721.23/860
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy (Adams)
Sir: This Department has been advised that the Peruvian cruiser Bolognesi left Callão on January 18 proceeding to Balboa for the purpose of using the facilities of the Canal Zone drydock there. It appears that arrangements to this end were made by Captain Spears of the Naval Mission in Peru direct through the Commandant of the Fifteenth Naval District at Balboa.
The Peruvian Government was advised on January 19 that in the case of possible armed conflict between two American states it is the policy of this Government to refrain from facilitating in any way the preparations of either party. The Peruvian Government was informed, therefore, that in view of the present situation between Peru and Colombia the use of the drydock at Balboa will not be available to the Peruvian cruiser. I should be glad if the Commandant of the [Page 413] Fifteenth Naval District could be appropriately informed of the foregoing.
It follows from the policy stated above that no facilities of any nature of this Government should be placed at the disposal of either the Government of Colombia or the Government of Peru which would assist them in their preparations for possible hostilities. A similar position is required on the part of our Government as regards the Governments of Bolivia and Paraguay, which are actually engaged in armed conflict. I bespeak the cooperation of your Department in carrying out this policy.
Very truly yours,