Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The United Nations; The Western Hemisphere, Volume II

821.00/11–1849: Circular airgram

The Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Mission in the American Republics

confidential

Washington, November 18, 1949—3:05 p. m.

On November 7, the Bolivian Foreign Office circularized its diplomatic missions in the other American Republics instructing its Chiefs of Missions to visit the respective Foreign Ministers in person and “suggest advisability diplomatic representatives accredited Bogotá transmit on same day to Government and people Colombia fraternal and cordial expressions of sister nations America and intense desire that Colombia as throughout its history continue giving examples high political culture which repeatedly honored America. You are authorized to make known this text in confidence. Request urgent reply.” The Bolivian Ambassador in Washington¹ called at the Department to discuss this move and was informed that Embassy Bogotá had already indicated its belief that pious declarations would be of little or no utility in solving the Colombian difficulties and would in all probability be interpreted by the Conservative Party and the Colombian Government as intervention in favor of the Liberal Party. Nevertheless, Embassy Bogotá was immediately requested to comment on the Bolivian move. It replied on November 14, reiterating its view that the approach would do no good and might do harm and recommended against US participation in the Bolivian proposal. The Department concurs.

For your information, replies received by the Bolivian Government from its missions in nine of the American Republics, not including the United States, indicate a lukewarm reception of the Bolivian proposal. Two countries, namely Argentina and Ecuador, will go along provided there is unanimity of action. Three countries, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, feel that the proposed action would amount to intervention in the internal affairs of Colombia and are thus opposed. Chile and Paraguay promise to give the suggestion further consideration, feeling that it has merit but might be difficult of execution. Panama agreed to support the proposal and so informed its representative in Bogotá. Brazil feels that any representations in Bogotá would be very delicate and difficult and suggested that the matter be brought before the OAS to sound out the views of its component members.

In possible discussions of the Colombian situation with local officials, you may make appropriate use of the above information, noting that the Department is opposed to any concerted action at this time, feeling that it would do more harm than good. You should add that closest attention continues to be given the Colombian situation, including a daily reappraisal of the effectiveness, or reverse, of all suggested measures which might be taken by this Government or multilaterally.²

Acheson

1. Ricardo Martinez Vargas.

2. The situation in Colombia had become so violent that on November 7 the Liberal presidential candidate Darío Echandía withdrew from the race and declared that his party would not participate in the November 27 election. On November 9, President Ospina declared a state of siege in the country. The army restored order and the election was held on schedule with the unopposed Conservative candidate Laureano Gómez winning.

   No statement was issued by the United States Government, either alone or as part of a multilateral grouping, on the situation in Colombia.