American Legation,
Bogotá, October 25,
1904.
No. 383.]
I have the honor to inclose herewith copy and translation of that part
relating to the foreign affairs of Colombia which I thought might be of
interest to the Department.
[Inclosure.]
Presidential message.
* * * * * * *
foreign relations.
The administration proposes to cultivate them in the best manner
possible with the countries of Europe and America.
Our situation regarding Panama requires extreme prudence and
discretion, as we will be irresistibly brought into antagonism with
the United States, to whom we owe the unjustifiable despotism to
which we have been made victims. It is possible that the course of
events in the interior of the United States as well as on the
Isthmus of Panama may facilitate the beginning of negotiations which
may satisfy our dignity and preserve our interests. I think it would
be opportune for Congress to legislate on the matter, fixing general
terms, but leaving to that time sufficient latitude to the executive
power in order to cover the variety of incidents which may present
themselves, it being well understood that whatever negotiation is
arranged ought to be submitted to Congress in extraordinary sessions
if necessary. Perhaps this may be the most painful matter in our
immediate future; to solve this requires a considerable degree of
prudence and justice so as to appreciate the true situation and how
far we would be justified in hunting a definite solution to the
ambiguity which to-day exists, and which ought not to be put off
indefinitely.
The legations which the Government ought now to sustain will be: One
in Europe, one in the United States, Mexico, Cuba, and Central
America, and another in South America, with the necessary
secretaries so that they may be left in these as chargés d’affaires
in the capitals. In the United States a legation will be opened when
the defense of our interests demands it. These legations ought to be
sufficiently paid and endowed with the expenses of representation
which the dignity and decorum of the country requires.
The consulates we may have in order to manage the large sums in gold
resulting from the increased tax on invoices ought to be better paid
than now in order that they may be properly served.
To regulate the service of consuls so that those employed may
contribute, in addition to the studies and reviews which they will
remit periodically, the industrial and economical development of the
country.
The Government will work with great interests in order to settle the
boundary questions pending with Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and
Brazil, and in fixing definitely the frontiers. For this it needs
competent diplomatic agents and the necessary resources.
* * * * * * *