710.J/4–1148: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Beaulac) to the Acting Secretary of State
Unnumbered. White from McDermott.1 Emergency dispatch 22 for pool press. Secretary State Marshall took lead evacuation conference [Page 41] people by asking Lovett2 shortly before noon Sunday3 send two planes here from Panama.
Planes will take only women and one American pool correspondent. Women include United Staters and those other delegations. Government in control airport. Conferring continuing among chief delegates trying decide what do. Marshall’s aides emphasized his decision call for planes start moving nonessential lower echelon female members delegations prompted by serious food crisis rather than general situation in city where major revolutionary trouble now is snipers.
Reported Colombian Government appealing delegates stay on and give government chance try continue conference here and show it can control.
Argentine delegate Saverio Valenti said “Argentine delegation going get out here regardless what happens,” suggesting it might possibly transfer conference Panama, Mexico, Lake Success. Habana also mentioned. Cuban delegate Guillermo Belt said after meeting top delegates afternoon they decided give government until Tuesday show whether can provide protection food and facilities sufficient continue here. If not, by then delegates meet again decide what do.
Priest in parish church Santa Ana in Teusaquilla district sermon mass to faithful carry arms and shoot anyone seen looting or arsoning. “If you kill looter don’t come me confess it. It not sin.” Priest made clear any action parishioners take should be cooperation organized authority. Government urged people stay inside and moved curfew up to 1900 to give army chance clean up snipers.
Gaitan’s funeral reported scheduled Thursday.4 Gaitan’s embalmed body at home and police allowing three to five in at time view it. Large crowds outside home but order maintained. Radio announced no papers published but all four Liberal Party papers had asked radio appeal readers help restore order. Government announced 1445 EST over radio group who attempted foment revolution last Friday after seizing radio stations had been arrested including two Russian agents and other foreigners. [McDermott.]