810.20 Defense/8–440: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Colombia (Braden)
147. Department’s circular telegram July 11, 4 p.m.7a Lieutenant Colonel N. Randolph, U. S. Army, and Captain L. F. Reifsnider, U. S. Navy, have been designated respectively to represent the War and Navy Departments in the proposed staff conversations with Colombian officials. Since Captain Reifsnider is now serving as Chief of the United States Naval Mission to Colombia, you should ascertain from the Colombian authorities whether it is agreeable to them that he act in this capacity for the United States Government. It is expected that Lieutenant Colonel Randolph will arrive in Bogotá in time for the conversations to begin August 30. You will be informed through the Embassy in Caracas of Colonel Randolph’s precise date and means of arrival. Upon the conclusion of the conversations in Bogotá, Colonel Randolph will proceed to Quito.
[Page 75]A separate telegram8 is being sent you outlining the agenda for the proposed conversations which you may communicate in strictest confidence to the appropriate Colombian authorities.