Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The American Republics, Volume VI

821.20/280: Telegram

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

Bogotá, December 8, 1943—2 p.m.
[Received 8:12 p.m.]

2259. Meeting was held at Ministry of War this morning at which were present Minister of War,¹⁸ Chief of Staff¹⁹ and members of General Staff, General Brett²⁰ and staff, Admiral Train²¹ and staff, and myself.

Meeting which lasted 2½ hours was taken up by very frank discussion of Colombia’s problems and needs and practical manner in which Colombia can cooperate with the United States in the prosecution of the war in this sector.

It was decided that the most effective contribution which Colombia can make is: (1) patrolling of Caribbean coast of Colombia between Guajira and Turbo by Colombian destroyers and aircraft; (2) request us to make survey as to possibility of constructing two or three airports on the Pacific Coast and one airport on the Guajira. Minister of War expressed entire approval of these two points.

It was further decided that General Espinel, Chief of Staff, and group of officers will shortly visit Canal Zone to work out in greater detail the manner in which Colombia can help. On the other hand General Brett promised all assistance in instructing Colombian General Staff on matters of intelligence, sanitation, et cetera.

I am gratified to state that the evident understanding, sympathy and tactfulness shown by General Brett contributed greatly to the success of the meeting and should greatly assist in the future in carrying on further technical conversations.

The Minister of War did not raise the question of an increase in Lend-Lease²² but said that if Colombia is to patrol the Caribbean Coast effectively there are certain types of equipment such as radio detectors which will be necessary. General Brett suggested that this be taken up by Colombian Embassy in Washington stating specific need of whatever equipment is required. I assume General Brett will report directly to War Department regarding technical matters discussed.

It was agreed that General Espinel will visit Canal Zone from December 27 to 31.

Lane

18. Alberto Arango Tavera.
19. Gen. Domingo Espinel.
20. Gen. George H. Brett, Commanding General, Caribbean Defense Command.
21. Adm. Harold C. Train, Commander in Chief, Southeastern Pacific Fleet.
22. For correspondence concerning the Lend-Lease Agreement, signed March 17, 1942, see Foreign Relations, 1941, vol. vii, pp. 1 ff. For text of the Agreement, see ibid., 1942, vol. vi, p. 189.