740.0011 European War 1939/17705: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20, 1941—2:24 a.m.]
689. My telegram No. 688.63 President has just informed me that in addition to having broken relations he will issue decree within next few hours according us treatment as non-belligerents.
He has promised me that he will concentrate all leading or potentially dangerous Nazis, including former Scadta pilots, co-pilots and mechanics, in small towns under strict surveillance and with warning that their least movement out of restricted area or any suspicious act will cause their immediate imprisonment.
Also he promised to install close supervision of all shipping along coast including alleged fishing boats, and will not permit operation thereof by any Germans or suspicious characters.
Under special powers further decrees are being issued for control of foreigners, radio, et cetera. These will have real teeth and will be decidedly stronger than action it has been possible to take heretofore.
- Dated December 19, not printed.↩