310.1163/77: Telegram

The Ambassador in Colombia ( Lane ) to the Secretary of State

2012. Some days ago the Minister of Gobierno78 expressed desire to discuss with me unfavorable situation affecting Protestant missionaries in Colombia and especially in Bucaramanga. As the Department is aware there have been recent incidents in Bucaramanga and Manizales in which Catholic populace has apparently been incited by clergy to take physical action against missionaries.

Today I orally informed Lleras Camargo that I am concerned regarding situation but that I fear there is nothing further I could do with Archbishop Perdomo as I had been informed that due to differences within the hierarchy itself he would probably not be able to take action on any request from me. I said however that I intended to visit Bucaramanga next week, this being the only Consulate in Colombia which I had not yet visited and that I would take advantage of my trip to counsel calm, tact and tolerance to the Protestant missionaries. I told Lleras that before making the trip I wished to ascertain from him whether my visit might not provoke further difficulties.

Lleras said that he would consult the Archbishop telling him of my offer to attempt to calm the situation in Bucaramanga and said that he would advise the Archbishop that there would be a corresponding obligation on the part of the ecclesiastical authorities to give instructions to the local priests to refrain from inciting their parishes against the American missionaries.

Lleras observed that the greater part of the trouble is due to desire of local politicians to embarrass the Government with the United States Government and that in the past there had been no difficulties as a result of American missionary activities in Colombia.

Lane
  1. Alberto Lleras Camargo.