Hand-corrected telegram as president, one page, 8.5 x 11, [March 20, 1963]. A hand-corrected typed draft of a telegram to be sent to Francisco Orlich, president of Costa Rica, written by President John F. Kennedy on Air Force One on leaving the country, where he attended the Conference of Presidents of the Central American Republic. Kennedy corrects the draft, adding "we," "were," "strongly," and "to our homes," while striking through several words. The final text reads, in full: "As we fly away from your beautiful country I want again to thank you for the warmth and welcome we received from the people of Costa Rica. The vitality and dedication of the people were evident everywhere and inspiring to all of us. We carry the memories of this visit strongly to your homes. I would like through you to convey my thanks to the other presidents who made our stay so pleasant and productive." In fine condition.
Accompanied by a carbon copy of the draft with Kennedy's corrections incorporated, a press release concerning Kennedy's trip to Costa Rica, and a 1989 letter of provenance from Evelyn Lincoln, John F. Kennedy's personal secretary, in full: "The handwritten notes of President John F. Kennedy, which you now have in your possession, were written on a wire to be sent to President Francisco Orlich, San Jose, Costa Rica. They were written by the President around 6:30 p.m. on Air Force One enroute from Costa Rica on March 20, 1963."
Kennedy’s trip to Costa Rica—the first of any sitting United States president to the South American nation—was very historic, as he met with various Central American Presidents, including Miguel Ydígoras (Guatemala), Julio Rivera (El Salvador), Roberto Chiari (Panamá), Ramón Villeda (Honduras), Luis Somoza (Nicaragua), and of course Francisco Orlich (Costa Rica). The historic meeting was held in San José on March 18–20 at Costa Rica's presidential house, Casa Presidencial.
