to the difficulties posed by this way of transport,
it was permitted to obtain the grocerîes from San Juan.
During the first fortnight of last October, and by superior orders, the
Guard Post bouse was demolished, as the river had got to only three months
from the premises, and there was concem about the river subsequently eroding
the house's bases and dragging it to its current, which would have caused the
loss of the roof's corrugated zinc sheets and the wood, which were still in good
condition and could stille used.
When 1 arrived at this Post, the guards were lodging in improvised,
poorly built huts; and the wood from the demolished bouse was lying around
without anybody taking any advantage of it. 1 then proceeded to build a
campsite, choosing the pieces of wood and zinc sheets that were in the best
condition. This campsite, even if it was also improvised, provides sorne
comfort to live while the new bouse is built, and it may be used later on to
lodge any support personnel needed to be sent here.
Since last August, and by superior order, the former sub-inspector, Mr.
Ortufi.o,purchased in San Juan del Norte- as informed to you by letter No. 20
of 27 Septembe tr~ necessary wood to build the new bouse, and in the
following rnonth the said Sir was informed that it was ready and he may take
the necessary stepsto have it sent to the Barra, which has not been carried out
yet,1don't know if by order of that Superior office. ln this regard, I take the
liberty of respectfully calling the attention of the Inspecter about the
convenience of proceeding to build the house, taking advantage of these
months of summer, before the strong rains start and hinder the construction
work.
The Caiio Pereira has not been blocked yet, as you ordered in your
letter number 280 from December 12th, because the water level is so low that 879
not even the smallest boat can enter. Here also l take the liberty of calling the
lnspector's attention to the following facts: in 1890, when the General
Inspecter of the Treasury was Mr. V.J. Golcher, said Caiio was ordered to be
closed down and to that effect, 30 or 40 big trees were thrown on it; four years
later the Supreme Govemment ordered to open it again, and in June 1896 and
1897 [sic] the engineer Mr. Luis Matamoros, who was part of the Commission
for Limîts with Nicaragua, sent two saws to eut down those trees that blocked
the free navigation on said Cai1o, pointing out that since the guard post at La
Vela is at such a good point for vigilance, it was a pity that Pereira remained
almost not navigable, as it is aCaiio that couid be of great use for this area.
The records do not provide any information on commissions or arrests
that may have taken place during the fiscal year that is ending. Although in
your letter number 342 of last January 23rd you ordered to undertake trips to
La Florida, it bas not been possible to carry out this order because, besicles of
there not being any boat that can be used for this kind of duties, as ali of them
are cracked and are in a terrible state, and 1 do not have materials to repair
them, at this Post 1only have two useful rifles, since I sent the other rifles by
the Gasolina Nacional boat to have them repaired. Moreover, here we always
have two or three vacant posts, and since 1 would need to keep three guards
here at !east, 1would need a full staff in order to leave here at !east five men,
so 1could go rnyself with the rest to overview The Florida and its lagoons and
navigable portions.
The movement ofpassengers going to Limon, orto the railroad, looking
for a job, bas been of 54, and of 8 that from those points have returned to
Nicaragua, since October 1.8th,when keeping a record was ordered, until today.
The movement of importation bas been completely null, since the
neighbors of that area get in Limon the merchandises cheaper than in San Juan
del Norte, they prefer to carry out their shopping in that port.
When I received this guard post I found the fann in the most pitiful
abandonment: there were practically no crops, and instead of the splendid fann
land I was told once existed, today only a tall and deep bush can be seen. Even
the dock, the bathroom, and the toilet bad been invaded by vegetation over one
meter tall, to the point where one could not even figure out where the wide path
that used togo through the farm land was. I immediately proceeded to eut down
the excessive vegetation at the most necessary part, but what can l do with a
poor knife, which is the only farming tool we have here? I am totally willing
to dean the area and plant again the farm land, but I need knives, machetes, and
shovels, as there is nothing with .which to work, and the same negligence
affects everything else at this guard post, as we don't even have a lamp for our
duties. On October 25th,1904, the former sub-inspector Mr. Ortu:ii.owrote: "It
is noticeable how absolutely everything that bas been recorded, except which
is rnanifestly new, is in the most ruinons state due to the wearing out,
deterioration, or any other cause, to the pointthatit is bound toits destruction".
If this gentleman expressed this point of view such a long time ago,'imagine,Mr. Inspector, the state in which this same supplies and fumiture alrnost ruined
then and alrnost totally useless now, might be. Renee Tam separately sending
you a list of the most necessary items, so that, if you think it convenient, you
may kindly send them to this guard post.
As on 24th February 1 sent to your office, in letter number 43,
the inventory of everything there is at this guard post, it seems to me
unnecessary to send it again as it would be the same as then, and it gives a clear
idea of the needs to fulfill in this centre. 1 must remind you, Sir, that sorne
items mentioned such as rifles, knives, and lamps are irnplements used at the
guard posts of Las Velaand Boca del Colorado.
On 6th December, the schooner called Dido was lost near the
San Juan River's Barra with no Joss of human lives. A few days later at the
Colorado the gasoline boat called Florencia was lost, and two crew members
and three passengers drowned. Recently, the sea bas been bringing wood
planks from a sunken ship, and on a piece from the prow the name David can
be read. This means it was the ship that was lost in front of San AndrésIsland,
which bad been appointed by the Costa Rican Government to bring materials
for the railroad to the Pacifie coast.
The nurnber of official letters made during the year that is
ending starts at 7 and ends at 47, which means a total of 40.
II
La Vela.- This Guard Post is located on the left bank of the Colorado
River, in front of the mouth of the Simôn Laguna. It is administrated by a
Corporal and two guards, who work in shifts during day and night to watch
over the vessels coming from San Juan del Norte or Tortuguero and Parismina,
which forcefully have to passin front of the Guard Post. They watch over an
extension of about ten miles, and they perform commissions to the places Caiio
Pereira, De Palma and the neighboring lagoons. Due to its location is the most
useful Post as it dorninates the way that must be used by the evaders of the
fiscal laws. The prernises consist of a bouse-ranch made with square wood
panels and second-band wooden boards, and it is in a state of ruin. It is almost
certain to become totally useless when the rainy season arrive, which motivates
me to respectfully send this kind waming to the attention of the Inspector.
III.- Bocade Colorado
This Guard post, as its name indicates, is located in the bifurcation of
the San Juan River with the Colorado, and is managed by a Corporal and four
guards. As the Caiio Pereira's waters are now very low, ali the vessels going to
or coming from San Juan del Norte have togo through this river's mouth. By
means of a strict daily vigilance, it is, if not impossible, at least very difficult
for any vessel to evade the corresponding registering. The Post's range of
action includes the area from the river's mouth, Caiio Bravo, Caiio Madre, andthe many navigable cai'iosand lagoons whose waters run into the Colorado.
This guard post sometimes meets with the guard post from the previous one .
when they have a commission to oversee the large network of lagoons that are
spread on both sides of the river. -The ranch, totally made useless by old age
and the strong winds from the river, is being repaired with the wood planks and
zinc sheets of lesser quality from the bouse demolished at Barra, while the
superior office sends orders to build, at that place as weil as at La Vela, the
bouses that necessarily must be built there sooner or later.
IV.-
I do believe, Mr. Inspector that 1have thus carried out your orders. Hoping you
will benevolently excuse the deficiencies you may notice in this report, I give
you my best regards,
Your faithful servant,
JoséSo16rzano S (signature) ~"~~~ ,.~-' t"'"~\l,·~~.Q/h~
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J;J,-J~ Annex 215
Report ofthe Sub-lnspector to the Treasury of Colorado to the General
Inspector of the Treasury, 24 November 1908
Source: Archive Nacional de Costa Rica TRANSLATION
Official Seal of Costa Rica
Memorandum
The Honorable General Inspector of the Treasury
San José,24 November, 1908
San José
Seal (Sub-inspection of the Treasury of Colorado, Republic of Costa Rica)
Asper your instructions, and having been informed with the opinion of
people who know the San Juan River and its affluents, I have arrived to the
conclusion that from every point of view the Guard Post of Sota Caballo is
unnecessary at that place, and that the most accessible point to the territory for
smugglers, orto be used in case of a surreptitîous invasion to the territory, is
the mouth of the Chirrip6 River.
Said river (Chirrip6) is navigable along almost ali its extension,
navigation that can be easily made up to fifteen days, which is the precise time
needed to connect with the train on the old railway. It is, then my view that it
is the mouth of the Chirrip6 the one that must be guarded and not Sota Caballo.
For your better understanding, 1attacha map of the San Juan River and
its main affluents, Sarapiqui, Chirrip6 and Colorado; induding the part that 1
thought useful to draw.
By the end of this week, 1 am going to these places to further convince
myself of what 1 said, in relation and by the next mail willextend this report
if considered necessary.
1am Mr. Inspector's most faithful servant,
The Sub-Inspector of the Treasury
V Sasso Morales MEMORANDUM,f/
- l..Jj/___.--·--~..-----
d:·"fo..4 .~"-~.= /=Ç=t= ?~-===~--=---~==~=·-·=- Annex 216
Report of the Sub-Inspector to the Treasury of Barra del Colorado to the
General Inspecter of the Treasury, 7 December 1909
Source: Archive Nacional de Costa Rica TRANSLATION
Mr. General lnspector of the Treasury
San José
Barra del Colorado
December 7, 1909
1hereby infonn you that 1have authorized officers Secundino Carvajal and
Antonio Ardon to go ·inland in arder to seek medical assistance for their poor
health condition. They have both pledged to retum as soon as possible. Unless you
may decide otherwise, 1 have granted this authorization considering their effective
performance of their duties.
Difficult as this trip will be sïtcwould be done by water up to el Peje,
it allows me to personally send two reports requested by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs on the occupation of national territory by troops of the Nicaraguan
Goverument. Talso enclose ali other correspondence addressed to you.
lnstructed by the Minister,i ordered, up to the Sarapiqui Guard .Post, to
conduct a general home search of the neighbours on the margins of the San Juan
River at the beginning of this month with the purpose of finding out whether any
revolutionaries bad taken refuge there. Upon retum they brought to me two
individuals who were caught travelling the coast as they advanced into Costa
Rican territory. I inforrned the Ministry of his situation opportunely. 1t·is possible
that Twill send another commission to the Port in search provisions, because the
situation here is alarming in this respect. No vessel has come here since the end of
October and the vesse! that visited our station on the eighteenth of last rnonth did
/
not bring any food supplies. Not only us, your subordinates, but also the entire
community have nothing left to eat for days since no supplies are available for sale
and the only vendor in the area has nothîng left to sell.
Although it may not be of my concem to inforrn you about the troop, but
they are also facing the same difficulties; add to the aforementioned that as it rains
constantly there is no chance to go hunting, since, besides the rain, the water
swamps in the mountain make this difficult.
T availed myself of this opportunity to send -you the correspondence
because no other vesse1has come to our post after the "Vanguardia" vesse! since
the 22nd of last month, and for this reason, 1 have not received any
correspondence, money or food supplies since then.
With ali due respect and consideration1 remain,
Truly yours,
Apolimar Ardin
SEAL
SUB-INSPECTION OF THE TREASURY
EL COLORADO
REPUBLIC OF COSTA RICA Annex 217
Costa Rica, Revenue Guard Law No. 4, 10 September 1923,
Articles 1,2,6-9, 18-19
Source: Colecci6n de Leyes y Decretas, Segundo Semestre, Aiio de 1923
(San José:lmprenta Nacional, 1923), 306-310 TRANSLATION
Revenue Guard Law No. 4, 10 September 1923
"Article l
The Revenue Guard forms a special Corp for the vigilance and protection of
the interests of the Public Treasury.
Article 2
The Revenue Guard is part of the public force, and, therefore, is subject to the
military regime.
Article 6
The Revenue Guards take different names, according to the responsibilities to
which they will especially undertake, thus there are the ones of Customs, Ports,
Telegraph, Border, Forest etc.
Article 7
The Guards will be divided in stationary and itinerant.
Article 8
The stationary Guard are those of Customs and Ports; and ali others are
itinerant.
Article 9: The Guards will have the following tasks:
a) The investigation and prosecution of any infraction of the Treasury laws
and, in particular, the Customs and the monopolies.
b) The pursuit and capture of those suspected of faults or crimes against the
Public Treasury.
c) The seizure of any object that exists in contravention of a Treasury law.
d) Policing and surveillance of roads and paths.
e) Maintenance of Public Order.
f) Providing assistance to the authorities and other public functionaries in the
exercising of their functions.
g) Repressing illegal gamesArticle 18
The vessels of the Guards will attend to the transportation of merchandize and
passengers in those places where there are no such private initiatives, but this,
will be subjected to the demands of the duties that are directly theirs. The
Treasury Department will establish, as it may be, the tariffs that may regulate
those transports.
Article 19
Under the same reservation established in the preceding article, the Mail and
Telegraph services will be served. ·.·.·,-·,····:·
·.~ -· .:- -. .
-
~.
!" •~.BLI• ..DE COSTA RICA.-AMERICA CENTRAL
..
COLECC·ION.
DE
~ . .
LEVES Y DECRETOS
SBOUNDO SBME.STR.E
ANO .DB 1923
ED-ICION OFIC·IA>t.:
IMPRENTA NACIONAL
SAN JOSE DE COSTA RICA
1923. J06 COLECCPE J.,&.V.ESY D&CilETOS
E;rr~sid ennsti~q e lReualaç
R~SÜELVE:
. .
Sin lugar los reclamesy agotada pa-
·ra ellosa.dministr.ti"va.
ÇomuniquyepubHquese.-A c?~TA.
~Secrçtario c:elEstadq t:n
DFsppd~Segqr~Q.4lica,
AQUILEACOSTA
____
· PODER LEGISLATIVO
. . .'
N9 4 ·
. . .
·Ei.CoNGRESOCoNSTITUCIONALosLA
· . ·REPûBLICACoSTARicA
D~Ça~'rA:
La: siguienteqèResgri~rdos:
. .
CAPITUI30 I:
CoM_P9S ·iIci 6$v;ÜB~ETO
'
Articù·1Q_;, ~;L~gJ.n1 drdosien-
daform~ unÇu~rpo-es paacJ~~il...lan~
çiy protecc.i6ln~in~re dsèa}Jacienda
·Public ~. ·
.A~ci 20l~1.R,~ssgua re·o~~cieQ.
dafonn.an pa.-..d·fuerza pti.y,por ·
con~igui ésnnse,eosa~t:égi D:e~.!lita~.
Articul3Q---:R~$guar qe6sa.cien
.qagozand~·luero .lhilitar. {.i8Je..lq
O:rgan1zaci6n Ged~rlérÇitô). ·
~.A.r t9LoulRoisg~a rd·Haçie..
da-ti trisici.6~n todalà·.Republi.,
·aunque tengdenomitiaç :de~onua~. COLECCPENLEYySD&CRETOS 301
Arnculo SQ-Todos los _costarricenses,
miembros del Ejército, pueden formar parte
de ellos. · · :
Puedentambié~.Jo prmeaos extran.:.
jeros que voluntariamente ingresen en sus filas.
. AÎtlcu6Q~Lo sesguardos de Hacien
c;.otnadiferentes :Q:oxegun .}asfuncio
~esa que~peqialm senedquen,y a~ Q$
hayd~·Aduau P~ue~,to~~,égraF fros,te~
ras, Basques etc.. . ..
· ·A,rtic70~:; Losuardos se dividel"
~ufijoya:ml.nd~n.tes. .
Articula 80-5on Kes~amos fijos, los
deAdua~a s Puertos;. am.bulante$· todos los
demas. ·
Artfcul.9Q~Ip sesguardostienen por
9bjetivo: · ·
a) La.investigaéYip~rsec deut~ a6n·
infracciôn deley~ de$Hacienday en .es
peciallas ~duana y·monopoJ.ios.
. b) ·Lper~ec y..âitrnde todos los
indiciados por fodelitas contra la Hacièn·
.daP:6.blica. ·
· c) Eld~eotnis ob!toqu. txoidto
encontrav~ decui6~n:ye·Hacienda.
d) Policla y vigilancia de cay·c~-ru
nûnos. · ·
e) .Mantenee~·or duenco. .
. f) Prestar. auxilio a las autyrdedes
DJafsnÇionat;ipii.blienseje~c iesiso
fq.nciones~ .. ·
g)~Perseguilosjuegos prohibidos.
ArticulalO.~L oesguardos de Hacien ...
da se organizan as{· · COLECCI6NDE LEVES~DECR&TO~
Un Inspector General
Un Visitador
Siete Inspectores .Provinciales
Su binspectores
Oficiales
Guardas
Articula 11.-La creaci6n y distribuci6n
de las Su.binspecciones de Hacienda,. queda al
arbitrio delPoder Ejecutivo, segu~ sean...las
·necesida dd. ~evicio. ·. ·
Articulo .12.-P:or raz6n det' régimen'mi
litar a que' ·estân. sujetos lo·Resgu~r se.os,
asimilan :. ·
A Coronel, ·el Iuspector Gene.ral de Ha-
cienda. . ·
A Teniente Coronel, .el Yisitador,
A Comandantes Mayores,.los Inspectores
Provinciales. ·
. A Capitanes, los St}binspectores, cuando.
no lofueren tittilares.
CAPITULO li
UNIFORME y~DIVISAS
Art1culo 13.-Para los· uniformes y divi
sas el Poder Ejecutivo dictarâlosReglamentos
.respectiv~s.
· .CAPITULO III
ARMAlofENTO Y. EQUlPOS .
.
Articula 14.-El annamento yeqtfipqs se
ran .uministrados à los R.esguardos por la Na..
eton. .
· Articulo '15.-A. cada miem.bro del Res-·
guardo el.Estado suministrarâ: 905
COLECCEÔN DE LEY DECRETOS 309
a) Un silbato
b) ·Una placa
c) Un Cl:lchillo
d) Un rev61ver
e) Un a car~bina
f) .Dieztiros de revolver
g) Diez tiros de carabina
~) Relevo y pasto para su caballo.
a Artfculo 16..;._A los ResguardQ.s a que se
refiere el art1culo 28 de ley, el Estado su
ministrarâ: .
a) Vila barra
b) Dos plias angostas-
c) Dos palas anchas·
d) Dos mache tes para desyerbas
e) Dos picos
f). Dos macauas
g) ·Dos hach~s
h) Dos baldes
i) Semillas
'
.Art1culo17.-Las embarcaciones· que uti
licen los Resguardosen el Atlântico, se incor
poràrân ~la Inspecci6nPr~vinc deaLimon;
las que seutilicen· eel Pacifico a la Inspec
.ci6n Provincial d~ttntare y a'qselas 'de
què s~ baga uso en los rioylagunas alaIns
pecci6n Provincial de la provincia respectiva .
.. A·rticu,lo18.-Làs,embarcaciones de los
Resguardos. atei1derân al trasporte de·mercade
rlasy pasajeros en aquellos ltigareen que la
iniciativpartic uo~aaya previ~ pero,es
to, supeditado a las exigencias de los deperes
que directan1ènte les incumbe. La Secretana
de Hacienda fijara en suca~s los tarifasque
deben. regular esos trasportes .
...~......906
JIO COLECCJ(DE LEVESY DECRETOS-
Amculo 19.-con ·la mistna re5erva que
establece el art.lculo anterior, ·atenderseyl
vicio de Correosy Telégrafos. ·
Artîculo 20.---A todos aquellos Resguar
dos cuya vigilancia debe ·ejercerse·eu lagunas
o rios navegables, se incorpora un bote auto
m6vil.
CAPITULOIV
. DISTRiBUCIÔN GEOGR!FICA
A"rticulo 21.-Los Resguardos Provincia•
les secotl_lpondrade: a) Un Inspector.;b)Dos
Oficiales Secretarios; c) Diez ghardas .
.·Art1culo 22.-LasSubinspecciones se com
pondran de: a) Un Subinspector; b) Un Oficial ·
Secretario; c) Cinco guardas ..
Donde las exigencias del servicio. "Ide
-manden, podra ser aumentado el i:rumerode.
guardas.
Articula 23.-Son Resguârdos _Pto~ncia
l~ osde: San José,Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela,
Puntarenas, Guanacaste y Lim6n, ~o nsiento
en las respectivas capitales pro~rincias.
Articulo 24..-8e establecen las siguientes
Subin.specciones:
En la provincia de· San José, la ·de San
Marcos. .
. En la pJ;"ovinciade· Caitago, là de Tu-·_
rrialba. . ·
En la provincia de Her~di la,e Sara ..
ptqut .
En la provincia· de Alajuela, las d.e Satt
Rainpn, San Carlos y Los Chiles, .
. En la provincia de Guanacaste, las de La
~ruz El Coco, Santa Cruz o__icoya yTilarân. Annex 218
Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica, 8 November 1949, Article 12
Source: Bilingual Edition (San José:Comisi6n Nacional para el
Mejoramiento de la Adrninistraci6n de la Justicia, 2001), 18 ARTICLE12.-TheArmyasapennanentinstitutionisabolished.
There shaHbe the necessarypoliceforcesfor surveillanceand the
preservationofthepublicorder.
Militarforcesmayonlybeorganized underacontinentaalgreement
orforthenationaldefenseineithercase,theyshallalwaysbesubordinate
to the civilpower:theymaynot deliberateor makestatementsor
representationindividuallyorcollectively. Annex 219
Situacionjuridica delRioSan Juan, 1954, (extract)
Source: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Managua, 1954, 5-6 TRANSLATION
INTRODUCTION
As a resuit of the recent border incidents with the Republic of Costa Rica, sorne
confusion in relation to the true legal situation of the San Juan River was
observed in Costa Rican and other countries' press publications.·
With the aim of clarifying this confusion the Nicaraguan Ministry of Foreign
Affairs sees fit to present the public with the compilation of the following
documents, which establish Nicaragua's and Costa Rica's rights in the San Juan
River:
(..)
To sum up the matter, and in accordance with the documents we are presenting
to the public, Nicaragua bas the dominion and sovereign jurisdiction over the
whole San Juan River, and Costa Rica only bas the right of navigation,
exclusively, for commercial and fiscal purposes [con fines de comercio y
fiscales], at the part of the river between the mouth of the Atlantic up to within
three English miles of Castillo Viejo.
(..) PUBUCACIONESDEL MINJSTElUO DE RELAClONESEXTERIORES
SITU ..:-'\_C OlN JURIDICA
DEL
RIO SAN JUAN
MANSEPTIEMBOE 1954C.A. 911
INTRODUCCION
Con motive de los recientes incidentes fronterizos con la Rei)Ublica de
Costa Rico, pvdo observarse en las publicaclones de prensa costarricenses y de
otros poises, alguna confusl6n con te&pec:toa la verdodera situaci6n iurfdico del
rio Son Juan.
A fin de oclararesa confusion el Minislerla de R:elocionesExteriores de
Nicarogug ho creldo del coso presentàr al pûblico la compiloclon de los siguien
tes doc:utnentos, que determinon los derechos de Nicaragua y Coslo Ricoen el
rio San Juan:
al El Tratado de Limites del 15 de AbrH de 1858 (Tratoda Jerez-Coiiasl que
puso término a .faIorga controversia de limites entre Nicaragua y Costa
Rica y que en su articulo 6• dispone que=
"la Repjblica de Nicaragua tendra exclu'sivamenre el dominic y sumo
imperia sobre los aguos del rio San Juan desde su solide del Logo hosta
su desembocodura en el Atlôntico; pero io Republico de Costa Rico tendrô
en dichas aguas -losdeteehos perpetuas de libre navegodén desde la expre
sodo desembocadura hosta tres mitlos inglesos antes de Jlegar al Costilla
Viejo,con obj,tos de Comerclo.•... "
b) El lauda dictado par el Presidentede los Estados Unldos de América Senor
Graver develond, el 22 de Marzo de 1888. en ese lavdo se declara la
validez del Trotodo de limites del 15 de Abri! de 1858, se adaran onc:e
puntos de dudosa interpretcciéri contenidos en dicho Trotodo y, respecte
a losderechos de Costa Rica en el rio Son Juan. se estoblece que:
""Conformea dicho Tratodo y o los estipulacionΠcontenidas en su articula
sexto. no tiene derecho lo Repûbllca de Costo Rica de novegor en el rio
San Juan con buques de guerro; pero puede novegar en dlc:ho rio con l
buques del servido fiscal relacionodos y conexionodos con el gace de los
"'objetos ,de comercio" que le esté ocordado en dkho ortîculo, o que sean j
etec:esoriospara l. prate«:iôn de d.cho goce"'.
cl la Convention Matus-Pocheco del ~7 de Morzo de 1896, en que Jos gobier~
, nos de Nicaragua y Costa Rico convienen en nombrer Comisiones para
trozar y omojonar debidomente la linea divisoria entre losdos Republicas
de acuerdo con los instrumentos intemacionales relocionados en los dos
parrafos precedentes yen someter a un ingeniera nombrôdo par el Presi
dente de los Estodos Unidos de Américo tas puntos en que los Comisiones
estuvieren en desacuerdo.
5d) Los faUos del Ingeniera E. P. Alexander, nombrpor el Presidente
de los Estados Unidos de América, de acuerdo con lo anteriormente
expresado.
e) El piano que muestra la linea divisoria tra,zada por las Com.iSiones
nombradas de conformidad con la Convencion Matus-Pacheeo.
Dada la finalidad dla presente compilaciôn, se han incluido en ella
ûnicamente los documentas actualmente en vigoy no aquellos otros
que solo presentan un interés historiecamo los anterioresal
_Tratado de Limites de15 de Abril de1858. Por lamisma razôn no
se ha incluîdo la Canvenciôn Cordera Reyes-ZUiiiga Manhifar, del
' de Abri! de I940 y que ha sida aducido equivocadamente por
algunos organos de prensa en el extranjero en cuanto a los derechos
de navegaci6n de .Costa Rica en el rio. San JuLa. caducîdad de
esa Convenciôn fué expresamente establecida en el texto de la misma.
al defar e$tablecido que ella .-quedara sin ningU.n .niefectoy
las cosas volveraalestado que tenian antes de su suscripciôn y per
feccionamientosi.Nicaragua no hubiereprlncipiadola construcci6n
de la obra dentro de las condiciones aqui consignadas, en un plazo
de ctneo aiios partirde la ultima ratificaci6nLa obra a que se
refiere la Convenci6n es la canalizaci6n del rio San lacual no
~a sjdo aûn ·comenzada. · ·
Resumiendo lacuesti ·~·e conforinidad con los documentas .que
presentamos alp_ubli .~caragua t.iene el dominy.sumo imperia
sobre todo el rio San Juan,y Costa Rica, solo tienederecho de
nav~ac, .ei<c?lnu,si onam!~etde comercio_ .Y.-fiscale$, en la
Nrte ..del rio ·comprendid<!-t!Dtre la desembocadura en. el ytlantico
.P;unt~itua _trs millas .inglesan~e ds_lle ·l~Ca_s~ Viejo.
El Gobierno· del General· Anastasio SomoZa., que tacelo ha de
.mostrado en el mantenilniento inalterable. de nuestra Soberania nacio
,nalcumple .~o cn el debd ~e divulgar _1instrwn quetfjn ·
los derecbosi~discut deiN iergua sobre nuestro hist6ricorio
..Sa.n Juan, ·
OSCAR SEVILLA-SACASA. Annex 220
Costa RicaRural Assistance Guard Law No. 4639, 23 September 1970,
Articles 2-3
Source: Colecciim de leyes, decretas, acuerdos y resoluciones, Segundo
Semestre. I Toma. (San José:Imprenta Nacional, 1970), 564-565 TRANSLATION
Costa Rican Rural Assistance Guard Law No 4639, 23 September 1970
"Article 2
The RuralAssistance Guard Corps will havejurisdiction in the entire Republic. Tothe
Rural Assistance Guard will be incorporated the Revenue Guard and the Village and
Town Police.
Article 3
The Rural Assistance Guard will have as functîons:
(...)
c) Ensure the observance of the laws against contraband, narcotics and the ones
protecting the public treasury;
d) Coopera te in the guard and surveillance of the borders, coasts, customs
and ports;
(...)
1) Provide due collaboration to the Ministry of Treasury, when it is required,
regarding the vigilance of the public revenue;
(...)
For the proper performance of its functions, the Rural Assistance Guard shall
have the same powers and attributions in regards to arrest, detention, seizure
and search that currently possess the Village and Town Police and the Revenue
Guard."·REPUBLICADE COSTA RICA -:- AMERICA CENTRAL
COLECCION DE LEYES,
DECRETOS, ACUERDOS
Y RESOLUCIO-~ES
I!:DIPUEIL.ICEIAJO L.A OIRDEl.:lON
LIC,DON JOSE MARIA GARCI'AA.
SEGUNDO SEMESTRE 197 0
1
1 TOMO 1
EDICION OF'ICTAL
··..·:·
19 70
IMPRENTNACIONAl.. 564 COLECCION DE LEVES Y DECRETOS
El proyecto respectivo se public6 por primera ver para oir objed()]les, en "La
Gaceta" NQ 190 de Zlde agosto pr6ximo pasado; no habiéndose presentado ninguna y ,
hechos los _es~di oorrespondientes en sus aspectos legal_ y econômieo, y con,
base en el mclSo t),artlculo49 de su Ley Qrgânica, -
LA CONTRALORlA GENERAL DE LA REPUBLlCA, "ACUERDA:
lmpartiles su aprobaci6n.
Rigen diez dias después de su publicacilln en el Diario Oficial.
Publiquese .-R. Losilla G.,·Subcontralor General.
. N9 9-EE.-San José, 14 de setiembre de 1970.
MUNicrPÂLmAD DEL CANTON DE VALVERDE VEGA
La MÙnicipalidad .del cant6n de Valverde Vega en sesion ordinaria NQ 25 de 21
dproy_ectorespectivo.sepublic6 para oir objeciones en ''La Gaceta"rN9 157bader17 de·
julio de1970,de conformldad con el inciso i), articulo40 de la Ley Orgânica de !•
Contraloria General, sin que se presentara ninguna al respecto.
Hechos Iris est:udios legayeecon6micos correspondientes,
·.'LA CONTRALORIA GENERAL DE LA REPUBLlCA, AcUERDA:
' "
lmparlirles su aprobaci6n, asi:
Aearreo de bamra · Por trlmesire
·Servicio.residenclal .... -.. . ... .. . .. . .... . .. . .... e·•. so
ServicloOindllSt:rial ... . .. . .. . ..... . .. . . '. .•.. .. . ..9.00
' -.
Estas tarif!IS rigediez dias después de su publicaci6n_e1''La Gaceta".
Publlquese.-R. LosDla G.,Subcontralor Gener~.
ASAMBLEA .LEGJSLATIVA
N9 4639
LAASAMBLEA LEGISLATIVA DE Lf..REPUBLICA DE COSTA RICA,
DECRETA:
La siguiente
Ley Orgânica de la Guardia de Asistencia Rural de Costa Rica
TITULO I
_ Articulo 19-Créase el Cuerpo de la Guardia de Asistencia Rural que
prestara sus servicios para el mantenimiento 'del ordeo y la asistencia a la pobla··
cion rural, conforme a las atribuciones que esta ley sefiala.
La Guardia de Asistencia Rural colaborad. con la Fuerza Publica, sin
formar parte de ella, y sus miembros esta.rin de alta mieritras desempefiensUS
cargos, igua1mente que. el persona! de laFuerza PU.blica.
ArticUlo .2L ..El ·Cuerpo de la Guardia· cie Asistencla Rural tendra jurit
diçci6Ji:;n.tod& ReHpUa.blica.A la Guardia de Asistencla Rural.se incorporari,
;èJ:..eSguardo Fiscal y la Policla de Villasy· Pueblos; COLECCION -DE LEYES Y DECRETOS 565
.-.·,, .
PeJ~s~ ~ rpiehender a los violadores de la-le-; .
Alfabetizaadultosen las zonas alas que no ha llegado la acci6n del
Ministeriode Educaci6.n.PU.blica; ."'-.·
g) Colaborar en~ campafias de higieny salubridad;_
h) Asesorar a los campesiD.en el cuidaaodel ganado;
i) Promover actividades ddesarrollo comunal; ·
j) Evitar atentadocontra lriqueza forestal y.·arqueolôgica.
_k_) .coo~ :e_r.aPr?Q.~~•- ,.6,~~,~}slvestre:·. · - ~éste
t~l),-,~~~~~~1:-~'t" . t;_:
m) TOdas aquellas0trasDiJSJoneparalas q~e expresamente sbaya prepa-
rado a sus compone:ntes. .. :·_ ... · .-:.·_ - ··:!-.-_. _-·
Articula 49-La Guardia deAsistenciaRural.dependeramr~en 'del·-
.Ministerde Gobernaà6n. - · · · ·· · · -. _.,:,;_:
Ârticulo5.9-En cadapro..:mciatatuerzâ de ta Guardiade Asistendà
Rural estara a disposici6n del respectivo Gobpara elcumplimiento de los
deberes yatribuciones que a él le corresponda.· . · . . --
Articula69-E:J.Cuerpo dela Guardia de Asistencia Rurest.ari.organi
zadoa basede una Direcci6n General, de dos Subdirecciones Geney de las
dependenciaque requiera parelejercicio dsusfunciones. ··._. ·
.. Articula 79-ElPoder Ejecutivo dictari. los reglarnentos-por los euales se
rcg1 lr~rganizaciôn, distribucion y atribucdelpersona!y de las depen
denc1asdela Guardiade Asistencia Rùral, asi coma los que sean necpara.os
~~ mejor desenvolvimiendè sus funciones. ,' . "
los ~f~ctidetiamsovilidad, queda amparado a. los benefidelsEstatuto dera
Scn·1c1oCivila excepci6n del Director Genenideylos dos Subdirectores Ge
neraleque serinde ·libre elecciy remoci6ndel Poder Ejecutivo.
Articule9Q-La Guardiade Asistencia Rural eontara con la reglamcn-
1~10ol-blrai6n delConsejo Superior de Defensa Social, en cu&ntoa los ser
'" " de tal!eres de tnecande saStrerla, de zapateY de caballefÎZaS.
11• ,A~rt1 i0-La loGuardia de Asistericia Rural contarâ:, pelmejor
a•tuelto de lasfWlc1onesa su cargo, con una armena, una proveeduna y
ns o~r oevicios '@e seanrecomendables.
f'O!I. :\rttc11.-La Direcci6nGeneral de la Guardia de Asistencia Rural
«mfa ~?ntr drectaernt.con la Direcci6n General de Defens_a Sociala
,. t;non ~eU01fonnes,zapatos, botas, capas, aperos, cartucberas, faJas de cuero
· 0 aquellque pueda ser elaborado en sus dependencias.
l:'t:a 1r.dn i~lor dstitcs u laoones del pais habri. el numero de
d1rii10Y personal superviser media, que detenninen las neŒsidades del lugar,
-· ' por uniefe de zona;sin embargo,paraefectos de operaciOy.admi- Annex 221
Costa Rica, Law No. 4766, 28 May 1971, Article 3
Source: Coleccion de Leyes, Decretas, Acuerdos y Resoluciones. Primer
Semestre. 1 Tomo. (San José:Imprenta Nacional, 1971), 1170 TRANSLATION
Costa Rican Law No. 4766, 18 June 1970
Article 3:
(...)
"n) To perform the same juridical acts that formerly appertained to the
Village and Town Police and the Revenue Guard; and
fi) To exercise alJ the other responsibilities that in accordance with the
juridical order where assigned to the authorities mentioned in the
previous paragraph, except for those that refer to the municipal regime.
(...) " '
REVUBLICADE COSTA RICA AMERICA CENTRAL
·COLËCCIO.N DE LEVES,
'
DECRETOS, ACUERDOS
Y RESOLUCIONES
EDICIPUBLICADBA.JO LA DIRECDEL·
LIC.DON JOSE MARIA GARCIA A.
PRIMER SEMESTRE 1971
1 TOMO
EOtèlON OF)CiAL
, 9 7'1
IMF'RENNA.CIONAL 1170 COLECCION DE LEVES Y DECRETOS
Esta mOdificacion fuc acord.ada por la Junta Directiva General del Banco, scgiJn
consta en el articulo 89 del acta de la sesion NQ66-6/e~lebra cd a de junio de
1971.
San José, julio de 1971.-Gerardo 1 Ecbeverria, Gerente a. 1.-Jorge Emillo
Regldor, Secretario de la Gcrencla.
ASAMBLEA LEGISLATIVA
N9 4766
LA ASAMBLEA LEGISLATIVA DE LA REPUBLICA DE COSTA RICA,
DECRETA:
Articula 19-Adiciônasc la Lcr de Creacîôn de la Guardia de Asistencia
Rural, N9 4639 de 15 de setiembrc de 1970, çon dos articulas transitorios y el
articula 3Qde la rnisma ley con dos. incisas, que se leeran asi :
n) Celebrar los mismos actos juridicos que correspondian anteriormente a la
Policia de Villasy Pueblos y al Resguardo F_iscal;y
fi) Ejercer todas las demas atribuciones que confonn.e al ordenamiento juri
dico, les estaban asignadas a las autoridades mencionadas en el indso
anterior, salvo laJ; que se refiere:~ 1ctualrégimcn municipal.
Transitorio VIII.-Todos los actos juridicos celebrados por las autori-
dades de.la Guardia de Asistencia Rural a que se refieren los incisos n)y fi) del
articula JQ,tendrân plena validez juridica desde el momento en que se celebraron.
· Transitorio IX.-::-En todas aquellas disposiciones en que aparezcan los
términos "Jefe PoHtico" y "Agente Principal de Policia", debera 1eerse :. "Dele
gado Càntonal" y ''Delegado Distrital de la Guardia de. Asistencia Rural", res
pectivamente.
Articula 29-Esta ley rige ·a partir de su publicacion.·
Co,mmiq11esc of Podcr Ejecutivo
Asafnblca Legislativa.-San José, a los veintiocho dias del mes de mayo
de mil novccientos seenta y uno.
LUIS ALBERTO MONGE ALVAREZ,
Vicpresidente.
EDWIN MUROZ MORA, ANGEL EDl\IUNDO SOLANO CALDERON,
Primer Secretario. Segundo Secretario.
Casa Pre.sidencial.-San Jos~ .·los nueve dias del mes de junio de mil
novecientos setentay uno. ·
Ejecutesc y Pnbliquese
JOSE FIGUERES
Eencargadoodel Despacho devGobernaci6n,rtes,
Policia, Justicia y Gracia,
ALBERTO F. CARAS.
"La Gacela" N9 126 de 18 de junio. Annex 222
Situacionjuridica del Rio San Juan ,1974, (extract)
Source: Ministerio de Relacîones Exteriores, Managua, 1974, 5-6 TRANSLATION
INTRODUCTION
As a result of the recent border incidents with the Republic of Costa Rica, sorne
confusion in relation to the true legal situation of the San Juan River was
observed in Costa Rican and other countries' press publications.
With the aim of clarifying this confusion the Nicaraguan Ministry of Foreign
Affairs sees fit to present the public with the compilation of the following
documents, which establish Nicaragua's and Costa Rica's rights in the San Juan
River:
(..)
To sum up the matter, and in accordance with the documents we are presenting
to the public, Nicaragua has the dominion and sovereign jurisdiction over the
whole San Juan River, and Costa Rica only has the right of navigation,
exclusively, for commercial and fiscal purposes [con fines de comercio y
fiscales], at the part of the river between the mouth of the Atlantic up to within
three English miles of Castille Viejo.
(..) ENCARGADODEL UESARHOUDEïLACOSTA ATLANTICACAS
1NSTJTUCE:OGRAFICO NACIONAL
SITU A CI ON JURIDICA
DEL
RIO. SAN JUAN
.'•
MANAGUA, D. N., NICARAGUA,. C.A.
JULIO DE: 1974 1-NT R 0 D U C C 10 N
Con motiva d~ los redentes incidentes fronterizos con la Republica de
Costa Rica, pudo observarse en las pub!icaciones de prenso costarricens!;ysde
otro.s poises, o·lguno confusiôn con respecaJo verdadero situaciôn jurldico del
rio San Juan.
A fin de oclaror esa r:onfusiôn el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de
Nicorogua ha creido del casa presenter al publico la compilocién de los siguien
tes documentas, que determinan Jas derechos de Nicaragua y Costa Rica en el
rioSan Juan:
al El Tratado de limites del 15 de AbrH de 1859 !Tratado Jerez-Canas) que
puso término a 4a Iorga controversio de limites entre Nicaragua v Costa
Rica v que en su articulo 6' dispone qve:
"La Republica de Niéarogva tendra exclusivomente el domlnio y sumo
Imperia sobre los agvas del rlo Son Juan desde su solide del logo hosta
su desembocodura en el Atlantico; pero ia Repub!ica de Costa Rica tendra
en clichas aguos ·losderechos perpetuas de libre navegoclôn desde la expre
sodo desembocodvra hosto tres mi~l anslesas antes de llegar al Costilla
Viejo,con objl!tos de Comercio ••... "
b) E-1lauda dictado por el Presidente de los Estodos Unidos de Américo Seiior
Graver Cleveland, el 22 de Morzo de 1888. En ese lauda se declara lo
validez del Tratodo de limites del 15 de Abril de 1858, se eclaron once
puntos de dudoso interpretoci6ri contenidos en dicho Tratodo v. respecta
a los derechos de Costa Rica en el rio San Juan, se establece que:
"Conforme a dicho Tratado y a leu estlpulociones content-dos en su articula
sexto, no tiene derecho lo Repûblica de Costa Rico de novegar en el rio
Son Juan con buques de guerre; pero puede novegor en dlcho rio cao]'
.' buqUS$ del servicio fiscal relacionadoy conexionodos con el gooe de los .
"objetos de comercio'' que le estô ocordado en dicho articula, a que sean
('lecesarios para la protecciôn de dicho goŒ".
cl la Convenciôn Mafus-Pacheco del ~7 de Morzo de 1896, en que los gabier.
no5 de Nicaragua v Costa Rico convienen en nombrer Comisiones porc
trozar y omojonor debidamente la lineo divisoria entre los dos Repûblicas
de ocuerdo con los instrumentas intemacionoles relocianodes en los. dos
p6rrafos precedentes v en someter a un ingeniera nombrado par el Presi
dente de los Estados Unidos de Américafos puntos en que las Comlsiones
estuvieren en desocuerdo.
5dl Los folios del Ingeniera E. P. Alexander, nombrado por el Prer.idente de
los Estodos Unidos de Américo, de ocuerdo con lo onteriormente expresado.
e) El plono que muestra- la linea divisoria trozodo por las Comisiones nom.
broda$ de conformidod con la Convenciôn Mafus-Pachero.
Dada la finolidod de la presente compiloci6n, se han indu ida en ella {mica
mente los documentas octualmente en vigor y no oquellos otros que solo
presenton un interés historiee camo los onteriores al Trafado de limites del
15 de Abril de 1858. Por lo mismo rozon no se ho incluido la Convention
Cordera Reyes-Zûiiiga Montûfor, del 5 de Abri! de 1940 y que ha sido
aducido equivoc:odamente por olgunos 6rganos de prenso en el extranjero
en cuonta a los derechos de navegad6n de Costa Rica en el rio San Juan.
la coducidod de esc Convenciôn fuéexpresamenfe estoblecido en el texte
de la mismo al dejar establec:ido que- ella ''quedar6 sin ningun voler ni
efecto y ·las casas volverén criestado que fenian antes de su suscripd6n y
perfecdonomiento si Nicaragua no hubiere principiado Jo construcci6n de
la obra dentro de los condiciones oqui consignodos, en un plazo de cinco
aiios a partir de la ultimo rotificoci6n" La obra a que se refiere la Conven
ciôn es la canolizaci6n del rio Son Juan, la cuol no ha sida oun comenzodo.
Resumiendo la cuestiôn, y de conformidod con los documentas que presen
tamos al publiee, Nicaragua tiene el dominio y sumo imperia sobre toda el
rioSan Juan, y Costa Rica, solo tiene derecho de novegoci6n, exdusivomente
con fines de comercio y fiscales,en io parte del rio camprèffiliëraen1rela
desembocoduro en el Atlôntico y punta situada tres millas inglesas antes
de llegor al CostillVieja.
El Gobierno del General Anastasio Somoza, que tonte cela ha demostrado
en el mantenimiento inalterable de nuestra Soberonia nadonal, cumple
hay con el deber de divulgar los instrumentas que fijan los derechos indis
cutiblesde Nicaragua sobre nuestro historito rio Son Juan.
