Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The American Republics, Volume VII

821.20/293: Airgram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Colombia (Daniels)

Washington, June 19, 1944—6:30 p.m.

A–434. Your 706 of April 14.²⁰ The Department has received a letter from the Secretary of War²¹ with reference to training of Colombian Army Aviators for combat duty stating that views transmitted in War Department’s letter of May 22 (see Department’s A–417 of June 13²²) are also applicable to the employment of small groups of aviators from any of the American Republics. War Department adds however that in appreciation of the beneficial effect which such cooperation would have on our relations with these countries, it is now investigating the feasibility of establishing a special training program whereby courses of instruction in appropriate phases of military activity would be offered to the military personnel from such countries.

War Department has informally stated that such a program, even if found to be feasible, would not make it possible to utilize the trained men in active theaters.

[Hull]

20. Not printed.
21. Henry L. Stimson.
22. Not printed; it quoted the War Department’s letter of May 22, 1944, which indicated that the disadvantages of arranging for 300 Colombians to serve actively in the war outweighed the advantages (821.20/293).