File No. 711.21/277.
Minister Thomson to the Secretary of State.
Bogotá , June 17, 1914, 3 p.m.
Apprehending that questions will arise in our Senate regarding the use Colombia may make of the indemnity, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has suggested the desirability of my informing you that [Page 165] while he cannot speak officially for the new administration, which will take office on August 7, it is the desire of those in authority that the indemnity should be invested exclusively in public works, especially railways and the improvement and sanitation of ports, under law enacted by Congress. My own observation leads me to believe that this is the wish of the thinking people as well as the majority of Congress. * * *