OSCAR SEVILLASACASA.
6 Annex. 223
Manager of Swiss Travel Services, Emilia Gamboa, to Costa Rican M.inister
of Public Security, Angel Edmundo Solano, 7 June 1982 TRANSLATION
SWISS TRAVEL SERVICES, S.A.
P.O. Box 5094, San José,C.R. C.A.
June 7, 1982
Mr. Angel Edmundo Solano
Minister of Public Security
Ministry of Public Security
Dear Minister:
For the last eight years, our agency, which is devoted exclusively to receive
foreign tourism in Costa Rica, has organized a tourist excursion that leaves
from San José, on a SANSA flight, to Limon. It includes a tour along the
Canales de Tortuguero, one night in the Cabinas Barra del Colorado, located
in Barra del Colorado Sur, retuming the next day through the Colorado, the
San Juan, and the Sarapiqui Rivers up to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, or vice
versa, depending on where the vessels are located.
The Immigration Department in Limon requires us, among other things, that
we submit to them a list of passengers, indicating their full name, addresses,
passport nurnber, and nationalîty, as well as the registration cards of the guests,
as it is done in any hotel in the capital city.
Yesterday, Sunday June 6, white our boat was heading to Puerto Viejo with 10
tourists, it was intercepted by a Sandinista patrol that forced ali of our tourists
to land and to show ali their belongings. After several hours of arguing with the
passengers and the captain, they told our employee that he should notify our
head office that, asof yesterday, Costa Rican vessels were prohibited to pass
through the San Juan, particularly with North American and European tourists,
such as the ones that were travelling in yesterday' s tour.
As 1understand, there is a treaty between Costa Rica and Nicaragua that allows
Costa Rican vessels to navîgate along the riverbank on our side.
You will understand that our country is in need of foreign currency and the
easiest way to obtain it is through the tourist industry, and that those people,
unconcemed for our needs, want to kill our sources of income.In addition, the Sandinista patrol told our employee that, to cross the San Juan
on Costa Rican vessels, tourists must carry aNicaraguan visa, something which
1believe is unfounded in view of the existence of the treaty.
1 kindly request that you act on this matter because, by the middle of this week,
we have another tour with a group of passengers from Curacao that have paid
in advance and we fear that something bad might happen to them because of
the intrusion of the patrols.
Please, kindly inform us know the outcome of your good offices so we can
continue our tours.
Sincerely yours,
Emilia Gamboa
Manager
cc: Mrs. Doris de Monge .......,.. 7• l'Ill:•
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·lk• la~:~l'linfa•oUfOID J.,r"U••~•••·r· rv •·t'tt·fllstrnrrlf'hldoa qutt
para rlll"tl .pad.t•:s~mana l'l'nt ou:ra... t.:.·ur.-o1.1ngrupu deopas•-
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qu• p.ldanro.•Ba~uril'tllxalkloo ••a:tXl"cs 1<\n Annex 224
Manager of Swiss Travel Services, Emilia Gamboa, to Costa Rican Deputy
Foreign Minister, Ekhart Peters, 5 July 1982 TRANSLATION
SWISS TRAVEL SERVICES, S.A.
P.O. Box 5094, San José,C.R. C.A.
July 5, 1982
Mr. Ekhart Peters
Vice-Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Worship
Ministry
Republic of Costa Rica
Dear Mr. Vice-Minister:
Regarding your kind letter of July 1st, following is a description of the
incidents occurred to our excursionists when they crossed the border post
through the San Juan River.
The first and biggest incident occurred on June6. I am enclosing a copy of the
letter sentoAngel Edmundo Solano, Esq., on June 7, describing ali the details.
On Sunday,June 13,our boat was intercepted again by the Sandinista patrol, to
whom I sent a note informing them of the illegality oftheir procedure, and also
that our authorities bad filed a complaint before the Government of Nicaragua
for the irregularities occurred on June 6. The patrolmen read my note and did
not demand the visas as they did on June 6, but they did search ali our
passengers and their luggage, for approximately 1 hour.
On Sunday, June 20, there were no patrols watching the river, but again they
asked our passengers for identifications and they searched their belongings.
This procedure was followed again on June 27.
One of the passengers, who by the way is an American writer, told us that he
carried a case with his camera, lenses, etc. He says that they opened the case;
they took out the camera, lenses, etc. to see if the case bad a secret
compartment. They turned the case upside down to make sure he was not
biding anything. Finally, they gave it back to bim so he could give back his
belongings.
1was holding this answer until today, to infonn you of any incident that could
have occurred with the tourists that retumed yesterday, but unfortunately
because of the rains 1 have not been able to communicate with our cabins in Sr. Ekhürt o~~ors Ju lin ~..J987
Vice l'!int<i
!:o.tuv!;n~tcnlno n~rf.r••::puo!1tha,;tahny S, !lnrrolnl",.rm:tt.r.cu:ahauinl
in•1t•l'nfliu•• hi•~r m:~uri•:n CQtlln•;turi••t, .,; 1""'1••:;trun :1yut • pu ru
do!:nf.,rtun.,rl:mly!1fo•m ,, l<:~luvi:lt:rnr. h.a•to ir•ru:>Ir. J<'HsrcOJnU
nic.•i~n t:11r\U••! t.bitrJa•m~·Darr ;el~Color ~••· lnm.,di.:a no. PI~"f1tc
r•tt•:1r! "'f,,.,~•:h•f"n tata:(.'•n c:nn:;o!r trllil"l"t•rril:t:~ ylladJ
ec l•1o; -nri f.n~~~~= ei::~t;•~ron
No omito mnnifcet< n~aJP~t f9rlcclimiento n 1.,.-'loridlHiec costarriconGSs
el tl< ~ro-;to Jn~cii:!P anp'-il'l~,itqu'!morl:t::yn •1ui: como ver& enca
Pi .~;o!r! c1Jrre~:pnr :n1.r:ir ~:lu<lmD!l bnnt:mt ntille!f•<J luc:h::on nseo
p ronlct~~n.
Mj.-
Jl.o. r:n .1eurrm;:ronrtnoci:ndjv~t le Subr:.y6 un p$rrr~ cnfo ic::~ llta
!':x-Mini::trCarmona fr.chucl!\!ov1e mbry~lt otr< onvl.arfnl ü:
Minhtrf• 1\.f:;ro!"<!c,a•r'ouia'"brr. 2./l, 198t:or. c:mo~6stôls nos
neurrf:1n l:tJ;ln';t.f:ul!'lt[O~tnr 0 lgun<'Îl'll'lUl;d~r:~ Annex 225
Manager of Swiss Travel ServicesEmilia Gamboa, to Costa Rican Deputy
Foreign Minister, Ekhart Peters,3 July 1982 TRANSLATION
SWISS TRAVEL SERVICES, S.A.
P.O. Box 5094, San José, C.R. C.A.
July 13, 1982
Mr. Ekhart Peters
Vice Minister
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship
Dear Vice-Minister:
1am sorry that it took so long to report what happened on Sunday, July 4 in the
border post in Sarapiqui, but unfortunately we have been without means of
communication because the rain in that area darnaged the telephone tines.
Recause of the Jackof communication we decided to cancel the excursion that
would return on the 11th through Puerto Viejo, but today, when we were able
to get a connection, we were informed that the new instructions given to the
boatmen by the Sandinistas gave to the boatmen, were:
They must pay the departure clearance certificate at Barra del Colorado at the
Rural Assistance Guard.
Bring the departure clearance certificate to the border post, and exchange it for
a new one that they prepare with a cost of ~ lO,oo since they argue that the
departure clearance certificate issued by the Costa Rican authorities is not valid
when navigating the San Juan River.
To this effect, the boatman must clirnb up to the post, which is located on top
of a hill, under the rain, with mud, etc., taking approximately 20 minutes going
up and 20 going down.ln the meanwhile, the customers wait sitting in the boat.
Afterwards, the boatman must show that new departure clearance certificate to
the guard at the river bank, who then proceeds to ask the passengers for their
passports and search their luggage. Ail this procedure takes between 30 and 45
minutes.
The boatmen tell me that it is not wise to argue with Sandinistas when they
reach that point. They must do exactly as they are told, since this is a very
isolated area and the guards are armed.Next Thursday 1sth 1 have a group going in through Moin and returning on
thel6th through Puerto Viejo, among which are traveling Dutchrnen, people
from Curacao, and North Americans. On Sunday, July 18, there is a group of
12 Swiss passengers that will be going in through Puerto Viejo. They come
from a new agency (Kuoni Travel) that has been sending us groups, and 1fear
that something might happen, because when these guards see passengers with
blond hair they irnmediately identify them as"gringos".
1 do not know the final resolutions made between our Government and
Nicaragua, whic.h1hope are favorable so we can navigate freely across the San
Juan River.
Thank you very much for your valuable help.
Sincerely,
Emilia Gamboa
Manager •.• :•. h"<l.-
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rar ül Rio ~i.IJunn.
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flt:.ta:dr1...
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1
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btf!llll'ntn f•OJn :.ian :h1n, ' ·
~~
1€1 i1t:.)lllbrl.:J
Gorontn Annex 226
Costa Rica, General Law of Police Law No. 7410, 26 May 1994,
Articles 6,8, 24, 27, 28
Source: Colecci6n de leyes, decretos y reglamentos, 1Semestre1994,1 Tomo
(San José:Imprenta Nacional, 1995), 260-261 and 265-266 TRANSLATION
Costa Rican General Police Law No. 7410, 26 May 1994
"Article 6: Bodies
The following will be the police bodies, in charge of the public security: the
Civil Guard, the Rural Assistance Guard, the Police in charge of the control of
non-authorîzed drugs and connected activities; the Border Police, the
Immigration Police, the Fiscal Control Police, the State Security Direction, the
Transit Police, the Penitentiary Police and the other police corps whose
competence is foreseen in the Law.
Article 8. Responsibilities
The following are general responsibilities of ali police corps:
(..)
e) To act according to the principle of cooperation and mutual aid, with a view
to proper coordination, in accordance with the instances and the organs
foreseen to that effect.
f) To act, in a supplementary way, in the performance of the necessary
emergency acts, when confronted by situations that should be attended by
a specialized police corp.
(..)
Article 24. Responsibilities
The following will be the responsibilities ofthe Border Police:
a) To watch and safeguard the terrestrial, maritime and aerial borders,
including the public buildings where immigration and customs activities
are performed.
b) To ensure respect for the Political Constitution, the international treaties
and the laws that guaranty the integrity of the national territory, the
territorial waters, the continental shelf, the patrimonial sea or the exclusive
economie zone, the aerial space and the exercise of the rights that
correspond to the State.
Article 27. Establishment and competence
The Fiscal Control Police is hereby established to protect the fiscal interests of
the State.
Article 28. Responsabilities
The Fiscal Control Police will have the following obligations and attributions:
a) Ensure compliance with the fiscallaws.
b) Assist the Ministry ofTreasury in ali tasks required to control tax evasion.
c) Carry out ali type of searches in order to persecute crimes of fiscal nature.
Ajudicial authorization will be required to perform searches and the other
legal requirements must be complied with.
d) Inspect commercial establishments at any moment.
e) To ensure the respect of the Political Constitution, the international treaties,
the laws and related regulations."9381
COLECCION DE LEVES,
DECRETOS Y REGLA'M,ENTOS
IMPRENTA NACIONAL
La Uruca, SaC. R.sé, Dado en la Prcsidcncia de la Rcptihlica.-San José. a los doce dias del mes de
maya de mil novccicntos novcnta y t:uatro.
Ejcelitcscy publiqucse
JOSE MARIA FIGUERES OLSEN.-EI Minîstro de Salud. Dr. Herman
Weinstok W.--c-200.-(18539).
2
N 7410
LAASAMBLEALEGISLATIVA DE LA REPUBLICADECOSTARICA
DECRETA:
LEYGENERAL DE POLIOA
TITULO1
De Las fo'uerzas de Policia
CAPITULO 1
Disposiciones Generales
A rt icuJoI.---compc!cnc;ia
El Estado garamizara la scguridad püblica, sin pcrjuicio de la cstipulado en el
Titulo IV de la presente Ley. Al Presidente de la Republica y ministre del ramo;·Jes
corresponde tomar ,las mcdidas nccesarias para garanlizar cl arden, la defcnsa y la
scguridad del pafs,/lsfomolas que asegurcn la tranquilidad y c.llibre disfrute de las
1
libcrtadesptiblicas.
Articulo 2.--Euenas de policia y carrictede sus miembros
Para la vigilaJ;J.ciay la conservaci6n de la segurldad publica, existinin las fuerzas
de policia nccesarias. Sus miembros son funcionarios publicos, simples depositarios
de laautoridad. Dcbcrin obscrvar y cumplir, ficlmente, la Constituci6n Politica, los
tratados întcmacionales y lasleyes vigcntçs.
Arliculo 3.--SubordjnacjOn al poder civil
Las fucrzas encargadas de la seguridad pub!icatendran canictcr cmincntemen.te
po Jcialy estanin su_bordinadas al podcr civil. El arm amen ta y la organizade estas
fucrzas seran los prbpiosy adccuados para cl buen descmpefio de la funci6n'policial.
Sus miembros deberin abstenerne de delîberar o manifestar proclamas al margen de
la autoridad civil de la cual. dcpendcn.
A rticulo 4.--Funcioncs
Las fucrzas de policia estanin al scrvicio de la comunidad; sc cncarganin de
vigilar,conscrvar el orùcn püblioo, prevenir las manifcslacioncs de delineucncia y
·cadpcrar para rcprirn irl(,.la forma en que sc determina en cl ordenamicnto jurldico.
~..---
ArticuJo 5.--Dcber de colaboraci6n y apcyo de Jas comuojdjMifQ':i
Toda ciudadano esta obligado a abstenerse de cualquier acto que .dificulte o
pcrlurbe clcumplimicnto regular de las flmciones policiales. ·
A rtîc ulo 6.---cucrpOs
Son l\1crzasde policia,cncargadas de la seguridad plibtica, las siguientes:îa
Guardia Civil, la quardia de Asistcncia Rural, la policfa cncargada del control de
drogas no autorizadasy de actividades e<mexas; la Policia de Fronteras,laPoliciade
Migracion y Extranjcria, laPolicfadel Control FISCal,la Direcci6n de Seguridad del
Bstado, la Policfad~ Transita.la Pol icia Penitenciary las demas fuerzas depolicfa,
cuya rompetencia e~t péevista en la ley.
A rticulo 7.--Principiodereserva de lex La creaci6n de competencias policiales constituye reserva de ley.
A rliclo 8.- Alribucioncs
Son atribuciones generales de todas las fu.;e policia:
-a)Resguardar el-arden constitucional.
b) Prevenir potenciales violacioncs de la intcgridad territorial de la Republica.
c:Velar por la intcgridad de·los bicncs y los dercchos de là ciudadd)fa.
-· Asegurar ~avigilanciay el:mantenimicndel orden pûblicx?._ ·
~A)c~ segrin el.principdecoopcraci6n y auxiliredpr enopoc~ra.de
·la debida coordinaci6n, de oonformidad con las instancyalŒ 6rganos
previstoal efecto.
1)Actuar, supletoriamcntc, ereali1.aci6n de los actas de cmergcncia nccesa
rios, cuando sc cnfrcnten a situacioncs que deban scr atcndidas por algtin
__ cucrpo policial espccia1izado.
g) Ejecutay haccr cumplir toda cuantn..~cl vdinpqngau, en los asuntos
·- de Sucompetcncia, los tribunales de jusyklos organismes electorales, a
solicitud de estos.
h) Colaboracon lostrihunai'de justicia, cl Ministerio Pt.iblico;la Procuradwia
General de la Rcp(!bliY·laCO'ntraloriaGeneral de la ReMïblica, en todas
las actuaciones policialcs requcr.; remitirlcs los elcmcQ.tos..pa:qbatorios
y los informes del caso, seglin correspond a. ,
iColaborar en la prevenciôn y la rcprcsi6n del delita, sobre bases de rcciproci
dad, oon las organizacione.S intcmacionalpoliciade ·confonnidad con
losoonvenios vigcntes.
j) Auxiliar a las comunidadcs.las municipalidadcy las organizaciones de
seniicio publicy colaboraroon eliasen casas deemergencia nacional o
con~oc pib6lna.
k) Mantener actualizados registrode annas, explosivos y equipos indispen-
ïiable'parcumplir consus funciones. . .
1)Llcvar los libros de rcgistro riecesarios, <:nlos que constarân: las opcraciones.
poiidales,los responsables de esa.o;aclividadesn6mi comp~leta del
pers~ nue intervenga en;cada operativo, patru11ajeo acc16n policial,los·
datds personales, las boras de ingyeegreso de los dererudos,asf oomo
()trodatas que sitvan paeladecuado control de esas operbiones.
m) Levantar y mantencr actulllizados los registrosarma pso~iedad de
particularcs. pennitidas par-lotorgalos pcnni:-;os pportarannas.
n)Controlar el manejo de cxplosivc.'Ill'iOindustrialrnincros orccrcati
vos.
ii)_Lademâs atrihuciones sefialadas en ConslitucionPolitica, los tratados
intemacionales,a.o;ycs ysusreglamentos.
<\rticulo 9.--Facultad de allanamiento
Los cuerpos integrantesde las fucrzas de policfa podrân- partJclpar en
lUanamicntos o rcgistros dt)mid!iarios. de conronnidad con el articula 23 de la
:on.'>tiludoPolitica y la ky.
CAPITULO Il
Principîosrund amentales de \:1 udu aci1in policial
\-rtic uloO.-Principios nd;unentalcs
'En elcumplimicnto de sus funcioncs, lmicmbro:sde las fuco.as de policia
ldbeniu respetar lsiguicnremmnas: 941
b) Mante ocr la tranquilidydel ordcn ptiblicos.
c) Velar porla seguridad y la intcgridad de las pfrsonay los bicnes·d.e!los·
habitantes de la Reptiblica.
d) Mamener el res~ ptr as propicdades y los demlis derechos dehabt~les
de la Republica. · :
e) Prevenir y reprimir comi~i de infracciuncs puniblcs <kntro del tcrrilorio
nacional.
SECCION IV
De ls Policia de Frontcras
A rtiu lo23.-Crcnci6n y compctcocja
Créasc la Policia de Frontcra'i, rcsguanlar lasoberaoiaterritorial.
Artic ulo 24.- Atribuciones
Son atrihU:cî<mcsde la Policia de Frontera.'>:
a) Vigilar y rcsguardar I:L-fromcras terrestresla.o,;mantmws y .J.as aéreas,
incluidas las cdificacioncs pühlica">dnndc sc rcali7.au activiJadc..'iaduanalcs
y migratorius.
b) Vclar por cl rcspeto a la Constituciôn PoliJocaratados intcmaciona]es y
Jas lecs garantes de la intcgridad deltcrritnacional,las aguas territoria
les, la plataforma conrincntal.el mar patrimonial 0 la zona economica
exclusiva, el espacio aéreycl cjercicio de los dcrechos correspondienic5 al
Estado.
SECCION V
De la Policiu cncurgada del control de !as drogas
no autorb:adas y actividadcs concxas
krticulo 25.-Creaci6n ycompctçncia
Créasc la Policia encargada del control de drogas no autorizadas y activid:ades
conexas, para prevenir los hechos punibles, contcmplados en la Icgislaci6~bre
estupefacicntcsSlL<;Ianciaspsiootrôpicas, drogas USO rlOautorizado y actividades
concxas, ypar coopcrarcon la reprcsiùn de esos dditos,'scglas lcycs.
Articulo 26.-Atribucjoncs
CotteSpondc a este ctlcrpo polidal:
a) Investigar los hechos ilicitos rclacionadcon c..'>tupcfacicntes,snstancias
p5icotr6picas, drogas de uso no autorizayoac!ividades concxas, de confor
midad con la lcgislacioo penal en vigcncia, idcntificar, de mane ra prcvcnriva,
a los p~unto responsables y poncrlos a la ordcn de la autoridad judicial
competente. ·
b) Lcvantar lo:-;informrcladonados con este po de dci.Jncuc!H..i{ccur.ri-Jos
dccomisos. reali7..ar tod:L'ilas actuackmcs policialcs tcndicntcs a csclarccer
los hcchos y poncr a la o"kn de!~!H<I;lridades judicialcs competentes a los
dctcnidos pot estos dclitos.
SECCION VI
De la Polit:id1:Conlrol Fiscul
Articulo 27.-Crcnciùo y compl~lcnci.u.
Créasc la Policia de Clmtrnl Fi:--calpara prolcgcrÜtll~r tciulasos del
Es1ado.
Articulo 28.-Atribuciones
Son obligachmes y atribucinucs de la Poca de ControlFiscal: 11Gara11ti:t~r de lusltyc~fscales. !imicnlo
h)Auxi 1iaa1Ministerio de Hadend a, etndo cuantorcquicra para controlar la
evasion tributaria.
c) Rcalizartodo tipode a!lanamicntos, para perscguir delitas de naturaleza
tributaria. Para etcctuar los allanamientos debc contar con la autorizaci6n
_judicialcumplir conlasdcrml<>condiciones legales.
d)Inspcccionar los cstablccimicntos comcrcialcs en cualquicr memento.
c) Velnr par cl rcspcto a la Constituciôn Politica, los tratados intemacionales,las
\c..'s los rcglamcntos rcspectivos.
SECCION VII
D~ la Polic:ia de Migrad6y Extranjeria
~ rtiulo 29.-competencia
1 .La Polida de Migraci6ny ExlnUijerfaseencargarade l1vigilancia eloonttol
n;tigratorio de nacionaleis y extranjeros. confonne a las dispgaites vigéntes.
.4ticulo 30.- Atribucjoncs -
Son obligacionesy atribuciones espccificas de este cuerpo policial:
a) Velar por el cumplimienty la obscrvancia de la Constitucién Polilica, los
tratados intentacionalclas lcycs sobre migraci6y sus reglamentos. b)
Ejecular las re$oluciojudicialey administrat ivasque sc dictcn sobre esta
materia, confonne a derecho.
c) Ejerccr las fuocioncs policialcs rcqueridas para ejecutarleycs sobre
rnigraci6n y ex.lranjerla con ladcbida observancia de laConstituci6n Polftica,
lostrat:~io sonvenios intcrnacionalcs,lleycs y sus reglarnentos.
SECCION VIIT
De la l,olicia Pcnitenc:iaria
~rtic 3u.Cornpetencia
: La Policia Penitcqciaria sera laencargada de vycontrolar todos los centtos-
penitenciariosdel paf:>, de confonnidad con los principios que determinen la
Constituciôn Polftica, iàs tratados intemacionalcleyesy sus reglamentos. ·
SECCION IX
De la Policia de Trllnsito
Artlculo 32.-Compeleilcia
La Policia de Transita sc encargarade la vigylel mantenimiento donlen.
eJ;l.:las.v!aspublidesp~is, de confonnidad con los princi.pios deten lnin~n
don.stituci6n Polllica, los tratados intemacionalleV'esy sus reglamentos.
CAPITI.JLO Ill
De la Reserva de las Fucrzas de Polida
A:rticulo33.-Namralq:a de la Reserva
' El Presidente dei la Republica podni organizary convocar, con carapter
transitorio, a la Res~cvlas fuerzas de policfa, coma cucrpo auxiliarextraordmario,
con carâcterad honorem, para atender eslados de emergencia 0 situaciones-·
e*cepcionales.
Airliculo 34.-;-Subordjnr.ci6n
~Reserv deala<:·fuerzasde policfa eslara subordinada, en grado irunediato, al
rqinistrrcspcctivc-
i\.rticul35.-Rcgistm de mjembros Annex 227
First Commandant, Mayor Hugo Espinoza, Sarapiqui Atlantic Command, to
General Director of the Border Police, Colonel Max Cayetano Vega, Note
3054-98, P.F.S, 18 December 1998 TRANSLATION
Ministry of Public Security
Atlantic Command
Official Communication -3054-98 P.F.S.
Sarapiqui, December 18, 1998
Mr.
Max Cayetano Vega-Morales, Colonel
Border Police General Director
Dear Sir:
With all due respect, 1am pleased to send you the report of the joumeys
conducted on the San Juan River, including all the trips during the past
administration from 93 through 98. No anomalies were reported during 1993,
but only routine work, for example: (RELIEFF PERSONNEL). During the
94 period, according to the minute books comprehensivewo hundred pages
reporting on travels during the monthsf January, February, March, April,
May, June and July, and from Tuesday, Ju26 of 1994 through 17-03-95, no
anomalies were reported either, but only activities related to the relief of
personnel. However, activities were recorded on the San Juan River during the
remaining months of the year 94, that is, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER,
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER .
.BORDER INSPECTION .BYDELEGATION OF THE PUBLIC
SECURITY MINISTRY
This was reported on (26-07-94) Personnel of the Atlantic Command was
rnobilized through the San Juan River going from the BOCA DE SARAPIQUÎ
POST to the DELTACOSTA RICA POST at 13:15 hours. No occurrences were
reported.On 03-08-94, the ATLANTIC COMMAND delegation departed at
13:45 hours for a border inspection toward the DELTACOSTA RICA POST on
vessel M.A.#2 with vessel operator ENRIQUEZ under the command of
Colonel WALTER MONGE RODRÎGUEZ, who was also accompanied by
Captain WILLIAM BENAVIDES LÔPEZ AND A POLICE OFFICER. No
special occurrences.n 05-08-94, the above-mentioned delegation travelled
from the BARRA SUR COLORADO POST to the DELTA COSTA RICA
POST, and irnmedîately afterwards continued its joumey to the ATLANTIC
COMMAND. No special occurrences. LOGlSTICS PROVISION DELEGATION
On 06-08-94 at 05:30 hours, the Atlantic Comrnand delegation departed on
vesse! M.A.#2 operated by OFFICER MIGUELCRUZ DiAZ from the DELTA
COSTA RICA POST to the BOCA SARAPIQUi POST with the purpose of
providing logistics to saîd POST, no special occurrences. On that same day, it
is recorded that the same vesse! departed from the BARRA SUR POST to the
ATLANTIC COMMAND POST at 08:00 hours, no special occurrences.
BORDER INSPECTION DELEGATION
On 08-08-94, the ATLANTIC COMMAND DELEGATION departed at 05:00
hours on vesse! M.A.#2 operated by CRUZ DÎAZ for BORDER POST relief
operations through the San Juan River with no special occurrences.
BORDER RELIEF DELEGATION
On 09-08-94, vesse! M.A.#2 returned to the ATLANTIC COMMAND with no
special occurrences. On 29-08-94 at 05:00 hours, theATLANTIC COMMAND
DELEGATION departed with the purpose of making border staff relief, with
no special occurrences.
LOGISTICS DELEGATION
On 22-09-94, at 05:00 hours, the ATLANTIC COMMAND DELEGATION
left on vesse! M.A.#2 operatedy ENRÎQUEZ under the command of
Lieutenant JOSÉ LEIA and officer CARLOS ESCALANTE with the mission
of providing logistics to the BORDER POSTS with no special occurrences.
DELEGATION OF THE SANDINSTA POPULAR ARMY AND THE
MlNISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, .ENERGY AND MINES
(MIRENEM)
MEETING
On 23-09-94, at 09:30 hours, a vesse! belonging to the NICARAGUAN
IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES of the Sandinista Popular Arrny is reported
to the BOCA DE SARAPIQUÎ POST. The vessel requested permission to enter
the COSTA RICAN territory through inland waterway with the purpose of
attending a meeting at the ATLANTIC COMMAND. COLONEL WALTER
MONGE RODRÎGUEZ, FIRST COMMANDER of the Unit is notified thereof
and he himself authorizes this Unit to enter our territory without anns. The Unit
is integrated by VESSEL OPERATOR GONZALO LAZO, LEUTENANTVICENTE ESPINOZA MEDINA, IMMIGRATION DIRECTOR OF THE
SANDINISTA ARMY, and soldier DONALD NORMAN BLANDON. The
meeting was held at the00 hours at the ATLANTIC COMMAND.
DELEGATION OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY
COMMANDAND THE SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY
MEETING
On 25-09-94, at 05:00 hours, Corporal AMADOR VIALES from the BOCA
DE SARAPIQUi POST reports to the ATLANTIC COMMAND that there is a
delegation at the post integrated by the Sandinista Popular Army POST CHIEF
COMMANDER, LIEUTENANT JOSÉ MATEO AMADOR SOSSA, vesse!
operatorOHNNY LAZO, requesting permission to enter the COSTA RICAN
territory through inland waterway in order to attend a meeting at the
ATLANTIC COMMAND. COLONEL MONGE is immediately notified
thereof, whon turn authorizes the entrance of the vesse! without ARMS and
the meeting is held at the ATLANTIC COMMAND at the 08:00 hours.
VISITING DELEGATION
On 27-09-94, at 05:00 hours, a visiting delegation departed for the BORDER
POSTS through the SAN JUAN RIVER on a persona! vesse! ofD.G. 7 Colonel
JUAN FÉLIX BARRANTES, who was accompanied by CAPTAIN
WILLIAM BENAVIDES, SARGEANT MARIO GRANADOS, and Officer
DENNIS VILLALOBOS, with no special occurrences.
SPECIAL COMMISSION
On 10-11-94, at 10:10 hours, delegation M.A. #2 departed for the BORDER
POSTS THROUGH THE SAN JUAN RIVER, with vessel operator
LEOCADIO MEDAL under the command of COLONEL SERGIO
BARQUERO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE BORDER POLICE OF THE
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY. They were accompanied by COLONEL
WALTER MONGE, and an officer of the JUDICIAL INVESTIGATION
BUREAU, GERARDO CASTANO-LOPEZ, and two security o:fficersof the
ATLANTIC COMMAND. Special commission without occurrences.
BORDER INSPECTION DELEGATION
On 22-12-94, at 12:30 hours, a delegation departed from the ATLANTIC
COMMAND on vesse! M.A. #2 integrated by vesse! operator ENRÎQUEZ,LIEUTENANT MAGNUM MORA, SARGEANT MARIO GRANADOS,
AND OFFlCER JUAN MATARRITA with destination to the BARRA DEL
COLORADO POST. The unit navigated the SAN WAN RIVER, with no
special occurrences.
SPECIAL COMMISSION
On 22-12-94, at 17:30 hours, Delegation M.A. #2 integrated by Sergeant
MARIO GRANADOS, vesse! operator LUIS GUZMÂN and two officers of
the Judicial Investigation Bureau of Siquirres, Limon, departed on a special
commission with destination to BARRA DEL COLORADO. The delegation
navigated theAN WAN R1VER. End of the 94 period.
PERIOD OF 1995
Starting on 01-0l-95 until 30-12-95, according to the registry on the minute
book comprehensive of three hundred pages, the following is recorded.
ACTIVITIES ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER
Which comprise Costa Rican and the Sandinista Popular Anny delegations,
border relief logistics provision to the Border Posts, operations, classes,
evictions,patrolling,border inspections,rescuing operations, meetings
between the Costa Rican Atlantic Cornmand and the Sandinista Popular Army,
delegations, visitors from the Ministry of Public Security, situation of
undocumented CUBAN citizens and CASTAWAYSwho were in custody at the
BARRA DEL COLORADO POST, visits of Costa Rican delegations and
National Security personnel to the Border area; COSTA RICAN BORDER
SPECIAL delegations, joint operations on the SAN mAN RIVER by Costa
Rica and the Sandinista Popular Army.
MEETING OF THE COSTA RICAN MINISTRY OF RESOURCES,
ENERGY AND MINES (MIRENEM) AND THE SANDINISTA
POPULAR ARMY RELATED TO THE SEIZURE OF A BOAT
On 01-01-95, at 04:40 hours, the Lieutenant of the Sandinista Popular Army
serving in the area of BOCA DE SARAPIQUÎ requests the FIRST
COMMANDER OF THE ATLANTIC COMMAND, COLONEL WALTER
MONGE RODRÎGUEZ, permission to enter the Costa Rican territocy byinland watenvay, specifically to the area of BARRA DEL COLORADO SUR
in order to hold a meeting with officiais from MIRENEM regarding the seizure
by MlRENEM of a vessel with seafood (SHRIMP AND LOBSTER), since this
vessel was seized on NICARAGUAN WATERS without their permission. At
06:00 hours COLONEL WALTER MONGE granted the authorization
requested by the Sandinista Popular Army and stated that they were authorized
to enter that jurisdiction provided that they did not bear any arms. At the 10:00
hours they entered BARRA DEL COLORADO. Operations were conducted
under normal situations while navigating the SAN JUAN RIVER.
BORDER RELIEF DELEGATION
On 17-01-95, at 04:50 hours, the M.A. #2 vessel operated by MEDAL returned
from Border Posts DELTA#7, PUERTO LINDO, DELTA#8, DELTACOSTA
RICA, DELTA #9 BOCA DE SARAPIQUÎ with the purpose of conducting
post relief travelling on the San Juan River, personnel Corporal EDDY
PRADO and eight OFFICERS with destination to DELTA# O. No special
occurrences.
COMMNUNICATIONS DELEGATION
On 18-01-95, at 05:00 hours, a COMMAND DELEGATION departed with
destination to the Posts along the border with NICARAGUA,
COMMUNICATIONS delegation vesse! M.A. #2, operated by MEDAL,
CORPORAL ALVARADO with destination to DELTA #9 BOCA
SARAPIQUÎ, DELTA# 8, DELTA COSTA RICA, DELTA# 7, PUERTO
LINDO AND DELTA# 6, AGUA DULCE, with the purpose of installing
KENWOOD COMMUNICATION RADIO EQUPMENT. At 11:00 hours they
retumed to DELTA# 0, no special occurrences.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY
AND SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY DELEGATIONS
MEETING
On 25-01-95, at 11:00 hours, COLONEL MONGE and sorne other officers
travelled on theRAPIQUÎ RIVER toward NICARAGUAN waters with the
purpose of holding a meeting at the POST OF THE SANDINISTA POPULAR
ARMY at the BOCA DE SARAPIQUÎ area. He met with MAJOR
MEMBRENO of the SANDTNISTA POPULAR ARMY. Everything taking
place withno special occurrences.948
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY DELEGATION
On 30-01-95, at 05:15 hours, a delegation left on vesse! S.P-251, COLONEL
SERGIO BARQUERO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE BORDER POLICE,
LIEUTENANT JOSÉ LEIVA, vessel operator MEDAL and two officers of the
DELTA # 0 POST. The delegation left with destination to BARRA DEL
COLORADO in order to visit the BORDER POSTS and it arrived at BARRA
DEL COLORADO DELTA# 4 on that same date.
VISITING DELEGATION
On 10-02-95, at 07:45 hours, a delegation Jeft from DELTA# 0 to DELTA# 4
COLONEL MONGE; vessel operator MEDAL; CHIEF OFFICER OF THE .
MlNISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY, VILMA GRANADOS; EDUARDO
PÉREZ; IMMIGRATION OFFJCER ARNOLDO GRANADOS, and two
officers ofD/ 0, travelling on the SAN JUAN RIVER and retuming to D # 0 at
12:51 hours, no special occurrences.
PATROLLlNG COMMISSION
On 01-03-95, at 09:29 hours, a patroHing commission lef# 0 to D # 4
on vessel M.A. # 2, vesse! operator MEDAL, Capt. BENAVIDES, officers:
MARVIN PORRAS, DENNIS VILLALOBOS. Then, at 11:00 hours by order
of the COMMANDER, these officers travelled, via the SAN JUAN RIVER,
with destination to the areasCURENA AND BOCA TAPADA, with the
purposeof inspecting the zone. The commission retumed at 14:30 hours, with
no special occurrences.
THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY AND THE SANDlNISTA
POPULAR ARMY D.ELEGATIONSMEETING
On 04-03-95, at 08:05 hours, departs delegation #n2, vesse! operator
MEDAL, COLONEL MONGE, CAPTAIN BENAVIDES and five officers,
with destinationNDINISTA POPULAR ARMY DELTA COSTA RICA
POST, for a meeting with LIEUTENANT LAGOS ofthe military joint staff of
NICARAGUA. The meeting was held at the 10:05 hours, via SAN ruAN
RlVER. VISITING DELEGATION
On 16-03-95, at 08:30 hours, departs delegation de DELTA# 0, on vessel M.
A.# l, vessel operator ENRIQUEZ, COLONEL MONGE, COLONEL LING
PAl VINDAS, ARMS DIRECTOR OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC
SECURITY, MAJOR RAMON BALTODANO-CENTENO, SERGEANT
ARTURO BENAVIDES, SERGEANT ARIAS and four additional officers of
DELTA# 0, with destination BARRA DEL COLORADO, via SAN JUAN
RIVER, with no special occurrences.
UNDOCUMENTE.D CUBANS AT BARRA DEL COLORADO
CUBAN CASTAWAYS
On 26-03-95, at 03:00 hours, officer MATAMOROS from the BARRA DEL
COLORADO POST reported that around #14 immigrants of CUBAN
nationality entered through the Bocana area, 09 ofwhich were men and five of
which were women. Ali of them were shipwrecked on COSTA RICAN waters.
For this reason, they were taken to DELTA# 4 and then to DELTA# 0 through
the SAN JUAN RIVER on 28-03-95 at 11:00 hours. These citizens carne from
the GRAN CAJMAN ISLAND, CUBA.
BORDER OFFICERS DELEGATION
On 07-04-95, at 07:00, departed delegation from D # 0 to D # 4, vessel operator
ENRÎQUEZ, COLONEL JIMÉNEZ, and border OFFICERS of the Ministry of
Public Security and two officers of DELTA # 0, via SAN JUAN RIVER.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY, COMMAND AND THE
SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY DELEGATION
On 08-04-95, at 08:00 hours, the Sandinista Popular Army requested an
authorization at the BOCA SARAPIQUÎ POST, DELTA# 9 in order to travet
to DELTA # 0 through the river. The delegation is integrated by FIRST
LIEUTENANT BALLARDO WATUS-PÉREZ, LIEUTENANT DOMINGO
JOSÉ RISSO-GARCÎA, LIEUTENANT DOMINGO LAGOS-HERNÂNDEZ,
and vessel operator RJSSO, of the military joint staff of the Sandinista Popular
Army. Colonel MONGE was informed of the request and he stated that the
meeting would be held at the facilities of the COMAND ATLANTIC on 09-04-
95. PATROLLING DELEGATION OF THE
COMMAND AND SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY
On 09-04-95, at 09:15 hours, departs delegation with destination DELTA
COSTA RICA on vesse! M.A. #2, vesse! operator ENRÎQUEZ, under the
command of CORPORAL HUGO ESPINOZA RODRIGUEZ, and two officers
TO BOCA DEL SARAPIQUÎ with the purpose of meeting with the
OFFICERSS of the SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY. Vessel operator
FELIPE GONZÀLEZ, LIEUTENANT WATUS BLAZO, LIEUTENANT
GARCÎA and two SOLDIERS to DELTACOSTA RICA and the surrounding
areasof BOCA SARAPIQUÎ for patrolling in the zone.
VISITING DELEGATION
On 10-04-95, at 11:45, departs from DELTA# 0, the delegation on vesse! M.A.
# 1, vessel operator MEDAL, COLONEL FERNANDO MuNOZ,
CHAPLAIN OF THE PUBLIC FORCE and two officers of D # 0 with the
purposeof visiting the BORDER POSTS, via SAN JUAN RIVER.
On 11-04-95, at 05:00 hours, Colonel MONGE and Colonel JUAN FÉLIX
BARRANTES depart on vesse! M.A. # 1, vesse! operator MEDAL and four
officerso visit the Border posts, via SAN JUAN RIVER.
RESCUE OPERATION DELEGATION ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER
On13-06-95, at 09:00 hours, a delegation left from DELTA # 0 on M.A. # 1,
vesse! operator MEDAL, SERGEANT MARIO GRANADOS, three officers of
DELTA #0, an OFFICER OF THE JUDICIAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU
OF PUERTO VIEJO, MARIO BUSTAMANTE. They informed the post of the
Sandinista Popular Army, located at BOCA DE SARAPTQUÎ, that they were
heading DELTACOSTA RICA in arder to pick up a BODY on the SAN JUAN
RIVER.
DELEGATION OF THE COMMAND AND THE SANDINISTA
POPULAR ARMY .PATROLLING OPERATION
On 14-06-95, at 14:25, a delegation left DELTA# 0 on vesse! M.A. # 2, vessel
operator ENRÎQUEZ, CAPTAIN BENAVIDEZ, LIEUTENANT
BENAVIDEZ, LIEUTENANT HIDALGO and four officers, for a joint
patrolling operation in coordination with the Sandinista Army in
CURENA AREA. NAVIGATION MATTERS
On 15-06-95, at 08:20 hours, the chief of the Post ofBOCA DE SARAPIQUi,
DELTA# 9 informed that he received reports from COSTA RICAN residents
of the area who stated that the officiais of the Sandinista Popular Army were
charging them entry and exit toi! at the SAN JUAN RIVER, either for short or
long trips. The second Commander of the Atlantic Command, Captain
BENAVIDES, was notified.
RESCUE DELEGATION
On 26-06-95, at 14:53 hours, departs delegation from DELTA # 0 with
destination to DELTA# 8 on vesse! M.A. # 2, vesse] operator ENR.ÎQUEZ,
Sergeant ROMERO, three police officers and two officiais of the Judicial
InvestigationBureau of Puerto Viejo: OFFICIAL MORA, OFFICIAL
BUSTAMANTE, as well as MAYORESS PATRICIA BARQUERO. They
went to CANO TAMBOR, DELTA COSTA RICA to pîck up a Body
(navigating on the San Juan River).
PATROLLING DELEGATION OF THE COMMAND AND THE
SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY
On 27-06-95, at 8:00 hours, departs delegation from DELTA #.o with
destination to the place known as BANDERAS in COSTA RICA. The
delegation on vessel M.A. # 3, vessel operator ENR.ÎQUEZ, CAPTAIN
BRIONES and nine officers in coordination with the Sandinista Popular Anny
with the purpose of patrolling the area, navigating on the SAN JUAN RIVER.
COMMAND DELEGATION
BORDER PATROLLING AND EVICTION OPERATION
On 29-06-95, at 13:45, departs delegation from DELTA# 0 to CANO MADRE,
DELTA COSTA RICA with the purpose to practice an eviction in a farm.
Delegation on vessel M.A. # 1, vesse! operator ENRÏQUEZ, CORPORAL
VALVERDE and Officers MAINOR VARGAS and LUIS LARA. The SAN
JUAN was navigated. COMMAND AND NATIONAL SECURITY DELEGATION
BORDERAREA
On 07-07-95, at 08:35, departs delegation from DELTA# 0 with destination to
DELTA# 5 on vessel M. A # l with vessel operator LUIS GUZMÂN, in
charge is the officer MAINOR VARGAS, LUIS LARA and SEBASTIÂN
DÎAS and their purpose was to maintain this water Unit at a wharf close to
BARRA DE TORTUGUERO where they would wait for sorne NATIONAL
SECURITY officers who would be taken to DELTA # 5 IN ORDER TO
CARRY OUT A SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER.
RESCUE DELEGATION OF THE COMMAND
AND THE SANDINlSTA POPULAR ARMY
NICARAGUAN TERRITORV
On 08-07-95, at 04:40 hours, a delegation left from DELTA# 0 to DELTA# 8
on M.A. # 2, vessel operator MEDAL, LIEUTENANT HIDALGO,
CORPORAL VALVERDE, an officer and THE RED CROSS OF PUERTO
VIEJO with the purpose of penetrating the NICARAGUAN territory with due
AUTHORIZATION of the SANDlNISTA POPULAR ARMY. The objective is
to rescue the following persons: DOCTORALFREDO LÔPEZ-SALAZAR, 39
yearsof age; PAUL SIRLEY (U.S.A.); as weil as Colonel GUILLERMO
ARROYO, CHIEF OFFJCER OF THE RED CROSS OF COSTARICA These
persons bad been shipwrecked onnday, 02-07-95. They were located and
rescued alive, navigating on the SAN JUAN RIVER.
DELEGATION OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY
On 08-07-95, at 05:00 hours, a delegation left DELTA# 0 with destination to
DELTA# 4 on M.A #3, vessel operator MEDAL, COLONEL BARRANTES,
COLONEL BARQUERO, PRESS STAFF OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC
SECURITY, and four officers from DELTA# 0, navigating on the SAN JUAN
RIVER.
