821.51/2389: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Colombia (Braden)
102. Please inform Colombian Government that pursuant to the conversations which the American Delegation had with the Colombian Delegation at Panama, we have discussed with the other interested branches of this Government the Colombian proposals for possible financial assistance. On the basis of these discussions we are prepared to examine this whole matter with sympathetic disposition and care with a view to determining what assistance may be feasible and advisable, and what form and by what methods. It is our view that this process of examination would be more satisfactory if the Colombian Government would send a representative to Washington to enter into discussions with us here. This representative should have as complete a knowledge as possible of the Colombian Government’s desires and ideas and be authorized to discuss them fully. Please see that it is understood completely that these discussions would be entered into with absolutely no commitment; and for this reason it is our opinion that the least possible publicity is desirable.
From Welles to the Ambassador: In view of Jaramillo’s familiarity with the discussions up to the present, and his general experience and qualities, his selection by the Colombian Government would help to bring about satisfactory arrangement. Furthermore if he were selected, it might well be that the Colombian Government would also appoint him as its member at the November 15 meeting of the new Financial and Economic Advisory Committee51 at which occasion I am sure his presence would be very valuable.
If the Colombian Government is willing to send a representative here, it is suggested that the first week in November would be the most convenient time for him to arrive giving us time to do the necessary preparatory work to clarify our own judgments.