710.J/4–1548: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Beaulac) to the Acting Secretary of State
Delbog 75. Daily Summary #14. After extensive debate steering committee morning session, highlighted by effective speech Rocha (Colombia), opposition particularly by Argentina and Panama to granting any political powers to governing board appeared modified and subcommittee of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, US, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay drafted following text article 35 organic pact, using US, draft as basis: “Governing board shall take cognizance within limits of present pact and Inter-American treaties and agreements, of any matter assigned to it by International Conferences of American States or meeting of Foreign Ministers.” Text approved afternoon session steering committee.
Notwithstanding general agreement no retreat from powers granted board as provisional organ consultation under Rio Treaty, Torres (Mexico) and Bramuglia (Argentina) insisted is essential make clear that board cannot invade jurisdiction meetings Foreign Ministers and become permanent organ consultation. Subcommittee therefore agreed following text article 36: “Governing board shall act as provisional organ consultation when circumstances envisaged in article 12 of this [Page 46] pact arise. In case of armed attack meetings Foreign Ministers shall be held without delay by immediate convocation of president of governing board who at same time will convoke governing board.” Text also approved afternoon session steering committee after confused debate, but several proposed amendments were referred to subcommittee for report morning session steering committee.
Economic committee met morning and afternoon. Agreed hold daily sessions full committee debate controversial issues economic agreement, subcommittees to meet concurrently. Monday deadline submission substantive amendments.