721.23/2203: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6 p.m.]
60. Department’s 38, April 13, noon. Mello Franco whom I saw this afternoon offers his apologies for failure to keep me currently informed as had been promised. He explained he had been greatly upset by the sudden death of his brother and was under the impression he had made arrangements for me to be informed in the same way as the British Ambassador who had requested an appointment but that he realizes now he had failed to do so.
He states that while the situation has taken a distinctly favorable turn the progress is not quite as great as indicated in the messages cited by the Department. Colombia and Perú have agreed to reestablish their diplomatic missions he believes with the rank of embassies. Aside from this distinct step away from a breakdown of negotiations all that has happened is agreement in principle on a series of points to be discussed [apparent omission] the conference such as frontiers, frontiers police, international waterways, customs, et cetera.
Several paragraphs dealing with these points have been drafted in detail but not yet formally approved.
He states the negotiations suffered a relapse yesterday as a result of a provocative speech made by the Peruvian delegate in Geneva which had caused the Colombians to take the stand that they could not continue to negotiate. He has urged Peruvian and Colombian Governments to warn their delegates in Geneva to avoid controversy and hopes this will enable negotiations to continue.
He expressed gratification at the adjournment of the League Committee and added that if there was hope of real agreement this would be manifest before the next meeting.