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

811.34521/16: Telegram

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

Bogotá, September 15, 1942—11 p.m.
[Received September 16—5:33 a.m.]

1199. Department’s 959, September 12, 7 p.m., which crossed my 1191, September 12, 3 p.m. In presence of General Andrews, Admiral Van Hook, General Inglés and Ministers Echandía and Galvis,³⁶ President López today advised me that permission for establishment at Cartagena of emergency service as outlined in point No. 2 in Department’s 959 is definitely granted. As Echandía said that possible constitutional objection might be raised regarding stationing of seaplane tender and as Admiral Van Hook stated that, in view of granting of other facilities at Cartagena, this point is not of pressing urgency, no definite decision was taken on this point.

I showed President draft note based on Department’s 959 as well as alternative draft which omitted point No. 1 in view of the President’s request transmitted in my 1191.

President suggested that we transmit note along lines of draft transmitted in Department’s 959 with following changes:

1. Note would commence with reference to conversation of today in which permission for establishment of facilities mentioned at Cartagena were granted.

2. Preamble of note as transmitted by Department would then follow together with request for permission of our forces to enter Colombian territory and waters, in event of enemy action.

President said his intention would then be to obtain consent of the Senate for permission for our forces to follow enemy into Colombia. Echandía expressed opinion that there would be no constitutional or political objection in view of benefits accruing to Colombian defense as result of arrangement and in view of Colombia’s definite interest in our measures against our enemies. Echandía said that unless resolutions adopted at Habana and Rio³⁷ are mere scraps of paper the Senate must appreciate necessity for Colombia’s taking definite steps pursuant to its obligations contracted there and approved by Congress. Echandía said there was no necessity to obtain Senate approval for Cartagena facilities.

Foregoing approved by General Andrews.

Lane

36. A, Galvis, Colombian Secretary of War.
37. For correspondence regarding the Third Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the American Republics held at Rio de Janeiro, January 15–28, 1942, see vol. v, pp. 6 ff.