Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, The American Republics, Volume VI

810.20 Defense/2690: Telegram

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

Bogotá , May 18, 1942—5 p.m.
[Received 9:35 p.m.]

666. Refer to Department’s 575, May 16, 11 p.m.

• First—my assumption based on my conversation with Minister Restrepo May 5¹⁵ is that United States authorities in command in Canal Zone may without prior or specific permission from Colombian Government despatch United States Army or Navy forces to cope with any situation which might arise in Colombian waters or territories through enemy action.
• Second—as statement made to me by Minister of War has not been confirmed by Santos I do not feel we should accept Restrepo’s statement as binding until [apparent omission] with Department’s 515 and my 602¹⁶ I did not discuss with Santos Restrepo’s remarks in my interview with Santos May 8.
• Third—unless instructed to contrary I shall endeavor obtain confirmation from Santos in interview which I am requesting for Thursday¹⁷ or Friday of this week.

Lane

15. See telegram No. 601, May 5, 9 p.m., from the Ambassador in Colombia, p. 149.
16. Neither printed.
17. May 21.