Mr. Beaupré to Mr. Hay.
Bogotá, November 14, 1903. (Received November 17.)
In an official note, dated 14th, minister for foreign affairs writes me as follows:
The immediate recognition of the so-called Government of Panama by the Government of the United States entering into relations with it is a circumstance aggravated by the fact that such recognition is a violation of the treaty of 1846, which compels the Government of Colombia to protest, as it does in most solemn and emphatic manner, and to consider that the friendship of this Government with the Government of the United States has reached such a grave point that it is not possible to continue diplomatic relations unless the Government of the United States states that it is not its intention to interfere with Colombia in obtaining submission of the Isthmus nor to recognize the rebels as belligerents. I hope you will submit these points to your Government immediately, for the army is already marching to the Isthmus of Panama.
The note is very long, to the effect that this recognition is contrary to all precedents and in violation of the treaty of 1846, offering to submit the latter point to The Hague, with the understanding that in the meantime there shall be no interference with the military operations necessary to reestablish integrity of Colombia.
National council—especially elected to advise the executive in the present emergency—has decided, by 10 votes to 1, to hand me my passport. The Government understands that such action would be tantamount to a declaration of war, and has advised me such a step will not be taken. Send instructions as a guide in case of severance of diplomatic relations.