File No. 711.21/239.
The Secretary of State to Minister Thomson.
Washington, March 27, 1914, 10 a.m.
Your March 24, 12 noon. You may agree to second paragraph, Article IV, in the following terms, which fully embrace what Colombia asks, with only verbal changes:
In consideration of this recognition, the United States agrees, immediately after the exchange of the ratifications of the present treaty, to advise the Government of Panama to despatch a duly accredited agent to negotiate and conclude with the Government of Colombia a treaty of peace and friendship, with a view to bring about both the establishment of regular diplomatic relations between Colombia and Panama and the adjustment of all questions of liability as between the two countries in accordance with recognized principles of law and precedents.
If Colombia desires, you may add to this the promise of good offices.
Your purpose to repeat assurance of 25,000,000 if Colombia will agree in advance to accept it, is approved. Department can not exceed that amount.