File No. 763.72111/645
The Colombian Legation to the Secretary of State
memorandum
The annexed copies or abstracts of Executive decrees tell by themselves how the Colombian Government has acted and in fact succeeded to prevent the use of radio stations for unneutral purposes. The decrees are:1
- A.
- August 22. Providing for dismantling of radio apparatuses onboard the ships during their stay in Colombian waters.
- B.
- September 1. Subjecting stations to censorship.
- C.
- September 11. Closing Cartagena station for alleged transgressions.
- D.
- September 17. Contract with an expert for the operation of thestation, with stringent clauses.
It is possible, although not probable, that notwithstanding so careful endeavors to maintain due and equitable neutrality, the belligerents have been able to build concealed stations in unknown parts of inhabited coasts where no ships used to go. Such cases occur even in the United States where there are no large tracts of inhabited coasts covered with thick forests.
If the British or French Governments have clear facts to be put before the Colombian Government at Bogota, proving the violation of neutrality by persons resident in Colombia, they may be sure to obtain the most serious investigations to trace and punish the culprits.
- Not printed. File No. 763.72111/615↩