810.5051/43: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:50 p.m.]
652. Reference is made to Mayer’s airgram A–267, March 23 to RDC, replying to airgram A–195,39 referring to our airgram A–50. Immediate ruling required whether United States agencies should submit themselves to jurisdiction of Colombian Courts in civil actions.
A precedent establishing case is now pending against RDC. Amount involved is 250 pesos and refers to unjustified claim for payment of overtime. Answer must be filed not later than April 11. RDC and FEA representatives have requested Embassy’s advice. Failure to accept local jurisdiction will necessitate handling through diplomatic channels of countless small suits and would also allow for political capital to be made of position by opposition party. In view of present political situation, it is reasonably certain that advantage would be taken of the situation. Acceptance of jurisdiction would appear to have least disagreeable results unless international policy is involved.
Reply prior to April 11 urgently requested.
- Airgram A–195 not printed.↩