451. Editorial Note
In a letter dated April 12, E. Perkins McGuire informed Deputy Under Secretary Robert Murphy that the Colombian request for loan of two destroyers had been submitted to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their comments. (Department of State, Central Files, 721.5–MSP/4–1256)
In telegram 789 from Bogotá, May 23, C. Montagu Pigott, Counselor of the Embassy, reported that the Embassy had been informed by Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, Chief of Naval Operations, that the Joint Chiefs and the Secretary of Defense had approved the loan of ships to several Latin American countries, including Colombia. (Ibid., 721.5–MSP/5–2356)
In a memorandum dated August 14, Gerberich informed Bernbaum that the United States Congress had “failed to take action on proposed legislation which would have made it possible for Colombia to obtain two destroyers on a loan basis. The Colombian Ambassador is aware of this, and also aware that the Department did its best to urge favorable consideration of the proposed bill.” (Ibid., 821.413/8–1456)