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The Secretary of State to the Minister in Colombia (Philip)

Confidential. Department’s August 9, 5 p.m.50

American Senate feared that Mexico would be heartened by Colombia’s attitude and would be more persistent in forcing her plan of nationalization of oil lands on the ground that it was justifiable as proven by Colombia’s action. That this belief has foundation is shown by a telegram from American Embassy, Mexico City, which states: “Local press today features Associated Press report that Colombia has declared petroleum producing lands the property of the Government.” If Colombia enforces nationalization we must expect other Latin American countries to follow suit and this should be averted.

Lansing
  1. Ante, p. 737.