821.12/38: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:53 p.m.]
1237. With reference to my cable no. 1225, September 21, 2 [10] p.m. I have had full discussion with Nelson Rockefeller and McClintock14 concerning proposed health and sanitation program for Colombia. Rockefeller has had discussions in my company with President López and with Minister of Trabajo, Higiene y Previsión Social, Londono Palacio, and McClintock has had discussions with Pocklington, Rubber Reserve representative. A draft agreement has been prepared which has met with the approval of Minister of Trabajo and President López which calls for the following program:
- (1)
- Improvement nutrition utilizing existing services of Minister of Trabajo, Higiene y Previsión Social.
- (2)
- Malarial control.
- (3)
- Control of rickettsiasis.
- (4)
- Control of bartonellosis.
- (5)
- Sanitation of ports and strategic areas.
- (6)
- Establishment of public health centers.
- (7)
- Training of Colombian personnel in medicine, public health, sanitary engineering, nursing, and hospital administration.
This agreement is modeled identically upon the health and sanitation agreement signed with Brazil15 and, therefore, should be in conformity with Department’s policy. In view of the interest expressed by President López and request made by Minister of Trabajo it is requested that I be authorized to sign agreement for health and sanitation program calling contribution of one million dollars on the part of Coordinator’s office and for an initial budget of one million pesos on the part of Colombian Government. It is my recommendation that this agreement be signed in Bogotá by appropriate representatives of Colombian Government and myself. It would be appreciated if the Department would expedite approval so that maximum value may be secured from announcement of the cooperative program locally.