COMMAND DELEGATION
EVICTION OPERATION
On 09-08-95, at 04:20 hours, a delegation departed from DELTA # 0 with
destination to DELTA# 5 in TORTUGUERO, on M. A.# 2, vessel operator
MEDAL, SERGEANT ORDONEZ and eight officers with the purpose of
carrying out an eviction in a farm of the NEOTROPIC FOUNDATION,
navigating on the SAN JUAN RIVER. MEETING OF THE COMMAND
AND THE SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY DELEGATION
On 10-08-95, at 05:45 hours, the BOCA DE SARAPIQUÎ infonned that the
delegationof the Sandinista Popular Army, integratedby MAYOR
GONZÂLEZ, SECOND CHIEF OF THE SOUTH MILITARY
DETACHMENT IN SAN CARLOS DE NICARAGUA, CAPTAIN DASILVA
and VESSEL OPERATOR GONZÂLEZ travelled by water without ARMS to
the ATLANTIC COMMAND, with the authorization of COLONEL MONGE,
for a meeting that took place at the 07:18 hours.
DELEGATION OF THE MTNISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY
VISIT TO THE BORDER
On 18-10-95, at 05:15 HOURS, departs delegation from Delta# 0 to Delta# 4
on vesse! M. A. # 3, vessel operator MEDAL, MAJOR JOSÉ BENITO
MONGE LOPEZ, the FIRST ACTfNG COMMANDER of the Delta# 0 Unit,
this new order, and two officers, navigating on the SAN JUAN RIVER.
BORDER DELEGATION OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC
SECURITY
On19-10-95, at 15:40 HOURS, a delegation left from Delta # 0 with
destination to the various border posts on VESSEL M.A. 2, vesse! operator
MEDAL, COLONEL MONGE, and OFFICERS GUILLERMO CORDERO
and SARA CHAVARRÎA. This staff is part of the supervision of the Ministry
of Public Security, and two officers of Delta# 0, navigating the SAN JUAN
RIVER.
NAVAL PATROLLlNG COMMAND DELEGATION
On 20-10-95, at 08:55 HOURS, a delegation left from Delta# 0 to Delta# 4,
on vesse! S P 658, vessel operator Dennys Villalobos, Captain Méndez and
officers Luis Mora, Marvin Rojas, naval patrolling operation in the border area
with Nicaragua, navigating on the San Juan River, retuming to Delta # 0 at
12:15 HOURS, with no special occurrences.954
COMMAND COOPERATION WITH THE SANDINISTA POPULAR
ARMY AT THE BORDER
On 01-11-95, at 09:32 Hours, a delegation left from Delta# 0 on vessel M.A.
# 1, vessel operator Enriquez, officer Teodorico Salazar from Delta # 0, with
destination to the Post of the Sandinista Popular Arrny at the Mouth of the
Sarapiqui River with the purpose of transporting a Nicaraguan soldier named
Francisco Berrnudez, who bad suffered an accident with a fire arma few days
ago and who bad been taken to the Hospital of Guapiles in Costa Rica in order
to be provided with the required assistance by the Atlantic Command.
COMMAND DELEGATION
BORDER STAlFFRELIEF MATTERS
On 12-12-95, at 05:00 Hours, the border staff relief changes were made at the
postsof Delta# 4, Delta# 5, Delta# 6, Delta# 7 and Delta# 8, which cover
the jurisdictions of Barra del Colorado, Barra del Tortuguero, Puerto Lindo and
Delta Costa Rica. The shift changes were made on vesse!. A. # 2, vesse!
operator Enriquez, Lieutenant José Leiva and the rest of the staff, who
navigated the San Juan River without incidents.
TRACKING OPERATION OF UNDOCUMENTED
IMMIGRANTS AT THE BORDER
ATLANTIC COMMAND DELEGATION
On 21-12-95, at 06:00 Hours, a delegation of the Atlantic Command departed
toward Delta Costa Rica on vessel M. A. 3, vesse! operator Enriquez, Sergeant
Mario Hemandez and fifteen officers with the purposef assisting Corporal
Matamoros who was holding a group of forty-one undocumented Nicaraguan
citizens across from the cemetery of La Tigra on the margin of the San Juan
River.According to the information provided, these persons came from the area
of San Juan del Norte on a flat boat. They were transported to Delta # 0 and the
corresponding procedures were coordinated with the Immigration authorities
of Costa Rica.
MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC COMMAND WITH THE
SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY AT THE BORDER
On 30-12-95, at 08:00 hours, departs a delegation from Delta# 0 to Delta# 9
at the Mouth of the Sarapiqui River on vessel M. A. # 1 with vesse! operator
Enriquez, Colonel Monge, Lieutenant Leiva, Sergeant Ord6i'iez and three
officers of Delta # 0 with the purpose of meeting with the commander of theSouth Mîlitary Detachment of Nicaragua and with Major Membrefio of the
Sandinista Popular Arrny. The meeting was held at the 10:30 Hours of this
current month and year, with no special occurrences.
CLOSING OF THE YEAR 1995
TAKEN FROM THE MINUTE BOOKS
COMPREHENSIVE OF THREE HUNDRED PAGES
AND DATED FROM 01-01-95
THROUGH 30-12..,95
BEGI.NNING PERIOD OF 1996
According to the records, the minute books for this period contain three
hundred pages with reports dated from-0l-96 through 30-12-96.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY DELEGATION IN BORDER
On 05-01-96, at 15:00 hours, departs delegation from Delta# 0 on vesse! M.A.
# 2, vesse! operator Medal, Colonel Walter Monge, Major Pizarro, Captain
All6n and ten officers with destination Cureiia and Boca Tapada, travelling
along the border posts finally arrive at the aforementioned posts, navigating
the San Juan River, with no special occurrences.
ATLANTIC COMMAND BORDER DE.LEGATJON
TRACKlNG AND PATROLING OPERATION IN THE AREA
On 08-01-96, at 14:00 hours, departs delegation from Delta# 0 to the area of
Boca Tapada on vesse! M.A. # 3 with vesse! operator Medal, Colonel Valerio,
Captain Alpizar, Sergeant Vasquez, Sergeant Carlos Villegas, Sergeant Eliécer
Méndez, and five officersf Delta # 0, with the purpose of conducting an
operation in the area of Rio Nifio, which is adjacent to Boca Tapada de San
Carlos, for tracking undocumented and patrolling the area, with no relevant
events. BORDER STAFF RELIEF CHANGES
USING THE SAN JUAN RIVER
On 13-0l-96, at 05:00 Hours, the border staff relief changes were made at the
following DeltaPosts: Delta# 9, Delta# 8, Delta# 7, Delta# 5, Delta# 6,
Delta # 16 and Delta # 19. With no special occurrences and without any
incidents white navigating the San Juan River in the jurisdictions of Boca del
Rio Sarapiqui, Delta Costa Rica, Puerto Lindo, Agua Dulce, Barra del
Colorado, Tortuguero, Pangola, Boca Tapada.
BORDER STAFF RELIEF CHANGES
On 01-02-96, at 05:00 hours, advanced border staff relief changes were made
on vesse! M.A. # 2, vesse! operator Medal and personnel of Delta # 0 at the
following Delta Posts: Delta # 4, Barra del Colorado, Delta # 5, Barra del
Tortuguero,Delta# 7, Puerto Lindo, Delta# 8, Delta Costa Rica; Delta# 9,
Boca del Rio Sarapiqui, via the San Juan River with no special occurrences.
NAVIGATION ALONG THE SAN JUAN RIVER
AND MEETING
On 25-02-96, at 08:50 hours, a delegation left from Delta # 0 to Delta # 4 at
Barra del Colorado on vesse! M.A. # l, vesse! operator Medal, Captain
Briones, Colonel Pérez,Colonel Salazar, Major Medina and four officers from
Delta # 0 with the purpose of holding a meeting with the Community of Barra
del Colorado, navigating on then Juan River, with no special occurrences.
BORDER SUPERVISION OP.ERATION BY COMMAND
DELEGATION NAVIGATING ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER
On 27-02-96, at 07:05 hours, a delegation left from Delta# 4 to Delta# 0 on
vesse! M.A. # 1, vesse! operator Medal and four officers with the purpose of
supervising the Border Posts. With no special occurrences to be reported.
BORDER DELEGATION INTEGRATED BY THE RELATIVES OF
THE DUTCH WOMEN KIDNAPPED AT BOCA TAPADA, PITAL,
SAN CARLOS
On 29-02-96, at 09:25 hours, a civil vesse! was seen on the river at Boca
Tapada, flying the German flag, thewiss flag, a white peace flag, and the
Costa Rican flag. The relatives of the kidnapped Dutch citizens were aboardand the vessel requested authorization to go through the Border Posts. Colonel
Monge, First Commander of the Atlantic Command was informed of the
situation and he instructed the Costa Rican Border Posts that belong to the
Atlantic Command to authorize the passage ofthe vesse! through Border Posts
Delta# 17, Delta # 9, Delta# 7, Delta # 8 and Delta # 4. Such posts were
instructed to stay out of the situation.
TRAVEL OF THE RELATIVES OF THE DUTCH WOMEN
KIDNAPPED AT BOCA TAPADA
On 29-02-96, at 15:00 hours, a report informed that the vesse! carrying the
relativesof the kidnapped women had arrived at Delta# 4 and that they stayed
at a hotel in the area whose owner is Mr. Memo Cunigann. They were provided
the required police assistance by officersthe Atlan.ticCommand.
COOPERATION OF THE ATLANTIC COMMAND
WITH THE SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY
TRACKING AND CAPTURE
On 29-02-96, at 17:05 hours, Lieutenant Cortézofthe Sandinista Popular Army
informed from the post located in the Delta Costa Rica area that, at 13:00 hours
of that day, two soldiers of his Post had deserted. The names of those soldiers
were Roberto Carlos Olvendo and Yimmy Jhon Venegas. Said Lieutenant of
the Sandinista Popular Army requested the cooperation of the Atlantic
Command from the Costa Rican authorities. Colonel Monge of the Atlantic
Command was immediately informed of the situation, who stated that he would
send a patrol unit to the river during the first hours of the next day, 30-02-96,
in order to cooperate with the Sandinista Popular Army with the capturing of
the soldiers in the area of el Jobo, Delta Costa Rica, located within Costa Rican
jurisdiction.
On 30-02-96, at 05:00 hours, a delegation Jeft from Delta# 0 to Delta Costa
Rica on vesse! M.A. # 3, vesse] operator Medal, Lieutenant JoséLeiva Jiménez
and ten officers with destination to the area of el Jobo of Delta Costa Rica with
the purpose of tracking and capturing the abovementioned soldiers.
EVICTION OPERATION BY ATLANTIC COMMAND DELEGATION
On 06-03-96, at 05:00 hours, departs delegation from Delta# 0 of the Atlantic
Command, with destination to Delta# 5 in Barra del Tortuguero on vesse! M.A.
# l, vesse! operator Leocadie Medal Aleman, Sergeant Ord6fiez and eleven
officers from Delta # 0, to Fundaci6n Neotr6pica located in theabovernentioned area, to conduct an eviction in normal conditions, navigating
on theSan Juan River.
RELATIVES DELEGATION OF THE KIDNAPPED WOMEN
On 07-03-96, at 09:26 hours, the Boca Tapada Post in Pital, San Carlos,
reported that a vesse! narned Rio San Carlos departed with destination to Barra
de Colorado, with vessel operator JoséLuis Herrera-Morales, accornpanied by
Walter Artavia L6pez. Both travelled with relatives and friendshe women
who were kidnapped on January 01-01-96. The priest from Pital, Fernando
Bolaiîos, was also on board. The Bordersts stay out of the situation.
CHANNEL 7 DELEGATlON AT THE BORDER REGION
On 08-03-96, at 11:47 hours, vessel M.A.# 2 of the Atlantic Cornrnand saw
Greivin Moya, a journalist of Channel 7, navigating Costa Rican waters. He
had left from Boca Tapada together with four other joumalists with destination
to Boca de Sarapiqui. This vesse! was seen later at Caiî.oTarnborat 11:50 hours
and police security was providedo them in the area.
TRAVEL DELEGATION OF MRS. SIGFREID'S HUSBAND
On 11-03-96, at 11:10 hours, the husband of Mrs. Susana Sigfried, who had
been kidnapped a few days before, arrived at the Boca Tapada Post. Susana
Sigfried's husband, José Luis Herrera-Peter, was accompanied by Father
Bolafios and both were travelling downstream on the San Juan River.
RE.LEASE OF THE KIDNAPPED DUTCH WOM..EN
On 12-03-96, at 09:43 hours, Post Delt# 17 reported that the vessel named
Rio San Carlos passed by that Post as it was navigating Costa Rican waters.
Aboard the vesse! were boatman JoséHerrera-Peter, Father Bolafios, and the
Dutch women who had already been released and whose names were Susana
Sigfreid and Nicola Frevehaus.
ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY DELTA# 0 TO AN OFFICER OF THE
SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY WHO DIED ON COSTA RICAN
WATERS
On 25-03-96, at 23:12 hours, O:fficers Mainor Vargas-Alfaro and Danilo
Casti\lo-Zamora of Delta # 8, Delta Costa Rica Post, reported that they wereinfonned by two soldiers of the Sandinista Popular Army of Nicaragua, said
soldiers of names Juan Brein Flores and JoséEnrique Ortega, indicating that
one of their boats had overtumed and that Lieutenant JoséManuel Acevedo
Cortéz,Chief of the Post of the Sandinista Popular Army located in the area of
Delta Costa Rica, who was travelling with them at the moment, bad drowned
near Costa Rican waters, according to the soldiers. First Commander of the
Atlantic Command, Colonel Walter Monge, was immediately notified of the
situation, who said that he would send a boat patrol unit to the area the
following day, to assist the Officers of the Sandinista Popular Army with the
search Lieutenant Acevedo'sbody.
DELEGATION OF THE ATLANTIC COMMAND
AND THE SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY
SEARCH OF THE MISSING OFFICER'S BODY
On 26-03-96, at 05:00 hours, a delegation left from Delta# 0 to the Delta Costa
Rica area on vesse! M.A. # 2 with vesse! operator Leocadio Medal Aleman,
Lieutenant Hidalgo and Marvin Vargas, who were accompanied by Lieutenant
Jarquin of the Sandinista Popular Army, Chief of the Post at Boea de Sarapiqui.
The delegation arrîved from Delta Zero to Delta# 8 at 07:30 hours, and the
body of Lieutenant Acevedo, officer of the Sandînista Army, appeared at 09:00
hours. Colonel Walter Monge was informed and he înstmcted officer Mainor
Vargas-Alfaro to coordinate the corresponding actions with the General Staff
of the Sandinista Popular Army and to keep the body of Lieutenant Acevedo in
custody. At 10:10 hours the General Staff of the Sandinista Popular Army
requested authorization to enter Costa Rican waters and cooperate with the
situation. Colonel WalterMonge-Rodriguez was informed of the request and he
granted the authorization provided that they enter the Costa Rican territory
without weapons. At 11:00 hours of the current day, month and present year,
the authorities of the Atlantic Command and officiais of the Judicial
Investigation Bureau of Gmipiles, Costa Rica picked up the body in order to
transport it to the Forensic Unit in San José,Costa Rica and then to the sister
country of Nicaragua.
BORDER STAFF RELlEF
On 04-09-96, at 05:00 hours, the border staffrelief changes were made at the
Posts on vesse! M.A. # 2, vesse!operator Leocadio Medal Aleman and the shift
staff for theosts at Delta# 4, Delta# 5, Delta# 8, Delta# 9, Delta# 21, via
the San Juan River, with no special occurrences. NAVIGATION ALONG THE SAN JUAN RIVER
On 29-04-96, at 09:30 hours, a delegation left on vessel M.A. # 2, vesse!
operator Leocadie Medal, Sergeant Chinchilla and two officers to Delt4,#
Barra del Colorado, via the San Juan River.
NAVIGATION ALONG THE SAN JUAN RIVER
On 04-05-96, at the 09:10 hours, a delegation left from Delta # 4 Barra del
Colorado on vesse!M.A. # 2,vesse! operator Medal, Captain Benavidez and
two officerso Delta # 9 Boca del Sarapiqui, navigating on the San Juan River.
ATLANTIC COMMAND PATROLLING
On 04-05-96, at 10:30 hours, a delegation left from Delta Zero on vesse! M.A.
# 3, vesse! operator Enriquez, officers Jorge Zùiiiga and Cristébal Cubera
together with officiais from the Ministry Natural Resources, Energy and
Mines (MIRENEM) with the purpose of conducting an operation at Delta
Costa Rica in the areasof Cano Pereira and el Jobo, through the San Juan
River.
SUPERVISION OF BORDER POSTS
On 13-05-96, at 05:40 hours, departed delegation from Delta Zero on vessel
M.A. # 1, vesse! operator Leocadia Medal, Lieutenant Hida!go and two officers
with destinationo Delta# 4 Barra del Colorado, to supervise the border posts.
TRAVEL ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER
On 15-05-96, at 13:32 hours, departed M.A. # 2 and M.A. # 3 left from Delta
# 9 with destination to Delta Zero with vesse! operators Leocadia Medal and
Orozco and with an officer for each vessel.
MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC COMMAND AND THE SANDlNJSTA
POPULAR ARMY
On 17-05-96, at 09:00 hours, a delegation left from Delta Zero with destination
to Delta# 9,Boca del Rio Sarapiqui on vesse! M.A. #3 with vesse! operator
Medal, Colonel Monge, Lieutenant Soto, Corporal Matamoros and two officers
with the purpose of holdiagmeeting with the Major of the Sandinista Popular
Arrny at Boca del Rio Sarapiqui. STAFF RELIEF AT BORDER POSTS
On 31-05-96, at 06:15 hours, a delegation departed from Delta Zero with
destination to Delta# 4 Barra del Colorado on vesse! M.A. # 2, vessel operator
William Medal and twelve officers with the purpose of making the border staff
relief changes at border postslta# 4, Delta# 5, Delta# 7, Delta# 8, Delta
# 9. The unit navigated the San Juan River, with no special occurrences.
BORDER STAFF RELIEF
On 01-06-96, at 08:00 hours, a staff relief delegation travelled from Delta # 4
to Delta# 9, and from Delta# 9 to Delta# 8, on vessel M.A. # 2 with vessel
operator Medal, via the San Juan River. With no special occurrences.
COOPERATION OF THE ATLANTIC COMMAND
WITH THE SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY
On 01-06-96, at 09:30 hours, vessel operators Celso Gonzalez and operator
Walter Rovelo, both from the Sandinista Popular Army, appeared at Border
Post Delta # 9 at Boca del Rio Sarapiqui and requested authorization to enter
the community of Los Angeles at Boca del Rio Sarapiqui, through the river in
order to make a phone cali. Third Commander Captain Briones was informed
of the request and he authorized the entrance into our territory but without
arms.
BORDER PATROLLING OPERATION
On 03-06- 96, at 08:00 hours, a delegation left from Delta Zero to Barra del
Tortuguero on vesse! M.A. # 2, vesse! operator Orozco and officers Jhonny
Alfaro, Dalolio Orvilly and Marvin Vargas with the purpose of patrolling the
area.
BORD.ER PATROLLING OPERATION ON TH.E SAN JUAN RIVER
On 09-06-96, at 11:15 hours, a delegation left from Delta Zero to Delta # 4 on
vessel M.A. # 1,vesse! operator Medal, Lieutenant Leiva and two officers with
the purpose of patrolling the San Juan River.
PATROLLING OPERATION
On 09-06-96, at 16:25 hours, departed delegation from Delta# 0 to Delta# 4
on vesse! M.A. # 2, vessel operator Orozco, Sergeant Valverde and three
officers for patrolling the area. COORDINATION WITH THE SANDINISTA POPULAR ARMY
On 11-06-96, at 08:16 hours, Delta # 9 Boca del Rio Sarapiqui informed that
they have information that nearby said Post a citizen by the name of Efrain
Miranda-Aniuz, Costa Rican, 57 years of age, drowned in Nicaraguan waters.
For this reason, actions were coordinated with the Sandinista Popular Army to
rescue the body in the area. At the place appeared Lieutenant Jarqui of the
Sandinista Popular Army and boatman Lazo as weil as Atlantic Command
officer Miguel Prado, the officers of the Judicial Investigation Bureau of Puerto
Viejo, Sarapiqui, Pablo Fernandez, Mario Bustamante, the Mayoress Patricia
Barquero of Costa Rica and two police officers of the area. The body was lif'ted
at the 09:20 hours, with no special occurrences.
NAVIGATION ALONG THE BORDER
On 30-06-96, at 15:35 hours, departed delegation from Delta Zero to Delta# 4
at Barra del Colorado, M.A # 2, vesse! operator Orozco, Colonel Monge,
Lieutenant Leiva and one officer, via thean Juan River.
NOTE: From August 96 to December 96, no relevant events or significant
activities on the San Juan River were recorded. Everything went normal and
; only carrying out the regular staff relief changes were made at the border posts,
ali ofwhich are recorded in the book of minutes comprehensive oftwo hundred
pages and dated as indicated above, thus concluding the period of 1996.
BEGlNNING OF THE 1997 PERIOD
NOTE: According to the book of minutes comprehensive of two hundred
pages and dated 01-01-97 through 12-12-97, no relevant events were recorded
on the San Juan River. Everything went normal during this period, besiclesfor
sorne small operations related to undocumented Nicaraguan immigrants who
came into national territory. The regular border staff relief changes were made
normally while navigating the San Juan River. Closing of the 1997 period.
BEGlNNING OF THE 1998 PERIOD
NOTE: From January 98 through May 98, the book of minutes comprehensive
of two hundred pages does not record any irregularities or events on the San
Juan River during these months. MONTH OF JULY OF 1998
On 14-06-98, at 05:35 hours, departs vehicle# 711 for Boca Tapada, Rio San
Carlos and Cureîia, driver Edgar Miranda; Major Hugo Espinoza-Rodriguez;
Lieutenant JoséLeiva Jiménez;Sergeant Francisco Cubero; paramedic Zuîiiga;
Daniel Madrigal; Mainor Vargas; Juan Carlos Garcia; Ramôn Godinez; Isaias
Matamoros; and Abel Rojas. They arrived at Boca del Rio San Carlos at 09:30
hours and left for Cerro Chachalaca and Cano Jardin at 09:45 hours.
CAPTURE OF UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS AT THE BORDER
On 14-06-98, at 08:1.2hours, officer Froy Monge from Post Delta# 14 Curefia
reported the entrance to the post of officer Jhinny Solis-Parra and Marvin Rojas
who were coming from Laguna Cureiiita, from the Farm of Gerardo Miranda
Alvarez, locating fourteen undocumented Nicaraguan citizens were located on
that Farm.
For this reason, they transported them to Post Delta # 14 Cureiia. At 12:00
hours, vehicle # 711 arrived with five officers from Delta # 0 and officiais from
the Immigration Office of San Carlos in order to transport the undocumented
persons to the Immigration Office of San Carlos. The persons were transported
at 13:00 hours.
DIFFERENCES
On 1-06-96 (sic), at 10:40 hours, Lieutenant Sanchez from Delta Zero informed
that he bad a telephone conversation with the Deputy Director of the Border
Police, Major Arce and that he was given the following report for Major Hugo
Espinoza-Rodriguez: that Colonel Talavera of the Sandinista Popular Anny
complained that no one navigating theSan Juan River should be detained, since
according to Lieutenant Talavera, sorne days ago sorne officers from Delta
Zero had forced sorne persons to get off the boat. That every time that
personnel from the Atlantic Command navigate the San Juan River, they must
place the arms on the floor of the vessel.
CAPTURE OF UNDOCUMENTED INDIVIDUALS AT THE .BORDER
On 14-06-98, at 14:00 hours, Jorge Padilla from Post Delta # 13 at Boca
Tapada, Pital, San Carlos reported that he kept four undocumented Nicaraguan
citizens and they were transported to the Immigration Office of San Carlos at
16:02 hours. DIFFERENCES ABOUT BORDER MARGINS
On 14-06-98, at 16:10 hours, Sergeant William Herrera from Post Delta #·7,
Costa Rica, informed that at the post appeared First Lieutenant Renato Rios
Cardenas, Chief of the Post of the Nicaraguan Army at Delta Costa Rica. He
informed that, as instructed by Lieutenant: Colonel Orlando Talavera,
Commander of the south Detachment of the Sandinista Popular Army of
Nicaragua, the passage of any Costa Rican authority officiais was restricted as
ofthat date through the San Juan River. The Second Commander of theAtlantic
Command, Major Francisco C6rdoba-C6rdoba, was informed ofthe situation
so that he would coordinate with his superiors, they would have knowledge
of the situation in order to resolve it.
.REPORT OF THE ATLANTIC COMMAND
On 14-06-98, at 18:10 hours, Major Hugo Espinoza-Rodriguez informed from
Post Delta # 16 at Boca del Rio San Carlos that, as of that time and date,
entrance of any officer of the Sandinista Popular Army or of any Nicaraguan
police officer into Costa Rican territory was prohibited. If any Nicaraguan
officers were to be found on Costa Rican soil, they would be detained and the
corresponding actions were to be coordinated with the pertaining superior
authorities.
REPORT OF THE FIRST COMMANDER TO DELTA ZERO
On 14-06-98, at 18:45 hours, the First Commander from Delta # 0 informed
that the operation conducted in the area concluded at the:00 hours and that,
having found no undocumented citizens, he would therefore spend the night at
Delta # 16 at Boca Tapada in order to travel on the vehicle to D#l0 the next
day.
NOTE: According to the books of minutes comprehensive of two hundred
pages, no relevant events were reported during the months of August and
September of 1998, except for the fact that the passage of Costa Rican
authorities through the San Juan River remained prohibited. For this reason,
border staff relief changes at the major posts were made by land using police
cars. Except for this, no other occurrences were reported on the San Juan River.
NOTE: October of 1998,According to the books of minutes comprehensive of
two hundred pages, no activity was recorded on the San Juan River, ali being
normal, conducting the border staff relief by land, in our land vehicles without
any special occurrences.
NOTE: From November 98 until December 98, dated until the 18-12-98, only
the registry according to the books of minutes comprehensive of two hundred 965
pages are being kept, as follows: On 04-11-98, at 08:56 hours, reports Delta#
16 "Boca del Rio San Carlos", officer Edgar Godinez, that on the San Juan
River travels a green vesse!, with green roof, with about 46 passengers, ali
navigating theSan Juan River.
REFERENCES OF UNDOCUMENTED ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER
On 04-11-98, at 09:48 hours, the Cureiia Post reports that the same vessel
passes with fifteen undocumented Nicaraguans.
On 04-11-98, at 10:49 hours, Delta# 8, Boca del Rio Sarapiqui reports that the
same vessel passages with 15 undocumented Nicaraguans on the San Juan
River.
On 09-12-98, at 09:10 hours, Delta # 14 Curena informs, that a white with red
strips vessel passes by with about 15 persons, travelling towards Delta# 16,
Boca del Rio San Carlos.
CLOSING OF THE PERIOD OF 1998
According to the books of minutes comprehensive of two hundred pages dated
from 01-01-98 through 18-12-98, is ali what is read. It is signed leaving it duly
informed.
Yours truly,
Major Hugo Espinoza Original Signed
First Commander Major Hugo Espinoza Rodriguez
Atlantic Command, Sarapiqui First Commander CfA
CC/ Arch
Alberth.MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA #1
COMANDO ATLANTICO
OFICIQ-. 3054-96. P.F.S.
Sarapiqui, 18 de Diciembre d1998
Sei'ior
Coronei-Max Cayetano Vega Morales
DIRECTOR GRAL POUCIA FRONTERA
S. O.
Estimado senor:
Me place dlrlgirme a usted, con todo el respeto que se meyea la vez le
remito el informe de los recorridos alSanoJuan Comprendiendo desde la
adminlstracion pasada, de tos perrod#s93 at98,en et #93 nà se presentan anomalias
soto lo rutinario ejempto:( RELEVOS). Se observa en erperiôdo 94 segun libres de acta
de# 200 folios, en este periode en los meses de Enero, Febrero , Marzo Abril, Maya,
Juniey Julio, comprenden las siguientes fechas el Ma26ede JIJiiod1994 con
fechado hàsta el dia 17-0J.-95, no se reglstran anomatias ùnicamente to relacionado con
los relevas. En los meses restantes del allo 94 , si se registraron actMdades en el Rio
San JiJan, comprendiendo los mesas de AGOSTO, SEPTIEMBRE, OCTUBRE,
NOVIEMBRE Y OICIEMBRE. 94.
COMITJVA M.S.P. RECORRIDO FRONTERIZO
Esta se relata el dia (26 -07-94) Se movilizà un persona! del Comando Attàntico, con
trayector1apar el Rio San Juan del PUESTO de BOCA DE SAR:APIQUI, AL PUESTO
DE DELTA COSTA RICA ,al ser las 13:15. Horas finalidad, comlt!vâ de reconido
Fronterizo, sin novedad alguna.El dla 03-0B-94, sale a las 13:45 haras, comitiva
COMANDOATLANTICO, a recorrido Frontertzo, hacia el PUESDELTACOSTA
RICA, embarcack'm M.A.# 2, motorlsta: ENRIQUEZ, al mande el GoronelWALTER
MONGE RODRIGUEZ, Capitan- WILLIAM BENAVIOES LOPEZ Y UN EFECTIVO, sin
novedad especial. ) El dia 05-0B-94, se traslada comitiva antes en mensiPUESTO
BARRA SUR COLORADO, al PUESTO DE DELTA COSTA RICA y seguldamente sigue
su trayector1aal COMANDOATLANTICO,sinnovedadespecial.
continua........................................................................
............................................. COMITIVA DE DOTACION LOGISTICA #2
El dia 06-08-94,al ser las 05:30 horasale comitiva del Comando Atlàntico,
embarcaciàn MA# 2, motorista, EFECTIVO; MIGUEL CRUZ DLil.Z, del PUESTO
DELTA COSTA RICA, al PUESTO DE BOCA SARAPIQUI, a dejar logistica a dlcho
PUESTO, sin novedad especial.) ( El mismo dia aparecel mov~mien tela,misma
embarcaciàn con trayectoria del PUESTO DE BARRA SUR, al COMANDO ATLANTICO,
al ser la08:00 horas, sin novedad especial. -
COMITIVA RECORRIDO FRONTERI20
Eldia 08-08-94,al serlas05:00 horassale comitivdel COMANDO ATLANTICO,
embarcaciOn M.A.# 2, Motorlsta CRUZ DIAZ, movlmlento de relevas de los PUESTOS
FRONTERJZOS, par el Rio San Juan se realizaron sin novedad especial.)
COMITIVA DE RELEVOS DE FRONTERA
El dia 09-08-94, regreso la M.A. fi.2, al COMANDO ATLANTICO, sin novedad especial.
)(El dia 29-08-94, al ser las 05:00 horasale comitiva del CONIANDO ATI..ANTICO, a
efectuar relevas FRONTERIZOS a los PUESTOS, sin novedad especia\.
COMITIVA DE LOGISTICA
El dia 22-09-94, al ser las 05:00 horas sale comitiva del COMAI·JDO ATlANTICO,
M.A.# 2, matarista ENRIQUEZ al manda Tnte: JOSE LEIVA, efectivo: CARLOS
ESCALANTE, misièn dotacièn de longistica a los PUESTOS FRONTERIZOS, sin
novedad especial.
COMITIVA DEL E. P,S,Y MIRENElC.REUNION
El dia 23-09-94. Al ser las 09:30 horas, se reporta al PUESTO DE BOCA de
SARAPIQUI, la embarcaclôn, pertenecienta MIGRACION DE NICARAGUA del
E>P>S> la mlsma sollcltando permiso para tngresar a terrttorlo COSTARR!CENSE, esta
por via fluvial, asunto reuniOn en el COMANDO ATLANTICO, por loque se le pane en
conocimiento al CORONEl: WALTER MONGE RODRIGUEZ, PRIMER COMANDANTE
, de la Unidad, par lo que el misrno manifiesta que esta Comitiva puede ingrezar a
nuestroterritorinàportandoarmas,comitivacompuestapor. MOTORISTA:
GONZALO LAZO, Tnte. VICENTE ESPINOZA MEDINA, JEFE DE MIGRACION DEl
E.P.S. Y el soldado DONALD NORMAN BlANOON, se efectua reunion al ser las 11:00
horas el el COMANDO ATLANTICO.
acontinuacièln...................................,...........•.....................................MINISTERIODE SEGURIOADPUBLICA #3
COMANDO ATLANTICO
COMITIVA M.S.P. COMANDOY E. P. S. REUNION
El dia 25--09-94, al ser las 05:00 ,haras reporta el PUESTO DE BOCA DE SARAPIQUI
, al COMANDO ATlANTICO, el Gabo: AMADOR VIALES que en ese Puesto se
encuentra una comitiva, conformada por el JEFE DE PUESTO DELE. P. S.El
TENIENTE;JOSE MATEO AMADOR SOSSA, motorista JOHNNY LAZO, solfcltando
permlso pare.tngresar a territorio COSTARRICENSE, por via fluvial, asunto reuniàn en el
COMANDO ATLANTICO, por lo que se le infonna de inmediato ai CORONEL- MONGE,
y el mismo indica que se le otogue la entrada a esta embarcacî6n n6 portando ARMAS,
efectuandose la reunion en el COMANOO ATLANTICO, al ser tas 08:00 horas.
COMITIVA DE VISITANTES
El dfa 27-09-94, al ser las 05:00 haras , sale comitiva de visita a los PUESTOS
FRONTERIZOS, ùtilizandoce el RIO SAN JUAN, embarcacion e.cuatica, persona! de
D.G. 7,Coronel_ JUAN FEUX BARRANTES, CAPITAN- WILLIAM BENEVIDES,
SRGENT. MARIO GRANADOS, efectivo: DENNIS VILLALOBOS, sin navedad especial.
COMISION ESPEClAL
El d\a 10-11-94, al ser tas 10:10 haras , sale comit.#2, a los PUESTOS
FRONTERIZOS POR EL RIO SAN JUAN, motorîsta LEOCAOIO MEDAL, at manda EL
CORONEL- SERGIO BARQUERO, SUB-OIRECTOR, DE POliCiA DE FRONTERAS
M.S.P., el CORONEL- WALTER MONGE, y un OFICIAL DE O.!.J, de Nombre:
GERARDO CASTANO LOPEZ y dos efectivos de seguriddel COMANDO
ATLANTICO. Comtston especlal,sin novedad.
COMITIVA RECORRIDOFRONTERA
El dias22~12-9 a4ser las 12:30 horassarecamlt!VBdel COMANDO ATlANTICO,
embarcacliln M.A.# 2, motorlsta ENRIQUEZ,
TNTE. MAGNUM MORA, Sargt. MARIO GRANADOS, efectlvo; JUAN MATARRITA,
destina PUESTO: BARRA DEL COLORADO, utilizandose el RIO SAN JUAN, sin
novedad espectal. 969
MINISTERIODE SEGURIOADPUBLICA #4
COMANDOATLANTICO
COMISION ESPECIAL
El dia 22-12-94,alser las17:30 haras, sale comitivaMA# 2 embarcaciàn, Sargt.
MARIO GRANADOS motorista LUIS GUZMAN, ydos Oficiales del O.I.J. de Siquirres
de Um6n , asunto comisièn especial, destina BARRA DEL COLORADO, nav, par el
R.IOSAN JUAN. del an Esto cerrando elperlodo o 94.-
PERIODO -1995
A partir del dia 01-01-95, hàsta er dia 30-12-90., segùn registra en elllbro de actas de
trecientos folios consta lo siguiente.
ACTMDADES EN EL RIO SAN JUAN
loque comprends, comitivas de C.R. y E.P.S., relevas Fronterîzos, dotacion de
logistica a los Puestos de Frontera, Operativos, Clases , DesaloJOS,Patrullajes,
Recorridos en la Frontera, Rescates, Reuniones, de Costa Rica, Comando Atlàntiyoel
E.P.S., comitivas, visitantde M. S.P., situaciàn de ciudadanas CUBANOS
!ndocumentados y NAUFRAGOS que estubieron en calldad de custodia en el PUESTO
DE BARRA DEL COLORADO, comitivas C.R. con persona:! de SEGURIDAO
NACIONAL, en zona FRONTERIZA, comitivas ESPECIALES C.R., en FRONTERA,
comitivas , C.Ry E.P.S. OperatiVos conjuntos en el RIO SAN JUAN.
REUNIONSOBRE, DECOMISODE LANCHA-MIRENEN
C. R. E.P.S.
Eldia 01-01-95, alser las04:40haras, El Tnte. del E.P.S. Destacado en la zona de
BOCA DE SARAPIQUI,le solicita PrimerCOMANDANTE DEL COMANDO
ATLANTICO- CORONEl- WALTER MONGE RODRIGUEZ, pennlso para lngresar a
sueto COSTARRICENSE, esto por via Fluvial, expresamente al Sectar BARRA DEl
COLORADO SUR. para sostener enesa àrea una ReuniOn, con los personeros de
MIRENEN, asunto respecta a una lancha, que fué decomfsada con,
MARISCOS, tipo( LANGOSTA Y CAMARONES) procedlmîento efectuado por
MIRENEN, ya que esta embarcaclôn fuè decomisada en AGUAS NICARAGUENSES, sin
su permise,al ser la06:00 haras, el CO RONEl-WALTER MONGE, otorga el debido
penniso sollcitado par el E.P.S. Manifestando que podlan ingresaresa juridiccièn, no
portando ARMAS, al ser las 10:00 haras , lngresaa BARRA DEl COLORADO, toda
transcurriend6normalmente, ùtilizandoelRIO SAN JUAN.
Continua........................................................................
........................................... #5
M\NISTER\0 DE SEGURIDADPUBLICA
COMANDO ATLANTICO
COMITIVA DE RELEVOS
El dla 17-01-95al serlas 04:50horas, regresaembarcaciôM.A.# 2, motorlsta
MEDAl, precedente de los Puestos Fronterizos , DELTA# 7 , PUERTOUNDO, DELTA
# 8, DELTA COSTA RICA, DELTA# 9 BOCA DE SARAPIQUI, asunto relevasde
Puestos, ùtlizandoel RIO SANJUAN,persona!GABO- EDDY PRADO y ocho
EFECTIVOShacia DELTA# 0, sin novadad aspacial-
COMITIVA COMUNICACIONES
Eldia 18-01-95,alser las 05:00 haras, sale comitivadel COMANDO con destina a los
Puestos Fmterizos,on NICARAGUA,comitlva de COMUNICACIONES,emb. M.A.# 2,
Mot, MEDAL,GABO- AlVARADO, destinaDELTA# 9 BOCA SARAPIQUl, DELTA # 8
DELTA COSTA RICA, DELTA# 7, PUERTOLINDO Y DELTA# 6, AGUA DULCE, a
instaiar RADIOS DE COMUNICACIONES,equipasmarees KENl/\1000, al ~e as 11:00
haras , se despiazannuevamentea DELTA# o, sinnovedadespeclal .
COMITIVA M.S.P. Y E.P.S. REUNION
El dla 25-01-95, at ser las 11:00 haras , se desplazael CORORf'.iEL-yOunE
persona!por el RIO SARAPIQUI,hacia aguasNlCACRAGUENSES,a mantener una
reunionenel PUESTO DE El, E .P.S.ubicadaen la zonade BOCA DE SARAPIQUI,
sereuntOen <lichPUESTO, conet MAYOR- MEMBRE~ deOl E.P.S.,tooa
trascurriendosnovedad especial. ·
COMITIVA M. S P.
Eldia3G-01-95, serlas05:15 haras,salecomitivaembarcacion S.P-251, CORONEL
SERGIO BARQUERO,SUB- DlRECTOR POLICIA FRONTERA, lNTE: JOSE LEIVA,
mototistaMEDAl y dos efectivos de DELTA# 0 , condestina a BARRADEL
COLORADO, asunto\lisita a los PUESTOS FRONTERJZOS,misma fechallegacomitiva
a BARRADEL COLORADO DELTA# 4.
COMITIVAVISITANTES
Eldia 10-02-95, al ser las 07:45, sale comitiva, de DELTA# 0tTA# 4,
CORONEl- MONGE, motorista MADAL, OFICIAL MAYOR* de M.S.P, VILMA
GRANADOS , UC. EDUARDO PEREZ , AGENTE DE MIGRACION, ARNOLDO
GRANADOS ydos efectîvos de Dl 0, utllizandoel RIO SANJUAN,regresando a Jas
12:51horas a D# 0 , sin novedadespeclal.
Acontinuaciôn........................................................................
....................................MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBUCA #6
COMANDO ATLANTICO
COMJSJON PATRULLAJES
El da 01-03--95, al ser las 09:29 horas, sale cde!D# 0 , aD # 4 embarcaclôl'l
MA# 2, motoriste MEDAL, Cap. BENAVIDES, efectlvos: MARVIN PORRAS, DENNIS
VILLALOBOS , luego al ser las 11:00 horas por orden del Comandante se este persona\
nasta los sectores de CURENA Y BOCA TAPADA, a lnspeccionar la zona, utilizando er
RIO SAN JUAN, al ser las 14: 30 haras regresa la comttiva, sin rmvedad especial.
COMITNA, M.S.P. Y E. P. 5, REUNION
El dia 04-03-95, al ser las 08:05 sale comitiva M.A,# 2, mot. MEOAL, CORONEl
MONGE, CAP. BENAVIDES yctnco efectlvos, destine a al PUESTO DELTA COSTA
RICA del E.P.S. asunto reuniôn con el TNTE, LAGOS del estaoo Mayor- de
NICARAGUA, efectuada a las 10:05. Utilizando el RIO SAN JUAN.
COMITIVA VISITANTE
El dia 16-03-95, al ser las 08;30 horas, sale ciJmitiva de DELTA# # 1,miJt.
ENRIQUEZ, Coronel_ MONGE, Coronel- LING PAl VINDAS, DIRECT. DE
ARMAMENTO DE M_S. P. Mayor- RAMON BALTODANO CENTENO, Sarnt. ARTURO
BENAVIDES, Sarnt. ARIAS ycuatro eîectlVos de DELTA# 0, hacia BARRA DEL
COLORADO, utilizando elRIO SAN JUAN, sin novedad especia!
INDOCUMENTADOS CUBANOS EN BARRA DEL COLORADO NAUFRAGOS
BALCEROS CUBANOS
El dla26-03-95,al ser las 03:horas, informa ePuestode BARRA DEL
COLORADO, efectivo MATAMOROS, que por el sector de la Bocana ingresan unl.o1
,personas inmigrantes con Nacionalidade CUBANOS 09 varones y cinco mujeres los
cuales NAUFRAGARON en aguas COSTARRICENSES, por loque se proeedlo al
traslado DELTA# 4,y luego se trasladaronDEL TA# 0, por el RIO SAN JUAN el
dia28-03-95 al ser las :oohoras, estos ciudadanos, los cuales provenlan de ISLA
DEL GRAN CAIMAN CUBA.
COMITIVA DE ACT/VOSENFRONTER.A
El dia 07-04-95, al ser07:00 sale comitiva de # 0,a 0 f4, mot, ENRIQUEZ,
Coronel-JIMENEZ y persona/ de ACT/VOS, M.S.P.y dosefecîvos de DELTA# 0
ùtillzando el RIO SAN JUAN.
Continuaciôn...................... _........................................................................
..............MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBL1CA #7
COMANDO ATLANTICO
COMITIVA M.S.P. COMANDO Y E. P S.
El dia 08-04-95 Al ser las 08:00 haras solicita permlso en el Puesto de BOCA
SARAPIQUI, DELTA# 9 , el E.P.S. Los mismos requieren desplasarce a DELTA# 0
por via fluvial, comttlva compuesta par el TNTE_ PRIMEBAL~RDO WATUS
PEREZ, TNTE DOMINGO JOSE RISSO GARCIA, TNTE DOMINGO LAGOS
HERNANDEZ, Mot, RISSO, del estado Mayor- del E.P.S., por loque se le informa al
Coronel MONGE, el mismo indica que dicha reunion se efectuara en las lnstalaciones
delCOMANDO ATLANTICO,el dia 09-04-95.
