721.23/1913: Telegram
The Chargé in Colombia (Dawson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:15 p.m.]
68. The following telegram has been sent by the Colombian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the American Ambassador at Lima through this Legation:
“12. July 24, 2 p.m. I take the liberty of giving you the following information so that you may bring it to the attention of the Peruvian Government if you see no objection:
In compliance with the recommendations of the Council of the League of Nations to the Governments of Colombia and Peru and as the Commission for the administration of Leticia has given notification that that territory has been evacuated by the Peruvian forces which occupied it, the Government of Colombia has instructed its delegate to the League to inform the Committee charged with the study of the Leticia question that Colombia is ready to begin the negotiations provided for in the aforesaid recommendations. The Colombian Government suggests Geneva as the site of the negotiations since it is the residence of the Council whose recommendations are to be fulfilled. If Geneva is not desired as a site the Colombian Government is ready to accept the suggestion of the Government of Panama that the negotiators meet in that city. It would be equally agreeable to the Colombian Government to have the negotiations take place in Washington which for many reasons offers facilities and conveniences for the international contacts arising from a meeting of this sort. I should be grateful if you could acknowledge the receipt of this cable.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs states that Geneva conversations between Santos and García Calderón to decide on site for negotiations have been fruitless through failure of latter to receive instructions. He consequently desires to present matter direct to the Peruvian Government.