821.413/4–2750: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Colombia

confidential

117. Zuleta handed Dept today copy reply1 to Pattison ltr2 refuting most charges re persecution involving Presbyterians but not others. At the same time upbraids Pattison severely for intervention in politics and insulting remarks directed at Col Govt, Pres Ospina and Laureano Gómez.

Zuleta insisted ColGovt sincerely desirous ending religious violence and urged whenever incidents arise in future they be reported promptly to Min Justice. Suggest you advise missionaries accordingly and assist in arranging interviews if necessary, instructing them report to Emb and Consulates any cases further molestation. If Emb has not already done so, suggest advisability circularizing all Amers emphasizing necessity strict non-intervention Col politics. In view Cong3 interest continue reporting all developments.

Acheson
  1. Not printed.
  2. Daniel W. Pattison, Treasurer-elect of the Board of Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, had released to the press on April 15 a letter written on April 10 to a number of government officials and Congressmen. Extracts from the letter are printed in the New York Times of April 16.
  3. Congressional.