COMITIVA PATRULLAJE COMANDO Y E. P S.
El dia 09-04-95, al ser las 09:15 haras,comitivacon destine DELTA COSTA RICA,
embarcaciàn M. A.# 2, mot. ENRIQUEZ, al mande CAB~UGO ESPINOZA-'+
RODRIGUEZ, y dos efectivos a BOCA DEL SARAPIQUI, a reunlrse con los OFICIALES
DE, E.P.S. Mot. FELIPE GONZALEZ, TNTE: WATUS BLAZO, TNTE: GARCIA y dos
SOLDADOS a los sectores de DELTA COSTA RICA y zonas aledaf'las a BOCA
SARAPIQUI, patrullajeen la zona.
COMITJVA VISITANTE
El dia 10-04-95, al ser las 11:45, sale de DELTA# 0 , la comoti'la embar. 1,#
mot, MEDAL, CORONEL- FERNANDO MUf:iOZ, CAPELLAN DE LA FUERZA PUBUCA
y dos efectivos de O.# 0, asunto Visita de PUESTOSFRONTE!~IZ utliando el RIO
SAN JUAN.
El dia 11-04-95, al ser las 05:00 horas , sale el Coronet- MONG:: , Coronel- JUAN
FEUX BARRANTES, emb. M.A.# 1,mot. MEDAL y cuatro efectivos, asunVisitde los
Puestos, utllzanao el RIO SAN JUAN.
COMITIVA OPERATIVO RESCATE EN EL RIO SAt• JUAN
El dia 13-06-95, al ser las 09:00 haras, sale comltlva de DELTA# 0 ;#M1, mot.
MEDAL, Sargt. MARIO GRANADOS ,tres efectlvos de DELTA -t0. un OFICIAL DE
O.I.J. DE PTO VIEJO, MARIO BUSTAMANTE, lnformandole al Puesto de E. P. S,
ubicado en BOCA DE SARAPIQUI, que se dlrigenal DELTA COSTA RICA , al
levantamiento de un Cuerpo sobre el RIO SAN JUAN.
continuacion......................................................._.................. _MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA #B
COMANDO ATLANTICO
COMITIVA COMANDO Y El E. P. S . OPERATIVO PATRULLAJE
Eldia 14-06-95, al ser las 14:25, sale comitiva de DELTAl.t.A.# 2, mot.
ENRIQUEZ, CAPT. BENAVIDEZ, TNTE. BENAVIDEZ TNTE. HIC•ALGO,y cuatro
efectivos, sector deRENA a un patrullaje, en cordinaciO·~o1.P.S.
ASUNTOS DE NAVEGACION
Eldia 15 06-95, al ser las 08:20 horas, infonna el jefe de Puesto de BOCA DE
SARAPIQU\, DELTA# 9, que recibe denunciasde los pobladores de la zona, los cuates
COSTARRICENSES que los oflclales del E.P S, les cobranpt:~ ajsalldayentrade
al RIO SAN JUAN,ya seanvtajes cortes o largos, por loqu!1pone en conocimlento
al segundo Comandante- Comando Atlàntico- Capt. BENAVIDES
COMITIVA RESCATE
El dla 26-06-95, al ser las 14:53 horas, sale comitiva de0Dhacia DELTA# 6,
emb. M.A, #2, mot, ENRIQUEZ, Sargnt. ROMERO tres efectivos y dos 01iciales del
O.I.J. de Puerto Viejo, OFICIAL- MORA, OFICAL- BUSTAMENTE,hast coma la
ALCALDESA, PATRICIA BARQUERO, los mtsmo a CANO TAMEOR, DELTA COSTA
RICA, allevantamiemto de un Cuerpo ( navegandosobrelSan Juan)
COMITIVA COMANDO Y E. P .S PATRULLAJ[
El dla 27-06-95, al ser las 08:00 horas, sale comitiva de DELTA;.! 0 , hacia e! lugar
denominado BANDERAS, de COSTA RICA, comitiva M.A.# 3, mc>t.NRIQUEZ, CAPT.
SRIONEZ y nueveefectivos, en coordinaciàn conE.P.S. Pat·apatrullaje en la zona,
navegando sobre el SAN JUAN.
COMITIVA COMANDO, OPERATIVO FRONTERA F·ATRULLAJE
DESALOJO
El dia 29-06-95, al ser las 13:45, sale comttiva de DEl TA# 0 , hacla CANO MADRE,
DEL TA COSTA RICA a un desalojo de una flnca, comitiva M.A.# 1 , Mot. ENRIQUEZ,
CABO- VALVERDE, efectvos, MAINOR VARGAS, LUIS LARA, se navego sobre el
SAN JUAN.
Acontinuaciôn........................................................................
...................................974
#9
.MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA
COMANDO ATLANTICO
COMITIVA COMANDO Y SEGU RIDAO NACIONAL, ZONA FRONTERA
El dia 07-07-95, al ser las 06:35, sale comitiva de DE0Ta DELTA# 5,emb.
M.A.# 1,mot. LUIS GUZMAN, a cargo del efectivo MAINOR VARGAS, LUIS LARA,
SEBASTIAN DIAS, con elfinde mantener estaUnidad acuaticaen un desembarcadero
cercaemrada a BARRA DE TORTUGUERO, esperando un personal de SEGURIDAD
NACIONAL , para ser trasladadosa DELTA# 5, PARA EFECTUAR UNA COMISiàN
ESPECIAL, uJEL RIO SAN JUAN.
COMITIVA RESCATE, COMANDO, E. P STERRITORIO NICARAGUENSE
El dia 08 -07-95, al ser las 04:40 homs , sale comltiva TA#DE0 , A DELTA fi8,
M.A. tt2, MOT. MEDAL, TNTE HIDALGO, CABO VALVERDE y unefectivocon la
CRUZ ROJA DE PUERTO VIEJO, con elfinde intemarseen territorio NICARAGUENSE
esto conVISTO BUENO DE LAS AUTORIDADES DE. E. P. S, asunto,rescatede las
siguentes personas el DOCTOR- ALFREDO LOPEZ SALAZAR de# 39 af'ios, PAUL
SIRLEY (USA) Asicomo elCoronel- GUILLERMO ARROYO, ~iEF DEE LA CRUZ
ROJA de ( C.R) los mîsmos habian naufragado el dia domingo o::-07-95, fueron
ublcadosy rescatados, con vida, navegando sobretSAN JUAN.
COMITIVA DE M.S.P.
El dia 08-07-95, al ser las 05:00 haras ,comitivade DELTA# 0 a DELTA# 4,
m.a.#3, MOT. MEDAL, CORONELBARRANTES,CORONELBARQUERO,
PERSONAL DE PRENSA DE M.S.P., y cuatro efectivos de DELTA# 0, navegando
sobre el SAN JUAN.
COMITIVA COMANDO OPERATIVO DESALOJO
El dia 09-0B-95al ser ta04:20 haras .sale comlttva ce DELTA# 0 a on TA# 5,
TORTUGUERO, M,A. # 2 , MOT. MEDAL , ARGT. ORDONEZ y ocho efectivos
desalojo enfincade FUNDACION NEOTROPICA, navegando sobre el SAN JUAN.
A continuaciOn........................................................................
............................. /
MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA #10
COMANDO ATLANTICO
REUNIONCOMITIVACOMANDOY E.P.S
El dia 10-08-95, al ser las, 05:45 haras, informa el Puesto de SOCA DE SARAPIOUI
que la comitiva delE.P.S. Compuesta por el Mayor- GONZALEZ, SEGUNDO JEFE
DEL DESTACAMENTE MILITAR SUR EN SAN CARLOS DE NICARAGUA, Capt.
DASILVA, MOT. GONZALEZ, los mismos se desplazan al COMANDO ATLANTICO esta
par vla fluvial, sin ARMAS, esta con VISTO BUENO del CORON.El- MONGE, asunto
reunion, la cual se efectua al ser las 07:18 haras .
COMITIVA M.S.P. VISITANTE EN FRONTERA
Eldia 18-10-95, al ser la05:15 Haras, sale comitlvde Delta# 0, a Delta# 4 en la
embarcacion MA 3, motorlsta Medal, Mayor:José Benito Monge LOpez,Primer
Comandante lnterino de la Unidad Delta 0, estanueva arden; y dos efectlvos,
navegando sobre el Rio San Juan .
COMITIVA DE M.S.P, EN FRONTERA
El dia 19-10-95, at ser las 15:40 Haras sale comitiva de Delta# 0 hacia los dîferentes
puestos trontenzos,EN LA EMBARCACI6N M.A2,motonsta Medal,coronel
Monge,efectivo Guillermo Cordero,efectivo Sara Chavarrla; este persona! perteneciente
a supervisi6n de M.S.P.y dos efectivos de Delta0 navegando sobre el Rio San Juan,
COMITIVACOMANDOPATRULLAJENAVAL
El dia 20-10-95a las 08:55 Horas, sale comitiva de Delta# 0 a Delta# 4, en ta
embarcaci6n S P 658, Motorista Dennys Villalobos,Capitan Mendez,efecti\los: luis
Mora,Marvin RojatJ,patrullaneval snlazona HmitrofeconNicaragua navegand oor el
Rio San Juan, regresando a Delta# 0 al ser las 12:15 Haras sin novedad especlal.
COOPERACIONDE COMANDO CON E.P.S. EN FRONTERA
El dia 01-11-95 al ser las 09:32 Haras, sale comitilla de Delta# O,embarcacl6n
M.A.1,motorlsta Enrlquez,efecti\lo Teodorico Salazar de Delto,#con destina al Puesto
del E.P.S. en Bocadel Rio Sarapiqui ha dejar un soldado Nicaraguense de nombre
Francisco Bennüdez, ya que el mismo en dias ameliores habla sufrido un accidente con
arma de fuego, por loque se habla trasladado al Hospital de Guàpiles de Costa Rica,
para prestarle la colaboraci6n necesaria de parte del Comando Atlantico.976
COMITIVA COMANOO ASUNTO RELEVOS # 11
FRONTERIZOS
Eldia 12-12-95 al ser las 05:00 Horas,se efectuan los relevasfronterizos a los
siguientespuestos Delta# 4,Delta #, Dena# 6 , Delta# 7, y Delta# B, que abarcan
las stguientesjurldlcclones Barra delrado,Barra del Tortuguero,Puerto linda y Delta
Costa Rica; estos se llevan a cabo par el Rio San Juan, contoda nonnalidad, en la
embarcaciOnM_A.2,motorlstaEnrlquez,TenienteJose Leivay demâs persona!.
OPERATIVO RASTREO DE INOOCUMENTADOSEN FRONTERA
COMITIVA COMANDO ATLANTICO
El dia 21-12-95 al ser las 06:00 Horas,se desplaza unacomitiva.del Comando Atlantico
hacla DeltaCosta Rica,en taembarcactônM.A 3,motorlsta Enrfquez,Sgto Mario
Hemândezy quince etectivos, a prestarle ayuda al Cabo Matamoros, que mantieneun
grupo de cludadanosNicaraguenseslndocumetados,frente al cernenterlo de taTigra,en
el margen del Rio San Juan, cuarenta y un inmigrantesNlcaraguenses, segùn
informacionestosprocediande lazonade SanJuan delNorteen unapangatipopfana
los mismos sontrasladados aDeHa # 0, y se efectuan tascoordinacionesde rigor con
las autoridades de Migraci6n de Costa Rica .
REUNIONCOMANDO ATLANTICO EN FRONTERA
CON EL E. P. S.
Eldia 30-12-95 at ser las 08:00 horas,sale comdeiDelta# 0,a Della #9 Boca del
RioSarapiqul, via 'fluvialembarcaci6n M.A. 1,motorlsta Enrlquez,Coronei:Monge,Tnte
leiva,Sgto OrdoMey tres efectivos de Delta# O,asuntoreuni6ncon el Jefédel
Destacamento Mititar Sur de Nicaragua,con el Mayor: Membref\o del E. P.S .y se
efectua ta reuni6nal ser la 10 30 Horas del mes y af'ioen curso, sin novedadespecial.
CIERRE DEL PERIODO DEL ANO1995
TOMADO DE LOS LIBROS DE REGISTROS
DE ACTAS DE 300 FOLIOS,CON FECHAS DE
01..01-95HASTA EL 30-12-95MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBUCA # 12
COMANDO ATLANTICO P.F.S.
INICIO PERIODO DE 1998
Este periode consta seglin libres de actas en registra con 300 fol:os, con fechedo del
01~01~9 hasta el30~12-96.
COMITIVA M.S.P PATRULLAJE EN FRONTERA
El dia 05-01-96 al ser las 15:00 Horas,sa\e comitlva de Delta# 0, MA2 motorista
Medai,CoronelWalter Monge,Mayor PiZarro,Capitan A116nydiez efectivos,destine
curena, y Boca Tapada, hacienda un recorrldo parlosPuestos Fronterizos hasta 1\egar
en los Puestos antes en menci6n,utilizandlanavegaci6n por el Rio San Juan, sin
novedadespecial.
COMITIVA COMANOO ATLANTICO EN FROifTEF:A
OPERATIVO CLASE: RASTREO Y PATRULLAJE EN EL ÂREA
El dia08-01-96 al ser las 14:00 Haras, sale comitiva de Delta# Ca la zona de Boca
Tapada, enla embaraci6n M.A3,motorista Medai,Coronel Valerio,CapitanAlplzar,Sgto
Vâsquez,Sgto Carlos Vîlleges,Sgto Eliecer Méndezy cinco efectivos de Delta# 0; a
trabajaren un operativoen la zona del RiNino,zona aledana a foca Tapada de San
Carlos,asunto rastreode indocumentados y patrullaje en la zona,sin relevancia alguna.
MOVIMIENTO RELEVO DE PERSONAL EN FROPJTERA
UTILIZANOO EL RIO SAN JUAN
El dia 13-01-96al ser la05:00 Horas, sereanzanlos relevosfrontertzos de losPuesto~
Delta, los slgulentes: Delt9,Delta #a, Delta# 7,Delta f5,Delta# 6,Delta# 16y Delta
#.19, sinnovedadespecialcontoda norrnalidad en estasjuridicciones,queson las
sigu\entes Bocadel Rio Sarapiqul,DeltaCosta Rica,Puerto Linda Agua Oulce,BarraDel
Colorado,Tortuguero,Pangola,BocT aapada,navegandoenel Rio San Juan.MINISTERIODE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA. '# 13
COMANDOATLANTICO P.F.S.
RELEVOSDE PUESTOS FRONTERlZOS
Eldia 01-02-96 aser las 05:00 Haras, se efectuanlos relevasfrontertzode avanzada,
en la embarcaci6nM.A.2,Motorista Medal y persona!de Delta# 0, a los siguientes
Puestos Deltas: Delta# 4,Barra del Colorado, Delta# 5 Barra de! Tortuguero,Dalta tl-7
Puerto UMo.oetta # 8 Delta costa Rica,Delta #9 Boca del Rio Sarapiqul, utilizandlae
navaegacl6npor el Rio San Juan,sinnovedadespeclal.
RECORRIDOPOR EL RIO SANJUAN, REUNION
El dia 25-02-96al ser las 08:50 Horas,salecamitiva de Dela# 0, a Delta# 4 Barra del
Coloradoembarcaci6n M .A1,motorista Medal,Ca pian Brîones,CoronerPérezC, oronel
Salazar,Mayor Medina, y c~atr eectivos de Delta11O,asunto reuni6n con la Comunidad
de Barradel Colorado,navegandopor elRio san Juan, sinnovedadespecial .
COMITIVACOMANDO SUPERVISIONDE PUESTOS
FRONTERlZOS,NAVEGANDOPOR EL RIO SANJUAN
El dia27-02-96 al ser las 07:0Haras,sale comitivade Delta# 4, aDelta#
O,ambarcaci6n M.A.1 ,motorista Medal y cuatro efectivos,asuntc supervision de Puestos
Fronterizos,sinnovedadespecial quereportar.
COMITIVA EN FRONTERADE LOS FAMILIARES,DELAS HOLANDESAS
SECUESTRADAS,ENBOCA TAPADA,PITAL,SANCARLOS
Eldia 29-02-96 alser las09:25 Horas,sedlvlzaen Boca Tapada sobre el rio,una
embarcacî6ncivil,que porta la banderaAlemana,otra Sulza,orta Blancade Pazy otra de
Costa Rica, en laeual'Jiajanfamlliares de las ciudadanas Holandesas, secuestradas, asi
mismoesta embarcaci6nsolicltabapasar y continuarsutrayectoria pnr los Puestos
Fronterizos,par loque se le informe al Coronel: Monge,Primer-Comandantedel
Comando Atlantlcoy el mismolndlcôque los PuestosFronterizùsdeCosta Rica
perteneclentesal ComandoAtlântico, ortorgaran dlchopaso solic::itado,Puestos
Fronterlzos,Delta# 17, Delta# 9, Deltit1 Deltatt8 y Deltait4,dlchos puestosse
mantienenal margen de estasltuacl6n.MINI3féRIO DESEûURIDAD PUBLICA #14
COMANDOATlANTICO
RECORRIDODE LOS FAMIUARESDE LAS HOLANDESAS
SECUESTRADAS ENBOCATAPADA.
Etdfa 29-02-96arser las 15:00Horas,se reporta quela embarcacion'de'loS'~amiliares
de lassecuestradastleganarPuestoDelta# 4,y se atojanunhotelen la zona, dicho
hotel,propiedaddel Seflor: MemoCunigann. Y se tespresta toda la colaboracionpoliclal
de parte de los efeclivosdel ComandoAtlantico .
COOPERACION DEL COMANDO ATLANTICO CON EL E.P.S.
RASTREOY CAPTURA
Eldia 29-02-96al ser las 17:05 Haras,informaelTntè: Cortézde\ E. P. S. Del Puesto
ubîcadoenla zona DeltaCosta Rica,queal ser las 13:00Harasdel dia encurso,dosde
sus soldados,de su Puesto,habiandesertado,losmlsmosde nombres:RobertoCarlos
Holvendoy Ylmniy JhonVenegas,aslmlsmodichoTeniente,del E.P. S., sollcita
colaboraci6nde parte de las auloridadesCostarricensesdelComandoAttântico. De
inmeoiatose le informaal Coronel:Monge,detcomando Attantico,dichasituac!on,por Jo
queélmismomanifiesta,queel dia siguientees decir el 30-02-96; estaria mandandouna
patrullaa primerashoraspor via acuàticapara ayudara la capturade estos soldados
encoordinaci6ndel E. P. S.,enel sector del Jobo,OeltaCosta Rica,juridicci6n
Costarricense.
Eldias 30-02-96al ser las 05:00 Horas,salecomitivade Delta# 0, a DeltaCosta Rica,
embarcaci6nMA3,Motorîsta Medal,Tnte:Jose leiva Jimenézy dîezefectivos,destinoal
sector derJobo, del DeltaCosta Ricaa realizarel rastreoy captura de los sotdadosya
antesen mensîon.
COMITIVACOMANDOATLANTICOOPERATIVO
CLASE DESALOJO
El dfas 06-03-96al ser las 05:00 Horas,salecomîtivade o,ComandoAtlantîco
condestinoa Delta#5 Barra del Toruguero,embarcaciM.A.1,rrtotoristaleocadia
MedalAlemân,Sgto:Ordoftez y onceefectlvosde Delta# 0, a la FundaclonNeotr6plca
enla zonaantesmensionada,arealizarunDesa\ojoenforma nonnal,navegandopor el
Rio SanJuan.MIN!STER!O SEGURIDADPUBLICA # 15
COMANOOATLANTICO P.F.S.
COMITIVA DE LOS FAMILIARESDE LAS SECUESTRAOAS
El ella07-03-96 at ser tas09:26Horas,reporta el PuesCieBoca Tapada,Pitai,San
Carlos;que sale un bote con el nombre de Rio San Carlos, con destina a Bardel
Colorado,motorlstade la embarcaci6nSenor: Jose LuisHerrera I•Jioraley acompat'lante
el senor: WalterArtaviaL6pez,loscualesviaja con el sigulentepersonal,entrefamiliares
y amigos de las mujeresque fueron secuestradas, el 01-01-96, viaja tambiénel Padre
Cura:FemandoBolanosde Pltai,SanCarlos, se mantlenenlos PuBtosFronterlzos al
margende lasltuaci6n.
COMITIVA DE CANAL7,EN ZONA FROIHERIZA
El diaOB-3-96 al ser la11:47 Haras,la embarcacl6ndel ComandoAtlantico
M.A.2,divisaal peri6dista Greivin Maya de canalsiete navegandoen aguas
coslarrlcenses,él cuarnabla saUdode BocaTapada, posterlormenteen companiade
cuatro Peri6distas con destina a Boca de Sarapiqylal ser las 1"!:50 noras después
esta embarcaci6nes divisada en cano Tambor, por loque se lesbrinda seguridad
Policialenla zona.
COMITIVA RECORRIDODEL ESPOSO DE LA SRA; SIGFREID
El dia 11-03-96,al ser las 11:10 horas,llega al Puestode Boca Tapada el esposo de la
Sef\ora: SusanaSigfried,quien habiasido secuestradadias anteriores, al esposo de la
Sra: Susanasigfdried, Jose LuisHerrera Peter,lo acompanabael Cura Bolaftos,
losmlsmocon destinaen aguas abajo por el Rio san Juan.
LIBERACIONDE LAS HOLANDESASSECUESTR.4.DAS
Eldia 12-03-96 al ser tas09:43 Horas,reporta el Puesto Delt# 17, quepasa por el
Puestola embarcaci6nde Nombre Rio San Carlos,botero JoséHerrera Peter,Padre
Botatlosy asi mlsmo lndicalas mujeresde nacionalidadHolandesa,las mismasya
l!beradasde nombres: SusanaSigfreid y Nicola Frevehaus,navegando en aguas
Costarrlcenses .MINISTER\0 DE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA # 16
COMANDO ATLANTICO P.F.S.
\
ANTE EL FALLECJMJENTO DE UN OFICIAL DEL E.P.S. EN AGUAS
COSTARRICENSES SE l.E BRINDA LA COlABORACIO DE DELTA# O.
El dia 25-03-96 al ser las 23:12 horas)nforma Delta# 8, Puesto Delta Costa
Rica,Efectlvo Malnor Vargas Alfary e\ efectivo Danilo Castille Zamora,que son
informados par parte de dos so\dados del E.P.S.Ëjercito Popular Sandinista"de
Nicaragua,dlchos soldados de nombres Juan Breln Floresy Jose :::nrlqueOrtega,los
mi!mos indicaron que se les habla volcado una de sus panges del E. P. y.que el
Oficlal el Tnte: Jose Manuel Acevedo Cortéz, Jefé de Puesto del E. P.S.en zona Della
Costa Rica, quiénen ese memento, se desplazaba con los mismos;segun versiones de
los soldados,ef Tnte: se habia ahogado cerca de aguas Costarricenses,por lo cual se
informa inmedlatamente al Primer Comandante del Comando AtlânUco,Coronel: Walter
Monge. de la sltuacl6n;manlfestando élmlsmo que al dia sigulentf: estaria mandando a
la zona una patruila por via fluvial para ayudar a los Oficiales del E.P. S.. a emprender la
busqueda del cuerpo del Tnte: Aceveao .
COMITIVA COMANDO ATLANTICO Y E.P.S. BUSQUEDA DEL CUERPO
OFICIAL DESAPARECIDO
El dia 26-03-96 al ser Ja05;00noras, se desplaza comltlva de Delta# O,hacla ta zona
de Delta Costa Rica,embarcacion M.A.2,Motorista Medal Alemân Leocadio,Tnte
Hidalgo,Marvin Vargas en compania del Teniente: Jarquln del E. P. S.,Jefe de Puesto en
Boca del Sarapiqul, al ser las 07:30 haras, 11egacamitiva de Delta Cero a D#8ty al
ser la09:00 haras aparece el cuerpo del Tnte: Aceveda,Oflclat del E.P.S.,par loque se
le informa al Coronel Walter Monge, por Joque élmlsmo, le aslgna al efectlvo: Malnor
Vargas Alfaro, realizar las coordinaciones pertinentes con el estado Mayor del E. P. S.,y
encargarse de la custodia del cuerpo del Tnte: Acevedo; al sla~10:10 haras el estado
Mayor del E.P. S.,salicita permise para ingresar a aguas Costarricenses para colobarar
con la situaci6n, se le informa al Coronel: Walter Monge Rodrlgyeélmismo concede
el permiso,pero lndica que puede ingresar a nuestro terrttorio, sin armas. Al ser las
11:00 Haras dei dla,mes y af\o en curso, se procede alievantamiento del cuerpo por las
autorldades del comando Attanttcoy onciales del O.I.J de Guaplles de Costa Rlca,para
su traslado a la Médicatura Forenese en San José de Costa Ricay luego al hermano
Pals de Nicaragua.MINISTERIODESEGURIDADPUBUCA #17
COMANDOATLANTICOP.F.S.
RELEVOS DE LOS PUESTOS FRONTERIZOS
El dfa09-04-96 al ser la05:00 haras, se realiZan los relevas de ios Puestos de
Avanzada en la embarcai6n M.A 2, motoriste Leocadia Medal Aleman, y el persona! de
releva a los Puestos de Della# 4.Delt# 5, Delta# B,DeltaM9,Delte.# 21, sin novedad
especial utilllando Rio San Juan .
RECORRIDO SOBRE EL RIO SN JUAN
El dia29-04-96 al selas09:30 horas, sale comitiva embarcaci6n M.A. 2,motorista
Leocadia Meda\, Sgto Chinchillay dos efectivos a Delta# 4,Barra del Colorado,
utlllzando el Rio San Juan .
RECORRIOO EN EL RIO SAN JUAN
El dia 04-05-96 al ser las 09:10 haras, sale comitiva M.A. 2,Motorista Medal, Capitan
Benavldez y dos efectivos, deDelta# 4 Barra del Coloradoa Delta# 9 Boca delRio
saraplquf;navegando sobre el Rio San Juan.
PATRULLAJE COMANOO ATLANTICO
El dia 04-05-96 al ser las 10:30 haras, sale comltiva Delta Cero,embaracci6n M.A 3,
motmista Enrlquez,efectivoJorgeZul'iigay ClistobalCuberaconpersonerosde
MIRENEN,a efectuarunoperativoenDeltaCostaRica,enlossectoresde Cano
Pereiray el Jobo,utlllzandoel RioSanJuan. --~----------- ------
983
MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAOPUBLICA # 18
COMANDO ATLANTICO P.F.S
SUPERYrSIONDE PUESTOS FRONTERIZOS
El dia 13-05--96al ser las 05:40 horas,sale comltiva de Delta cero embarcaci6n M.A.1,
motorista Leocadia Medal, Tnte: Hidalgoy dos efectivos a Delta# 4 Barra del Colorado,
a Supervisonde Puestos Frontertzos.
RECORRIDOPOR EL RIO SNJUAN
El dia 15-05-96 al ser las 13:32 haras selen M.y.M.A. 3, motoristes: leocadia
Medal y Orozco,asl mismo con un efectivo para cada embarcaci6n,salieronde Delta#9
hacia Delta Cero .
REUNION COMANOO ATLANTICO Y E. P .S.
Eldia 17-05-96 alser las09:00 haras, sale comitivDeltaCerohaciaDelta# 9,Boca
del Rio Sarapiqul embarcaci6n M.A.3, motorista Medai,Coronel: Monge, Tnte: Soto
Gabo Matamoros ydos efectivos, asunto Reunioncon el Mayor del E.P.Sen Boca del
Rio Sarapiqul.
RELEVOS DE PERSONAL DE PUESTOS FRO\~TERIZOS
El31-05-96 al ser las 06:15 horas,sale comitiva DeltaCero hacia Delta# 4 Barra del
Colorado,embarcaclon M.A2. motonsta\M!I!amMedal y Cloceefecrlvosasunto relevas
a Puestos Fronterizos,Puestos: Delta4,Delta#5, Dela #7,Delta # a,Delta# 9 par el
Rio San Juan sin novedad especial.
RELEVOSFRONTERaOS
Eldia 01-06-96 al ser las 08:00 haras, sale relevaDelta# 4 a Delta# 9 y de Delta#
9 a Delta# 8, embarcaciénM.A 2 , Motorista Medal,navegandopor le Rio San Juan, sin
novedadque repartar .MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA #19
COMANDO ATLANTICO P.F.S.
COOPERACION DEL COMANDO ATLANTICO CON EL E.P.S.
El dia 02-06-96 at ser tas 09:30 horas, se presenta al Puesto c:JeDelta# 9 Boca del Rio
Sarapiqui, el motorista Celso Gonzaley motorista Walter Roveto, ambos del E.P .S.,
Soücitando autorizaci6n para ingresar al poblado de los Angeles de Boca Del Rio
Sarapiqul, por via fluvial, para realizar una tramada te1ef6nica, se !e informa arTercer
Comandante: Capitan Briones, y élmismo indica que pueden ingresar a nuestro territorîo
pero sin atlTias.
OPERATIVO DE PATRULLAJE EN FRONTERA
El 03-06-96 al ser las 08:00 horas,sate comitiva de Delta Cero hacia Barra del
Toruguero embarcaclon M.A.2 Motoriste Orozco,efeetivo: Jhonny Alfaro,DatoUo Orvityy
Marvin Vargas,asunto patrullaje en ta zona.
OPERATIVO SOBRE EL RIO SAN JUAN PATRULLAJE
El dia 09-06-96 al ser ta11:15horas,sale comitiva embarcacion M.A.1,motoriste
Medai,Tnte: Leivay dos efectivos, de Delta Gero a Delta# 4, patrullaje sobre el Rio San
Juan.
OPERATIVO PATRULLAJE
Et ena09-06-96 ar ser tas16:25 horas,sale comitiva de Deltao,a Delta# 4
M.A2,motorista Orozco,Sgto: Va/vaerde y tres efectivos, patrullaje en ra zona.
COORDINACION CON El E.P.S.
El dfa11 ~06-9 al6ser lasOB:16 horas,lnforma Delt# 9 Boca de 1Rlo Saraplqul, de que
maneja informaci6n de que en tas cercanias de dicho puesto se ahogo un ciudadano que
en vida se llamo: Efraln Miranda Arauz de 57 anos,el mlsmo Costarrlcense, el cual se
anogo en agua Nlcaraguenses. por Joque se coordlno con el E. P.S., para el
levantam!ento del cuerpo en esa zona, atlugar se apersono el Tnte: Jarqur del E.y.S.
el bolero Lazo,y el efectivo del Comando Atlèntlco Miguel Prado, los Oflclales del O.t.J
de Puerto Vie}o,Sarapiqui: Pablo Femandez,Mario Bustamante, la Alcaldeza Patricia
Barquero. C.R. y dos efectivos de esta zona, se procede ar \evantamlento del cuerpo al
ser las09:20 horas, sin novedad a/guna.MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDADPUBUCA # 20
COMANDOATLANTICO P.F.S.
RECORRIDOFRONTERA
El dia 30-06-96 al ser las 15:35 horas,sale comlllva del Delta Cero a Delta # 4 Barra del
Colorado M.A 2, motorista Orozco,Coronel: Morige,Tnte:lelyaunefectivo utilizando
en Rio SanJuan.
NOTA.: A partir del mes de agosto del96 hasta el mes de Dlciembredel 96,
no se registran novedadesde relevanciao actMdades de gran trasendenclaen el Rio
San Juan, toda se mantlene normal,ûnicamente reelizandose los relevas hebltuales en
los Puestos Fronterizos,segünregistrados enActas de 200 foliyscon el fechado
antes en mensi6n;concluyendoasf el periodo de1996.
INICIO PERIODO DE 1997
NOTA: Enlos libros de Actas de 200 folios de registra con fechado del 01-01-97,
nasta 12-12-97, segunregistras no se registran novedades de retevancîaimportante,
sobre el Rio San Juan,toda se mantienenormalen ese peri6do; ûnicamentealgunos
pequef'losoperativos,sobreciudadanoslnmigrantes,indocumentadosNicaraguensesen
terrttorio Nacional,unicamentese efectuan connormalidadnuestros relevasfronterizos;
navaegandoen el Rlo San Juan. Cerrando Perlodode 1997.
INICIO PERIODO DE 1998
NOTA: A partir del mes de Enero98, hasta Maya del98, seglin reglstro enlibre
de Actas con 200 folios, no se regtstrananomauas,ninovedades duranteestos
meses,en el Rio San Juan .MINISTERIO DE SEGURIDAD PUBLICA # 21
COMANOO ATLANT!CO P.F.S.
MES DE JULIO DE 1998
El dia 14-06-98 al ser las 05:35 haras,sale mov#l711,chofer: Edgar Miranda, Mayor:
Hugo Espinoza Rodrfguez,Tnte: LeîvaJimenéz José, Sgto: Francisco
Cubera, Paramédico Zunlga, Daniel Madrigal, Mainor Vargas ,Juan Carlos Garela,Ramon
G6dinez,lsalas Matamoros,Abel Rojas, con destina a Boca tapada, Rio San Carlos y
Curef'iay al ser las 09:30 horas llegaron a Baca del Rio San Carloy,al ser las 09L45
Horas,salen con destina al Cerro Chachalacay Cai'io Jardin.
CAPTURA DE INDOCUMENTADOS EN FRONTERA
E\14--06-98 al ser las 08:12 Haras, reporta el Puesto de Delta# i4 Curef'la, el efectos
Froy Monge, el ingreso al puesto del efectivo Jhlnny Solls PyrMarvin
Rojas,procedentes de Laguna Curef'iita, de la Finca del Set'\or: Gerardo Miranda
Alvarez, en dicha Finca,logran ubicar a catorce ciudadanos indocumentados de origen
Nicaraguense,por loque procedieron a trasladarlosalPuesto de Oeta# 14,Curena, al ser
las s12:00 haras, llega movil# 711 ,cinco efecttvos de Delta#o ypersona! O'e
Migraci6n de San Carlos; para trasladar a los indocumentados al Dpto de Migraci6n en
San Carlos, se efectua el traslado al ser las 13:00 haras.
DIFERENClAS
Eldia 14-06-96 al ser las 10:40 horas,indiceloficial Tnte: sanchede Delta Gero, que
mantuvo un dialogo por via telef6nica con el Sub-Director de Policla de Frontera s. Mayor
Arce, recibiendo el siguiente informe paraMayor: Hugo Espinoza Rdrez, que por
quejas del Coronei"Talaveradel E. P. S., ndetener a nadle que se encuentre
navegando en el Rio San Juan,ya que segûn el Tnte Talavera; en das antertares un
persona! de Delta Cero habian obligado a unas personas a bajarse de una lancha, y que
a la vez cuando el persona! del Comando Atlantico se desplazara por el Rio San Juan,
deben portar las armas sobre el plso de la mo\1cuétlca .
CAPTURA DE INDOCUMENTADOS EN FRONTERA
El dia14-06-98 a las14:00ho ras India Jorge PadllladelPuesto Delta # 13 Boca
Tapada,Pitai,San Carlos, que mantiene en ellugarcuatro ciudadanos Nicaraguenses
indocumetados y al ser las 16:02 horas, son trasladados al Opta de Mlgraci6n de San
Carlos .MlNISTERIO DE SEGUR/DAOPUBllCA #22
COMANDOATLANTICO P.F.S.
DIFERENCIAS PORMARGENESFRONTERIZOS
El dia 14-06-98 e las 16:10 hores,informe el Cabo: William Herrera,del Puesto
Delta# 7 Delta Costa Rica, que al puesto se presenta elTnte Primera: Renato Rios
Cardenas,Encargadodel Puestodel Ejercito de Nicaraguaen Delta CostaRica, he ·
informandoque sigue instruccronedelTnte: Coronel : Orlando Talavera,Jedel
Destacamentosur del Ejercilo de Nicaragua E. P _,d6nde indica que a partir de la
facha queda restlingido el paso pel RioSan Juan, de cualquier autoridad de Costa
Rica,parloque se procede a informaralSegundo Comandantedel Comando
Atlilntico,Mayor: FrancisC6rdoba C6rdoba, para que coordinase con sus superiores y
los mismostuviesenconcoclmlentode la situaci6ny a com6 bien pudiecenresolver.
INFORMEDEL COMANDO ATLANTICO
Eld[a 14-06-98 al ser las 18:10 haras, informa el Mayor: Hugo Espinoza Rodriguez,
desde el Puesto Delta#16 Boca del RfaSan Carlos, que a partidela hora y fecha
queda prohibido el ingreso de cualquierfuncionariodel Ejerctto E o.cualquier
dependenciaPolicial de Nicaragua, de ser ûbicado en suelo Costarricense detenerloy
coordînar con superiores.
REPORTEDELPRIMERCOMANDANTE A DELTACERO
El dia 14-0&-98al ser las 18:45 horas, Informael Primer Comandantede Delta# 0, que
con relacl6al operativo realizado en la zona habia concaulas 19:00 horas,no
ubicandose nlnguncludadanoindocumentadopor loque permanE:cerapor la nocheen
Delta# 16 BocaTapada; para trasladarse enlaunldadal dia sîguienta Delta#0 .
NOTA: Losmeses de Agosto y septlembre 98,segun consta en registra de
Ubrosde Actas _con200 folios no se reportan novedadesde relevancias,ûnicamenteque
se mantiene_en Rio San Juansin paso para las autoridades Costarricenses,por lo
consiguientese efectuan los relevas a los Puestos Fronterizosde Avanzadapor via
terrestre,n moviles Policîales,de esta manera smas que agregar, se informa que se
mantiene etRfo San Juan sinnovedad alguna que reportar.MINISTERIODESEGURIDADPUBLJCA # 23
COMM.JDOATLANTICOP.F.S.
NOTA: Mes de Octuorede 1998, segûn registraellioro deActasco200
fof/os,noseregistraacfMdadenel RioSanJuan,todotranscurre
norma/mente,rea/izandoslo ~elevos de los Pue:!tos Fronterlzos de Avanzada,por via
terrestre, en nuestrasunidadmovilesPoliciales,si novedalguna.
NOTA; Delmes de Noviembredel.98hasta el mesde Dlciembredel98, con
feehado hastaet18-12-98, ûnicamentese mantieneenregistrasegünconsta enlibros
de Actas de 200folios,lo slguientdia 04-11-98al serlas08:56haras, reportel
Puest9Delta# 16"Bocadel Rio San Carlos"Efecivo: EdgarGodillez, qusobreel Rio
SanJuanviajaunpipanteblanco,conteho verde, conunos46 pa3ajeros
e~proximad~: ~smeistes,navegando por ei.Rio San Juan.
REFERENCIASDEINDOCUMENTADOSSOBRE EL RIOSANJUAN
Eldia 04-11-98al ser las 09:48horas,reportael Puestode Curefia,quepasa el mismo
pipante con quince pasajeros indocumentados Nicaraguenses.
Eldia 04-11-98al serlas 10:49horas,reportaePuestode Delta# 8 Boca delRio
sarapiqul,que pasa el mismo pipante con quince pasajeros indocumetados
Nicaraguenses sobreel HloSanJuan.
El dia 09-12-96 al ser las onoras, informPuesto Delta# 14 curena,que pasa un
bote de color blancconfranjas rojystraslada una15 personas,y viajcon
trayectoria hacia Delt16"Boca delRio San Car1os".
CIERRE DEL PERIODODE 1998
Que comprendesegunregistra de libre de Actas d200 folioscofechado del01-01~98
hasta el18-12-99 ,es todo lo leido. Se suscribe dejandolo debid<:tment.einformado.
Ate!'ltemente,
Mayor: Hugo
Primer-Coman
Comando Atlant
CC/ arch
alberth :. Annex 228
Costa Rican Foreign Minister Roberto Rojas L6pez, Staternent to the
Permanent Council of the Organization of American States,
Washington D.C., 8 March 2000, OEA/Ser.G CP/ACTA 1224/00, 14-20 987
TRANSLATION
Address by the Minister Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica to
the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS)
8 March 2000
Your Excellency Mr. President of the Council
Honorable Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives
Mr. Secretary General of the Organization of American States,
Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
In extending a most fratemal greeting in the name of the govemment of Costa
Rica, 1would also like to express our gratitude to the President of the Counci1
for the quick response to the request formulated by my country's Delegation for
this meeting to take place.
It is in a most fratemal and peaceful spirit and wîth the assurance that the
Hemispheric System offers an adequate legal framework for settling any
difference that may arise between Member States, that the govemment of Costa
Rica finds it necessary today to appeal to the Inter-American instruments for
the peaceful settlernentof controversies in order to try to end the worrisorne
situation that has arisen with our sister Republic ofNicaragua since July 1998,
regarding the scope of the right to free navigation by Costa Rica on the San
Juan River, the southem part of which constitutes the border between both
countries.
The San Juan River runs through a highly forested region, with tropical and
rainy climate, and its banks Jack highways or railways, thereby making the
river the fondamental communication artery for the inhabitants in the area.
As a resuitof a large series of historical events and legal instruments, the status
of the San Juan River is very particular, reason for which 1would like to clarify
sorne aspects that areof fondamental importance for this matter.
According to Article Six of the Canas-Jerez Treaty of Limits subscribed
between Costa Rica and Nicaragua on Apri\15, 1858, and duly exchanged and
ratified, Nicaragua has exclusive dominion and sovereignjurisdiction over the
entire extension of the waters of the San Juan River. The southem bank at the
lower part of the river is the dividing line between both countries. Costa Ricahas not aspired nor aspires to modify this situation, and rejects any insinuation
that it questions or wants to deny Nicaragua its sovereignty over the river.
However, the same Article six of the Treaty of Limits clearly establishes that
Costa Rica will have perpetuai free navigation rights on said waters, with
purposes of commerce, from the mouth of the river up until three English miles
before the area know as Castillo Viejo. In other words, Nicaragua's sovereign
rights over the lower part of the river coexist with Costa Rica's navigation
rights.
Back in 1886, as a result of various doubts and objections presented by
Nicaragua regarding the validity and scope of the Treaty of Limits, both
countries agreed to submit their differences to arbitration by the President of
the United States of America. One of the doubtful issues presented by
Nicaragua ta the arbitrator was if Costa Rica had the right to navigate with
vessels of war on the San Juan River. Nicaragua rejected that possibility, and
in its pleadings to the arbitrator stated that neither should Costa Rica be
allowed to navigate with vessels of revenue service, since these vessels,
according to Nicaragua's pleadings in the litigation, were also supposedly
"armed vessels capable of achieving their duties through force".
Article Two of the Award issued on March 22, 1888 by President Grover
Cleveland stated that Costa Rica could not navigate on the San Juan River with
vessels of war, but it expressly stated that it could "navigate on said river with
such vessels of the revenue service as may be related to and connected with her
enjoyment of the purposes of commerce, accorded to her in said article, or as
may be necessary to the protection of said enjoyment".
Therefore the Award - accepted by both countries withcmt objection
-acknowledges Costa Rica the right that its revenue service vessels freely
navigate on the lower part of the San Juan in arder to fulfill its duties.
Obviously, a revenue service vesse\, destined by its own nature to fulfill
services such as preventing contraband, illegal immigration, drug trafficking
and other aspects involved in border control, will necessarily require that the
govemmental agents transported in it carry protective equipment. If not, how
can they be expected to perform these tasks? No fiscal police in the world can
achieve this only through requests or verbal suggestions.
Note that Costa Rica is not making a capricious interpretation of the Treaty or
the Award, but is only defending a right that they guarantee: navigating with
fiscal service vessels which, as it was understood by Nicaragua during the time
of the Award, were vessels that carried arrns. Of course, we are dealing here
with light service arms that are duly registered and which at no moment, not
even today, may injure or threaten the sovereignty or security of Nicaragua.Since the late 19th century, Costa Rica organized its fiscal guards at the Border
Region with Nicaragua. One of its tasks was to reconnoitre, at !east once a
week, the lower part of the San Juan in order to ful:fillits duties. Surveillance
was performed by personnel with service arrns. Nicaragua not only did not
protest against the surveillance activities by Costa Rican Police, but, as is
confirmed in many documents from the period and from recent years, in
various opportunities its border authorities performed coordinated tasks with
Costa Rican authorities. As a result, it can be concluded that the Cleveland
Award, in the opinion of the Nicaragua government, authorized the navigation
of Costa Rican fiscal service vessels, with crew that carried service arrns.
