717.2114/47a
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Colombia (Piles)
Sir: With reference to the dispute between Colombia and Nicaragua with regard to the ownership of the [San] Andrés Archipelago, Great and Little Corn Island and the Mosquito Coast, which has been the subject of previous correspondence between the Department and the Legation, you are informed that the Minister of Nicaragua called recently at the Department and stated that his Government was desirous of submitting this question to the mediation of the Department of State and, if possible, to arbitration. He added that the Colombian Government had refused to accept arbitration but might be prepared to accept mediation. He hoped the State Department would take a friendly interest and endeavor through its influence to arrange for a friendly settlement of this question.
The Department advised the Minister that it would be glad to be of such assistance as might be possible in any way which would [Page 435] be acceptable to both Nicaragua and Colombia and at the invitation of both parties.
You may, if you deem it advisable, discuss this matter informally with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and endeavor to ascertain the views of the Colombian Government with regard to the possible mediation of the United States, looking to the ultimate arbitration of this dispute.
It should be distinctly understood that this Government would require as a condition precedent to the submission of this dispute to arbitration through the good offices of the United States that both parties would agree that the award would be final and without appeal.
I am [etc.]