721.23/632: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Dearing) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12 noon.]
244. Leticia: For White. Embassy has practically certain information to the effect Maúrtua is reporting to Manzanillo that White is favorable to neutralization of Leticia and placing it under control of a third country, possibly Brazil, until the matter can be settled. Would it be advantageous to show Manzanillo record of White’s conversation of November 16th so Manzanillo will clearly understand White’s position? I mistrust Maúrtua and regard Manzanillo’s stand as unconscionable and I do not think Colombia would for a moment fall for the suggestions of either which are completely at variance with what I understand White’s stories to be. They are in active conversation by long distance telephone. Please instruct.