Confirming and detailing even further the scope of Costa Rica's free navigation
rights on the lower part of the San Juan, the Central American Court of Justice,
the first permanent International Law court in the history of the world, stated
in its sentence ofSeptember 3oth, 1916 that "the dominion which the Republic
of Nicaragua exercises over the San Juan River is not absolute or unlimited; it
is necessarily restricted by the rights offree navigation attached thereto and so
remarkably granted to Costa Rica, especially if we consider that such rights,
exercised for fiscal and defensive purposes, are confounded in their
development, in the opinion of treatise writers, with the sovereign faculties of
imperium. Such a concession is equivalent to a real right of use, perpetuai and
inalterable, which places the Republic of Costa Rica in the full enjoyment of
the ownership for practical purposes of a large part of the San Juan river,
without prejudice to the full ownership which Nicaragua exercises as sovereign
of the territory".
This same Court stated that Costa Rica's right to perpetuai navigation
comprised "... the broad privilege of transit and commerce, and which imposes
upon Nicaragua the duty not impede said navigation, but on the contrary the
duty to keep the course of the river free... ".
According to the above, it remains clear that although Nicaragua is the
sovereign of the waters of ali ofthe San Juan River, Costa Rica bas navigation
rights on the lower part, which include commercial, fiscal and defensive
dimensions, as was stated by the Canas-Jerez Treaty of Limits, the Cleveland
Award and the Sentence of the Central American Court of Justice.
Nicaragua also understood it this way for more than one hundred years.
Although in different instances throughout the 20th Century problems arose
between both countries over the free navigation on the San Juan River, never,
until last July 1998, did Nicaragua question the right that Costa Rica bad and
exercised in order for its border authorities navigated the lower section of the
San Juan River, in order to fulfill its duties, in a public, peaceful and continuous
manner.Mr. President,
Costa Rica is a country ofpeace. Its territorial borders are clearly demarked by
treaties and awards, and has no territorial pretensions of any kind. Never in its
history has it initiated a war of aggression. As is weB known, more than a half
a century ago it abolished its army and disarmed itself unilaterally. In
abolishing its army, the country trusted its security to International Law
instruments, whose effectiveness was demonstrated in other instances in this
same forum.
Public order and internai security are trusted to the Civilian Police Force. ln
arder to strengthen the civilian tradition, a few days ago the Costa Rican
government even decided to modify the nomenclature of the Police ranks, so
that not even in that there would be a reminder of the army that was abolished
so long ago. The Costa Rican Police is a very small body that does not possess
heavy weaponry, let alone vessels of war.
Not only does geographie proximity unite us to Nicaragua, but also a vast
number of common interests and historical and cultural identities. There have
been Costa Rican presidents and foreign affairs ministers born in Nicaragua
and Nicaraguan presidents born in Costa Rica. Both countries have
participated jointy in multiple efforts in favor of Central American integration
and the obtainment of cooperation for regional development. A large number
of Nicaraguans live and work in Costa Rica, and many have formed families
with Costa Ricans. Even after the problem regarding navigation on the San
Juan River occurred, the Costa Rican authorities granted an extensive and
generous immigration amnesty in order to legalize the situation ofthousands of
Nicaraguans who reside on our soil and also enjoy the sarne health and
education rights as Costa Ricans do, as stated by our Constitution. The
govemment of Costa Rica, for its part, has reiterated on numerous occasions its
will to maintain a relationship of respect and cordiality with Nicaragua.
However, on July 14, 1998, the Nicaraguan Army unilaterally prohibited
passage on the lower part of the San Juan River to Costa Rican vessels that
transported members of the police carrying their service arros, who had given
previous notice to the Nicaraguan authorities.
With an unexplainable attitude, on August Il th, the Nicaraguan Ministry of
Foreign Affairs informed the Costa Rican one that it considered: "the Lizano
Cuadra Agreement to be null and void and inexistent", invoking internai legal
considerations that were not detailed, and which, in any case, as is prescribed
by International Law, cannot affect an international agreement. In addition, it
is worth noting that the Costa Rican right regarding this issue does not stem
from the 1998 Agreement, but rather from a treaty of limits, an arbitral awardand the sentence of an international court, as well as Il 0 years of peaceful and
continuons practice.
To worsen things, his Excellency the President of Nicaragua, Arnoldo Aleman,
in various statements made to the press in August 1998, wamed, in reference
to the issue of Costa Rican navigation on the San Juan River,
"If it is necessary to use the institutions of the Am1ed Forces that Nicaragua
bas, we will make use of them... The sovereignty of a country is not discussed,
it is defended with weapons in band."
". .. we have the bravery to defend, as General Sandino once stated, the
sovereignty of a people with a rifle in band( ...) and if it is necessary for us to
give up our own fives then we shall do so too... "
These statements emanated by Nicaragua 's highest government official,
representa clear violation ofwhat is stated in Chapter Four of the OAS Charter
and Article 1 of TIAR, which reads:
"The High Contracting Parties formally condemn war and commit themselves
in their relationships to not recur to threat or use of force in any fonn that is
incompatible with the provisions of the UN Charter or the present treaty.
Analogous precepts are found inArticle 1 of the Pact of Bogota and other Inter
American instruments.
In spiteof this unusual attitude of the governrnent of Nicaragua, Doctor Miguel
Angel Rodriguez, President of Costa Rica, stated on August 13, 1998, that our
country would not jeopardize the life of its police officers, but thitwould not
yield its rights and would recur to international means for its rights to be
respected.
Based on a firrn will and faith in the virtue of dialogue, we began direct
negotiations with Nicaragua i.narder to try to, once again, reach an agreement.
On various occasions 1discussed this issue with my distinguished Nicaraguan
colleague. The Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs carrîed out negotiations
regarding the matter during September and October 1998, January and August
1999 and February of the present year. We repeatedly presented formulas for
a possible agreement of understanding for the govemment of Nicaragua to
consider. However, after almost a year and a half, none of these efforts put an
end to the problem.
Regrettably, the government of Nicaragua, in public statements made by its
highest officiais, also rejected, practically since the beginning of the problem,
the possibilities proposed by Costa Rica of submitting the matter to arbitration
or recurring by mutual agreement to other mechanisms for peaceful settlementof disputes provided by the Inter American System instruments. A last effort
was made by the President of the Republic, this past March 2nd, in a telephone
conversation held with the President of Nicaragua, and the result was equally
unsuccessful.
We have thus done everything possible to achieve a direct settlement, ~nd
perhaps we haven even extended our negotiating effort more than what has
been usual in the Hemisphere. Nicaragua bas responded negatively to all of
Costa Rica's instances to attempt that its rights be respected and that the
situation which existed peacefully and without any discussion for I0 years on
the lower part of the San Juan River be reestablished.
Mr. President,
Costa Rica bas found itself forced, very much to its regret,to accept that the
condition provided in the second article of the Pact of Bogota bas been
fulfilled, in ether words, that the controversy has not been able to be resolved
by means of direct negotiations through the usual diplomatie means.
In the Esquivel-Sevilla Treaty of Amity that Costa Rica and Nicaragua signed
in 1949, both countries agreed in applying the Inter-American Treaty of
Peaceful Settlements, before it was fully enforced in the hemisphere, to the
controversies that could arise among them. Regarding this matter, Article 3 of
said Treaty states "both governments agree to apply the American Treaty of
Peaceful Settlements, known as the Pact of Bogota, to which they attribute full
validity for controversîes between them". On this basis, the govemment of
Costa Rica arrives before this Council today to fratemally request the
government of Nicaragua, before such qualified witnesses, its agreement for
the process of mediation as provided by Article 11 of the Pact of Bogota.
The solidary collaboration of one or more govemments of the hemisphere, or
one or more eminent citizens of countries in the Americas, not party to the
controversy and jointly elected, will undoubtedly help find a prompt solution
to this dispute, which for a year bas been generating tension between two
countries which given their geography and history should share a close
fraternal and cooperative relationship.
A controversy does exist,Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, between Costa
Rica and Nicaragua. There are differences conceming the scope both countries
give to Costa Rica's right to free navigation on the San Juan River. The
existence of the dispute itself is weil demonstrated by the fact that for more
than 18 months both countries have maintained opposing positions regarding
the matter, and direct negotiations have been carried out without any result.
The government of Costa Rica, which does not admit any ether mechanism forresolving controversies other than those granted by International Law, has the
firm hope that the same spirit will prevail in the govemment of Nicaragua and
that, as a result, it will not be unnecessary to recur to other judicial procedures
acknowledged by the lnter-American instruments.
"ln the name of the people and govemment of Costa Rica, I extend a fraternal
band to the people of Nicaragua and to its Most Illustrious Govemment so that
we may take advantage of the mechanisms granted tous by the Inter-American
system, the OAS, and the goodwill of ali of our sister countries, so as to strive
to eliminate this unnecessary and unjustified last minute difficulty: and for us
to proceed to stretch our traditional ties of collaboration and friendship. Peace,
as Benito Juarez stated so many times, lies in respecting the right of the other:
We are claiming nothing but a right that dates back to long ago, and is
recognized internationally by a treaty, an award and a sentence of the Central
American Court of Justice, as weil as by the actions themselves of the
Nicaraguan government for many decades.
Today we have an infinite number of problems to resolve, of which illegal
immigration, fiscal contraband, arms and drug trafficking are not the !east. And
we are aware that we will only be able to resolve this by advancing together
with our sister countries, especially Nicaragua, in an environment of sincere
collaboration and fraternity, peace and democracy. For this reason there should
be no doubt that this is the time for dialogue, for increasing trust and respect
for the current regulations of International Law that govern our relations. This
is the moment for peace and agreement, not for conflict, aggression or verbal
and political intemperance.
For this reason, upon covering ourselves under the Tnter-AmericanSystem we
do so convinced that by searching for peace and demanding respect for the
rules of International Law that govern this case, we are not only defending our
legitimate and proven national interests, but that we are helping once again to
strengthen peace, democracy and the process for the entire region".
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,
ln many opportunities, as occurs with other neighboring countries, Costa Rica
and Nicaragua have had discrepancies. However, on ali of these occasions,
reason and the law prevailed. On ali ofthese. occasions, both countries reached
the conclusion that there was more that united them than separated them; that
a fratemal embrace was always possible; that our border, rather than heing a
dividing line, must be a point of convergence uniting the sincere desire of two
sister nations to build the future together. Today, before the Americas, Costa
Rica cornes to ask Nicaragua to continue to tread with us on the path of
harmony.In this house of the Americas, 1would like to repeat to our Nicaraguan brothers
and to ali of the countries of the hemisphere a statement made by the President
of Costa Rica on August 1998:
"Costa Ricans and Nicaraguans can only progress in a fratemal manner and
live in harmony by finding joint solutions to genuine problems that exist
between us such as poverty, environmental damage and the need to improve
cultural and economie exchanges between nations that face challenges in a
world where we ali depend on each other".
Thank you very much. CONSEJOPERMANENTE
OEA/Ser.G
CP/ACTA !224/00
8 marzo 2000
ACTA
DE LA SESION ORDINARIA
CELEBRADA
EL 8 DE MARZO DE 2000
Aprobada en la sesi6n del 18 de mayo de 2000996
-14-
EntantoqueMéxicopresideel ComitéDirectivode laCIM,deseoagradecerel apoyoque la
Secretar(aEjecutivavieneotorgandoa este6rganodel Sistema,que,de hecho,como lomencionaba
el EmbajadordelCanadâ,carecede losrecursosindispensablespara podercumplirconsusmandatas.
Es esa unacuesti6nque tendraque verseen el momentoen queadoptemosel proximapresupuesto.
Muchasgracias,sefiorPresidente.
El PRESIDENTE: Thankyou very much,Ambassador,for your intervention. The Chair
givesthefloorto thedistinguishedRepresentatiof Panama.
El REPRESENTANTEPERMANENTE DE PANAMA: Muchasgracias,sei\orPresidente.
Mi Delegaci6ntambiéndeseaagrade<:ea r la SecretariaEjecutivade la Comisi6nInteramericanade
Mujeres,lasefioraCannenLomellin,la presentaci6nqueacabade hacersobreesteinformerelativo a
laprimerareuni6nministerialsobreel avancede la mujer,que tendralugaren estciudad en el mes
de abril.
El Gobîemode Panamây la Delegaci6nde Panamâsîemprehan apoyadolas laboresy los
programasde laComisi6nInteramericanade Mujeresy venconespecialentusiasmolacelebracî6nde
esta primerareuni6nministerialsobreel avancede la mujer. PanamAha formadopartedel Comité
Directivode laCIMen variasocasionese inclusivetuvimosunaSecretariaEjecutivade laComîsi6n,
la licenciadaEliaGuerra. Panamâ,por Jotanto,siemprese ha interesady ha impulsadomucholas
laboresde laComisi6n.
Deseamosaprovecharesta oportunidadpara agradecer la invitaci6nque le ha hecho la
Comisi6na laPresidentade Panama, laexcelentfsimasefloraMireyaMoscoso, paraqueasistaa este
importanteeventa. Ya hemos trasladadola mismaa la sefloraPresidenta,y !e aseguroque esta
invitaci6ntendraespecialacogidapor partede ella,coma mujery comogobemante. El pape!de la
mujer en nuestrosdias ha cobradoen Panamamayor vigencia y mayorimportancia, y esto se !o
debemos,sobretodo,a laPresidentaMoscoso.
Porello espernmosque con su presenciaprestigieeste importantey significativoeventay,
desdeahora,estamossegurosdel éxitode estareuni6nqueera tan necesariapara losasuntosde la
mujer.
Muchlsimasgracias,seflorPresidente.
El PRESIDENTE: Thankyou very much,Ambassador. If there are no furtherremarks, 1
thank the ExecutiveSecretaryof CIM and assureher !hat the Coundl has taken due note of her
presentation.
NOTADE LA MISI6N PERMANENTEDECOSTARICAEN RELACI6N
CONLOSHECHOSY CONTROVERSIASSUSCITADOS
CONLA REPÛBLICADENICARAGUA
El PRESIDENTE: The next.item is the note from the PermanentMissionof Costa Rica
regarding the facts of the dispute that has arisen with the Republic of Nicaragua, document
CP/doc.3274/00.1givethe floorto His ExcellencyMr. RobertoRojas,Ministerof ForeignAffairs
and Worshipof CostaRica,to addresstheissue. - 15-
ElMINISTRO DE RtLACIONES EXTERJORESY CUL TO DE COSTA RICA: Muchas
gracias,seîior Presidente.
t::xcelentisimossei'IOresEmbajadores,senor Sect-etarioGeneral, e.'\celentfsimocolega de
Nic~~ra siior.ontealegre:
Ante todo quisicra unirme a las felicitacionesa Hondurasy a Nicaragua por la finna del
acuerdoy reconoccrlalabor demediaci6ndel EmbajadorLuigiEinaudi.
Al snludarles fratcmalmen!e en nombre del Gobiemo de Costa Rica, qtustera también
expresarnuestragratitudal Presidentedel Consejopor la ceteridadcon que élhaatcndido la solic:itud
que fonnul6la Delegadôn de mi paisparaquese incluyeraeste temaen la agendade estascsi6n.
Con profundoespiritu fratemaly pacifista,y en la seguridadde que el sistema hemisfêrico
ofrecc un marco juridico adecuado para resolver cualquîer diferencia que pueda surgit·entre los
Estad Moim~bros,el Gobiemode Costa Ricase ve hoyen la necesidadde invocarlos instrumentas
interamcricanose soluci6n pacifiea de controversias para tratar de poner fin a la preocupante
situaciônue se ha planteadocon la hermannRepüblicade Nicaraguadesdcel mesddeu1998,
en tomo a los alcances del derecho de libre navegaci6nde Costa Rica en el rio San Juan, parte de
cuya ribersur constituyela fronteraentre losdos paiscs.
El rio San Juan reeorre una regionsignificativamenteboscosa,de elimatropicaly lluvioso,y
ensus margenesnoexisten carreterasnî viasférreas,locualconvierteal rioen laarteria fundamcn!al
decomunicaci6nparalos habitantesde la zona.
Como productode una larga seriede hechoshistyrde inslrumentosjuridicos,el stutus
del rio San Juan cs muy particuyquisiera, por ello, aclarar algunos aspectas de fundamental
importanciaparael asuntoque nos ocupa.
De conformidadcon el articula6."'del TŒatLimitesCt11las-Jcrezs,uscrito entre Costa
Rica y Nicaragua el 1S de abri! de 1858, y debidamentecanjeado y ratificado, Nicaragua tiene
e~>clusiv eadoeintoy sumo imperiosobre lasaguasdel rio San Juan,en todasu extension. En
su curso inferior.la riberasures la Hneadivisoriaentreambospalses. Costa Ricano ha pretendidoni
pretende modîficaresta situaciôn y rcchaz.'lcualquier insinuaciônde que p0nga en duda o quiera
negarlasobcraniade Nicaraguasobreel cursodel rio.
Sincmbm'go,el mismo anic\tlo 6° del Tratadode Limiteses!ablececlaramentegue Costa
Rica tendraen dichas aguas los dcreehos perpetuasde libre navegaci6n,con el objeto de comercio,
desde la desembocaduradel rio hasta tres millas inglesasantes del .sitiodenominadoCastilloViejo.
Ën otras palabras,los dcrec.nossobcranosde Nicaraguasobre el curso inferiordel rio coexistencon
losderechosde navegaci6ndeCosta Rica.
En 1886,como consecuenciade diversasdudas y objecionesplantcadas par Nicaraguacon
respecta a la validez y alcances del Tratado de Limites, ambos pafses acordaron someter sus
diferenciasal arbitrajedel Presidentede los EstadosUnidosde América.Unode lospuntosdudosos
planteados por Nicaragua a la considerdel arbitro fue el de si Costa Rica tenia derecho a
navcgarcon buques de guerra en el rio San Juan. Nicaragua rechazabacsa posyen susd,
alegacionesante cl ârbitro expres6 que tampoco c!ebiapermîtirsea Costa Rica la navegaci6ncon -16-
buquesde servicîo fiscal,porque !as navesde serviciofiscal,seglin uno de losalegatos de Nicaragua
en el litigio, tambiénse suponia que cran "naves annadas, capaces de hacer cumplir sus mandatas
mediante la fuerza".
Enel articula segundodel Lauda cmitidoel 22 de marzo de 1888por el PresidenteGraver
Cleveland, se dijo que Costa Rica no podia navegar en el San Juan con buques de guerra, pero
exprcsamentese se11al6que "puede navegaren dicho riocon buquesdel servicio fiscal relacionadosy
conexionadoscon el gace de los propôsitosde comercio,que se le reconoce par dicho articula, o
camo se necesite para la proteccion de dicho goce" (el original en inglésdi"She may navigate
said rivers wifh such vessels of the revenue service as may brelat1r 0andd connected with her
enjoyment of the purpose of commerce' accorded roherin the said article, or as may be nece.nary to
the p1·ocectiunofsaid enjoyment").
ElLauda -que ambos paisesacataronsin objecion, reconocea Costa Rie<!,por consiguientc,
el derecho de que sus buquesde serviciofiscalnaveguenJîbrementeporel cursa inferiordel SanJuan
para cumpfir con sus funciones. Obvîamente,un buque de servicio fiscal, destinado por su propia
naturalezaa cumplir funcionesde prevenci6nde contrabando,inmigraci6nilegal,narcotrâficoy otros
aspectosde control fronterizo,requiere necesariamenteque losagentes gubemamentales queen ellos
se transportcnporten equipa de protecci6n. De otro modo,{,c6mose pretendeque cumplan con esas
tareas? Ninguna policia fiscal del munda puede hacer!osimplemente con instancias a sugerencias
verbales.
N6teseque Costa Rica no esta hacienda una interpretaci6nantojadizadel Tratadoo el Lauda,
sinosolamentedefendiendoun derechoqueestos legarantizan: navegarcon buques deservieiofiscal
que, seguncamo loentendlaNicaraguaen el momentodel UÎudo,eran navesque !levabanarmas. Se
trata par supuestode armas livianasde servicio,debidamenteregistradas,que en ningun memento,ni
en 1888 y mucha menashay, podrianvu!nemrni amenazar la soberaniani laseguridad de Nicaragua.
Desdefinesdel siglo XIX, Costa Ricaorganiz6sus resguardosfiscalesen la region fronteriza
con Nicaragua, una de cuyas funciones era recorrer,al menos una vez par semana, el curso inferior
del SanJuan para cumplir con sus deberes. El resguardoestaba integradopar persona!con armasde
reglamento. Nicaragua no solo no protest6 por la actividad del resguardfl~c castarricense,sino
que, camo to compruebannumerososdocumentesde aquellaépoca yde aiïos mâ.srecientes,en varia:s
oportunidadessus autoridades fronterî:zasefectuaron labores coordinadascon las de Costa Rica. De
ella puede concluirseque el Lauda Cleveland,en opinion del Gobierno de Nicaragua,autorizaba la
navegaci6nen el rio San Juan de las embarcacionesde servicio fiscal de Costa Rica, con tripulantes
que portabansus armas de reglamento.
Confirmande y precisandoa(mmâ.slosalcancesde losderechosde libre navegaci6nde Costa
Rica en el curso inferior del San Juan, la Corte de Justicia Centroamericana, primer tribunal
pennanente de derecho intemacional en la historia del munda, senal6 en su sentencia del 30 de
septiembrede 1916:
...el dominic que la Republicade Nicaraguaejerceen el rio SanJuan, noes abso!utoni
ilimitado;tiene que estar restringido por los derechos de libre navegaci6y anexos, tan
remarcablemente otorgados a Costa Rica, sobre toda si se considera que tales derechos,
ejercidosara fines fiscalesy defensives,se confundenen su desarroi!a, segun el sentirde los
tratadistas,con las facultadessoberanas dimperium. Tai concesi6n,equivalea undereclro -17-
realde uso,perpetuae inalterable,quecolocaa la Repûblicade Costa Ricaen el gace pleno
del dominicutil de granpartedel rio SanJuan,sin pel]uiciodel dominicplenoqueconserva
Nicaraguacoma soberanadelterritorio.
La misma Cane sena\6 que el derecho de perpetua navegaci6n de Costa Rica era
"...comprensivode la ampliafacultadde trânsito y de comercio,y que imponea Nicaraguael deber
de noentrabaresanavegaci6n,y elde tener,porelcontrario,expeditoel cursodel rio...".
De confonnidadcon Joexpuesto,quedaclaraque, aunqueNicaraguasea la soberanade las
aguas de todo el rio San Juan, Costa Rica tiene en su curso inferiorderechosde navegaci6n,que
comprendenlos âmbitoscomercial,fiscaly defensive,segûn lo precisaronel Tratado,el Laudoy la
sentenciade laCorteCentroamericana.
Asf lo entendi6tambiénNicaraguadurantemâs de cien anos. A pesar de que en diversas
oportunidades,a Jo largodel sigle XX, se presentaronentreambos pafsesproblemasen toma a la
librenavegaci6nen el San Juan,ni unasolavez,hastajulio de 1998,Nicaraguacuestion6el derecho
que tenia y ejerda Costa Rica para que sus autoridadesfronterizasrecorrieranel cursoinferiordel
SanJuan,en cumplimientode susdeberes,en fonnapûblica,pacificay reiterada.
Sel\or Presidente,Costa Ricaes un pais de paz. Sus fronterasterrestresestân claramente
delimitadaspor tratadosy laudos y ro tienepretensionesterritorialesde ningunaindole. Nuncaensu
historiaha libradouna guerra de agresi6n. Comoes bien sabido,desde hace mâs de media siglo
suprîmi6el ejércitoy se desarm6unilateralmente.Alproscribirlasfuerzasarmadas,el pasconfiôsu
seguridad a los instrumentos del derncho intemacional,cuya efectividad comprob6 en otras
oportunidadesen estemismorecinto.
El orden publieey la seguridadinteriorestl.nconfiadosa fuerzasde policîacivil. En el
ânimode fortalecerla tradici6ny vivenciacivilista,hace unospocosdfasel Gobiemocostarricense
înduso decidi6modificarla nomenclaturade losgradesde la fuerz.apûblica,a fin de que ni siquiera
en elloquedasenreminiscenciasdel ejércitosuprimidohacetantotiempo. La polida costarricensees
uncuerpomuyreducido,que nocuentaconannamentope.sado y muchomenosconbuquesdeguerra.
ConNicaraguanosunenosolamentelavecindadgeografica,sinounavastaseriede intereses
comunesy de identidadeshist6ricasy culturales. Ha habidopresidentesy cancilleresde Costa Rica
nacidos en Nicaragua y presidentesde Nicaragua nacidos en Costa Rica. Ambos paises han
participadojuntes en multiplestareasen prode la integra.ciôncentroamericany de la obtenci6nde
cooperaci6npara el desarrolloregionaL Un elevadonumerode nicaragilensesresidey trabajaen
Costa Rica, y no pocos de ellos han formado familias con costarricenses. Aun despuésdel
surgimientodel problema en !omo a la navegaci6nen el rio, las autoridades costarricenses
concedieronuna amplia y generosaamnistiamigratoriapara regularizarla situaci6nde milesde
nicaragüensesque residenen nuestrosueloy que ademâsdisfrutande los mismosderechosque los
costarricensesen cuanto a educaci6ny salud,comolo ha sef'lalado nuestraSalaConstitucional.Por
su parte,el Gobiemode la Republicaha reiteradoen innumerablesocasionessu voluntadde mantener
coneldeNicaraguaunare1aci6nde respeto y cordialidad.
Sin embargo,el 14 de julio de 1998el Ejércitonicaragilense,unilateralmente,prohibi6el
paso por el curso inferiordel rio San Juan a !asembarcacionescostarricensesque transportasena - 18-
miembros de la fuerza publica que portasen sus armas de reglamento y dando previo aviso
correspondientea las autoridades de Nicaragua.
En una actitud inexplicable,el 11 de agosto la Cancillerfade Nicaragua comunic6 a la de
Costa Rica que consideraba nulo e inexistente el Acuerdo Lizano-Cuadra e invoc6 para ella
consideracionesde arden juridico. Cabe recordar, ademas, que el derecho de Costa Rica sobre este
particularo deriva del acuerdo de 1998,sino de un tratado de limites, de un lauda arbitral y una
sentenciadel tribunalinternacional,ademasde cientodiezaftosde practicareiteraday pacifiea.
Para agravar las casas, el excelentisimo seiior Presidentede Nicaragua, Arnaldo Aleman,en
diversas declaraciones hechas a !a prensa en agosto de 1998,advirti6, en relaci6n con el tema de la
navegaci6n costarricense en el rio San Juan: "Si es necesario hacer usa de la instituci6nde las
fuerzasarrnadasque tîene Nicaragua, vamos a hacer uso de elias... La soberaniade un puebla no se
discute,se defiendecon las armas en la mano". También"...tenemos la gallardia de defender,camo
decia el General Sandino, la soberania de un puebla con el fusil en la mano... y si es necesario
entregar nuestras vidas pues tambiénvamos a entregarlas ...".
Estas manifestaciones emanadas del mâs alto funcionario gubemamental de Nicaragua
representan una clara violaciôn a lo prescrite en el capitule IV de la Carta de la Organizaciôy el
articula JOdel TIAR, el cual reza: "Las Allas PartesContratantescondenan formalmentela guerray
se obligan en sus relaciones a no recurrir a la amenaza ni al uso de la fuerza en cualquier forma
incompatible con las disposiciones de !a Carta de las Naciones Unidas o del presente Tratado".
Anâlogos preceptes se encuentran en el articule 1 del Pacto de Bogotâ y en otros instrumentas
interamericanos.
A pesar de esta ins6lita actitud del Gobiemo de Nicaragua, el doctor Miguel Angel
Rodriguez,Presidentede Costa Rica,expresô el 13de agosto de 1998que nuestro pais no expondria
la vida de sus policias, pero que no cederîa sus derechos y que recurriria a las vias juridicas
intemacionales paraJograrque sus derechos se respetasen.
Con finne voluntady con fe en las virtudesdel diâlogo, inîciamosnegociacionesdirectascon
Nicaragua para tratarde l!egarotra vez a un acuerdo. En varias ocasiones discuti el asunto con mi
distinguidocolega nicaragüense. Los Vicecancilleresefectuaron negociacionessobre el particutaren
septiembre y octubre de 1998, enero y agosto de 1999 y febrero del presente aî'lo. Presentamos
reiteradarnentea la consideraci6n del Gobiemo de Nicaragua formulas para un posible acuerdo de
entendimiento. Sinembargo, despuésde casi un afto y media, ninguno de estos esfuerzos puso fin al
problema.
Lamentablemente, el Gobiemo de Nicaragua, en publicas declaraciones de sus mas altos
funcionarios, también rechaz6, prâcticamente desde que se inici6 el problema, las posibilidades
planteadas por Costa Rica de someter el asunto a un arbitraje o recurrir de comun acuerdo a otro de
los mecanîsmos de soluciôn pac.ificade controversias previstos en los instrumentas del sistema
interamericano. Un ultimo intente lo efectu6el sei'lorPresidentede la Republica apenas el pasado 2
de marzo en una conversad6n telef6nicacon el Presidentede Nicaragua. El resultado fue igualmente
infructuoso.
Hemos hecho lo posible, par consiguiente, para llegara un arreglo directo, e incluso quizlis
hemos prolongado el esfuerzo negocîador mas a!lâ de lo que ha sida usual en el Hemisferio. Nicaragua ha respondido negativamentea todas las instanciasde Costa Rica para lograr que se
respeten sus derechos y se restablezcaen el curso inferiordel San Juan la situaci6n que existi6,
pacificamentey sin discusi6n,durantecientodiezanos.
Sei'iorPresideme,Costa Rica se ha visto obligada, muy a su pesar, a reconocerque se ha
cumplidoel supuestodel artfculoII del Pactode Bogorn,es decir, que la controversiano ha podido
ser resue!tapornegociacionesdirectasa travésde losmediosdiplomâticosusuales.
En cl Pacto de Amistad EsquiveJ.Sevilla,que Costa Rica y Nicaragua finnaron en 1949,
ambospafsesconvinieronen aplicarel Tratadolnteramericanode SolucionesPacfficas,aun antesde
su pleno vigor en el Hemisferio,a las controversiasque pudiesen suscitarse entre cllos. En este
sentido,dice el articula Ill de dicho Tratado: "...ambos gobiernos convienenen aplicarel Tratado
Americanode SolucionesPacificas,conocidocon el nombre de Pactode Bogotl'l,al que dan plena
validezpara lascontroversiasentre el!os...".
Con este fundamento,el Gobiernode Costa Rica viene hoy ante este Consejo a solicitar
fraternalmenteal Gobierno de Nicaragua, ante tan calificados testigos, su concurso para que se
apliqueel procedimientodemediaci6nprevistoenel an.iculoX! del Pactode Bogoti
Lasolidariacolaboraci6nde unoo mas gobiemosdel Hemisferio,ode unoo masciudadanos
eminentes de paises americanos extraîios a la controversia, elegidos conjuntamente, sin duda
coodyuvaraa enc011trau rna promasoluciôna estedîferendo,que ya lleva un ai'ioy mediade generar
tensionesentre dos pueblos llamados par la geografia y la historia a una relaci6n fratemaly de
estrechacooperaci6n.
Existe, seii.or Presidente, una controversia entre Costa Rica y Nicaragua. Existen
divergenciasentre los alcances que ambos paises dan a los derechos de libre navegaci6nde Costa
Ricaen el rio San Juan. La existenciamismade la difere"cia esta biendemostradacon el hcchode
que a lo largo de mâs de dieciocho meses los dos paises han mantenido posicionescontrapuestas
sobreeste asuntoy se han realiz.adonegociacionesd!rectassin rcsultado. ElGobiemodeCosta Rica,
que no adroite otros mec.anismosde soluci6n de controversiasque los consagradosen el derecho
internacional,tiene la fmne esperanza de que el mismo espiritu prevalecer:ien el Gobiemo de
Nicaragua y que no sera, por collsiguiente,neŒsariorecurrira otros de los procedimientosjuridicos
previstosen losinstrumentesinteramericanos.
A nombredel puebla y Gobiernode Costa.Rica,yo extiendouna mano fratemaal pueblade
Nicaragua y a su ilustrisimoGobiernoparaque, aprovechandolos mediosque nos brindan elsistema
interamericano,la OEA y la bucna voluntadde todos los otros paises hermanos,nos aboquemosa
climinareste innecesarioe injustificadoescollo de ultima hora,y para que procedamosa estrechar
nuestrosvinculosde colaboraci6ny amistad tradicionales. La paz, camo tantas veces se ha dicho
recordandoa BenitoJuiirez,radicaen el respetoal derechoajeno. Nosotrosno reclamamosni mâsni
menas que un derechode viejadata, por lo demàs reconocidointemacionalmentepor un tratado,un
lauda y unasemenciade la CorteCentroamericanade Justicia,asi camo por los propiosactas de los
Gobiernosde Nicaraguadurante muchasdécadas.
Nosotrostenemos hoy infinicosproblemasque resolver,de los cualesla inmigraci6nilegal,el
contrabandofiscal, el transita de armasy el narcotraficono son los menas. Estamosconscientesde
que solo podremos resolverlosavanzandojunto con nuestros pa!ses hermanos, y en especial con1
!
- 2{).
Nicaragua, t:n un ambiente de franca colabomciimy fratcrnidadde paz y democracîa. Por cso nn
debe haber la menor duda de que esta es la hora del dialogo, del incrementa de lBconfiam.:ay del
respcto u las nonnas vigcntesdel derecho intemacionalque rigen nucstras relaciones. Es elmomento
d<!la pazy laconcordia,nodel conflictoode agresi6node la intemperanciaverbalo politica.
l'or eso, al cobijamos bajo el sistema interamericano la hacemos convencidos de que al
buscar la pay reclamar el respeto a Jasnormasdel derecho intemacionalque rigenel callsolo
defendemos nuestros legitimas y probados intereses nacionales, sino que ayudamos nuevamentc a
fbt1aleŒrla pnz, lademocraciay el progresoen toda la region.
Senor Presidente,sei'ioyasei\ores,en muchas oportunidades,comlesocurrea otros paiSI!S
lhmterizos,Costa Ricay Nicaragua han tenido discrepancia.s. Sin embargo, en Iodas esas ocasîones
larazony cl derecho prevale:cicron. todasesas ocasiones,los dos paises llegaala conclusion
de {jUCera mas lo que los unia que loque los separaba; que siempre era posibleel abrazo fraternal;
que nuestra li"ontem,mâsque una linea divisoria, debia ser un punta de convergencia donde se
rcunicm el empei'iosinŒro de dos rmebloshennanos porconstruir juntos el parvenir. Hoy, ame
América,Costa Rica vienea instaaNicaraguaa seguirrecorriendojuntas el senderode laarmonia.
En esta Casa de Jas Américu,quisiera reiterar a nuestros het·manosde Nicarayua los
paiscs todosdel 1-lemisferio,locxprcsado p5enorPresidentede Costa Ricaen agosto de 1998:
Costarl"icensesy nîcaragücnses solo podemos desarrollarnos de manera fraterna y
convivir bajo el mismo cielo, buscando juntos soluciones para los vctdaderos problemas
comunes, coma la pobreza, el deteriora del ambiente y la necesidad de mejorar los
intercambios culturales y econômicos entre paîses que enfrentan retutmunda donde
todosdependcmos unosde losotros.
Muchas gracias, sei'iorPresidente.
El PRESIDENTE: The Chair thanks His Excellency,the distinguishcdMinisterof Foreign
Atlàirsof Costa Rica.
As previously rcquested, the Chair now gives the floor to His Excellency Mr. Eduardo
Montcalegrc,Ministerof Foreign Affairsof Nicaragua.
El MINISTRO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORESDENICARAGUA: Muchas gracias.
Scftor Presidente, excclentisimo colega, amigo, senor Ministro de Relaciones Exteyiores
Culto de Costa Rica, sefior Secretario General, sefiOresmiembros del Conscjo Permanente de la
Organi7..acide losl~tad omsericanoo:
Me dirijo a ustedes en ocasi6n de hacer relerencia a la solicitud dirigida al honorableseiïor
l'residenteor Su Excelencia Hemân Castro, Embajador Representante Permanente del ilustrado
Gobierno de la Repùblicade Costa Rica.
l.os reclamas quehoy hace Costa Rica partench:la pretcnsi6nde que tienen total ldeetiad
m1Yegad6npor el rio San Juan. El reclama costarricense que lm dada origen a todo este asun!o
~.:n en lt aorrespondcncîadirigida por el excelemlsimoseiior Ministre de Gohernaciôny l'alicia Annex 229
Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Eduardo Montealegre, Staternent to the
Permanent Council of the Organization of American States, Washington D.C.,
8 March 2000, OEA/Ser.G CP/ACTA 1224/00, 20-26 TRANSLATION
Address by Eduardo Montealegre R., Minister Of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of .Nicaragua, to the Permanent Couneil of the Organization of
American States
8 March 2000
Mr. President
Members of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States
Mr. Secretary General
Minister of Foreign A:ffairsof Costa Rica
1 address you in regard to the request made before the Honourable Mr.
President by His Excellency Hernan Castro, Ambassador Permanent
Representative of the Illustrious Govemment of Costa Rica.
The claims made by Costa Rica today are based on the pretension that
they have total freedom of navigation along the San Juan River. The Costa
Rican claim that has given rise to this entire matter is stated in the
correspondence addressed by His Excellency the Minister of Govemance and
Police of the Republic of Costa Rica to the Minister of Governance of the
Republic ofNîcaragua on July 15, 1998 which, in its pertinent sections, states,
and I quote:
"Mr. Jose Antonio Alvarado, Minister of Govemance, Republic of
Nicaragua.
Dear Sir: In accordance with our telephone conversation held yesterday
in which I inforrned you that our Police Force bad been prevented from
navigating along the San Juan River with their service arms whilst carrying out
food supply and relief of personnel tasks at the border posts on the right bank
of the said river."
As it was stated by the Ambassador of Costa Rica in his letter of the 3rd
of this month, efforts have been made through different mechanisms, the most
noteworthy of which are the exchange of diplomatie notes and different
bilateral or multilateral meetings. Nicaragua, in honour of the historical ties of
friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries andGovemments, has made every effort to cooperate in resolving the alleged need
of the Costa Ricans to supply and relieve their border posts on the right bank
of the San Juan River via the aforementioned river itself, despite the fact that
Costa Rica bas easy access to these areas by land and by numerous airplane
landing strips. Our Govemment bas even offered to guarantee the security of
the Costa Rican Police Force white it is on Nicaraguan territory, and ultimately
authorize - provided authorization is requested - the registration of arms and
that the requirements established by nationallaws and regulations are complied
with. In the same way any of us wishing to travel to their neighbouring country
with a weapon, ît must request authorization and hold a license for carrying
arms as weil as comply with the laws of the country it is visiting.
With regard to the subject of the San Juan River, it is worth recalling
that, according to the Treaty of Limits between Nicaragua and Costa Rica of 15
Aprill858, the San Juan River is a Nicaraguan river, the entire course ofwhich
runs through Nicaraguan territory. The said treaty states, and I quote:
Article VI of the Jerez-Canas Treaty: "The Republic of Nicaragua shall
have exclusively the dominion and sovereign jurisdiction over the
waters of the San Juan River, from its source in the lake to its mouth in
the Atlantic."
In that same instrument the Parties agreed on certain rights for the
Republic of Costa Rica, who wished to be able to use the river to transport its
coffee produce. At that time the Costa Rican econorny depended heavily on its
coffee exports and its transportation along the river avoided the extrernely long
joumey via Tierra del Fuego. Thus the text of Article VI stipulates further on,
and I quete:
"The Republic of Costa Rica shall have the perpetuai right of free
navigation on the said waters, between the said mouth and the point,
three English miles distant from Castille Viejo, said navigation being
for theobjetos de comercio either with Nicaragua or with the interior of
Costa Rica, through the San Carlos river, the Sarapiqui, or any other
way proceeding from the portion of the bank of the San Juan river,
which is hereby declared to belong to Costa Rica."
This means that Nicaragua exercises, without any discussion, full
sovereignty, control and jurisdiction over the entire course of the San Juan
River and that Costa Rica's rights, which Nicaragua has always respected, are
limited to free navigation along a stretch of the river, and only for transporting
objetos de comercio. This specifie provision of the Treaty excludes tourism
and other activities. It is ironie to recall that the situation that motivated the present meeting
is a repetition of the events that occurred over 110years ago. On that occasion
Costa Rica also pretended to have the right for its troops to navigate armed
along the San Juan River. This attempt by Costa Rica to navigate with vessels
of war created a climate of extreme tension in our nations' bilateral relations.
We believed that that old dispute which Costa Rica's present administration is
today rekindling bad been clarified and resolved once and for ali when the
controversy was submitted to the arbitral decision of President Cleveland in
1888.
It is worth noting that on that occasion Nicaragua's rights were
reaffirmed in the Award given by President Cleveland. Said instrument
clarified Costa Rica's rights regarding the San Juan River in accordance with
the Treaty of 1858. In this respect the Award states and I quote:
"The Republic of Costa Rica has not the right of navigation ofthe river
San Juan with vessels ofwar; but she may navigate said river with such
vessels of the Revenue Service as may be related to and connected with
ber enjoyment of the "purposes of commerce" accorded to ber. ..or as
may be necessary to the protection of said enjoyment.
The last time the status of the San Juan River was interpreted by a third party
was on the occasion of the awards given by the engineer Mr.Alexander within
the framework of the Matus-Pacheco Convention, in which the govemments of
Nicaragua and Costa Rica committed themselves to appoint a commission to
trace and mark the boundaries of the dividing line between both Republics.
The engineer arbitrator Mr. Alexander issued five awards aimed at resolving
points of dispute that could have arisen due to the tracing and demarcation of
the dividing line of the two Republics. The engineer Alexander at ali time
reasserted Nicaragua's full sovereignty over the San Juan at ali times. For
example, award No. 3 of March 22, 1898 states that the limit between Costa
Rica and Nicaragua is the bank of the river in the normal state of the waters.
Jn this state, the Award points out literally, "every portion of the river's waters
is under the jurisdiction of Nicaragua."
This constitutes a very valuable staternent in that it categorically and
wholly reasserts the fact that the San Juan Riveris not the border, but the bank;
that is, as we have maintained ali along, it is a dry border since the river
belongs, in its entirety, to Nicaragua. Subsequently, the most important
conclusion in regard to this point is that Nicaragua, as sovereign over the
waters and river bed, has every right to impose measures of control and
regulation over the river, be their nature related to migration, sanitation,
custorns, jurisdiction, security or the protection of resources or ecology. There is a great difference (for the citizens of any country) between
exercising a sovereign right to navigate in the national waters of one's country
and navigating in the jurisdictional waters of another country by virtue of a
right of free transit or navigation. In the first case, transit is regulated by the
laws and regulations of one'sown country and in the second, it is subject to the
laws and regulations of the other country to which the waters it navigates
belong.
The above cannot be understood otherwise. Although it is true that
Costa Rica has the right to free navigation for objetos de comercio, the
instruments that define Nicaragua's rights to the river, as already stated, clearly
stipulate that the dominion and sovereign jurisdiction over that river
correspond exclusively to Nicaragua. What would become of that right if
Costa Rica's security forces could navigate armed and with complete freedom
through our territory?
When President Cleveland's Award was given, certain Costa Rican
circles criticized the fact that the said Award prohibited the navigation of Costa
Rican war vessels on the San Juan. This led the distinguished Costa Rican
statesman, Mr. Ricardo Jimenez de Oreamuno, to write the following in 1888:
"The emphasis article 6 places on the fact that Nicaragua shall have the
dominion and sovereign jurisdictîon over the waters of the river
demonstrates the wish to establish a difference between the rights it was
considered appropriate for Nicaragua and Costa Rica to have in those
waters."
In effect, and if Nicaragua and Costa Rica bad the same rights, then, as
Mr. Ricardo Jimenez rightly states: "What practical effect does the solemn
declaration that "the dominion and sovereign jurisdiction over the waters
belong to Nicaragua" have?" ... "The exception was stipulated, that Costa Rica
would have perpetuai rights of free navigation for the purposes of commerce.
If the exception of vessels of war does not appear in the article the conclusion
is logical: it was not believed Costa Rica had a right to it."
