721.23/1014: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Colombia (Caffery)
18. Your 27, February 6, 11 a.m. Department on basis of your 25, February 4, 3 p.m. telephoned Embassy Rio this morning1 instructing it to make suggestion to Brazilian Government that it might want, as a way out of apparent impasse, to suggest that Peru modify its reply to Brazil in sense that Peru would turn over Leticia at once to Brazil, conference would start at once in Rio, and no matter what result of conference Brazil would deliver Leticia to Colombia expiration of 60 days.
Department has not been advised by Brazil that that Government has declared mediation ended and asked Embassy to inquire. Embassy also had not been advised mediation was over.
Department made no mention of freedom of movement of Vasquez Cobo’s ships during 60 day period as it felt this might only precipitate a clash and hope that you would be able to persuade Olaya that in case proposal is accepted ships should be withdrawn to Manãos or at least to Teffe.
Department is extremely disappointed that Olaya has withdrawn his acceptance. The future peace in Leticia and friendly relations between Colombia and Peru unfortunately depend in large part on acceptance by Loretanos of new situation and it was hoped that during 60 day negotiations at Rio it would be possible to bring Loretanos around to acceptance of any agreement arrived at between the two Governments. Otherwise Colombia will have to maintain permanently a very strong garrison at Leticia with danger of constant incidents. I earnestly hope therefore that Olaya will accept this proposal which seems perfectly reasonable.