721.23/2446: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Colombia (Washington)

12. Your 20, February 5, 9 p.m. We of course desire to be of help in any practicable and appropriate way in a matter affecting the friendly relations of the American States, and we have great deference for the views of Dr. Olaya. Nevertheless we cannot escape the feeling that it would be unwise and open to misinterpretation if we should now seek to intervene in a highly confidential matter which has already been the subject of discussion between the Colombian Minister at Rio de Janeiro and Dr. Mello Franco. If there is any question of misquotation of Dr. Mello Franco it would seem that the Colombian Government, through the regular channels of its Minister at Rio de Janeiro, would find it possible to clear up the matter.

Hull