710.J/1–2146: Airgram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 30—4:24 p.m.]
A–24. ReDepgam A–12, January 14. Foreign Office states that Ninth International Conference of American States will definitely take place at Bogotá sometime during December, 1946. Preparatory Commission for Conference, whose formation was announced in Embassy despatch no. 1287 of January 10,3 has held several meetings with President and Foreign Minister4 but Foreign Office states that plans are yet in formative stage. It has been definitely ascertained, however, that Conference will be held in Capitol building which will be completely renovated for occasion. Delegates, etc. will probably be lodged in private residences and part of Hotel Granada will also be reserved for this purpose. Foreign Office adds that invitations for Conference, which is expected to last ten or twelve days, will probably be sent out in three to four months’ time.
Local press, with exception of Communist Diario Popular, has been most enthusiastic in commenting on preparations for Conference. It is stated by press that special appropriation of 1,500,000 pesos has been approved by Cabinet for expenses in connection with Conference. Other plans, such as paving of streets, decoration of buildings, etc. will probably be included in budgets of state and municipal governments.
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