811.822/63: Telegram
The Minister in Colombia (Philip) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13, 12.15 a.m.]
130. The Minister for Foreign Affairs informs me that an official report has been received by the Colombian Government from the Intendente of the islands of Providencia and San Andres that stone and cement light towers have been erected without the permission of the Colombian authorities on the cays of Roncador, Quita Sueno and Serranilla (or Serrana) in the Colombian Archipelago. The report further states that these towers have been furnished with self-feeding lights to last one year.
The Minister said he would send a note of inquiry regarding the above report which has already been taken up by the press and which is most embarrassing to the Government in view of the present delicate situation existing between the United States and Colombia. I respectfully [request] the Department’s instructions upon which to base my reply.