[Untitled]
Washington, December 29, 1903.
Excellency: On the 13th instant I telegraphed to my Government, pointing out the expediency of awaiting the result of my mission to the Government of the United States before moving forces on the territory of Panama to subdue the insurrection.
To that telegram I have received a reply which reads as follows:
Bogotá, December 26.
Before the arrival of your telegram of the 13th, Colombian forces had entered the Panama territory with the object of subjugating the rebels. The Isthmus traffic will not be interrupted. Communication with commanding officers is difficult and very slow. Obtain from the Government of the United States official statement that military action to subjugate rebels will be declaration of war. Such a statement will not impede action. Government requires such statement in order formally to determine its attitude and support it before the nation and history. Press for prompt categorical answer.
As a reply to the quoted telegram of my Government is extremely urgent, I beg that your excellency will tell me whether the military action of the Government of Colombia to subjugate the Panama rebels would be held by the Government of the United States to be a declaration of war.
I have the honor to be your excellency’s humble and obedient servant,
To His Excellency the Honorable John
Hay,
Secretary of State of the United
States.