819.413 Columbus/19: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Panama (Davis)
29. Your despatch No. 37, April 26, 1930. War Department and Governor Panama Canal state they have no objection to immediate removal of Columbus statue from present situation to another point in the Republic of Panama. Accordingly, you will please inform Panamanian Government that this Government agrees to the immediate removal of such statue. Since it appears that the statue is the property of Panama you will avoid creating the impression that the transfer involves a gift from the United States. The Department does not feel that you should suggest to the Panamanian Government that it invite the President-elect of Colombia to attend any celebration which may be held in connection with the transfer, as any suggestion of this kind should originate with the Panamanian Government itself.