721.23/688: Telegram
The Minister in Colombia ( Caffery ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:43 p.m.]
9. Department’s 6, January 9, noon. Without going into question of whether “modified formula” has been actually proposed by Brazil, I must respectfully point out that the public here would turn out of office any government agreeing to a further delay of possibly 3 months in the recovery of Leticia. The Colombian people feel that they have shown patience and restraint but breaking point has been about reached and the Government is now being attacked by some of its staunchest supporters. The feeling in many quarters is this: It is a shame that indisputably Colombian territory was seized 4⅓ months ago by alien invaders and the Government has not yet recovered it.