New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-22
EUROPE AGAINST WAR.
PRESSURE on COLOMBIA.
First Step already Taken By SeU-
eral Foreign Poz0ers.

Washington. Dec. 21-Diplornatic pressu-s
will be brought 70 hear on Colombia BY several
European powers to prevent war between thas
country and the United States. The first step IN
this direction has already been taken by sew
eraI foreign powers through their representa-
lives here who have informed General Rafael
Reyes OF the futiIity Of any attempt by Coom-
aia TO retaks Panama. declaring that ii will re-
suit only IN precipitatins the Bogota govern
ment into war with the United States. and
have said to him that the result OF such ca
tastrophe Colombia herself must realize II this
is not sufficient the representatives OF thess
countries at Bosota viii be instructed 70 informs
President Marroquin that Colombia can exDecz
no sympathy from the European powers IN any
move she may make on Panama. which would
Inevitably involve her in war with the Unites
States.
WAR FEARED BY REYES
The members OF the diplomatic corps havs
been informed by General Reyes himself that
he fears he can with difficulty check his peorls
much longer. General Reyes is not talking for
publication, but to several European ambassa-
dors he has conhded his fears with franknsss
and has said that he is doing everything in hts
power to prevent an outbreak before the con-
cIusion OF his mission, but that. although his
influence with the army is considerable he "a
far away that it Is difficult for him 70 uaks
this felt as strongly as II he were on the ground
and in command
Diplomats who have been approached by Gen~
eral Reyes on the subject say that what hs
most fears is the result OF the announcemen5
at Bcgota OF the failure Of his mission Hs
realizes that the most he can hope from tbs
government OF the United States is one-
that it VIII use moral suasion to prevail on
Panama TO assume her portion OF the Colombia1
debt. Further than this General Reyes has
been told. he can expect nothing
Z came TO Washington to save what could
from a shipvreck" he said to a diplomat oe
high rank
NO REFERENCE TO THE HAGUE
Realization Of the true situation. it IS said.
will not prevent General Reyes from calling or
the United States for 4 reference TO The HagUs
Of several Of the questions at issue II IS this
point that European diplomats have told Cen
eraI Reyes that it is hoping for too much to ex-
pect this government to submit any phase OF ths
Panama question 70 The Hague Several am
oaSsadors have earnestly advised the general
TO impress on his people the fact that Europe
wants the isrhnian canal. and that Colombia
can expect no sympathy from that quarter L
has further been pointed our by these diplo-
mats that the offered yr1paLhy OF several South
American republics can avail Colombia nothing
case Of war with the United States
II is hoped that the receipt Of this news IL
Bogota viii do much 70 calm the feeling there
and hold The Col0Tl5ia-s in check until General
Reyes can return
Great Britain Gld the Netherlands have taken
pains to let General Reyes know indirectly that
Colombia reCkOns without her host If she inter-
prets their delay in recognizing the Republic
Of Panama evidence Of their sympathy for
Colombia or as due 70 anything but a desire
TO protect the interests OF their fnanciers. who
are the largest holders Of government bonds
IT is s. id here be unlikely that United States
naval commanders in isthmian waters viii go to-
the extent Of disIodging the Colombian troops
which have landed the Isle OF Pines On
this point. however. the policy OF the govern
nnent has not been definitely decided