810.20 Defense/9–940: Telegram

The Ambassador in Colombia (Braden) to the Secretary of State

260. Staff conversations which begin here 3 p.m. September 10 contemplate establishment of offices or agencies in Colombian and United States Governments for the purpose of maintaining close liaison on military and naval matters pertaining to hemisphere defense.

In order to assist Latin American countries and better to assure timely and progressive development of their military and naval preparations, I recommend American liaison officers with headquarters in Panama or United States make periodic visits to designated nearby countries in South and Central America and Cuba, that liaison officers of these countries be authorized to visit the Canal Zone and the United States.

Captain Riefkohl and Colonel Randolph concur in these recommendations and request that they be transmitted to Captain Crenshaw, Navy Department, and to the Assistant Chief of Staff, War Plans Division, for consideration.

Authorization is requested to discuss the matter in current staff conversations here. Colonel Randolph requests similar authority in Ecuador.

Braden