717.2114/74: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua ( Eberhardt ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:25 p.m.]
349. My telegram of September 19, 2 p.m. Since the newspapers here are stating that the United States desired an adjustment of the San Andres question because we wished to acquire the island[s] from Colombia and it is even being intimated that a portion of the purchase price will be paid secretly to Conservative officials here, I recommend that I be authorized not only to furnish the press with a copy of the Department’s statement about the negotiations but also to state orally at the same time that the United States has no intention of acquiring the islands for itself.