A very logical point emerges from that stated by the Honourable
Statesman of the Republic of Costa Rica: Nicaragua, by virtue of the Jerez
Canas Treaty, granted Costa Rica a right of free navigation for objetos de
comercio, not an unrestricted right. Any navigation undertaken by Costa Rica
in the waters of the San Juan River that does not correspond to the navigation
expressly contemplated in the Jerez - CafiasTreaty and the Cleveland Award in
force in the part of the river established in the international instruments
currently in effect should be expressly authorized by Nicaragua, as the country
possessing full sovereignty over the waters of the said river and, as such, ableto establish aHmanner of regulations that, by virtue of the said sovereignty, it
deems necessary to establish.
Nicaragua has exercised, exercises and shall continue to exercise, ali
the attributes ofher sovereignty without in any way affecting Costa Rica's right
to free navigation in the terrns stipulated in the Jerez Caftas Treaty and the
Cleveland Award.
Mr. President, Members of the Council:
The type of navigation the Govemment of the Republic of Costa Rica
pretends today is of a nature that is not contemplated in the documents I have
referred to. In fact, the problem brought before you today is a problem that first
appeared when the present Govemrnent of Costa Rica began its term in office
in 1998. There had been sorne differences of opinion prior to this in regard to
whether Costa Rica had the right to navigate freely with vessels transporting
tourists along the part of the San Juan where they have freedom of navigation
for objetos de comercio, and it was accepted that the Treaty of 1858 did not
contemplate this possibility. It is ironie that today, 110 years after the same was
true of vessels of war, the Govemment of a country that prides itself on not
having arrned forces should cali us before this forum in the hope that its
security officers be allowed to use arrns whilst navigating a Nicaraguan river.
Mr. President, the Law and practice between Nations bas shown us that
the rights of navigation or transit which nations grant in bilateral or multilateral
treaties due to reciprocity or special circumstances related to vicinity, with a
view to facilitating commerce and maritime or river transit, do not entai! extra
territorial rights and, therefore, ali vessels and their crews are subject to the
jurisdiction that prevails in the territory they are travelling through. The same
is tme ofland transit, trains, buses, private vehicles and their passengers are ali
subject to the laws and courts ofthe countries they travet through, even if they
are doing so under the protection of a right of transit established in a treaty.
In light of the above, my Govemment considers that the need of the
Costa Rican Police Force to navigate with their service arms is subject to the
internai jurisdiction of the Republic of Nicaragua and thus the Costa Rican
request is unfounded in accordance withArticle V of the Pact ofBogota, which,
in its opening paragraphs states: "The aforesaid procedures may not be applied
to matters which, by their nature, are within the domestic jurisdiction of the
State.." Nonetheless, in the interests of the cooperation ali nations of the world
should extend to each other, in particular two friendly, sister and neighbouring
countries, my Govemrnent is willing to continue with the frank and open talks
that Nicaragua and Costa Rica have held to date. In ali other respects, it should be pointed out that these talks we have
been holding with Costa Rica have not been limited to the matter of navigation
on the San Juan. A rather more important issue, to which it bas not been
possible to find a solution, bas been under discussion for a number of years
now. This issue, which is of the utmost importance to Nicaragua, and there is
little doubt in our minds that ît is also of great importance to the international
community, is the issue of the huge amount of pollution that is being created
by the banana plantations and other Costa Rican companies in the waters of the
San Juan and even in the waters of the Great Lake of Nicaragua. It is, quite
frankly, ironie that the Govemrnent of a country that prides itself on the
protection it provides for the environment and prides itself for not possessing
an arrny,does not take even the most basic measures to prevent the destruction
of an ecological resource that is so essential to our planet, and that its only
concem is to attempt to obtain a right that does not correspond to it, to transit
armed freely on a part of the Nicaraguan territory.
This issue of the protection of the environment in the border zone
between Nicaragua and Costa Rica is not being brought under discussion in
order to obscure another more important and more pressing problem that is
making relations between our countries deteriorate. On the contrary, 1believe
that in this day and age any citizen from any part of the world would find it
inexplicable tbat a forum as important as this should be more concemed with
deciding if a country's armed forces can move around another country's
territory than with the issue of protecting our planet.
On the other band, the topic is not a new one. Nicaragua has, for
severa}years now, been stressing the need to reach an agreement that regulates
this matter since Costa Rica's industrial and agricultural development has been
consistently damaging the border zone's ecological system, particularly in the
River San Juan. It was precisely the Organization of American States that, in
1997, sponsored a proposed Treaty to regulate the said matter. As of that date,
the draft Treaty, drawn up by a jurist from Nicaragua and another from Costa
Rica, was submitted for consideration to the Govemment of Costa Rica.
However, the only action taken by the present Govemment of Costa Rica in
relation to the San Juan has been its pretension to transit armed in that part of
the Nicaraguan territory.
Although this presentation is of a general character, given that
Nicaragua reserves the right to submit in written form and more extensively its
legal observations regarding the request made by Costa Rica, we do, as of now,
reject the legal basis upon which Costa Rica establishes its action against
Nicaragua in the following terms;
I. Costa Rica cites the lnter-Arnerican Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance to
back up its request. This instrument has not the !east application in this casegiven that the dispute does not arise as a result of an act of aggression on the
part of Nicaragua but rather from a difference in interpretation of the
instruments regulating the relations between both nations.
Without alluding to the past, it suffices to read the latest news and
statements made by Costa Rican officiais to comprehend that there is no
situation whatsoever that may endanger the existing peace between the two
nations. l believe that, apart from a few statements made by the Nicaraguan
authorities that Costa Rica bas specifically chosen and quoted out of context,
and which, moreover, were made many months ago, there are no reports in the
newspapers that indicate any situation jeopardizing peace in the continent. I
should point out, in relation to these statements made by Nicaraguan
personalities, that we could also appear before this forum quoting statements
made by Costa Rican officiais that could be considered diplomatically out of
place. The truth is that the situation is not of aggression from either side that
may endanger peace. The Costa Rican Minister of Security, Mr. Rogelio
Ramos, stated, on the third of the current month, that the area bordering the
river is (and 1quote) "absolutely normal." He added (and I quote) that "What
we do have is a dispute regarding an aspect of navigation on the San Juan
River. We are not mobilizing additional police there, nor are the Nicaraguans,
and we hope that, with the help of the OAS, we may resolve the conflict."
These statements were compiled by the EFE Press Agency and were published
in the OAS News Bulletin the day before yesterday, Monday the 6th of the
current month.
2. Costa Rica also invokes the American Treaty on Pacifie Settlement in
support of ber request. In regard to this Treaty we have already mentioned that
the dispute dividing both parties is one which, by its very nature, pertains to the
jurisdictionof the Nicaraguan State and is not, therefore, contemplated in the
procedures of the Pact of Bogota in accordance with Article V of the same. To
assume that the question of armed navigation by Costa Rican authorities on a
river whose "dominion and sovereign jurisdiction" correspond to Nicaragua is
not an issue that should be submitted to the internai jurisdiction of Nicaragua
is to undermine that very dominion and sovereign jurisdiction and reduce it to
a joint ownership that is not contemplated in the instruments regulating the
matter. Furthermore, article VJ of the Pact of Bogota literally states (quote)
"nor could the said procedures be applied to matters already settled
by ... arbitration, or by an international court ruling, or regulated by agreement
or treaties in force at the time of the signing of this Pact." The Pact of Bogota
dates from 1948, the Jerez - Caiias Treaty dates back to 1858 and the President
Cleveland arbitration Award dates back to 1888.
3. In regard to the OAS Charter itself and the mandate of the Permanent
Council, allow me to point out the following. The matter presented by Costa1010
Rica is evidently one of legal interpretation and not one that can be resolved by
researching the facts related to the controversy. The situation in situ is as clear
as was described by the Costa Rican Minister of Security's in the statement
quoted above.
Nicaragua reiterates its position and its willingness to continue holding
bilateral talks and negotiations with Costa Rica regarding ali the issues on their
bilateral agenda. Should these bilateral talks be interrupted by the opening up
of a mechanism for solution other than that of negotiation, in such case
Nicaragua shall request the Permanent Council be informed of the serious
damage suffered by the San Juan River by Costa Rica. A situation that warrants
an inspection carried out by experts to determine where the pollutants are
coming from and what the solution to the problem should be.
Mr. President, Members of the Permanent Council, in conclusion, 1
would like to reassert Nicaragua's strict adherence to International Law before
this Honourable Council and, in this particular case, to the international
instruments that establish the legal status of the San Juan River as wett as the
fact that you may rest assured that the Republic of Nicaragua respects and shall
continue to respect the rights she granted Costa Rica in the Treaty ofLimits of
1858, and that there is currently no externat aggression, or situation or act of
hostility that justifies the request made by Costa Rica before this forum. CONSEJO PERMANENTE
OEA/Ser.G
CP/ACTA 1224/00
8marzo2000
ACTA
DELA SESIONORDINARIA
CELEBRADA
EL8 DEMARZODE 2000
Aprobada en la sesi6n del 18 de mayo de 2000 -20-
Nicaragua,en un ambientede francs colaboraciény fratemidad depaz y democracia. Por eso no
debe haber la menorduda deque esta es la horadel diâfogo,del incrementade la confianzay del
respetoa lasnonnasvigentesdel derecho intemacionalque rigennuestrasrelaciones. Eselmomento
de lapazy la conoordia,nodelconflietoo deagresi6no de laintemperanciaverbalo polftica.
Por eso. alcobijamos bajo el sistema intenunericanoJo haeemos convencidosde que al
buscarlapazy reclamarel respetoa las nonnas del dereehointemacionalque rigenel caso,nosolo
defendernosnuestroslegitimos y probadosinreresesnationales.,sino que ayudamos nuewmente a
fortaleŒrlapaz.lademocraciay el progresoenIOdalaregi6n.
SeftorPresidenteseftorasysenores.,en muchasoportunidade somolesocurrea otro:spafses
fronterizoCosta Ricay Nicaraguahan tenklodiscrepancias..Sin embargo,entodas esasocasiones
laraz6ny el derechoprevalecieron. Entodasesasocasiones,losdospafsesllegarona lacondusi6n
de que era mésJoque los unlaque Joque losseparaba;quesiempreera posible elabrazofratemal;
que nueslra frontera,mas que una linea divisoria,debfa ser un punto de convergenciadomlese
reunierael empeno sincero de dos pueblos hermanos por constnrijuntos eJparvenir. Hoy, ante
AméricaC , ostaRicavienea instara Nicaraguaa seguirrecorriendojuntaSel senderode laarmonia.
En esta Casa de las América,quisierareiterara nuestroshermanosde Nicaragua y a los
palsestodos delHemisferio,Joexpresadoporel sel'lorPresidentede CostaRicaen agostode 1998;
CostarricerGeSy nicaragüensessolo podemos dewrollamos de manera fratema y
convivirbajo el mismocielo, buscando juntos solucionespara los verdaderosptoblemas
comunes. como la pobreza. el delerioro del amj)ientey la necesidad de mejorar los
intercambiosculturalesy eoonômicos entrepalses que enfrentanretos en un mundodonde
todosdependemos unosde losotros.
Muchasgracias,sef'lorPresidente.
El PRESIDENTE: The Chair thanks His Excellency,the distinguishedMinisterof Foreign
Affairsof Costa Rica.
As previously requested,the Chair now gives the floor to His ExcellencyMr. Eduardo
Montealegre,Ministerof ForeignAfl'airsnfNicaragua.
El MJNISTRODERELACIONESEXTERlORESDENICARAGUA: Muchasgracias.
SeftorPresidente,excelentisrmo oolega,amigo. sei"'orMinislrode RelaeionesE:<teriorey
Culto de Costa Rica. sei\or Secretario General,seftoresmiemorosdel Consejo Permanentede la
OrganizaçiéndelosEs1adoA smericanos:
Me dirijoa ustedesen ocasi6nde hacerreferenciaa la solicituddirigidaal honorablescftot
Presidentepor Su ExcelenciaHeman Castro, EmbajadorRepresentantePermanentedel ilustrado
Gobiemode la Repùblicade CostaRica.
Los reclamosque hoy haceCosta Ricapartendelapretensiondeque tienentotallibertadde
navegacionpor el rio San Juan. El reclamocostarricenseque ha dado origen a todo este asunto
constaen la OOJ"TCSponded nrigidaporel excelentlsimoseilorMinislrode Gobernaci6n y Poliefa ·21·
de la Republicde CostaRicaal seiiorMinistrode Gobemaeionde la Repûblicade Nicaraguael dia
15dejuJio de 1998,que en sus panespertinentesdice:
SenorJosé Antonio Alvarado
MinistrodeGobernaciôn
Rep(Jblicde Nicaragua
Estimado seftor:
De acuerooa nuestmconversaci6ntelef6nicadeldiade ayer,en lacualle informéque
se habfaimpedidola navegaci6n por el rio SanJuande nuestrafuerzapi1blicaportandosus
armasde reglamento,en accionesde abastecimientode alimentaci6n y relevode los puestos
ubicadosen larnargenderechadedicho riO.
Camoafinna el seftorEmbajadorde CostaRicaensucartadeldia 3 deloscorrientes,se han
reali:t.adoesfuerzosa travésde diferentesmecanismos,entre los que se destacancl intercamdeo
notas diplomâtîcay diferentesencuentros bilateraleso multilaterales. Nicaragua,en aras de las
hist6ricasrelacionesde amistad y cooperaci6nque existenentreambospueblos y Gobiemos,ha
puesto sus mejores esfuerzos en cooperar para solucionar la presuntanccesidadcostarricensede
abastccery relevarpar mediadel S11nJuansus puestosubicadosen lamargenderechadel rio,a pesar
de que en esaszonas Costa Ricatiene facilaccesoportierray por numerosaspistasde aterr ie7~1je
aviones.
Esta situ<Jcise produjocuandoautoridadesde Costa Ricaintentaronnavegararmadas,sin
solicitar la autorizaciôn que normalmentesolicilaban. Las autoridades nicaragUensesse vieron
obligadasa impedirlesel ingresoen clichasâreas. A partir de ese momento,nuestroGobiemoha
llegadoincluso a ofrecer garantfaspara la seguridadde la fuerzapüblicacostarricensemicntrasse
encuentreen terriLorionicaraguense,y eventualmenteautorizar,siemprey cuandolesea solicitadala
autorizaci6n, que se registren las a1mas y se cumpla con los requisitos de ley y reglamentos
nacionalesexisten!es,de la mismamaneraque si cualquîerade nosotrosdeseaviajara su veciltpais
con un anna, tiencque solicitarautorizaci6ny llevarun pennisode portaci6ny sujetarsea las leyes
del palsquevisite.
En Joque hace al tema del rio San Juan,es convenienlerecordar,como deda mi colega y
amigo.que de confonnidadcon el Traladode LimitesentreNicaragua y Costa Rica,del 15de abri!
de 1858, el rio San Juan es lm rfa nicaragüensey que corre, en toda su e>:tensi6n,por terrîtorio
nicarngüensc. Dicho Tratado dispone en su articule 6": "La Repub!ica de Nicaragua tendra
exclusivamenteel dominic ysumo imperiosobreJasaguasdel rfaSanJuan,desdcsu salidadel Lago
hastasu desembocaduraen el At!imtico".
Enese mismoinstrumenta,JasPartesacordaronalgunosderechosparala Repùblicade Costa
Rica,quedeseabapoderutilizarcl rfo parad transportedesu producci6nde cafê.Enaquella épo~a.
laeconomiade Costa Ricadependraen granmedidade sosexportacionesde café y su transportepor
el rioevitabaellarguisimoviajeporlaTierradel Fuego. Poreso,el texlodelartlculo6"disponemas
adelante: ,,.la Repub!icade CosŒ.Ricatendraen dichasaguas los derechŒpeq>etuosde libre
navegacion,desde la expresadadesembocadurahastatres millas inglesasantesde llegaral
CastilleViejo,conobjetosde comercio,ya sea conNicaraguao al interiordeCosta Rica,por
losl'fosSanCarlos o Sarapiqui;o cualquieraotravia precedentede lnpartequeen la ribera
delSanJuanse establecccorrespondera esta Republica.
bto qu&eredecir qw: Nicarnguaejerce, sin disct.ISÎOnlguna, plena soberania,control y
jurisdicciimsobre el rio SanJuan en todasu extensiynlos derechosde Costa Rica,que Nicaragua
siemprc ha respetndo,se limitana la libre navegaciônen un lrechodd rio y 6nicamenteparael
transpurtede objctosde comercio. Estadisposici6nexpresadel Tratadoexcluyccl turismoy otras
actividadcs.
Es ir6nicorccon:l.que la situaci6nque motivala presc111reeuniones una rcpetici6nde lo
ocurrido hace mas de cieJliOdiez rums. En nquellaocasi6n,Costa Rica tambiênpretettdiatcner
dercchodeque sus tropaspud.ierannavegaramadasporel rfaSanJuan. Estapretensioncostarricense
de navegaci6ncon buques de guem llcvo a crear un elima degran tensi6n en las relacioncs
bilateralesde nuestranaciones.Cref1unosque aquella viejadisputaque hoy la actualadministraci6n
de Costa Ricase planteunuevamcntehabiasido definitivamenteadarada y solucionadacuandosc
someti6cl ditèrendoal dictamenarbitralde!PresidenteClevelanden 1888.
Csimponantedestacarqueen aquellaocasiônlosdcrcchosde Nicaraguafueronreatim1ados
en cl Lauda dictado por cll'residenteCleveland. Dichoinstrumentaaclar6 losderechosque Costa
Rica teniaen el rio San Jwm, de confonnidadcon el Tratado de 1858. Como dijo cl Cancillcr
costarriccnse,el Laudeal respectadice: "No tienedcrc:claRepublicadeCosta Rica denavegaren
el rio SanJuancon buquesde guerm; pero puedenavegaren dichorio con buq1.1cdse serviciofiscal
rclacîonadosy conexionadoscon el goce delos objetos de comcrcioque le esulacordado... y que
sean neccsariosparala protecci6nde dichogoŒ".
La ùltimaocasi6nen que la situnci6ndel rio SJuan fue intcrpretadpur un tercertùcen
ocasi6nde los laudosdictadosparel ingeniemAlexanderdentrodel marcode laConvencionMatus
l'achcco,por mediade lacual los Gobiemosde Nicaraguay CostnRicasc qbligarona nombraruna
comisi6nconel objetode trazar y amojonardebidnmentelnli11ea divisoriaentrelasdos Rcpiiblicas.
El ingenieralirbitro,SC11orlex.ander,emiti6cinco laudosdirigidoa resolvcrpuntosde dlferencia
que se pudiesen haber suscitado en cl trazado y demarcaci6nde la linea divlsoriade lasdos
Rcpublicas. Entodo memento el ingenieroAlcx-anàerreafinno la plenasobernniade Nicaraguasobre
cl rioSan Juan. P& ejemplo.en el LaudanUmero3. del 22 de mnr:rode 1898,sccstablcccqueel
limilcentreCosta Ricay Nicaraguaes lamargendel rioeo el estadoordinariode las aguas. Eneste
cstado. sefialllllitcralmcnteel Lauda, "toda porciônde las aguas del rio esta en jurisdicciônde
Nicaragua".
l:"..oonstituycuna nfirmaci6nde gran v11!0Ol'cunntosc reatirmn,de mancmcotcg6rica y
absoluta, que cl rfo San Jua11no es la fronterasino la margen. Es decir, como hcmoo ve~1ido
sostcnîcndo,se trata de una frontescca, ya que el rio pene11cccinh:gmmentea Nicaragua. Por
consiguiente,lnconclusi6nmâs importantesobreeste puntae.qqueNicaragua,comasoberana que e-.
sobrelasagua y lechadeJrlo, ticnetodod derechodeimponermedidasde controly reglamcntncion
sobre elrio, scanestasde carâcter migratorio,sanitar,duanal,jurisdiccionales,d~l:lii u d"Îdad
protccciimde losretursos y laccologia. 1015
·D-
Existe una gran difcrencia.para los ciudadanosde cualquier pals, entre hacer uso de un
derecho soberano de navegar en las aguas nacionalesde su patria, que navegar en las aguas
jurisdiceionalesdotro pals en virtud de un dere<:hode libretrânsitoo navegaci6n. En el primer
caso,su trânsitoestara regulado por las leyesy losreglamentosde su propiopaisy en el segundo
quedasujetoa respetarlas leyey las reglamentaciondelotro paisa quienperteneŒnlasaguaspor
dondetransita.
Loanteriorno puede entendersde Otr aorma SibienesciertoqueCostaRica tienederecho
a librenavegaci6ncon objetosde oomercio,los instrumentasque definenld~hos de Nicaragua
en el rio SanJuan,tai comohemosdicho,claramentedisponenque el dominicy sumoimperiasobre
ese rio correspondenexc\usivamentea Nicaragua. t.En quéquedarfaese derechosilasruenas de
seguridadde CostaRicapudiesennavegararmadas yen toda libertpot nuestroterritorio?
Cuandose dict6 el Laudadel PresidenteCleveland,ciertosclrculoscostarricensescriticaron
el hecho de que dicho Laude prohibiesela navegaci6npar el San Juan con buques de guerra
costanicenses. Esta llev6al ilustreestadistaoostarriŒnsedon RicardoJiménezOreamunoa escribir
en 1888lo siguiente: "El énfasiscon que el articula6tratadooonsignaque Nicaraguatendrael
dominioy sumoimperia sobre laaguasdel rio manifiestaque se quisoestablecerdiferencialosre
derechosqueNicaragua yCostaRicase convenlawvieranen aquellasaguas". 1
Enefecto, y silosderedlosde Nicaraguay CostaRica f~,~ ltsmeinmos.,entonŒs.,coma
bien Joexpresadon RicardoJiménez: "(.Quêefectoprâcticotiene la solemnedecfaracideque el
dominicy sumo imperiasobre las aguascoiTCSpondaeNicaragua?.., La salvedadse estipu16,que
CostaRicatendrladerechosperpetuasde librenavegaci6nconobjetos·de comen::io.Si noapareceen
cl aniculo lasalvedadde navesde guerra,la inferenciaes 16gica;nose crey6que CostaRicatuviera
derechoa ello".
De lo expresadopor el ilustreestadistade laRepublicade Costa ~idesprendealgomuy
16gico: Nicaraguaconcedi6 a Casa Rica, en virtuddel Tratado Jerez..Cailas,un deredeolibre
navegacioncon objetosde comen;io,no underechoitrestricto. Cualquiernavegaci6nqueCostaRica
cfectueen lasaguasdel rioSan Juanque nocorrespondaa la navegacioncontempladaexpresamentc
en el Tralado Jerez-Canasy el Lauda Clevelandvigente en la parte del rio establecidaen los
instrumentasintemacionalesvigentes,debe serautorizadaexpresameritepor Nicaragua,coma paisen
el cualrecaela soberanlaplenasobrelaaguas dedichorio, pudiendoentoncesestablecertodatipo
de regulacionesqueen virtudde dichasoberaniarequiemestablecer.
Nicaraguaha ejercido,ejercey seguirâ ejerciendo,coma lo decia el Cam:iller,todos los
atributosde su soberania,sin menoscaboalgunoal derechodeCostaRicade librenavegacionen los
lénninosestipuladoen elTratadoJerez,.Cafts el LaudoCleveland.
Seiior Presidente,seflores miembros del Conseja, la navegaci6n hoy pretendida por el
Oobiemode la Repilblicade Costa Ricaes de un tlponocontemplado en losdocumentasa que he
heeho referencia. De hecho. elproblema que hoy ha venido a plantearse ante vosotros es un
problernaque par primeravezsepresentacuandoelactualOobiernode Costa Ricaasumeel podcren
1998. Anterionnentese habfandadoalgunasdiferenciasdecriteriasobresiCostaRicateniaderecho
a navegarlibrementecon buquesrransportandoturistaspor lapartedel SanJuanen quetienelibcnad
de navegaci6ncon objetosdecomercio y se habiaaceptadoque el Tratadde 18S8no cŒtemplaba
esa posibilidad. Resultahoy parud6jicoque. igualque haŒcientodiez aiJo fuepara buquesde -24-
guerra,el Gobiemo de un paisquese pretia de notenerfuerzasarmadasvengaa traemosa este foro
parapretenderquesusoficiales deseguridadpuedan circulararmadasporun rionicaragOense.
Senor PresidenteeJderecho y la précticaentnacio nn~s ha rnostradoque losdcrcchosde
navegadono lrânsitn,que por reciprocidado porcircunstanciasespecialesde vecindadconcedenlas
naciones en tratados bilateraleso muhilatenllescon el fide fadlîtar el comercio y el trânsito
rnaritirnoo fluvial,no conllevanderechosde extraterritoriay, por consiguiente,toda nayesu
tripulaci6nquedarâsometidaa la jurisdicci6ndominantedel territorioporel que transite. Lo mismo
ocurrecon el tninsitoterrestre,trenes,buses,vehiculasparticularesy sus tripulantes,todosquedarân
sujetosa las leyesy tribunalesde los paisespor dondetransiten,aunqueJohagan al amparode un
dcrechodetrânsitoestab!eddoen algimtratado.
Por lo antes expue:s., i Gobierrwconsideraque la necesidadde circulaci6nde la fuerza
pûblicacostarricensecon sus armas de reglamentoqueda sometidaa la jurisdicci6ninternade la
Reptiblicade Nicaragua. Porende, la solicitudcostarrioensecareŒde fundamentode confonnidad
concl articulaVdel Pactode Bogotâ,que ensu parteinicialdiŒ:"Dichos procedimientosno podl'ân
aplicarsea las materiasque porsu esenciasonde lajurisdicciôninternadel Estado". Sinembargo,en
aras de la cooperaci6nque debemos prestamoslas nacionesdel orbe, particulannentedos pafses
amigos,hermanosy vecinos,mi Gobiemoestâ dispuestoa continuarel diâlogofrancoy abienoque
hasta hoyNicaraguay Costa Ricahemosmamenido.
Porlodemâs,es necesariodestacarqueeste dialogoquehemos venidososteniendocon Costa
Ricano se ha limitadoa los ternasdenavegaci6npor el San Juan. Se ha venidodiscutienrlodesde
hace algunos ai\os un tema bastante mâs importante, sin quhastael momentosc haya logrado
encontrarlealgunasoluciôn. Este tematan importantepar~icara gunoa,udamosque tambiénes
de gran importanciaparala comunidadintemacional,es eJtemade laenonne contaminaciônque las
bananerasy otrasempresascostarricenseshanvenidohaciendaen lasaguasdel SanJuane indusoen
lasaguasdel OranLagodeNicaragua. Francamenteresulta ironicoqueelGobiemode un paisquese
preciade la protecciônque brindaa la naturalezay quese preciade notenerejércitono tomelamâs
minima medida para impedir la destrucci6nde un recursoeool6gicotan importantepara nuestra
tierra,y se preocupeûnicamentede llatade obtenerun derechoque no le corresponde,de c:ircular
armadosen plenalibertadporla partedel territorionicaragüense.
Este lemade la protecci6ndel medioambienteen lazona fronterizaentreNicaraguay Costa
Ricanose estatrayendoa discusi6nparaoscureceralgûnproblemamâs importantey mâsapremiantc
que pueda estar perturbandolas relacionesentre nuestrasnaciones. Por el contrario.creo que en
nuestrosdias seria inexplicableparacualquierciudadanodel mundoel que se diga que un forode la
relevanciadel presentese ocupaen determinarsi un paispuedecircularcon sus fuerzasnrmadaspor
cl territoriode otroy no seocupedel temade la protecci6nde nuestratierra.
Por otro lado, el asunto no es nuevo. Desde hace varios anos Nicaragua ha venido
sosteniendola nccesidad de suscribiralgtin acuerdo que regule esta matcria,ya que el dcsarrollo
industriayagropecuarioen Costa Ricaha venidodanando el sistemaccol6gicoen lazonafronterWl,
particularmenteen el rioSanJuan. Prccisamentela Organizaci6nde los EstadosAmericanosen 1997
patrocin6la elaboraci6nde un proyectode Tratado que regularadîchamateria. Este proycctode
Tratado,elaboradopor unjurista nicaragUensey otro costarricense,sometido a la considemciôn
del Gobicmode Costa Rica desdeaquellafecha. Sinembargo,la (micaaccî6nque el Gobiemode CostaRica ha tomadoen relaci6neon el rfa SanJuan es latendientea hacervalersu prerensioode
circulararmadaspor esapartedel territorionicaragUense.
Sibienlapresenteexposici6nes decarâctergeneral,ya queNicaraguase reservaelderechoa
presentapor escritoy de formam6sampliasus observacionesjurfdicasa la solicitudformuladapor
CostaRica,desdeahora refutamoslos fundamentosjurfdicosen que Costa Rica sustentasu acci6n
contraNicaragua .n lossiguientestérminos:
1. lnvoŒCostaRicaelTratadoInteramericanode Asistenda Re<:iproca en respaldodesu
solicitud.Este instrumentano tiene la milsminimaaplicad6n en e1presentecaso. puestoque el
diferendono surgede un acto deagresi6nde partede Nicaraguasinode unadiferenteinterpretaci6n
de losinstrumentasque rigenlasrelacionesentreambasnaciones.
Sin remontamos alpasado.basta con leer lasmâs recientesnoticiasy declaracionesde loo
funcionarioscostarricenses para comprender que no existe 3tuaci6nalguna que pueda paneren
p:eligrolapaz entre ambas naciones. Croo que. aparte de algunas declaracionesde autoridadcs
nicaragllenses,especialmenteescogidasporCostaRica y presentadasfuerade contextoy que ademas
da1ande muchas meses atrâs, no existen noticiasen los perl6dicosque indiquenque haya una
situaciônque pongaen peligrola pazcontinental. Debodeeiren relaci6ncon esas declamcionesde
personalidadesnicaragüensesque tambiénpodriamosnosotrosvenira este foro citandootrastantas
declaraciones de funcionarios costarricensesque pudieranser consideradas comofuem de tano
diplomâtico.La verdades que lasituaci6nnoes de agresi6npor uno uotroladodeformaque pueda
verseen pdigm lapaz. El Ministrode Seguridadcostarricense,don Rogelio Ramas s.i\316el 3 de
marzode este afique lasiwacion fronteriz.onel rioes "absolutamenlenonnal". Agreg6: "Loque
tenemoses una disputa sobre un aspecta de la navegaci6ndel rioSan Juan. Nosotrosno estamos
moviendopoliclaadicional ahl, los nicaragOensetampoco ,y esperamosque por mediode la OEA
podamosresolverel conflicto". Estasdectaracionesfueronrecogidaspor la Agencia EFE y fueron
publicadasen el Bolednde Noticiasde laOEAeldiade anteayer,lunes6 de loscorrientes.
2 TambiéninvocaCostaRicaelTraladoAmericanode SolucionesPacificasen respaldo
de su solicitud. En relaci6ncon este Tratado,yahemos adelantadoque el diferendoque separaa
ambasparteses unoque, par su propiaesencia, es delajurisdieci6ndel Estadonicaragüense y,por
tante, se escapaa los procedimientoscontempladosen el Pactode Bogotâ,de confonnidadcon el
articulaV del mismo. Pretenderque lo relativea la navegaci6narmadaporlas autoridadesdeCosta
Rica ~r un riocuyodominicy sumoimperialecorrespondena Nicaraguanosea unasuntoquedeba
estarsometidoa lajurisdicci6n interna deNicaraguaseria desvirtuarprecisamenteese dominic y
sumoimperia y reducirloa uncondominionocontempladopor losinstrumentasque rigen la materia.
Ademâs,el articule VI del Pacto de Bogotâdice literalmente: "Tampoco podrtn aplicarsedichos
procedimientosa los asuntos ya resuellos... por laudo arbitral, opor sentencia de un tribunal
international,o que se hallen regidosporacuerdoso tratadosen vigenciaen lafechade lacelebration
delpresente Pacto". El Pactode Bogota,comoustedessaben,es de 1948;el TratadoJer-etCanases
de185&y . elLaudo arbitraldel PresidenteClevelandesde 1888.
3. En relaci6ncon la propiaCartade la OEA y el mandatodelConsejoPermanente,me
permito sei'lalar1osiguiente. El asunto presentadopor Costa Rica es uno a.todas luces de
interpretaciônjuridicy no uno que puedaser resuelto por rnediode investigaci6nde los hechos
relacionadoscon lacontroversja.l.a situaci6sobreel terrenes tan clara comolodescribeel seflor
MinistrodeSeguridady Polieiade Costa Ricaen lz paJabrasantescitadas. -26-
Senor Presidente N.icaragua reitemsu posici6n y apertura paracontinuar dialogando y
negociandobilateralmenteoon Costa R.icaen10m0 a los ternasque tienen su agendabilateral.Si
este diâlogobilateralresultaintenumpidpor laaperturadealgûnmecanismede solucionqueno sea
la negociaci6n,en tai caso Nicaragua solicitaria al Consejo Permanente cono~ de la grave
deslrucciônque sufre el rio San Juan de Nicaragua por parte de CoslaRica, situnciônque si
ameritarla una inspecci6n de parte de los peritos.que detenninen de d6nde provienen los
contaminantesy cuâldeba ser lasoluciônparaelproblema.
SeftorPresidente,sel'loresmiembrŒdel ConsejoPermanente, p8f8 concluirdeseo reiterara
estehonorableConsejoel estrictoapegode Nicamguaal derechointemadonal. y en el presentecaso
a los iMtrumentosintemacionales·queestableŒnla situaci6n juridicdel rioSan Juan. Tcnganla
seguridadde que la Repûblicade Nicaraguarespeta y respetari los derechosque le otorga Costa
Rica por media del Tmtado de Umites de 1858 y de que actualmenteno existe ringunaagresi6n
exteriornisituaci6nniactodehostilidadquejustifiquelasolicitudhechaporCostaRicaeneste foro.
Muchasgracias.
El PRESIDENTE: TheChair dlariksHis Exoe!Jency ,he distinguishedMinisterof Foreign
Affairsof Nkaragua, forhisintervention.The ChairI'CCOgniz teesdistinguishedRepresentativeof
Colombia. ·
El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE COLOMBIA: Muchas gracias, seiior
Presidente.
Quiero referinne al tema que esta sobre la Mesa en estos mementosy sobre el cual han
intervenido,·con profundidad y con mucha inteligencia,los sel'loreMinistros de Relacîones
Exterioresde Costa Rica y de Nicaragua.Considerade la mayor imponancia esasimervenciones.
porquele dan claridada esteConsejosobrelos hechosque sehan sucedidoen el rioSanJuany que
sonobjetode estacontroversia
Creoque lados 1enemosque abonarla serenidady el respetocon que se ha tratadoc1tema
porpartede losseftoresMinistros. Esaes unaganmtiadec6mofirullmentese resolverâesteasunro.
En mi condiciônde coordinadordel grupoALADI.quierohactt una brevisimaintervenciôn
luego de haber consultadocon los sei'ioresEmbajadoresy Represen~ de sospalsesdel grupo
ALADI-en este Consejo Pennanente, despuês de haberconocido la nota enviada por la Misiôn
Permanentede CostaRica,firmadaporeldistinguidoEmbajadorHemân Castro, yde haberestudiado
tambiénel comunicado de la Republica de Nicaragua,y ahora confirmados tambiénpor las
intervencionesmuyclaras y muy precisasde lossenoresCancilleres. Conslderamosque el mejorde
los mecanismospara resolverestos hechos yestascontroversiases el mantenlmientode un diâlogo
directebilateralentrelos paispara que,despuésde hacerunnuevoesfuerzo,ellos puedan presentar
una soluci6napropiaday que podamosnosotros!odosverificarque hay ese deseo de arnglar Jas
casas directamentesinque sea neŒsariollegara adoptarotrosprocedimientoscornolosqueeontiene
la Carta delOEA, entreotros.
Porlo tanto,en oombredelos paisesdel grupoALADI.bacemosunllamamientoparaquese
reabra un diâlogo directe entre las partes, antde bustar tm mecanisme direrenle, y que sea Annex 230
Costa Rica, Law of Creation of the National Coastguard Service Law
No. 8000, 5 May 2000, Article 2
Source: Diario Oficial La Gaceta No. 99, Alcance No. 34.
(San José:lmprenta Nacional, 24 May 2000), 1 TRANSLATION
Law of Creation of the National Coastguard Service, Law No. 8000, 5
May 2000
Article 2
"The responsibilities of the [National Coastguard] Service are:
(..)
g) To collaborate with the administrative and judicial authorities in charge
of protecting the natural resources, fighting against the illicit traffic. of drugs
and related activities, as weil as against the illegal immigration, the arms traffic
and other illicit activities."·AI eance l"i" \.iaceta ~v
La
'·•
DIARIO OFICIAL
AlilOCXXII La Urut., SID José. CM!& onién:olrsl4moro dd 2000 4 PJigioo•
Ankula 6;.~fnndo tJbC'3itriOn Geaeral. l.a DirtOC:i6n
Generol del Servido N..,ional d• Guard<<fl<las oiguienl<">
fundones..:
11Dirigicoordi co1ro~ry t-'l,;aaeli'lida~·pemcione"!'
del Servicio.
b) Eslahlecer los con<roles in1emos nparagarami21lr fa
eficimcia del Servieio. ·
CREACI'ONDËL SER DEGlJARDACO ISTAS ~ ~)\'.apm laadecuaciOde lfW1Ci011e,'jerviciunmareodt
1.111\SAMBLEALEGISLATIVA apegoeslrica!a lEiymoml de l[OIICÎlùbica.
DF.1.REPÛBLIC'ADE COSTA RI('A d) COOfdinronelrestodelostueljlOSpolieioleEstndy !a>
J)H"IU-:'r"': -entidajudicialea.dm~nisl rlacoiads:tJ.sus o!i:ompe
ltneiao1CI.Q11pllmiC'dfeltolas 5epies.reglamtntarias
C'Al'iTULOl delServi<io.
Dlspodr;ooo~..,•raies e) V-erificatoda linfurmacibrrpoli!:iatrecabas~nk·io
sm d-econodmientCijiDirec-cid~nformdliedet Mlni:sterio
Articulo 11!1-Nata.juridh Cli..Œel Soen·o acionaJ de de SeguridodPublica.
GuardacOSUJ~.:ana1ltdeoominadoel SenriScruncuerpopolk ial 0 Fiscalizar d cumplîmirnlo de tas$Oh~mla securid:atl d-el
illtegr;:mrede la FblîçtCSP.falizaen et resgu~lrlaQ1Ja5
person.a1~ e.nban:ac iolŒ..veldculos..a~ra~: yiln
tt"rritoribleplatnlOmc:on!inenhel zôcaio in:wlar ym~res mantenimten'd.cqt~l ypoelasestionesr~a s;m"wilf'Sdel
adyucenlesal f_c;ladoCuslarrlcense- Str\l'icio.
Depender.di=l:nll<'nle. de1 Mi ni<lro d< S<gutidyd l'ùblka
tendr.â pen;onalid:Jd jurid-lca lpar.aadministrar tl Fortdo g} Remii~l»eslrol~m~ eirtlrû.ne111de Armamenloa ra
Au.ditorGeneral a'laSe«ilm deControl f'isçali1.deîôn
Espeeia1del Set\·jefo Nadoflal de Guardncoslas. At:ti"YŒdel Mirti:Steriode Sq;uridad Pü.bficn.el i11veruariude:Bnnas...
Arlieulo ?'-··Comp-rU.s~~Crum!pcte del~aYido: munieio~ expi0$Î\·os,naves. f'nlbalyde-.rnequispe.~
a]Vigi ~re-::;g.u.ardlaars fro11ted~JF...fsla~asdos poderdtServkio...
maritim<lsjuri:5dil::clonales.def~~;u.rticulod~~a bJPresen!al Mini>lde X@:•ridI'Ublicainforme=sua! do:
lahotedels~n.·ido_
(ClnSliludOOPnH1[çay l:J('.on\'tnci6nde Snidassobrei(:'i}ÜlJïlruncjonequ~r~ult e:lsu rompelenc:ra c:unrOiille'al
~lllon: ceMoar.
1>1\ligilnry resguard.lr1, ..,..""''11erde~E.4ndo. (lllknamiejurid5eornstarricense.
j) Admlni:s.lraFondU E!iipetid~: 5-e-rvido Naçiun:d dt:
e)VtL·uporcl lr:gi air,ech)Iin~o y la prote-tti:rose GLI~rdaçoslas...
rec:ur.nilluralc:: rslMa:uaîmsIelmi]jJris.di.cciooalts
y en lili LJIi-c-rido1E."Siada:s,lil:;islolci~nt.e, Artjt-ulo T'-DtpQ.r1:1U:nen1oAdmf.a.isrnuivQ,. Ef Oep;ilrtame(llll
naçior ~i.:taciona]. AdminislratideSen.'kit""SQtlliJ.tlnjere4uiediri~ .i0.a.i
dt Wl:tpor lsegudc.I.JJtr~np eorH~ .Ymi.i~n~0,U:mlode ~~liO :dminislraddelSc:rYido)'debtnl C'limlosn:q~or dfs:irœ
lli:nn.ncit1nalest:mrw-r;;\rla.~ilgjrs:iŒl1naled~1 ingreoa ras ruertk pclicia ronlenen c:articulo de l]_~·
F..s!ad()_ General de Policia..N" 74W, dem..1"'t19i.4. coo~ -~;l;m
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lota .aemharcat:~:~Î:o:l'llCi~.lmviadas_ S<~'ll Puil<od
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actYidade:s;;;;o:seomo Cft.ntrmigr 6~i,:~1el lcifico rx1roordin.uill:sdel S.en:ic:ilbnadmini:slradOnlos
reurSt11umanm, rnateriale.'>..l.in~·de trantf-renL.."l:~
deo~.~ yotr4slu::tiv iiidS.d~s 1er.:ooiO-c.•1elropilïe~pc&, ildecuayoracimmŒ
hl Todas œ:~.:n ieon.es:~aaelrel-cum,-.li-de-sus lines
l~g .Sh~~lnmeniLlfiu:s. lns ft: :.Jd ScJ,-icio.·
b} E\·all.l-'lrpyt:sisu:miitiCL~e:a1pm~cchami de!ls o-
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11isrn.t:umpçtcll"iaf.UL.'t oli:Hd~~tp.IC'Os[n~-cuerpos. t'KemHrordirtllriarné.,ro.ntile""Stra!ll.;:lr [Jife'1.':1UT
G:ffie~·:Mraordinilri<uk.~qu~elr~ui~:n~.
detini endaJ~S·Crt!nemide llot.1410. del.d~mavo rn1~94. d)runn ular, en a..•>nt;mr~dOnlGern:ral. los pri!Supw:Jios
Cuout d~persomü~tengqtlin':ii'SIriru1esjjuaô.\les otdin.arios,. extrJttNiniirHrsdel S.:-JYitio.
