717.2114/92
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Nicaragua (Hanna)
Sir: Reference is made to the Legation’s despatch No. 1161, of September 21, 1929, reporting the receipt of a letter from the Colombian Minister to Nicaragua in which he requests the good offices of [Page 937] the American Legation in bringing about the appointment of a commission to study the Treaty of March 24, 1928, between Colombia and Nicaragua to the end that its ratification by Nicaragua be facilitated.
As was stated in the Department’s telegram No. 23, of February 2, 8 p.m., 1929, this Government is interested in the settlement of the territorial litigation between Colombia and Nicaragua by the Treaty in question since it involves Great and Little Corn Islands, leased to the Government of the United States by the Government of Nicaragua under the provisions of Article 2 of the Nicaraguan Canal Route Convention of August 5, 1914. Apart from this consideration, however, the Department is of the opinion that the solution contemplated by the Treaty is reasonable and just, and that it would appear to make possible a dignified and simple termination of a controversy that has extended over a long period of time. In so far as this Government is aware, the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua and Great and Little Corn Islands have not in recent times been in the possession of Colombia, nor has the San Andres Archipelago been held by Nicaragua. Unqualified reciprocal recognition of sovereignty over those territories accordingly seems to be proper, and it is not believed that Nicaragua can negotiate or otherwise obtain a better settlement or one which involves the payment by Colombia of any monetary consideration.
In these circumstances, the Department has no objection to your compliance with the request of the Colombian Minister to the extent which, in your discretion, such action is advisable. In any conversation you may hold on this subject, it is desired that you shall refrain from discussing the treaty arrangements affecting the Corn Islands to which this Government is a party, although you should, of course, make it clear that the Government of the United States has no ulterior motive for its interest in the ratification of the Treaty, and entertains no desire to acquire possession of any of the islands of the San Andres Archipelago to which it pertains.
I am [etc.]