710 Conference W And PW/1–2045: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:56 p.m.]
100. Morning press publishes text of Mexican note dated January 11 inviting Colombia to attend conference at Mexico City next February 15 and Colombian reply dated January 19 accepting.
The Colombian position as set forth in this note is similar to that previously reported in the Embassy’s telegram No. 66 of January 12, 8 p.m.23 and reiterates the views expressed in the Colombian memorandum of January 8 to the Pan-American Union (redes 105 of January 10).23 The main points are as follows:
- 1.
- The principal question before the conference is increased cooperation in the war effort by the united and associated nations. This being the principal objective of the conference, there is partial justification for the absence of American nations not linked to the war effort.
- 2.
- Before the study of postwar political and juridical problems, and the proposed international organization, there should be a basic study of the regional inter-American organization. Hemispheric solidarity would contribute to the effectiveness of the participation of the American nations in the proposed international organization, and should therefore be given preferred attention.
- 3.
- Specific proposals favored by Colombia for improving the inter-American system are those set forth in the memorandum of January 8 to the Pan American Union, and would include the following: Periodical and regularly scheduled meetings of Foreign Ministers; determination of the political and judicial functions of existing inter-American organisms and if necessary the creation of new ones; and the regulation of the recognition of new governments.
In addition Colombia hopes that Argentina will be accorded a hearing at the forthcoming conference, and that continental solidarity will be restored.
Full texts of Mexican invitation and Colombian reply are being forwarded by air mail.24