810.7962/11–146

The Secretary of War ( Patterson ) to the Secretary of State

secret

Dear Mr. Secretary: There is no further War Department requirement for the following airfields that have been constructed and improved under the provisions of the Airport Development Program by Pan American Airways Incorporated:

Country Locality Airport
Colombia Barranquilla Soledad Airport
Guatemala Guatemala City La Aurora Airport
Guatemala Puerto Barrios Puerto Barrios Airport
Haiti Port au Prince Bowen Field
Mexico Carmen Carmen Airfield
Mexico Chetumal Chetumal Airport
Mexico Isla de Cozumel Cozumel Airport
Mexico Merida Campo Juanes Airport
Mexico Tampico Rihl Field
Mexico Tapachula Chiapas Field
Mexico Ixtepec-Oaxaca Tehuantepec Airport
Mexico Vera Cruz Las Bajadas Airfield
Dominican Republic Ciudad Trujillo General Andrews Airport
Nicaragua Managua Las Mercedes Airport
Paraguay Asunción Asunción Airport

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The District Engineer, United States Engineer Office, Miami, Florida, has forwarded recommendations for the disposition of these facilities. These recommendations are inclosed35 for review by your Department and your comments and recommendations concerning the contemplated disposal. The Department of State is connected with these disposals through the interest of the Foreign Liquidation Commission in the disposal of surplus property in foreign countries and the possible political implications because of prior agreements with the countries in which the airports are located, and the continued secrecy of the Airport Development Program.

The Kilgore36 Committee is cognizant of the steps heretofore taken in connection with the Airport Development Program. It is suggested that your Department advise the Kilgore Committee regarding steps taken to dispose of the interest of the United States in these airports.

The return of the inclosed disposal plans with your comments and recommendations will be appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

Robert P. Patterson
  1. Not printed.
  2. Senator Harley M. Kilgore, Democrat of West Virginia.