| Summary |
The purpose of this study is to examine the steps and the crises by which the Organization of American States proved itself a worthy agency for settling disputes and maintaining peaceful relations among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. The Costa Rican-Nicaraguan border conflicts of 1948-1955 constituted the first challenge to the authority of the Organization of American States in its role as an arbitrator of inter-American conflicts. Chapter one, "The Organization of American States, an Emerging Factor for Peace on the Scene of Conflict," traces briefly the historical background of the inter-American system and the birth of the Organization of American States as the culmination of inter-American efforts for collective security. The chapter also focuses on the historical Central American conflict between the liberal and conservative forces which was crystallized in the personalities of Još Figueres of Costa Rica and Anastasio Somoza of Nicaragua. Još Figueres, leader of reformist elements, challenged Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia, leader of the traditional and conservative forces in Costa Rica. The conflict widened when Somoza attempted to help Guardia, his old friend and political crony, in his fight against Flgueres. Their defeat by Figueres and his inspired revolutionaries initiated an eight-year period of interventions, aggressions, and invasions of Costa Rican territory by Costa Rican rebels and Nicaraguan forces. Chapter two, "The Organization of American States and its First Challenge as a Peace-Keeping Agency," relates the first confrontation of the new Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance with a de facto case of aggression and invasion of a member nation's territory. The invasion of Costa Rican territory aroused the Organization of American States to the realization that it was obligated to act in an effort to halt the aggression. Though indecisive at first, the Organization moved to implement the Rio Pact and bring the conflict to a close. The successful results enhanced the Organization in the eyes of the entire Hemisphere and transformed the ideals of collective security into a living fact of life within the inter-American system. Chapter three, "The Uneasy Interlude Between 1949 and 1955", discusses the tense political atmosphere felt throughout Central America and the Caribbean area as a result of the clash between liberal democratic forces and the old established dictatorships. While disaffected exiles conspired against unpopular governments, Figueres and Somoza glared suspiciously at each other across their common border. The socialist orientation of the Flgueres government released new cross currents into an already stormy atmosphere which made for political turmoil throughout the region. Chapter four, "The Second Intervention in the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan Border Conflict," gives the details of the second case of de facto aggression with which the Organization of American States dealt. On the basis of previous experience, the Organization moved with even more energy and confidence. It set in motion two innovations: the use of aircraft from neutral nations for the purpose of peaceful observation flights over disturbed areas, and the sale of military aircraft to the aggrieved country for use in repelling the Invaders. In both cases of aggression, the Organization of American States dealt with the same small countries, the same political personalities, and a similar set of circumstances. The study does not attempt to draw conclusions as to how effective the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance would be in dealing with a large-scale conflict between two determined and powerful nations. It only attempts to point out that the long and arduous task of drafting the agencies and instruments for peaceful settlement of disputes At least, the Initial efforts to restore peaceful relations between two between American nations has not been in vain. contending countries were successful. |
