721.23/2403: Telegram
The Chargé in Colombia (Washington) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:50 p.m.]
104. My telegram No. 103, December 12, 4 p.m. Urdaneta, Eduardo Santos, Luíz Cano and other defenders of Rio de Janeiro Pact appear to be extremely pessimistic regarding its fate, believing that for reasons of domestic politics the Conservatives will force a tie in the Senate and thereby prevent approval. Some persons who have spoken to President López have found him unconcerned and there is a report that he has an understanding with Conservative leader Gómez that after attacking the Pact several Conservative Senators will abstain from voting and allow it to pass. Few of the Pact’s friends appear to give credence to this report though some believe that if President López should exercise only a slight pressure the approval of Pact would be assured.
Brazilian Minister has recommended to his Government by cable that Brazil, Great Britain and the United States make friendly representations to the Colombian Government pointing out the unfortunate consequences that would arise from nonratification of the Pact. I believe that a public appeal in which Brazil and the United States were the major participants might fail, both of these nations having been attacked at different times by the critics of the Pact. However, individual representations through Colombian diplomatic representatives in these and other countries to President López might produce the desired result. In order to avoid any misinterpretation it might be advisable that an appeal if public be made by all the American nations or by the League of Nations.