-en fl.:'nildOns, alâea,;1iwsm~(slJ'idilSdt=ber;;: tas·;:t;lï:!
displ}:l;iç'gifareglnrm:ntari~dmini5lr :!nlit\'at'rbl, e) r\dminri :-procesode~u:qui;:;;id,)nde b.r~rdeos..
eje'l..1.ro edide !a PmveedudelSen·ieiean3{tl::is:
C~PiTI >lI.O norm1.s·i.g d(C"tltR'f:U'O'4iL~i.6.n.Lt;:ni,
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Oper~io~ neas•~~~iaclttecdftndeunJefe. quit.'r)se eâi~tug.ar
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~nniOnn rodlrt.'iigu6 len~lf's~::
legales y l"if'!;laml~Deritpns.cc-~ li~;e~ nd apiriin dt
:11)IOir...(:,~i·-"c·:ifùlHl::r.:.~l. ~uarda~' drstanrSlent"red aHiclak[lil.F't<w Tr.mspoil~
b)l:D~p.arla/ mcJllLtOli~!r.lli\·u. !vhritirno del MinistcOhnli.ûbliL.S.Trom:.;;p~shabni dt:
1i:E! [kpuJLtl meOrptclm~d~)il~:->. cun1plirlos requds~inp!'!'OafU:t:ll35 dt.""pül"trlo;e.~tn.
dJ El DerarLamcntASC.""(lrfaJul'tJi~;o. aniw.lo 49 dt: G~:H~\dt:Pmiei.:.'.l.f\:~fdeIJUIdl: 1004,
e)Ell)(oparL+ImAmhi~nt..1l. OISomP las exi,ias.rn~1~ka.:deJuhdi~ ntÛlel:.:gJu:nefiW
0 LiliLt:: Ji,Se:r~iNci::onalÏGlJlnlaco:o;l.i.l..,_ de Organila.ciOrtde los Cu111Jii .l~'d:~raileos.is te~ril:i
E) l.~:.auntsdr:~u::J.rd queC~USLlill."ld~.:ICI"imn S<gt~r Pib:i'd.
es•l~~y. Anicutn10.-Fom:iouedd lkptnsmt'nhd~Upua.:io La..;;
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fum:io dll..)::rmrtileOpttaeiO eni~:
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.11)Gmil'o dt.• lib.'~.'IJU;l ÇOJI'R:rullpuc~Lul".in ..::olat:iO-I"'N.
b~h. .m.iurl~~~ ~lruni:l.1cadernian.,;-~lntlt:idLJ_ bJ E\'i.'rriù~ .Hsiu5h.'ftl< flslnt~.co"oamne.p.rn.
hJ1\lln~c.i:nm~lu:-c.\jlt'ri.lmrt:"~ yi~ntn'nl'=l~:mnienlf~~ar.i:a.l~er1uki~"~chien.l'df'Ir~C;U~ ~l etiiiL'it.l
Jar.lmanmal. .c:) \jelar J':lnlorp;g~;de~.~n~aminf Î~.I.I''Iil~SJLI~fi'Llvs
-r)~'lll.r'tl~laiTk~•ls~. .ti..dK.: idS(n·iio.licntfl Annex 231
Declaration Recognizing as Compulsory the Jurisdiction of the International
Court of Justice, under Article 36, Paragraph 2, of the Statue of the Court,
Nicaragua Reservation, UN Reference C.N.1157.2001.Treaties-15
December 2001 1021
(1.4)
UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNIES
POSTAlAODI'I-AOIŒSSfI'OSlALE: UMITEO NATIONS. N.Y. 10011
C...Bu; .ES·- AORI!SSE TELCGAAPHIIIU!ii UN.Ol.iONS l<liWTORK
Reference:C.N.ll S7.2001.TREATIES·I(DepositaryNotification)
(Relssued) (English only)
DECLARATIONRECOGNIZINGASCOMPULSORYTHE nJRISDICTION OF
THE INTERNATIONALCOURT OF JUSTICE, UNDER ARTICLE 36,
PARAGRAPH2, OF THE STATUTEOF THE COURT
NICARAGUA:RESERVATION
The Secretary-Generalof the United Nations,acting in his capacityas depositary,
communieales the following:
The above action waseffected on 24 October 2001.
The English and Frenchtranslations oflhe reservation are transmilted herewith.
S December2001
Attention:Treaty ServicesofMinistries or Foreign Arfairsand of internationalorganizations
concemed.Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Managua, 23 October 2001
Sir,
1 bave thehonour toinfonnyouand, throughyou,ali theStatespartiesto the
Statuteof the lntemationalCourtof Justice and the Secretariaof theCourt,of the
reservationmade to Nicaragua'svoJuntaryacceptanceof thejurisdictionof the
InternationalCourtof Justiceby PresidentialDecisionNo. 335-2001of 22October
2001,issuedby thePresidentof theRepublic, Mr. AmoldoAlemânLaeayo,the text
ofwhich is as follows:
"Nicaragua will not accept the jurisdictioncompetence of the
llltemationaJ Court ofJusticeinrelationto anymatter orclaimbasedon
interpretationsof treatieorarbitralawards that were signedand ratifiedor
made,respectively, priorto 31 Deeember 1901."
Accept,Sir, theassurancesof myhighestconsideration.
(Signed)FranciscoX.Agulrre Sacasa
HisExcellency
Mr. Kofi A. Annan
Secretary-General of theUnited Nations
NewYork Annex 232
Objection of 18 December 2001, UN Doc. N56/770, l February 2002 UnitedNations
General Assembly Distr.: Genera 1
. l Febrmuy 2002
English
Original: Spanish
Flfly-sl:Uh session
Agenda i\cm l3
Report of the International Court of Juatlcc
Note verbale dated 9 January 2002 from the Permanent
Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations addressed to
the S«r-etary-General
The Permanent Mission of Cosla Rica presents its compliments· lo the
Secrctary-Gencraof the United Nations, in his capacilas dcpositaryof the
declarationprovided for in Article 36, paragraph2, of the Statute of the
[nlemalional Court of Justice, and bas the honour to transmit \terewlth a lettcr from
Mr. Roberto Rojas, Ministerfor Foreign Affairs and Worship of CoSia Rica,
whereby the Governmcnt of Costa .Rica presentsa formai obj,eetion lo the
"reservation"formulatetl by the distinguishGovemmenl of Nitafflgua to ils
accepta nee of the compu\sory judsdicofthe Court,communiea bt~ils note
MRElDM -f1081110/0 1 andtransm itted to the Membe r Stateby notiflcation
C.N.l\~7. 2RE A1IES-1.
The Pe-rmanent Mission of Costa Rica wouid be grateful if this note and the
etler annet.ed berelo l4.be transmitte10 the sceretari0arthe 1nlem 1ion1
Cour! of 1ustice and lo the Stalt$ pailies to its Statute, 1d be issued as
a documenl of the G<:nersl Asscrnbly untlcr the age11da item relatto the
consideration of the report of the International Court of Justice.
The Permanent Mission of Costa Rica takes this opportunity to convey to the
Secretary-OenerBI the renewed assurances or!ts highesl consideration,
• Reissd:rolechnî1reasons.
02-20970° (E) 0l0202
\lll!lllnl1n~ m1lUlliN561770
Anno to the note verbale dated 9 January 2002:frnm the
Permanent Missionof Costa Rica to tbe United Nations addressed
to tbe Seeretary-General
18 Deeember :ZCOI
1 have the honour to writc to )'OU in your capacity as depositary of the
declarations provided fOl"in Article 36, pamgraph 2, of the Statute of the
International Court of Justk:e, with reference to note MREIDM·/108lfl0/0I,which
the Minister fOl"Foreign AfTairs of Nlcaraeua. tnm&mîtted to you on 24 Octo'oer
ZWI.
On 24 September 1929, the Republic or Nic:angua R!c:Ogni:i:ed,
unconditionally, the compulsory jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International
Justice. Thal declaration was deemed transferable to the jurisdic:ticm or the
International Court of Justice by virtue of Article 36, paragraph 5, or the Statute of
the Court. On various occasions, Nicaragua has used this optional declaration to
brlng proeeedings before tbe International Court or Justice. In theMllltary and
ParomililtH)'ActMIIes ln tmd Againsl Nlcaragna case between Nicaragua and the
Uoited States of America, the Court found !bat this declaration was va\id.'
The above•mentioned note rrom t\18Minister fOlForeign Affainl of Nicaragua,
dated 24 October 2001, .representa a casuistic attempt by the Niearaguan
Government to modify its voluntary declaration of unconditional acceptam:e of the
compulsory jurisdictionof the International Court of Justice as follows:
"Nicaragua will not accept {as from 1 November 2001] the jurisdic:tioa ot
competence of the International Court of Justice in relation to any matter ot
claim based on intCfpfetations or trealies or arbitral awards thal were signed
and ralifiedr made.,reapectîveJy, prior to 31 Oecember 1901".
The Government of Costa Rica considers tbat thispurported "reservation·· ls
not pemtissible for the following reQons: (a) public intematiooal law does not
recogniu the. right to formulate reservations D posteriori to uncooditlonal
declaratl6îis of aec:eptance of the jurisdiction of the .International Court of Justice;
(b) Nicaragua is unab\e to formulate this "reservation" by virtue of ila unilateral
decl8nltions before the 6ame Court with respect to the nature of illl acceptanΠof
compulsory jurisdiction and the possibility of modifying il; (c) e11en if tbis
reservation were permissible, which it is not, the Jack ofa reasonable lime period for
illl entry into fOIrende snc:ha "reservation" contmry to the principle of good
faith iniotemalional relations. ln addition: it is worth noting that the roregoing is
supported by the provision or the Vrenna Convention on the Law of Treaties
eontained in article 2, paragrapfl 1 (d), on the meaaiogaoreaervation. Moreover,
thepn~vû; iootnined in article 20, paragra3, of!hat Conventioushould also be
borne in mind with respect to the formulation of a reservation to a lreaty which is a
constituent instrumenoC an International organization.
1 must point out thal the note to which my Oovemment objeclll wu not
transmilled spontaneously. Rather, il represents a reaction to the fact that my
Govemmenl bas included an item in the national budget to cover the cost of the
1 Ml/fltJtmd PtutJ#tllltm;y ikllltglfdApllut NlŒrqptJ (Nictlr t.Uglea SI<IIQqf
dmeiM). Jurûdktlrm ""d Mllloinl&lllly.IlWptwU IP84, p441. pari. llO. 1025
possible liling of a claim by Costa Rica against Nicaragua before the International
Coufl of JustiΠfor its railure to abide by the provisions agreed upon by both
eountries in lhe Cailas-Jerez Treaty of 1858 and the Cleveland Awanl of 1888. Both
instrumentswen: signed and ratifled during the pericd which Nicaragua now seeks
lo exclude from the Court's jurisdiction by means of the above-mentioned
reservation. However,in its haste, it bas overlooked the fact that, on 21 February
1949, the Oovemrnent of Nicaragua signed a Pact of Amity with Costa Rica. Article
Ill or thal instrument reflects the commitment to apply the American Treaty on
Pacifie Seulement. Nicaragua bas also failed to consider thal, on 9 Ja1956y a~
a corollary to the 1949 Pact of Amity, Nicaragua and Costa Rica signed, at the Pan
American Union in Washington, an agreement.to facilitate and el{pedite traffic on
the San Juan River within the tcrms of the Treaty or 15 April 1858 and its
interpretation given by arbitration on 22 MIIICh1888. Botb instruments were ratified
in due course by botftcountries. The purported reservation also fails to include the
judgement pronounced on 20 September 1916 by the Central American Court of
Justice. The 1916judgernent of the Central American Court of Justice, the 1949 Pact
of Amity and the 1956 agreement reinfort:e .a set of legal rules which mustbe
respected. ·
1." Internationallaw does not glve Nicaragua the righi to rormulate reservations«
posteriorito Ifm~eondll ledaraton or aeceptanee or the jurisdlellon of the
International Court of Justice
ln the judgement on the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice
pronounced in the Militory and Poromilitory lfclivitie.r ln and Agolnst Nicaragua
case, the Court indicated thal States could not modify tbeir acceptance of the Coun 's
compulsory jurisdictionas they pleased, but were bound by the tenns of their
declarations.~
The Court noted, in particular, that the righi to terminale declarations with
indefinite durationS far from established in intemationallaw.J
Nicaragua itself bas recognized that contemporary international law does not
give States -the:· power to modify unilaterally their optional declarations of
aceeplance orthe cornpulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice when
such declarations are unconditional.
· ln its. written pleadings in the BordérMd Transborderlfrmed Actions case
beiween Nicaragua and Honduras,'Nicaragua stated categoricalltha ltte bound
by an optional declaration could not modlfy or denounce thal declaration.•
Nicaragua claimed thal the declaring State was bound by the terms of the optional
declaration and that, by vinue of the princlple of good faiitcould not seek to
discngage unilaterally from ~he obligations it had ac:quin:d in making _that
declaration.'
• Ibid., p. 418, pata. S9.
J Ibid..420, para6);ÜButthe righorimmediate termina lordcdaratiDIIS witb indclinitc
duration is rromcatablishcd (...)'".
,· • Counter-memorofNkru-oJJIID(Ju~/s addAdcmlsihlln).J.C.J. Pleod/1,gord and ~
'lh>nsbonkArnnd Ac:li<ml (Nkarosv.Hondurru). vol. 1,p.l97, para. S4.
J Ibid.• p. 291, para. S9. Nicaragua argued that thal rule ar:ose from an analogous application of the
customacy principles of the law of treaties. Nicaragua indicatcd lhat lbe principles
incorporated into the Vienna Convention on the law of Treaties were applicable to
voluntary declarations of acceptance of the Court's jurisdiction in respect of
denonciation and reservation, meaning that such declarations could not be modified
unless the declaring State had previously re5erved thal right.6 Lastly, Nicaragua
maintained thal State practice showed thal a State could modify an optional
declaration only when il reserved the righi to do so at the time il made the original
declaration.'
In its wriuen pleadings in the jurisdictional phase of the Mililary and
Paramilitary Actlvities case, Nicaragua argued ·that the legality of a purported
modification depended on the intention of the declaring State at the time of making
the original optional declaration. If the declaring State did not express! y reserve the
right lo make modifications. that State did not have the power lo change its
declaration orto fonnulate reservations.•
lnsofar as the declarationf acceptance of the compulsory jurisdic:tion of the
International Court of Justice made by Nicaragua in 1929 does not im::lude any
conditions or time limits, nor does il expressly reserve the right to modify its
content, Nicaragua bas no right to formulate reservations to ils acceptance of the
Court's compulso,Y jurisdiction.
1. Nlearap ~y~vlrtue of lts publie uaRateral dee1arattons belore the Court wlth
respect to the nature of Ils opllonal declaration and tbe posslbHity of modlfylng
ft, cannot formulate any reservallona
ln a number of unilateral declarations, Nicaragua bas recognized thal ils own
declaration ofacceptance orthe Court's compulsory jurisdiction cannot be modified
in any way.
ln its written pleadings in the Mllitary and Poramifitary Activilies case,
Nicaragua pointed out thal its 1924 declaration could not be terminated or modified
without prior notice and that any withdrawal or modification of the declaration must
be based on the principles of the law oftreaties.' What is more, Nicaragua indicated
categorically thal the assumption thitsdeclaration could be modified without prior
notice was unfounded in the law relating to consensual legal obligations arising
from optlonal declarations." ln the same case, Nicaragua argued against the
possibility of unilaterally modifying declarations of acceptance of the Court's
compulsory jurisdiction. Nicaragua based ill!arguments both on the writings of the
most distinguished legal experts•• and on considerations of principle. Nicaragua
noted thal the existence of a universal righi of unilateral modification of optional
1Ibid., p. 304, para. 82..
' Ibid., p. 3JHirB78 and 79. ·
• MemorialtJNh;Qrogua((}uest/(}tJJurlsdktlrm andAdmfniblllty)/,C.J. Pleadlngs, Mlf/lary
and Pammf/ l tit/~Urfyand AgaiMI Nl.:mvgua (Nicaragu11Un/led States tJ/America),
vol. 1,p. l9J, para. 122.
' Ibid., p. 398, paTa.\42.
10 Ibid., p. 397, para. 140.
11 Ibid., pp. 394 and 396-397, pares. 12.7,1JOand 1J7.declarations would violate the system of optional clauses in the Statute and would ·
essentially eliminate the eompulsory nature of the Court'sjurisdiction.ll
These arguments demonstrate both Nicaragua's intention thal its 1929
declaration of acceptance of the Court's compulsory jurisdiction should not be
subject to any modification or denunciation and its repeated contention thal the
unilateral modification of such declarations, in the absence of a previous
reservation, iscontrary to international law. This acknowledgement of the legal
situation is binding on Nicaragua. Under the princip)es of eS!oppeJand good faith,
Nicaragua cannat, at this lime, reverse those positions.
Accordingly, Costa Rica eonsiders thal Nicaragua cannat now claim 10 modify
unilaterally itsunconditional acceptance or tbe voluntary jurisdiction of the Court
by means of a purported "reservation".
Even IfNicaragua bad tbe rigbt to formulate a reservation to Ils optlonal
declarallon, wbleb Il does not, the Jackof a reasonable lime perlod for Ils enlry
lnto foree nnden suc:ba "nservatlon" nuU and void
ln tbe Military llnd Poromilitllry Activitiu case, tbe International Court of
lustice indicated tbat, wbile the righi to denounce declarations witbout limit or lime
was far from established in international law, if such a righi exlsted, then any
denunciation would, by analogy wilh the law of treaties, have to provide for a
reasonable lime perlod before it entered into rorce. 11 This principle applies, by
analogy, to the introduction of changes to the voluntary acceptanee of the Court's
c:ompulsoryjurisdiction. COnsequently,even if Nicaragua could modify its optional
declaration by means or a reservation, which is not the iase, tben such a.
modification would have to be subject to a reasonable time period, by virtue of the
principle of good faith.
1tshould be noted that, in the Border oml TrGnsborrler Armed Actions case,
Nicaragua argued that only a period or at !east 12 months c:ould ~ considered
reasonable for any modification of a declaration of voluntary acceptam:e of the
14
Court's ju~~diction.
Nicaragua's purporled ''reservation''.which my Govemmen! bas analysed in
this note, provides for a period of only eight days from the time or il$ signature by
the President of Nicaragua to the time qr its purported entry into force. Even if
Nicaragua were legally in a position to rnodify ils ac:c:eptanceof the Court's
eompulsory jurisdiction, which it is not, a period of eight days would not meet the
requirement of a reasonable time period 'for the entry into force of such a
modificarion.
What is more, Nicaragua, by virtue of its declarations in the Border ond
7Tansborde,. Amred Actions case, would be obligated, under the principles of good
faith and estoppel, to provide for a period of at !east 12 months before the purported
Ibid.pp. 394·39S,pan. Ill.
Mil/lary (llld PtJI'am/11/QryAttlln (llld Aga/nit NlcarflgliO (Nlcarv.Unltnl StatuD/
Amerli;Q)JJII'i:rdktlon IJIId Adml:118lbUitR~por.J.98<1.p. 420, para. 6M ••observcd thal
from 6 to 9 Apri1wouId ndt amouo 1to a 'rc•S01llble lM.e'
Countfr-memDrlal of Nicaragua (Jurltdktlon and Admlstlbllity), 1.C.J. P/eQd/ngl. Bamr aJid
1'rDn!borderArtned ActionsN/ewagUQ v.Homhlrlll), vol. 1,pp. 304 and 307·308, paras. 82. 83
and 96.''reservation" could enter into force. Accordingly, the purported "reservation"
fom1ulated on 24 October 2001 cannot be considered to meet the minimum
requirements imposed by the principle of good faith..
·Jurisdiction orthe Court and the Pact or Bogotli
Moreover, in.the case of Nicaragua, as in the case any otber Latin American
State party to the Pact of Bogoté;the denonciation of the Statute of the Court would
not disengage it from the obligation to recognize the competence of thal Court as a
respondent, for the following rea'son:
In April 1948. the American Treaty on Pacifie Seulement, better known as the
Pact of Bogolll.,was adopted. Costa Rica ratified iton 27 April 1949, and Nicaragua,
in tom, ratified iton 26 July 1950. Accordingly, the Pact of Bogotébas been in force·
between Costa Rica and Nicaragua as from the latter date.
The Pact contains a definitive declaration of recognition of the compulsory
jurisdiction of the. Court for ali disputes of a juridical nature among the Stales
parties to the Pact. Article XXXI of the Pact says:
"ln conformhy with'Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Siatute of the International
Court of Justice, the High Contracting Parties declare thal they rccognize in
relation to any other American State, the jurisdiction of the Court as
compulsory ipso facto, without the necessity of any special agreement so long
as the present Treaty is in force, in ail disputes or a juridical nature thàt arist
among them ...".. · ·
Therefore, since both Costa Rica and Nicaragua are ratifying parties to the
Pact of Bogotâ, therc can be no doubt thal both parties have recogniud the
compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to settle any legal
dispute between them.
The above-mentioned article XXXI has the legal effect of ttansformîng the
vague jur!_dical relations arising from unilateral declarations made by the parties
under ·!lie optional. clause ·into contractual relations which have the force and
stability characlerîsllc of on obligalion arlsing direcllyfrom a treaty.
Eduanl.o Jiménez de Aréehega, adistinguished Uruguayan jurist who had the
h1.mourto serve as President of the International Court of Justice, maintained thal
tbere were substantial differences between tl}c exercise of the optionaclau~ and
the fact of being a party to a convention. ln an opinion which he prtwided to Costa
Rica in his capacity as adviser to our country in the 1986 Nlcart1guv. Cosla Rica
case, he gave the follgwing explanation:
''The fundamental difference between the recognition of the Coun's
jurisdictioo expressed by the parties to the Pact of Boggtâ and !hat expressed
by other States under the optîonal clause is as follows: {a) gnce the Pact of
Bogotâ bas been ratified by an American State, the recognition of the Court's
jurisdiction may be Withdrawn gnly by denonciation of the Pact itself, which
must be efTeeted with at !east one year's notice; and (b) the States which
ratified theact could have introduced reservations to their recognition or the
Court's jurisdiction if they·bad done so at the time of signature. As they did
not do so with respect to the recognition of the compulsory jurisdiction othe Court, article XXXI hecome a mechanfsm for accepting Jully the Cauris
jurisdiction, and ls complete/y different in this regardfrom thvery condWonal
acceptance which the majorily of States have expressed through the
application oftile optfonal clo11Se.
"From these substanlial differences, it follows thal the American States
parties to thePact of Bogota have establisheda legal system among themselves
whereby the optionol clause has been replac:edby the cotegorical declaration
contained in article XXXI of the Pact. The declarations made by American
States in exercise of their prerogative under Ariicle 36, paragraph 2, of the
Statute of the Court only have the legal efTect of establishing the teriuous
relations under thal clause exclusively with States which are not Contrac:tlng
Parties to the Pact of Bogota, but not the contractual obligation created by
article XXXI to recognize. with the force of a treaty, the obligation to grant the
American States parties to the Pact of Bogotâ the righi to bring daims against
other American States before the Court at The Hague".
Consequently, even ifNicaragua's Presidential Decree revoking the unilateral
declaration of 1929 in which Nicaragua recognized the jurisdiction of the Court at
The Hague to seule legal disputes with any other State having expressed the same
recognition were valid, which il is not,that nation would st/11be bound ta recognize
the competence of the Coun at The Hague to set/le legal displlles wlth any other
Latin Amerfcan State porly to the Pact of Bogota.
ln light of the above, so long as the Pact of Bogotâ is in force, Nicaragua
cannot deny the competence of the International Court of Justice to hear and seule
any legal dispute brought before il by Costa Rica.
For al\the foregoing ressons, the Government of Costa Rica hereby presents a
formai obje1:tion to the "reservation" fonnulated by the Govemment of Nicaragua,
and declares thal, for ali intents and purposes, it will consider such reservation to be
non-existent.
1 should be grateful if you would tra.nsrnit this document to the secretariat of
tbe lntemaiional Court of Justice and to the States parties to its Statute. Likewise, 1
should be grateful if you would have it circulated as a document of the General
Assembly under the agenda item relating to the consideration of the report of the
International Court of Justice.
~ (Signed) Roberto Rojas
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worshlp of Costa Ricar-
Annex 233
Nicaraguan Foreign Minister, Norman Caldera Cardenal, to Nicaraguan
Minister ofGovemance, Arturo Harding, Note No. MRE/DM-JI/0680/05/2,
27 May 2002 1031
TRANSLATION
(seal)
Republic ofNicaragua
Central America
.~ ~vu:J/ oe /p-~~ A~~
Managua, 27 May2002
MRE/DM-JI/0680/05/2
Engineer
Arturo Harding
Minister of Govemance
His Office
Dear Minister:
1have the honour of addressing you on the matter of the additional fee that the
General Directorate of Migration began to charge on Sundays and public
holidays at the border posts located on the San Juan River asch of the
current year.
In this respect, I would like to infonn you that Nicaragua and Costa Rica are
entering a new phase of bilateral relations that is very beneficiai and of great
interest to our country, particularly for the Nicaraguan population. To give sorne
exarnples, on 30 May the Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Roberto
Tovar, will be visiting our country with a group of businessmen and investors
who will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from the private
sector; and on 20 June President Abel Pacheco·will arrive in Nicaragua.
In this regard, with the aim of avoiding elements that may adversely affect this
new phase of diplomatie and commercial relations, 1 am kindly requesting that
you issue instructions to the General Director of Migration in arder that this
aforementioned additional charge be suspended.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of my highest
consideration and persona! appréciation.
(signature)
Norman Caldera Cardenal
(seal)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Managua
Republic ofNicaragua
Central America ~~ Q/hnr;,tn=: 9fel.ar.imun~·n'èP.o,..e,,
Managua, 27de maya de2002
MM.FIOM·IIffi6IIIW5/l
lnceniero
ArturoHarding
Ministm deGobem<~.dt'ln
Su Desl)iK'ho
[stimado SeiioMinistro:
l"P.ngel agradu de diriglrmPt1usted, en ucasi6n dn ho1creferenciaal cobro
P.x\riiordinario que la DirccC.!euerado Mlgradén y Extranjerfacnmenzô a
aplicar olospueslos fronterizosubkados en el1roJuan,apat1irdel 22 de marzn
dt:cli'en cursodmanle losrUasdomingns y fcriadŒ1.
Alrespecta,nu~permitoinformarlequeNicaraguayCost.Rica cstd1.=ntrandcouna
nueva fase de retaciones bilt1teralr.sde mucho provinlcréparanueslropais,
particularmen'eparla lmidac:inicaragllensepotcil atguroselemplos,el dfa JO
ri f ~yo,el Candilm •u~tdrri tetnrReo.crto·rovarestilr.1 de \fisila con un
grupo dP.t·ornerdanleC'invru-si(lnisue temlr.in opnrtuni dd eunirse con
represenlantcs dta emptcsa~~rhr yael da 20 de junio arrihar.Nir.aragua cl
Pno:liidenAbel Pachcr.n.
{ni;JI :;entido, con la fiualidatlde (l'Jeen esta nueva fasede rnl.acinnesdiplmmiticas y
ctnncrcialeno exi<jlelemenlos perturbadoreslesolkitu muy .llcmlamentgire
instruccioncs aDireclorCieneral de Mig,raciOy Extraojedaa fin rieque sc.l
stlSpelldicl cobra extraordinarioanre(criclo,
Aprnvechu l.t ucasif'mpar11reil(!rarlelas rnucstralide rni rn.is alta cytsidcracion
Apre<.:p~5unal. Annex 234
Costa Rica, Regulations for the Organization of the Ministry ofPublic
Security, Decree 32177-SP, 1 December 2004, Articles 52,54
Source: Diario Oficial La Gaceta No. 6,A/canee No. 1
(San José:lmprenta Nacional, 10 January 2005), 9 TRANSLATION
Regulations for the Organization of the Ministry of Public Security,
Oecree 32177-SP, 1 December 2004
"Article 52:
The Civil Guard, the Rural Assistance Guard, the Police in charge of the
control of non-authorized drugs and connected_act.ivities,and the Border Police
will depend on the Ministry of Public Security, in accordance with what is
stipulated in article 6 of the General Law of Police number 7410 and its
reforms, as well as with what is stipulated in Law N° 8000 that creates the
National Coastguard Service, and in the Executive Decree N° 23427 MP. The
Public Reserve Force will also be ascribed when it is summoned on a
temporary basis. -
(..)
Article 54:
The Rural Assistance Guard, the Civil Guard, and the Border Police, as
components of the Public Force of this Ministry, will act under one single
police command, in each region within the national territory that is determined
by the Ministry in accordance with the competences and responsibilities that
are granted to them in the General Law of Police and its reforms." No Nu
ft. liceance 1 a La Gaceta 6
DIARIO OFICIAL
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(),~ui Ncol!r.doll4 de di<Oemdo 1973. polrli dX~.'lrirnui.up.ta1ut:.a:dcn.
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b' J.a ot.:L.m!-idRnr:.n6ec.l"init~lg,dJurdidenuld.' a, Du;ltE"i'oU~:
Ull:l Visi!!u :lln.luJ:ti:dÎ:w.~ im~gr.iPa:.ciJl~!.o Reglamento de Orpnlzad6n
k:lk.h.:l ~i:c~:tnc~~K.~;:i!lCoti.Jdi\f:i1tl iUiot"JliO 'f
~uuln.-..:1b;n:~-lupuUbliiypi.m~.l:u;,i.nvuhen~~~diLS dd M1nilllerlo de Segurldlld Ptiblku
nuu"·iil.
TITULO 1
Cll, .t!..4..d.fC:iiid t~~~IIc,Ig~cmmad l'lipHU;imidii..J
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)in-': toin~~-~CiOq.u..lUJS~- Clioniicde 5-l:gurilb.d
CIIPfTULOI
!l."ot!IUUi'-l.l.ri.il "'-•ho doii\Ciomu..
d.L~ "'-'l:1!.i.1rm1:deltk plQlituidad p11b.o.\a:Okh.
loÏW1!1;nje~J)mt'Ci.nds~JCW!':ill!tiii ;-tr0li(:iQn, Ar1i~ rt8u Minisi!Qa. 61~ jtr~rq su~crlorck eitil
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"""Pl"-'"'''dc"'"odpro•imi<loooll cindwl:mo,ad>polbilidootiblica~i.~n,LQfuU;luud: A.n[~;)},L:r:.al!;::f)lPl~ll~k&:lilf· snutndeto ;~;
6) Cul..,..,_.., ru b ro"UI«d6n ~.1<lo. """""""de los
IL~.th:l.."l rI4p:i~b:a.~~ ltO~r). d~apoyode C".d:fh"U.r '!liU~ pWen: y:~goa't:ll'iŒ;;.
Ll~ al~il.u!.~:~kk:etltHu fu:c:r:zasde pu]icrn .aa ~.ila 1} l....ap:-.nit:ipaci.Onea a.tl~~.tmabdJCc..iaCp1:1:tei.~.a~,;iOn.
Millh,tçlr..[(t'-J -lID~A~Utac\Ui!Cdr:r=.w;O ,ŒW ll"1dt: i:tl Jk:liil!nii:~li'\l~. IJ.Il!imp;11na fuaciooarim.
~;•~fs'l'b~l.U1r.ktd:menterepllado. polioiobp.rn el de><:mpol<>pmr..;.,..,,.
1\lll~ c.h.....lGtlde~Î.I1c Rntbl:.O:uLaJCi;i&~.-d 9r l...:li)L'fi\I'WiXd.Jc:i.~:pciO:li.l..:ilei~!i.nIJCS
11j1~ lk:f:n~.l·Lumln>. inlegn~ d:1:FL!Ct.d'NblieaQlt!: t.IE::iXiedinJ çi:~:ml:~.. lr iauridW eiucbda que~
Miuî~l~;at.t.Lr.b:tw'l11u.Müt'Jpolicial. -c::ncadique~gi-Ou putuium run.a.h:ccrprc.~R: îd:.as man.i.rcst:u::KJne"dSe
f·llinhl~~J' nr'k:eclleiT'Rorition~cd1.cunronnidil:dtilSl ddin~.Ut:nci.a.
<Cfmlpl!!l"/Llrbci("oc..",.utW)!111Ley Geilel"'.dchy:.w.cb 9) La ocd6u l<lldie'""'rolyYigibr cl "y~~t~d. ean<as o
n:iüm1~ .Y"'Pln>iVGS.
An i~~l55v-Sc cmiè•\l!epo.r·prtd~J!:lc.liw-,e! cDojmiL!I:dI i=i.l1lJXnrvb.iO ycŒlrol de .lill:!o'ene~:uridilld
..::Ji·on.:l!:i!g:~-:,fp.en:a5li~Mln~i~eneo,lâ 11ru!Jid11tdh pn•...Ja.
çuuS4!•"dt',lnk ~tJt.k.""ulJ..I:Iide lash;~bita ·lliel:i- 1!1Lolohurdo "P"Y" qoo pcrmhc el w.!OWOII<Dl=urolk> do llofm•:i6n
Ui~rlud(lif~itolo pübiin~tdld~i;~ni enuesrde:1~habililnŒ:.: p!idd, lod cumn: ~usrud. dùit~.ri\n. HLD$plrt-y.
a ~r"."i:ç.d1id:mua~.\:1addt.la1OI1. m;:u umienlod~arm~ y npkdî"vllb,•nu"'ïli:Uei.Onde hu,
Aliicul.s.cL~.l-'!!~e Œr!:dlf!snllnllr!:bU.mcdi.atll.t fund.uturyuws~IIIlilp1uil:iW~m:::.i.akJ..
121~ iieli.YicJ:tduvegi:gaciOntil•!i.'1cunuul p;:..'iltl
jn at·tu; LiuI.;ueu ~Htihlkycl ike:sHroll~P:::gi parllaS
...:ulab epir.tci6y C>.t'lll:l iein:nb.;.ane-.:idn """"'-""'""'"'"'""""l'uer= dt policia.
AnH:15 •I.~lSc:n~l:r:or$eguJitlCum~ouJ' yCat:n::ial 1)) Lmac:!ivt <K~im5adasao~i6n, :prucCJ.II.m:niOr~i6n
de li:!.i..nfonn&.ii'inqueperm.bi la wm"4dupe:i6at1e
b ~~.~j~ tl.Jl~!!",tOtlc·t~ddUàm~Lil)OJnlFUI!fU Nblit<::A,
~~·~11~:k·~.n11il1~g:rup.de lalOi::iedei~ilull:llniUdO'1 dlh::~t ,lI)LJ',JI~e'll1iedulenbil~,nltidu.
l:~~t:: p~u·1lepdru~pO~tu. 141Vigil"~prolc:gla.in•'"bdonosy •"'•do comuoiaJchln de
A.roicu511.-L• •olivip<olklru"dos::Jrrulon eambito inier& atr<J.t4t.iclic:~.~.
••t:ciu110e11il.~t~lrôi!da'1h:J_j~QD(." deCponJ..in,id:idq,ue
Anî'CLII6'l3.-~loo. d~:mfi.anz.ade:IOFLuen;a ~rblic.c:
implt..o~,.'1.1: ddlr:t,:-ItJp.LJ1$.llupcicn~ :p1:~ W::ùl<n.sigllicmnspe.dOrl Cc~l D4tQ:lOf{~rai de la Fttc:rD
ltt~Lh-~~\IIJ.c.i~r.r·•"lM.I;1~î;~~~tep:on.u~:cr6Î1111tQîNbHco,rn...:""!») y S.WD;..,c~ fas) do Iii l'ulklo do CŒlroi de
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:u:>'I.~"K;~~~mi lélùird'.11c~:ilci6rdr.e cuem~r d-:
t''.!."'itl•~~ieiftqueriM. :~~ ~b~:~ ~: ~!:~~eA~~:rn~R~~iJ:~
~.rLÎl5'~t.l-kLIiJ..e'in General de= la FetPtlb:!icideGwn!a<n> ~Du>o<:~ ueg"""-t"' do l:Jl'Ilona Pûblico.
~"';:t'o 1\olllililll~.h;tnun~rnudioIO:.: a!~ogo,~~.en Artfrolo !>4.-La; diteo.:lnnoprupun<>· ol MiniWO(a) et
i..~!i"i~lni"C:n~ ~'!lemF\eïllPflbti.L."P:impumtenuu: nomb:r~ni ennILYu"rcocICtnpc:uodde Citu~à.mlQn!l gode
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:~~:'rll dl.upl.t'~nCU W~ulliloscwgl!i.ubli~ iWl~de~ Anlculo65.-~rn0t0!\iUk ~;ilrl:~ol~ tUCiu .str:S
recop(K':mlvr.nci:.muml. :r;tnrcmunc.r po.1:se:vi!:q-=
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j igu.iiliit.-.lnes1 p~undfH:IdJfiir :trruniemu'io::s.;::qi ri. pcw101.L'!.ill:inl,t:glnueruu~ s~r'W U'=!1i:u'~11:'
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j'A'::s.(Jha~-L~ ii'\dol"Unil~it:l.ltlW !6n&d~oo~ Pill:Q CAPITUI.OU
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9J Maru.en.li11all:acllSn~::,r&.~ în"W~niwi Lk!nirin~.
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muu ici-onü~pios..i)lv~ tqipus int.liii.p.:=n,rDbC"!pi.
~~~:l~d·L~!:luM:~ied.~LiivdU'lf.:t. lill pre"Yclui -i.~~~oL."'t..m 1.lMi~mhiUeI~!l:t~l.l,)
~~l;;~uLi' ,(!t!k.~.ill.'lli:.tt.~:'u~c!:lnl.~c,i:.;n:1Il1EJi.L'ifU~.".l:~.r.;:c ptU~il."L.'.OItlc.JPI:I'acimln,
~1-~L;1.1(~~1ol,!i•!)'l.of:i.LlIU1ilromu~jt(re jm~1.~ puli~i5 l-•hreP~'.l.-.•"~?n,OO1i""~i~1.f.!:l:-t:l•d
...lid;•l ~IIlU!Ulfr:I ..l.~iemiru.'nWQ9~d•llXibli"'l!.:.
\ipl!rp-:~.~..uOlh:I~p!oh.~ i COOWeLJhm1brcr::on1pl.r=1o
:1l.~~~i:.mil L;irùl!di6otll.ll~, .j,...i~~.n.luacit.ll y-rk:l m~s:'ü<h.a~j~:~.Cf!i.nd~,~:smhur:d~irr.g y~iu
~tl~a~~~~~=~ I!r.tt..:'oAiJt.dir,i:l'tf.im~ir~clulnl:ll eg=o Jo Jouni~.p<>i<f.'i>J.
h.llllo,'::illi:pOtl:l:l\tittli!::!i.. Il} Culliplir su5 funis:linlll de~br;ui, ua eldebi®
4i ,~UICII!.,ll"ll! le'(..t!!:~L"iÇIU~OliÎC."'!.Ui'li ~ül\C droL'!ydedit:.L!Co," e)mplim~1 d1lo1bU:pr.~~::no
:uHnipt..:1l.
pur e) "~'"Lniii:.IUnjlU1c.li~;u.
:'Atl4ilii~·-c~l -..lO~b!oir.-l\.i1'1k.:~:n~nit6lnlJ(!!Jl:lJ Gu.t~~ÜCL l:unfRlcru:i.:..d l11in[ormi:LCidonr.~::nid;
çuU'Iü.tL ,MdUbi:tk'i!C,)I~mOJ:llllilJ.Idç.~rvi'-·j.~,~ b1si.oa.tiï;iil-n:~r:~tp iovriu.i!1i-t~:.ca~u:~tlk.l:i
fltll}lrl.i'ld~risgu.c.rn:L y~tcA.ru..ue®lh:::1.
prucc:,~.o. Annex 235
Municipal Mayor of San Carlos, Costa Rica, Lie Alfredo Cordoba Soro, to
Directorof Foreign Policy, Costa Rican Foreign Ministry, Lie JoséJoaquin
Chaverri Sievert, Note No. AM-1315-2005, 18 October 2005 TRANSLATION
Municipality of San Carlos
Mayor'sOffice - APDO 13
Telephone: 460-12-72 Fax: 460-03-93
4.400 Ciudad Quesada
October 18, 2005
AM-1315-2005
Lie. Jose Joaquin Chaverri Seevers
Head of Foreign Policy ,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship
San Jose, Costa Rica
Dear Sir:
lt is with great concern that 1have followed the development of the conflict
on the San Juan River. Last weekend, I visited the border area at the mouth
of the San Carlos River in order to confirm, at that location, the fear in which
hundreds of Costa Ricans are living due to the measures adopted by the
Nicaraguan authorities.
As Mayor of the canton of San Carlos which direct!y borders Nicaragua, I am
requesting that you intervene in the matter, since there are a large number of
nationals that must use the San Juan River as the only transportation route
and now they do not know what to do given the measure required by the
army of the neighboring country for vessels to bear the tlag of that nation.
My concem is based on the fact that hundreds of Costa Ricans use the
waterway for commercial purposes, visiting their farms and going to school
and health centers. Now they do not know what to do with the announced
measure since they are not able to acquire flags from the neighboring country
in the areas where they live.
Given the above, 1am requesting intervention from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs ofthe Republic in order to support and protect the rights ofthose
Costa Ricans living on the northem border so that they may not be forced to
abandon the area where they have lived for many years.
Sincerely,
Signed by
Lie. Alfredo Cordoba Sore
Mayor
Sealed by the Municipality of San Carlos, Costa Rica Ml1NIC1P.4LJDAD DES4N CARL~
AL4UJIA MUNICI.PA.L ~APD lJO
TD.EFONO461J..12-7F :Jax461UJ-!J9
4.44()auiMD QUESADA
J8deocmbrcde200S
AM-131S.:wo!
Lie.10!6JoaquinCbaverri eevers
.EntmgadoPo.lftiE."âerÏ<:t
MinistetiodeReJacfuoesExterloyeCulto
SanJosé,Coa RiŒ
C4D WDa ~cm he:sepido de maaesa dela1lada desmoDodel cŒt1ictoSUI'jido
poxla DBVegaciôdelRio Sao uaneiudoso olpasado fidosemaua visitla zcmaûonteriza
de 8oca dei Rio Ssn carlo$para (!(!liSIQm el sitio,. ttmor que VÏWD cie:otdo
COSIBrri.ceuporJasmedidasadoptacJaporJasSDtorid8deasie&ra@iiases.
ComoAJcsldedd Cam6nde S8fCarlos.quelimitademaneradirectae(IDNiearaguaaeudo
a.supClSonaparasoUeitaruimervena&a ,or CIIIIOxisΠgnm canddad de nacionalque
debeu.IIÜlizat.rioSaoJuan,çomo 6uicaviade n:umli2:aàônythOia DO s@en qua ha.c=
ante la medidsolieiasporél ,oj«Citodelvecblopa&,.de eiXigpcll'lacide1abandera
deesanw:.i6a.
Mi.preocupacMasebasaenque cimrtos de costauk:ŒseslltÜi%all1aYiaacuâric:ac:ftn~
oon1eroialV.Ïiitf'incas.t=tiaceattoseduŒtivosy de saludaboro DOsabcm quebaŒr
aDfélnm.edidaan!H'~ yaiquedaa,esoslugares16gioameme no tieDe:p.slbilidadede
adqubirbanderasdelveom pais.
Por todolo aoterio,oliCtlaimervenci6Dde b CaQcjllctîdelaRepdbiica,para.poyary
pro~ los dcredlos los COSfmiÎCCISque vivtn eulaûontera nortey queestosno !il::
vean obl:igodabaadOnat8$A:.wnadcmd.tiemmmnc:hosdos de re$idir. Annex 236
Director of the Health Area of Pitalof San Carlos, Costa Rican Department
of Social Security, Dr. Kattia Corrales Barboza, to Director of the Regional
Management and Health Service Networks, North Huetar Region, Dr. Omar
Alfaro Murillo, Note No. RHNPI-303, 7 November 2005 TRANSLATION
Costa Rican Department of Social Security
PITAL HEALTH AREA
TEL.: 473-30-89- Fax 473-35-53
Pitai, 07 November 2005
RHNPI-303
Dr. Omar Alfaro Murillo
Director
Regional Management and Health Service Networks
North Huetar Region
Dear Doctor:
RE: House calls andVisit to Boca Cure:îia.
Due to the current problems regarding navigation along the San Juan River, 1
am informing you that bouse calls and the Visit to Boca Curefia were
suspended this month until an institutional assessment is issued in this respect.
The aim of the above is to protect the Health workers.
Yours sincerely,
MEDICAL DIRECTOR'S OFFICE, PITAL HEALTH AREA
AREA DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
PITAL HEALTH AREA
COSTA RICAN DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY
Dr. Kattia Corrales Barboza
Director
Pital Health Area _
CC/: Dr. Gabriela Mazariegos, Doctor, Saino EBAIS.
Head of Nursing. Pitai Health Area.
ATAPS of Boca Tapada.
Archives. CajaCostarricenee SeguraSocial
AREADESALUDDEPITAL
TEL.473-30-89- Fax-.473·35.53
Pital,07deNoviembre del2005
RHNPI- 303
Senor
Dr.OmarAlfaroMurillo
Director
Gesti6nRegionay l RedesdeServiciosdeSalud
RegionHuetarNorte
EstimadoDoctor;
[ÂSUNTO:VisitasDomiciliares y GiraaBocaCurena.
Porla problematica actualdenavegaciOn enel Rio SanJuan,le informaque se
suspendieron lasvisitasdomiciliareyla Giraa BocaCuref'ia enel mesencurso,
hastaque se emitauncriteriainstitucionaal l respecta.La anteriorconel fin de
protecci6nalosfuncionarios enSalud.
-Sinotroenparticulars,edespide:
DIRECCION MÉDICAAREADESALUDPITAL
/ 1
1~:....-_.~J..
Dra.KattiaCorralesBarboza
Directora
AreadeSaludPital
CCl Dra.GabrielaMazariegos.MédicoEBAJSSaino.
