810.20 Defense/3159: Airgram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 17—4:30 p.m.]
A–29. Reference my airgram No. A–25, July 31, 6:30 p.m. Last evening I discussed with President Santos at some length the proposed project at Cartagena. He said that in his opinion it was of the highest importance to Colombia to have such a base in operation and that there should be no reason whatever why the government of Dr. López should not approve the project. I advised the President that although I had informed Dr. López regarding our intention, we had not made a formal request of Dr. Santos’ government as we feared an unfortunate impression might be created if permission were granted during the last days of his administration. He expressed a hearty concurrence and said that he appreciated our position as it would be embarrassing for him to be called upon to pass on the project at this time. I said that Dr. López had asked me to take the matter up with him immediately following his inauguration.
A copy of this airgram has been forwarded to Panama for the information of General Andrews.