810.20 Defense/9–644: Telegram

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

[Extract]

1536. ReDepts mimeographed instruction August 1. Colombian Government in Foreign Office note dated September 4 agrees that measures to continue present collaboration in postwar period should be studied and states that it believes study of Inter-American military collaboration in postwar period on basis of existing principles should not be delayed and that it desires to begin informal conversations to revise existing agreements and to discuss their development.

Note continues by mentioning importance of Canal Zone to Continental defense and offering Colombia’s full cooperation in its defense. [Page 120] Colombian Government understands continental security refers primarily to defense against possible aggression by non-American states but believes security should also include the guaranteeing of the juridical stability of the continent and the territorial integrity of each of the American States whatever the origin of the threat or aggression against that stability or integrity.

In handing me note today Foreign Minister29 requested me to impress on Department the view of the Colombian Government that while continental defense against external aggressors is obviously highly important it is equally important that nations of South America should be discouraged from becoming engaged in an armaments race.…

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Lane
  1. Darío Echandía.