810.5051/8–944: Telegram

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

1405. I sent formal note today to the Minister for Foreign Affairs requesting immunity for Institute of Inter-American Affairs as official agency and requesting that immunity be extended to Doctor Cadwallader in his official capacity as directing activities of Institute in Colombia. This action was precipitated by action of court in summoning Doctor Cadwallader (referring to the Embassy’s 1397 August 8th64). The note presented today followed the phraseology appearing at the end of the Department’s instruction No. 2301, July 21.

Yesterday in spontaneously bringing up the general question of immunity of the United States official agencies from jurisdiction of local courts, Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed a desire to me that the various law suits already instituted and others which may arise in the future be not handled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I explained to Doctor Echandía the nature of the instructions Embassy has received from the Department but at the same time manifested willingness to transmit to the Department his suggestions. During the next few days, the entire problem will be discussed further between Embassy and Foreign Office and I can then report more fully views of Colombian Government. In meantime I suggest that the Department give further consideration to my telegram No. 679, April 11.

Lane
  1. Not printed.