JefaturadeEnfermerfaA.readeSaludPita.l .;(
ATAPSdeBocaTapada.
Archivo.
"Lapmo111uIM)Ormenxenai1Wyrresp,oida6atuûmem...s"
"La<lUyi:{utta'rNcomtryend"o4pu ". Annex 237
Regional Director of the North Huetar Regional Medical Services, Dr. Omar
Alfaro Murillo to General Director of Regional Management and Health
Service Networks, Dr. Armando Villalobos Castaiieda, Note No.
DGRRSSRHN-2511-05, 15 November 2005 TRANSLATION
Costa Rican Department of Social Security
Regional Director's Office and Health Service Network
North Huetar Region
TEL: 460-3553-460-6579 FAX: 460-2181
Ciudad Quesada, 15 Novernber 2005
DGRRSSRHN-2511-05
Dr.Armando Villalobos Castaîieda
General Director of Regional Management and Health Service Network
COSTA RICAN DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURlTY
San Jose
Dear Doctor:
Re: Bouse calls and Visit to Boca Cureiia and HouseCaUs
The Pital Health Area together with the Sabino EBAIS services a
community called Boca Cureîia, which is one hour's boat ride from the mouth
of the San Carlos River. The only way of reaching this cornmunity is via the
San Juan River.
Since the conflicts regarding navigation along the San Juan River began
sorne years ago, before making the journey our officiais present themselves
before the Nicaraguan authorities and request the permit for undertaking the
joumey. However, after the situation worsened and a Costa Rican policeman
was detained in Upala, our officiais are fearful of undertaking this visit.
As a resultof the above, I inform you that the visits to this community
have been suspended, as have bouse calls, until the situation retums to normal
or instructions are issued to the contrary and the safetyof the officiais is
guaranteed.
It is worth noting that the rnajority of the inhabitants of Boca Curefia
are Nicaraguan.
Yours sincerely,
Regional Director's Office for Medical Services
North Huetar Region
Dr. Omar Alfaro Murillo
Regional Director
CC: Dr. Kattia Corrales Barboza, Director, Pital Health Area Caja Cowlarricense de Segu«> Social
Dirccdôn de Ge5!iôo Regional y Red dr Scrvidos <leSalud
Rcgi6o Hucl'at Nonr
lEI... 460-355.!- 460-657!1 FAX 461)..2181
Ciudad Quesada. l'ide noviembre del :.!:005
DGRHSSRHN·2511·O!i
lhw.tor
A1·mandu Villatobos Castafieda
DircctM GeneraGe~ti 6 gionalyRed de Servicios dl!Halud
CA,JACOHTARIUCENSEDESl.;GURO SOCIAL
San .Tnsé
F.stimadu doctor:
j'As~to ;oV iilars yGaia a&ca Cuteiiy Visitaa Domjeilisree ]
1-Arca de Salud Pital utiende con el EBAIS Saunacomunidad llamada
R<K:a.urei'ia, la emilubicaa 1 hora enbotede la desembocaduradel Rio San
Carlo La (mica ·manera de Jlegar a e11tacomunidad es via acuiltica por el Rio San
,Juan.
llesrlee inic:iuron hacc algunos aiios los conflictos por la navegaciôn del Rio
Sfir.Juan, nuc!!tfunciona deiprvio n hacer el recorrido sc prcsentan ante laH
autoridadcsnicar~:~gü ye nstian el permiso para realizacl recorrido. Sin
tnnhargo, a partir .de ~ceagudii·..Ola situacîon y que se detuvo a un policia
custarricen.'ICen Upula nucstros funcionarios tienen temor de realizar dicha gira.
Por lo untcrior, le informe que se han suspendido las giras a eyta comunidad
lus visitadomiciliariaha11ta tantono sc normalice!a situaci6no se giren
in~truct :onrarcs yre garantice la seguridad de los funcionarios.
Jo:spertinentmencirmar que la mayoria de pobladores de Boe" Curefiu sc
nic:ara~::üuru•es.
Atentamente,
Dirèoeion Regional Servicios Médicos
Region Hueta~Norte
Dr. Omar Alfaru Murillo
Director Regional
CC: Dra. Katt.ja Corrales; Barboza, DiTectoraPital de Salud
OAM/Maricel Annex 238
Mr. Jorge Lao Jarquin and Mr. Santos Arrieta Flores to Costa Rican
Foreign Ministry, 22 November2005 1043
TRANSLATION ·
Sarapiqui, 22 November, 2005
Foreign A ffairs Ministry of Costa Rica
Fax 256-0561
Dear Sirs:
Wethe undersigned, ali tourism operators (boatmen) in the area ofPuerto Viejo
de Sarapiqui, inform you, with the purpose that due protection is granted to us,
about the events that have recently occurred at the border with the San Juan
River, which are well-known by you, and are related to our being prevented
from entering the river.
We had already received the threat by the Nicaraguan authorities and of
Immigration that in order for us to enter our own territory through the San Juan
River, our vessels must bear the Nicaraguan flag, so that in a coveted manner
we would yield our sovereignty; moreover, that the captain must carry a
passport with a visa even though our trip is to Costa Rican territory, since our
tour runs from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui to Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado.
The threats came quickly: whoever does not bear the Nicaraguan flag will be
retumed; we must therefore bear the flag.
They also effectively started forcing us to carry our passport with their visa.
These threats also became a reality.
On November fifteenth of this year, our colleague Pablo Hemandez Varela was
heading from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui to Tortuguero with two tourists, and
since he was not carrying his passport, the Nicaraguan authorities sent him
back, which forced him to retum along with the tourists.
Yesterday the same thing occurred to our colleague Carlos Lao Jarquin, who
was returning from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquî. He was not
carrying tourists and at theost at the mouth of the Sarapiqui, the Nicaraguan
authorities retained him there for a time period of between an hour-and-a-half
and two hours because he was not carrying a passport being that, as we said, he
was traveling to Costa Rican territory.This of course is causing us moral as weil as material damage and affects the
sovereignty and prestige of our country.
We have a solution on a regionallevel that îs more practical and the State does
not have to invest millions in legal fees to defend our interests at the
International Court at The Hague. What happens is that the Govemment bas
never listened to its citizens.
It is not in vain, that the lnter-American Network for Democracy in an ACAN
EFE newswire dated October 27 of this year, indicates that Costa Rica has the
lowest level of citizen participation among eight Latin American countries, and
altbough Costa Ricans perceive democracy as the best political system, they
show much political apathy. According to a study presented today, Costa Rica
bas a citizen participation index of 3.9%, the lowest registering on a scale from
1 to 1O.
We request that you let us know how this matter will be resolved within the
time frame established by the Law of Constitutional Jurisdiction.
'the following fax is intended to receive any notices or communications 766-
6131 or the e-mail [email protected]
Sincerely,
Signed by Jorge Lao Jarquin
ID card 4-102-714
Signed by Santos Arrieta Flores
ID card 4-118-600 Saral)iqUI,2deNoviembtedel ano 2005
Senore~>
Canclller!a deRepublialtle Costa A-Ina
Fax 2560561.
Orettngufdce$et\orea:
NosottŒlos abajo tirmante, todoslosoperariosturfatloŒ{ boteros) enlazona de
PuertoVie;ode Sarapiqul.venlmoea poneren conoelmlentoçon el tin de quase nos
btindela protecci6roshecho$ùltimamenteacaectdosen la fronteracon èlRioSan
Juan, looualeshsrto conoc::par uetedesalimpedimos el lngreso:
Va por partedGlas autorldadesNlcaragOensesy de Mfgraciénhabiamos ~btdo :a
arnenaza que~~ accesar a nueetroten'itorutilizande! Rfosan Juan, nuectras
en-.barcaclon:ebien utilizar la banderaNioaragUonsepara que,.de mansol a~a
doblegâr.lm010nuestra scberania, luego que el capita11debta portar pasaporte
debidamenteviasdono obatante que noso1ro&nos trasladamosa telritorlocostatriŒnse
pues nueatragiraes de PuertoVlejo de-Sarapiqufa Tortugueto y BarColorado.
Las amenazas no se hlcieron esperar: quien no porta bandera Nk:atagüense, es
devuelto,asl esquetenemosque portar1a.
Tambien tl!cierefectlvalas medldas de ob/lgarnce a pormr pasapordebldamente
visedopcr ellos.
Talesamenazasfuerontamblénconcretadas:
El dia~uin cenoviembre del presente al\o, ef compat!ero Pablo Hemândez Varela se
dlrigfc:!Puerto Vlejde Sarapiqul a Tortuguero con doturfstascamo no ~XJ:rtaba
pasaporta,!as aul(lridadesNicaragOenselo dewlvteton,lo que provoc6que •r~e
regl'e$atacon losturtales.
er die de ayer sucedlo lo mi.emo eon el compal'\ero CarlŒ Lao Jarquln,·el cual
regreaabade TortuguercsPuertoV~ej deoSaraplqulno traieturlaty_en elPuestode
la~a de SarapiqcflasautorldadésNicarag0enae9la retuvleropor espaelode hora
y media a dos horaporqu tmpoco portsbapaeaporte; slendque, como repetimos.
ya se~roslaaa iIarritorcos:rarrlcense.EstoClesde!uegoquenoestécausando undal'lomoral'Jmatertafy ala ecb&rsl'!la
y prestiglode nt:eStropals.
NosctrŒtenemcs unaso!ucro:anivadelcantOnquees ma pr.içt1Jel Estado no
tienequeinvertiranpagomillonadehonotarfo&a losabogadoSquevana defende!
nuesiroa lmereses en ia Corte lnternactol'Havadel.que GtlCedees que el
Gob!MM, nunca habrlndadpartlclpacl6nalos cludadanos.
No an vano, La Relntefarner!cpara la OemŒracl&r ~na publlcaclde ACAN
EFEdel 27de Octubredeeste al\o, indicaqCOstaRicaregistel !ncllmjsbajo
de perticipaci6ci&H:Iadaentre od'lo~ latinoamerie8ny, aunque ios
costamŒnsep serclbea ladèJTiacracamoel mejoreŒtemp adldco,muestragran
apatla electoral, segûn un estudlo prehay.Costa Rica obtuvo uindicede
partlcipaciénciudaddea3,9pordento.el mésbajoreglstradoen unaesoelade 1 a
10.
So!idtamosque se noscomuniquafo 1'8Suedenttodelplazo pre\ristla Ley de
Juri&dlo::nonstltuelonal.
Para atender notfficaclone.eaet'talamoael fax 76136131o el earreo elactrônlco:
~Yc&racae.co,g
Atentamante
J/.~~arqufn
Céd-i~ '02-N.
Sant n1e1aFlores.
Cédula<4-118-600. Annex 239
Head of the Nurse Department of the Health Area of Pital, Costa Rican
Department of Social Security,.Lie. Antonio Garcia Pérezto Director of the
Health Area of Pital of San Carlos, Costa Rican Department of Social
Security, Dr. Kattia Corrales Barboza, Note No. DAP-EA-030-2006,
9 February 2006 TRANSLATION
Costa Rican Department of Social Security EBATS
Pital Health Area A New
Care Model
TEL.: 473-3089-473-3713
PITAL HEALTH AREA
DAP-EA-030-2006
Pital, 09 February 2006
Dr. Kattia Corrales Barboza
Health Area Director
Dear Doctor:
l am informing you that as of the month of November 2005 this
department bas suspended Primary Care activities in the communities of
Chorreras and Boca Cureiia, in the Boca Tapada de San Carlos region, due to
the increasing restrictions on free navigation along the San Juan River, which
you yourself refer to in the letter RHNPI-303 of 07 November 2005.
As a result of the above, bouse calls to 30 hornes in Chorreras (which
has 80 inhabitants) were suspended, basic scheme vaccines were not
administered to 13children and no vaccine against influenza was adrninistered.
House calls to 27 homes were suspended in Boca Cureiia, which bas 84
inhabitants, 10 children were not vaccinated under the basic scherne and
neither was the vaccine against influenza applied. Furthermore, as visits were
not made to these communities, other activities such as education, the delivery
of delousing agents, etc., were not carried out.
Yours sincerely,
NURSING DEPARTMENT
Original signedby:
Antonio Garcia Perez
Head
Cc: Maria Mesen Sancho, M.Sc., Regional Head ofNursing
archives / f
Ci)
lLklMlMaŒlo
CAAToeSAU.oel'fTAlial .. Atllndén
m.473-3089-473-3713
..\REASALUDDEPffAL
DAP-EA-030-2006
Pilwide Febrero 2ù06
Dra. Kattia CorraiH Barbota
Dlredora de AreaSalud
Presente
Estimadado<:toi"B:
Le infonno que a partir del mes de noviembre2005, este dcpartamentoha susp;:ndidolas
activida'e Alenci6nPrùmuiaen las comunidadesde Chorr'Iureftapertenecientea lo
regi6deBocaTapadde SanCW"ldebidoquesehabiavenidoaumentalarestric praione~.
librenavegaci6elRio SaJuan, tcomaustedlomwùfle.n el oficio IUIJdl07 de
No\•iemb:.'!005.
Al procedersecamindicaniba, en la comunidadde Ch"con80habilan ~he:~).
suspendiola.visitadomiciliWa" 3Dcasas,no se le adm~uemtra8.-a l3 nu''!s
rUngunaa.cunacontralaInfluenza.
BocaCurei\ac.uentacon84habi!antesde lncua.lsesuspcndia"27casas.noseiliW
vacunaronJOnifl.osoon el esquemabâsico e igua.lmenteno se aplioôla vacunacontra!11fntluenm.
ademésal no visitarse estas comunidadcsno se realizan.lasotrns.:du.;act0t;,les como
entregade desparasitantes,etc.
Atentamenu;
DEPARTAMENTODE ENlt'ERMERIA
,__,,. rofl:.
_.·:>:;.·: 1•~ ";trz .";:··;:
A.~ it~O:nGÜ-ciPaérez
Jefe
Cc. Msc.~ta Mese Sanche JefeRewonaldeEnfermeria
archiva Annex 240
Note of the Intendent Commander in Sservice of Atlantic Command,
Sarapiqui, Daniel Soto Montero, to Costa Rican Foreign Ministry,
14 February 2006 TRANSLATION
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY
ATLANTIC COMMAND UNIT, SARAPIQUi
February 14, 2006
Sirs:
Ministry of Foreia:n Affa'irs of the Republiè•.San José,Costa Rica
Dear Sirs:
In reply to the information requested by your Office about the case relating to
the use of the San Juan River by Costa Rican Authorities, the Atlantic
Command unit provides you with the following.
Having revised the book of records used in this police unit to register novelties
generated daily through the radio network and which were entered into the
abovementioned book of records, we could notice certain events that we pass
to detail by the dates of the books of records and their respective numbers of
the pages where information about navigation on the San Juan river was
registered by Police Agents before officiais of the Nicaraguan Government
began to set restrictions on Costa Rican authorities to navigate the San Juan
River. Such restrictions were imposed progressively to the point of forbidding
Police officers to navigate with the service arms.
lt is for this reason that we ceased to use this waterway for sorne time and we
bad to use the overland route in spite of its difficult access. By 14July 1998, at
the 15:10 hours, First Lieutenant Alvaro Rios-Cardenas came to the Delta
Costa Rica Police Post, named Delta No. 7. Mr. Rios identified himself as the
Chief of the Nicaraguan Army Post located at the Nicaragua delta in front of
the Costa Rican Post and he presented himself to Inspecter William Herrera
Chavez, who was the Chief of the Costa Rican Atlantic Command Police Unit
and he informed him verbally that the reason of his visit was to inforrn him of
the instructions given to him by Colonel Lieutenant Orlando Talavera, Chief of
the South Detachment of the Nicaraguan Arniy, and that the passage through
the San Juan River was banned as of that time and date for any Costa Rican
authority.Books revised:
1- Book of records from 0llO1/ 1998 through 04/03/1998
Pages No. 26-33-34-35-36-37-38-39-40-41-52-53-54-84-93-95-96-110-
111-164-165-166-167-168-213-214-218-254-250.
2- Book of records from 12/12/1997 through 22/03/1997
Pages No. 3-4-5-12-15-21-22-3 2-33-40-41-46-4 7-53-88-89-90-91-94-9 5-
97-98-117-118-119-120-147-148-149-152-153-155-159-161-163-195.
3- Book of records from 08/26/1995 through 19/11/1995
Pages No. 6-8-11-14-I 5-16-36-46-47-49-50-51-77-79-80-87-117-138-139-
140-151-153-163-179-201-202-204-205-206-207-209-210-211-218-229-
262-263-264-265-268-271-272-291-293-297.
4- Book of records from 22/09/1997 through 26/10/1997
Pages No. 11-12-15-16-41-42-43-44-114-125-126-127-133-134-136-137-
140-147-166-167-171-172.
5- Book of records from 30/04/1997 through 22/05/1997
Pages No. 63-65-66-69-71.
6- Book ofrecords from 08107/1997 through 25107/1997
Pages No. 15-16-21-25-26-27-28-29-30-31-51-60-70-71-72-74-77-78-79-
81-88-89-93-94.
7- Book of records from 20/06/97 through 08/07/1997
Pages No. 35-36-37-38-39-40-41-43-44-60-61-68-70-95-97.
8-Book ofrecords from 05/04/1998 through 04107/1998
Pages No. 34-37-69-70-83-85-86-94-95-1 13-114-115-116-133-134-135-
136-138-139-140-141-152-168-170-196-198-199-201-202-203-205-227-
228-229-241-242-243-252-256-259.
9- Book ofrecords from 04/07/1998 through 17/07/1998
Pages No. 63-64-66-68-75-76-88.
10- Book of records from 17/07/1998 through 13/09/1998
Pages No. 20-21-22-24-25-26-27-28-3 7-40-41-47-48-61-64-65-69-76-77-
78-79-81-82-83-84-88-89-108-112-138-185.
11- Book of records from 22/03/1997 though 30/04/1997
Pages No. 33-34-37-47-48-49-51-55-56-101-102-113-114-115-130-131-
132-133-135-148-149-152-180-181-182-183-190.12- Book of records from 12/01/1997 through 12/02/1997
Pages No. 4-5-6-7-12-16-17-18-19-26-79-80-81-86-87-88-92-93-94-98-99-
100-101-145-149-156-157-158-167-168-169-177-178-188-191-192-193-196-
197-198-199.
13- Book of records from 26/10/1997 through 0110111998
Pages No. 4-5-6-8-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-67-68-69-75-76-77-78-79-97-
98-99-100-101-102-130-133-135-136-137-138-150-151-157-158-209-210-
211-213-214-215-217-218-287-288-289-290-292-293-294.
14- This search of information concludes with the revision of the book of
records that was being kept by the commanders at that moment in order to
control the orders dictated by their superiors on August 10 of 1998, page 174,
whereby it is ordered to stop navigating the San Juan River during the
negotiations with Nicaraguan authorities for the opening of this
communication route and for the supply of the police posts located on its
margms.
Hoping that we have provided you with the required information,
Sincerely yours,
Daniel Soto-Montero, lntendent
Commander in service, Atlantic Command Unit
Sarapiquî, Heredia NINISTERIO DESEGURIDAD PUBUC4
COMANDOATLANTICO, SARAPIQuf
oo..ade .•~~aa~~oo,.sp.go.cr
Te1. 766-65-75 1 J'ax-766-64-BS
14deFebrerode20()5
Senores:
lll.ndltcrla 6enni Dela Re publlu SanJoséCosla Rica.
EsfimiildoSefiorcs:
Enrespuestaalainforrmd6n queinteresaa suOespadtoc,onrelacialcaso:utili:zaci6n
delR'DSanJuanporpartedeAutoridade(sostarriŒnsese,lComandoAtlântisepermite
suministrarosiguiente: ·
Revisados bs libresde actasutilizadosen estaunidadpolidalparacontemplarlas
novedades q,uesegenerabandiariamentmed iante!aredderadioyquefueronasentaos
enlos refertloibrosdeactasse bgr6apredardichasinddendaqsueacontinuaà6s ne
lesdetallamediantekchasdeloslibrosdeactas ysusresped:M> numerodsefoliosen
losque se registr6înl"ormadelacbnadasobre la navegadônen êlri6Sanluan,por
partedeAg entesPoliciasntesquefuncionaoodselGobiemNotc.araenseempezaraa n
jX)nerrestria:ios lasautoriladesPoliciaoostarricenspornavegaren elR'1S0an
Juan.SiendoqueestasfueronlmpuestaPsaulatinamenheaslelpuntodequeseflego a
prohibirquelosPolidviajarautili:zanasarmasdereglamento.
Poreserootivoestavia sedejadeutilizarporatguntiempo;teniequerecurrira lavia
terrestreaunquestafueradedifiàlaa:esoy paralafecha 14dejuliode 1998,a las
15:10 horas,sepresentaal PuestoPoliclaeltCostaRbl, denominadoDeltaNo.?,el
TenientePrimeroA,lvarRfosCârdenasq.ueseidentificaencondià6ndeJefdePuesto
del Ejérdo de Nicaraguaq, ue se ubi<:a en el delta Nicaragua,frente al Puesto
CostarriŒnsae, teellnspectr illiHerrerChavezensucondici6d neJefedelPuesto
CostarriŒnsdee laUnidadPoliàalComando Atlân6coyle inmrmaverbalmenteque el
motivede su presenciaes parainforrnarlelasinstruccione5qoue~lesuministrel
TenienteCoronelOrlando Talavera ,eredel DestacameniDi!itarSurdel Ejélrdeo
Nicaraguaquea partirde estahoyafechaQuedarestringidelpasoporelR'1S0anJuan
deaJalqurearutori:ded(aga Rica. 1- Librodeactqueromprendedelafech01/011199a8lafech03/04/1998
Folbs # 26-3-34-3536-37-38-39-4041-52-53-54-8-35-95-11-111-164-165-
166-167-168-23-214-218-254-250.
2-Librde actaqueromprenddeelafecha12/2/1997alafecha22103/1997
Folbs #3-4-5-12-15-21-22-32-33-40-41-46-47-53-88-8994095-97-98-117-
118-119-120-147-148-149-152-153-155-159-161-163-195.
3- Ubrodeactaqueoomprenddeelafed126/0811959alafech19111/1959
Folos #6-8:-11-14-1-16-36-46-47-49-50-51-77-79~018-738-139-140-1~1
153-16-179-21-202-204--5-206-27-209--01-211-218-229..262-6634-25-
268..271-272-291-293-297.
4 -Librdeactasqueromprenddeelafeeh22/09/1997a lafeeha260/1997
Folbs#t 1-12-15-16-41-42-43-44-15-126-127133-134-136-137-140-147-166-
167-171-172.
5-Ubrodeaclasquea>mprenddelafecha30/04/1997alafech22/05/1997
Folbs#63-65-66-69-71.
6 -librodeactasqueromprendeelafech08/07/199a lafeha25/07/1997
Folios#15-16-21-25-26--78-29-30-31-51-60-70-71-72-74-77-78-79-81..88.89-93-
94.
7- Ubrodeactasqueromprenddeelafech20-/06//87alfecha08ft)7'it97
Folbs#35-36-37-38-39-40--43-44-60.61-68-70-95.97.
8-Librodeaclaqueoompren edelafecha05.Q-1998ala fech04/07/1998
Folios#34-37-69-70-8l85-S6-94-95-113-114-1116-133-134j5-136-138-139-
140-141-152-168-170-196-198-199-201-202-203-205-227-228-229-241-242-243-
252-256-259.
9- Librdeactaqueromprenddee lfecha04/07/199alafecham17/0711998
Fo ls#63-64-66.68-75-.sa.
10-Ubrodeactasqueromprenddeelafecha17/07/199alafecha13ft)9/l998
Folios #20-21-2-24-5-26-27-28-37-40447-48-6-64-65.Q-76-7778-79--12-
83-84.88-89-108-112-138-185.
11-Librode actquecomprend delafeha 22ft)3/1997alafec30/04/1997.
Folios#33-34-37-47-4849-51-5 52-~131101-1 5-130-131-132-133-135-
\48-149-152-180-181-182-183-190.10541
12-Libdeactaqueoompredelafecha12/01-alfecha12102/1997
Folios #4-5-6-12-16-17-18-19-26-86-87-88-92-93-900-01-
145-149-156-157-158-167-168-169-177-178-188-191-192-193-196-197-198-199.
13-librodeadasmmprendeeJfech26/10/199lfecha01/01/1998
Folios#4-5.6--12--145-16-17-1.58-ff..iJ5-]6:17-98-99-100-
1Ol-102-130-133-135-136-137-138-150-1510-91-213-214-215-
217-218-287-288-289--290-292-293-294.
14-Estbusquedaeinfomanonduye n larevnellibrodeactasqueenese
mementlevabaosoomandanesrmcontteordensmanadsesussuperiores
enlfe:l.~ .~.9...J.'...1..fJ..4f~4~~-~.!m d..~.t~~J,J..r._UP'f.~
yfadelri6SanJuanmisegestiotopautoridadelskaragürnsesdeapcrtura
eslayfdeomuniarlnJsuminislopuestospolsubiladosenlasmirgtnes
delriô San Juan.
Enespera de dejarlos debidameote informadosse susuibe:
:~:~~-------------SotoMontuo
Comandanten se rwiComandoAtlinli(O.
Sarapiqui, Heredia. Annex 241
Receipts of payment of the "departure clearance certificate":
(a) Departure Certîficate for US$25.00 charged at the SaraArmyi post and
receîpt thereof, 5 May 2001
(b) Departure Certificate for US$25.00 charged at El DeArmy post, 5 May
2001
(c) Receipt for US$5.00 charged at the SarapiqAnny post, 23 June 2006
(d) Receipt for US$10.00 charged at San Juan del NortArmy post, 23 June
2006 REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA
EJERCITO DE NICARAGUA
Destacamento Militar Sur
N! 0305
CERTIFICADO DE DESPACHO DE SALIDA
(CEATIFICATE OF DISPATCH)
No.-~--- Fe-ha: y/ :r/tcro .l
·· tDat«Y .....
Capîtania de Puerto d!)ABA pL\ 9)\ ·. .
Hecho eldebido examende ladocumentacidn dela Embarcaci6n
que a continuaciônexpreyvista que se ha cumplido con los
requisitos: que la legislaci6n vigente. se expide este permiso a fin de
que pueda zarpar ~ \ -_
este puerto con destiBa.\[â \!don:tgo ·
After having duly examined documents of befow mentioned
vesse! and having witnessed copliance of requirements demanded by
law this permit is exarder.in
The vessel may sail from this port at its mentioned destination
Nombre del Buque _---!..\........;..._,__________ (
Name of Vesse! · (0f ,..•
Nacionalida-r C'. \ . TipodeBuquepa tt,q -\1\tV1
(Nationality} (Tipeof Vesse!U
Tipo deCareaa.SJcre3 ' TonelBruto--------
(Tipocargo) 0 {Grosstdnnag~)
TonelaNeto-------- NombrdelCapitor .C ·A 0
(Netotons) f__. ~ (Namof Capitain· 17.1)
DespachaporQ~g _l:,)1 FechadeSali,J .)1t't ·
(Dispatcorsailfdfo0) (Departdate)
CantiddeTripula_....;1..=---
(Numbeofcrew) TRANSLATION
Republic of Nicaragua
South Military Detachment
Official Cashier Receîpt No. 0305
Date: 51512001 For:C$ 25.0
I receive from Mr. (a): Jorge Lao
The amount of: Payment oflnternational Departure Clearance 25.0
In concept of:
Cheque No.: Bank:
Cash: 25 Dollars
Jorge Lao (signature) .Manuel Trejos (signature)
Signature of the recipient Signature of the deliverer
Seal: Republic ofNicaragua.
Central America
Captaincy of Ports- DM - E.D.
NOTE: THIS RECEIPT IS NOT VALID IF IT SHOWS SCRATCHES OR
AMENDMENTS~
REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA
Destacamento Militar Sur- Ejércitode NicaragUa
RECIBC CFICIAL DE CA.JA N!! 0305
Fecha:J /.)/z,(}{Jj_. Por: C$ ;2'f tJ
ROcibo del S~t lai'· [ct'Ü
La cantidad de'= (iD lfMf e_ ' T )'kr ~Ll "ctf.oJl,D() '
En concde:----~-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------ Banco: --------------------------------------
Efectiv.....fi~v• (2' rx--,~~"
() ~k~~rr l. i:~~ Q.
,, / n~
. _Cl'(), ~AM~~T~:;_fo~
Firdel que Re'~.~:_;.:~-~::.-" Firdel que lfltrega
NOE:STERENOESVASILLEBbRROIIE01 ENMIENDAS. lrfli.Nt24070.A/41C
tOSt0001036608100 REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA
EjERCITO DE NICARAGUA
Destacamento Militar Sur
N! 0404
CERTIFICADO DE DESPACHO DE SALIOA
~& ~" 'CER~,~ O-DISPCTAH) E
0
N~ 'eP'2- -~t\~o· OS6Se'cha:
(0ate)
Capitania de PueL \ ç1)E:.f\(\
Hecho eldebido examen deladocumentaci6n de la Embarcaci6n
queacontinuaci6n se expresa y hacumplido ·con los
requisitos: que la legislaci6n vigente, se expide este permiso a fin de
que pueda zarpar de (__~
este puerto con ae""uc... ..::CO. · ~·
After having duly examined documents of below mentioned
vessel and having witnessed copliance of requirements demanded by
law this permit is extened·in arder.
The vesse! may sail from this port ot its mentioned destination
Nombre del Buq__--_''_,__\________ _
Name of Vessel
NacionalC.ad. .-~Us"":Tipd~Buq u~ '-~o
(Nationality) (TiofVessel}
(Tipeofcargo)---- (Grotonnage)--------
TonelNeto NombrdelCapitân:Xlo.~
{Netons) (Namof Capitain)
Despachoor'\!:::G"..-c<'"a.
(Dispatorsaifor)
CantideTripulantCJ..
(Numbrfcrew) 1059
TRANSLATION
Republic of Nicaragua
Naval Force- Army of Nicaragua
Official Cashier Receipt No. 11156
23 of June 20 06 For:C$ 5
I receive from Mr. (a): Rony Lao
The amount of: Five Dollars
In concept of: International Departure Clearance
Cheque No.: Bank:
Cash: US 5
(signature not legible) Ronny Lao (signature)
Signature ofthe recipient Signature of the deliverer
Seal: Army of Nicaragua Seal: Army ofNicaragua
Captaincy of Port of San Judel Norte Captaincy of Port of San Juan del Norte
Republic of Nicaragua, Central America Republic of Nicaragua, Central
America
Naval Force Naval Force
NOTE: THIS RECETPT IS NOT VAUD IF IT SHOWS SCRATCHES OR
AMENDMENTS
ORIGINAL [!]
REPUBDE NICARAGUA
FUERZA NAVAL-EJERCITO DENICARAGUA
Recibo Oficiade Caja N~ 1.1156
Z3 de,J~ 20K. PorCSL
Recibo(al~ Sr."'J l00 '
La Cantidad C:t\. Oô ~·
En concepto~:e p f- .; .I l';"ovf •u
Efectt()iJSS::e:s--.-----Banco _______~-----~
f)0h (}~(')
Firnfa del que entrega
NOTA: ESTE RECIBO NO ES VAUDO SI LLEVA BORRONES 0 ENMIENDAS.
tm:JRrC Buo O3188501Ill 10081-12000ŒAI ORIGINAL TRANSLATION
Republic ofNicaragua
Naval Force- Army of Nicaragua
Official Cashier Receipt No. 7473
23 of June 20 06 For:C$ 10.00$
I receive from Mr. _(a): Ronny Lao
The amount of: TenDollars
In concept of: Payment of international Departure Clearance
Cheque No.: Bank:
Cash:
(signature not legible) Ronny Lao (signature)
Signature of the recipient Signature of the delîverer
Seal: Army of Nicaragua Seal: Army ofNicaragua
Captaincy of Port of San Juan del NorteCaptaincy of Port of San Juan delNorte
Republic of Nicaragua, Central America·Republic of Nicaragua, Central America
Naval Force Naval Force
NOTE: THIS RECEIPT IS NOT VAUD IF IT SHOWS SCRATCHES OR
AMENDMENTS
ORIGINAL 00
REPUDE N.ICARAGUA
FUERZANAVALEJERCITO DE NICARAGUA
Reciboficide Caja N9 7473
:b3de -~ 20o6 PorC/f(litiO
~c; b ~od : I # S- I .J J ::~~1
La Cdeta..tl ddJ.v; ..
En ·.ncTÏJ',tl&fi 74-~. rM.t..
----
........_.-·
Cheque..,;:90:>.. Banc-- .~--rii:!'• ..
NOTA: EN~S:SLLEVABORRONES0 ENMIENDAS.
LITONiccAu:O32896001OZIOi Annex 242
Tourist card charges:
(a) Receipt for the Tourist card charged to 2 persons
($10.00), 5 May 2001
(b) Tourist card of$5.00, 6 August 2005 TRANSLATION
Ministry of Govemance
Division of Finances
Accounting System
Official Cashier Receipt
EXCLUSIVE FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY
No. 284363 (1)
Place and Date: Sarapiqui 05-05-2001
$ 10.-
I received from: Sergio G. Ugalde G
By account of: Himself
The Amount of: TenDollars net
In Concept of: 2 Tourist cards
Geographical Dept. Illegible County Illegible Dependency lllegible
DF-SC-6
Note: Not valid with amendments or scratches
Illegible
Received in conformity
Cashier
Original: Client [!]
!\l11:,:i~~\((;l(tt.._t'L~f1!l]fl~\llt(~{J.~i;l' .t'."ll!'tf\Jf.l:..:~iHI-"1~h~:~.:~~, .~.' ·.\,~o.''nil_''!
·~-,·jt 1•'\Ill-HH<ti'\1{<:r1>1:···"Il';;~~:> •h))!.;\Hl;l)!:·Hô\IH,\>OlJ'!\tli:~tl<'\ '-11•.1,:, \!['.;>~lf.-1'\
.p,,..;,,,.,·:a'";n ,-,q \.:•,:••·., ·:!MINISêJERI01DEGO.BERI •No·.•€n•0-u:~: . . ·.: ·'l''"
\!'•···h'· \;!<,:n:n" ~'li.,. -IDivtsloN:oe·.FINANZA\IJ(;()fl1•'d•dl}ll'~- .-,,erie .n..~ ·:.
'1!<.0n:' .·. ·.,111P"~'<;i;Hl!,·.il,,p ::SISTEMA'DECONiABII!IOADGfJI 'l:;;'di,nnlJii ,·, ~- ! "v··,; •'·,,., r·
\-lH~O~~~-~~ttt.t~·t\ \j~{;.t:.·hMu;cn ·nFi'\H~~d~PD t. Y~Jcn~bitS~';lt;l•ll\\HL{:LJqt; ~:t\·.'.}ttUF'~~~
'11• .. !' ':;~''n!;'l\,J:,!~; l.·Il•·~_,~'REG'IBO!OfiQI~Lït !o•iLJ;E!•N(P.·2'•A4~3A•6i9 "'.1)<iHJ. ':!.2!.,1
\HC0l"lili-'.!1'-0il•·'.;!f:~);,,'l\.•1,, . '1-H(;OB nl.''tUGtHlD.ll1~!'l1.l1~~•V'fUllH'\~·l··· '·'··h·· l~'~
\I,,,a>rtr-,uc,PI~Jt 'Hl;lo:..·n:.1Œ-1i -,:\J,.caï•H1-.-,~l olHll'l nlr'i\Ilollm n'' ,_l,••.; ( ~ R l'r"' '·'~-t
w;.;no r•<H~w;o o1;-. \JJ•<tlrf!S;~Gkl!IS •IN&mC N ;EX'AIRUA .IERAJ(·,t!1:11.._,:,l;nn. ~rlc u,l,r~
\Ha* 11··rN,ncm1 !It'.>ilt0rnnN Mu:;osmn:' :\i;;;;;n-Jil··8 Ill :u{'.oo.W• "'\!t1''t': .. ,,;(,, '" n1vruFI"-IH.;uB
1> 'ucau: m~..'..nR mnx.VJ.~ ...R!1 · -M~rcollll!P:..~~~o:1n"'\1'-,,~>"·', n·i\H~;.;cm
,O,!![)ji ; GOé!UilN~Oll 0~.\IHOOB IIIHI' :1-UGOBPlll'IN Mli';OR til'fiN M\1ff';illfl_,
Mfl::nn nH-IN MICIHH~i'IIIC llF"~l\';IJlliFII\ :o.tH;OB lliFI:O. :>liCOU DIHN:\Uf;nanwr.:;.~·-~:;(i:m:!!Îl
M'N(!)'fA,!lNà'ê ènlilfé§llèljfôJ~sll1.\HI>IlBllii-MIGORlllFJNMICt~ mn ... \ilrI,'• v
M IGOHIHFE:~lCOB ni FiMIGOJl: Ill FIN Ml GJ~\!l(,(!IIH.'\Ut;osIIU'I'Ii \1!~!V1R EDf 100 ., •
M~CIG~II .f~kffftqJ!VP,.f9l1f. r;'2!JfJI IflilfU -l1nnJn:-;ualwul'.,Slffl
~0RdGIN.4ln.0ldEN 1i1'11llOIOOUT\ \tlt UH'l'\\GOO Fllfl.'l :.1m1-.; ,.,
\..U,f",lri'\.t'Hf\11:i\flr:I'UE'U1/"!lfU'IOl!~'!:i1\'llf":"!llf!'ilt'l\,1n1:1Ult'~P~.t1qUf.~·,t,1,.'.1";,..'" ''-.-illl".'!t''UJ' RII'D'IJ!a.j INnlTli~IC:ARAC:t:E:r..s•:
.~~•~ RRF.Pt:BLICOf SICARAC\IAilCAR.\Cô:tAs Of TOl!RISME
i ' · T,\RJETADETURI MO
~ • . TOt:RIST AR SERI.E
···E''
FirstNamrat~~~~--------~~~~t====-------
APELLIDO---toCIII"'~-llill~~~~~..o~~,.;::::~~_--....lloo..-r.~~.a-...._
LaatName
SEXO: M { A SAN CARLOS
:S YFECHADE NACIMIENTOl!..--..._~"""".....,_ ---.....W:...;;...._._6.;;;...._1_·_·
=:D:::~ . OfB&th /0 éi/o62 z.
CilitenShi._,._, ____ ~.--
OCUPACIONL-1:.......1.--J"'--~Jt."'-',a......-:;.......L-----------
Oçcupalion:
Addreu ln Nicaragua: ----t-------------41....---
AdefressAbroad:RANJ:i' · ,:-:+-:-----------I----
PUNTOOEEMBAROUE:~A--~.·~~-~--~----------~~-----
Poinlof DeparturL;,.-··.~
PoinlArrivai:AR'E:·-----1~~------~----------------
4' •
TIEMPODEESTANCI_,. ~.-'-.-_:- -·--:;W-#-----...a:.--------:::
L.angthofStay:
LUGARYFECHADEEMI
PlacanDatoollasue:
YaluFivaUDollarsES(MONED
••
ERIA
<J;·:F.fDELTURISTA
... . &i;nacf Tourisl
-FFICIAl:~E
V'"· •·· Annex 243
Receipts of payment of a tax for "transit permit through the border points":
(a) Receipt ofpayment of the "transit permit through the border points"
charged to a Costa Rican boatman, 28 December 2005
(b) Receipt of payment of the ''transitpermit through the border points"
charged to a Costa Rican passenger, 23 June 2006 1067
TRANSLATION
Ministry of Govemance
Division of Finances
.Accounting System
Official Cashier Receipt
No. 0476038
(1)
Cordobas
Dollars
Collector Unit Migr y Ext.
Place and Date: Sarapiqui 28-12-2005
$ 5.-
I received from: Carlos Lao Jarquin
By account of: Himself
The Amount of: Pive Dollars net
In Concept of: (3140) Transit Permit Border Post
v
Department R.S.J. County S. C. Dependency .My E
Note: Not valid with amendments or scratches
Illegible
Received in conformity
Cashier
OriginaL Client~ .-'~:
.. ~ :,~
.....:.~f..,.
=~~ 1069
TRANSLATION
Ministry of Govemance
Division of Finances
Accounting System
Official Cashier Receipt
No. 604665 (l)
Cordobas
Dollars
Collector Unit Migracion y Ext.
Place and Date: Sarapiqui 23-06-2006
$ 5.-
1received from: Allan Solis Fonseca
By account of: Himself
The Amount of: Five Dollars net
ln Concept of: (3140) Transit Permit in the B. P. [Border Post]
Department R.S.J. County S. C. Dependency My E
Note: Not valid with amendments or scratches
Illegible
Received in conformity
Cashier
Original: Client Œ
.v.t.d lJ:.tU.Ul~llr..lf.'.4··.'',t~.I.',.~-_!L.·s.~.-. .~-~..~t":1.~L'1\vt•Ill)1.1~.".vu.11..1'.tot.a.IÛVJ
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Visas required in order to navigate the San Juan, receipts thereof,
and copy of stamped passport, December 2005 TRANSLATION
(SEAL) REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA
CONSULATE IN SAN JOSE
VISA No. 0447 Classification (illegible)
Granted to: Carlos Lao
Passport 401320572
The bearer of this passport is authorized to enter to Nicaragua in the tenn of
30 days from the date of issue and stay in the country for a period of thirty
days
Date: 06/01/06
Jllegible
Authorized signature (Stamp) General Consulate of Nicaragua
San Jose, Costa Rica
GLORJA GADEA PANTOJA
Minister Council with Consular Functions ,; ; i
~ ~1 / ;- // /'
i f i l
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.
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\
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') 1073
TRANSLATION
(SEAL) REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA
CONSULATE IN SAN JOSE
VISA No. 1218 Classification V
Granted to: Carlos Jarquin
Passport: 401320572
The bearer of this passport is authorized to enter to Nicaragua in the term of
30 days from the date of issue and stinthe country-for a period of thirty
days
Date: 20/12/05
Jllegible
Authorized signature (Stamp) General Consulate of Nicaragua
San Jose, Costa Rica
GLORIA GADEA PANTOJA
Minister Council with Consular Functions,. ,,
." f'
' 1.i..
', 1075
TRANSLATION
REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA
MINlSTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
CONSULATE MEXICO
Address:
Receipt
SerieADGF
No. 005416
For: $25
Date: 20-12-05
We received from: Carlos Lao
The amount of: Twentyfive dollars
For concept of: Form and visa
Credit account No. Cash: Cheque:
Bank:
(Stamp)
Consulate General ofNicaragua
Illegible
Illegible
Authorized Signature (Stamp) [!]
"00~- REPUBLICA DENICARAGUA
" c> MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES
=1 '
~ ~ CONSULADO MEXICO
o1~1-o-o------------------------ ~--------------------------~~~
RECIBO
No.
1
Por. . J>~o
Facha:80 -o ~ ·-.'-.._,..
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INTEAESADO Annex 245
Receîpts of payment of the "migratory service (entry and exit)":
(a) Receipt of payment from a Costa Rican boatman, 28 December 2005
(b) Receipt of payment from a Costa Rican passenger, 23 June 2006 Î
TRANSLATION
Ministry of Governance
Division of Finances
Accounting System
Official Cashier Receipt
No. 0458937 (!)
Cordobas
Dollars
Collecter Unit Migr y Ext.
Place and Date: Sarapiqui 28-12-05
$ 4.-
I received from: Carlos Lao Jarquin
By account of: Himself
The Amount of: Four Dollars net
In Concept of: (3010) Desp. Migr (Entrance and exit)
Department R.S.J County S. C. Dependency My E
Note: Not valid with amendments or scratches
Illegible
Received in conformity
Cashier
Original: Client? <" .1x.~·~ ,- / / 7'
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""' 1079
TRANSLATION
Ministry of Governance
Division of Finances
Accounting System
Official Cashier Receipt
No. 604615 (1)
Cordobas
Dollars
Collector Unit Mig y Ext.
Place and Date: Sarapiqui 23-06-2006
$ 4.-
I received from: Allan Salis Fonseca
By account of: Himself
The Arnount of: Four Dollars net
In Concept of: (3010) Desp. Mig (Entrance and exit)
Department R.S.J. County S. C. Dependency My E
Note: Not valid with amendments or scratches
Jllegible
Received in conforrnity
Cashier
Original: Client Œ
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volume VI