Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The American Republics, Volume XI

821.248/1–2146: Telegram

The Ambassador in Colombia (Wiley) to the Secretary of State

secret

Bogotá, January 21, 1946—11 a.m.
[Received 2:21 p.m.]

72. Deptel 48, January 18, 8 p.m. and Embtel 68, January 20, 8 a.m. Agreement reached by General Arnold covers following planes for delivery prior to 30 April: 3 B–25’s, 8 P–47’s, 2 C–45’s (or AT–7’s), 5 AT–11’s, 2 AT–6’s, 15 PT’s, 2 OA’s; and for immediate delivery 3 C–47’s and 2 PBY’s.¹⁹

General Arnold stressed importance that Latin America and US “speak the same language” in respect of equipment, operations and maintenance and made generous offers with regard to admitting Colombian officers to American Air Force schools. General Piedrahita will submit list of 60 young officers in March and some 18 other officers of higher rank to proceed for this purpose to US.

I approve heartily.…

Wiley

19. A marginal note reads: “This is not in accord with ‘Adjusted Requirements’ table, so I assume that this represents Col. Govt’s modification? B. C. D[avis]”