The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1912-02-23
ROW NTH COLUMBIA
MINISTER FROM THAT COUNTRY
SUGGESTED KNOX VISIT ls
"INoPPoRTUNe."
Critcises v. 8. for Not Arbitratino
Canal Zone Acquisition Differences.
State Department Takes the
Letter Insult.

Washington. d. CA grave dip
lomatic situation between the United
States and Colombia has been precipi-
tated by the publication of letter
which Senior Pedro del Ospina, the Co
ing Secretary Huntington Wilson of
the state department suggesting that
it might be "inopportune" for Score
tary Knox to visit Colombia during
his projected tour OF Central America.
The Colombian minister, first draw
ing attention to the fact that the
views are his own and not officially
those OF his government, seriously
criticises the United States for not
submitting to arbitration the differ
ences with Colombia growing out of
this governments acquisition of the
Panama canal zone.
1nasmuch as the letter admittedly Is
the personal expression of the minis
ter, written without having commun-
icated with his government. il was re-
ceived at the state department in the
nature OF personal insult to this gov
eminent.
No action has been taken and no
official would comment on 1t but the
incident is known to have stirred Of
ficials Of the United States to such an
extent that the recall of the Colon
bian minister is expected as a matter
OF course
At present. however, the United
States is disposed to wait until Senior
nSnfna n. ;.z -.
has asked for. In diplomatic circles
it was believed that Colombia, smart
ing under eight years of Intellectual at
| tempts to secure arbitration of the
canal zone differences, would confirm
the unofficial views of her accredited
! representative.
Profound Sensation Expected.
A more profound sensation is look
| ed for as II is believed that q termi-
nation of diplomatic relations between
this country and Colombia is in pros
| poet.
Acting Secretary Wilson had advised
| Senior Ospina of the probable itin.
erary of Secretary Knox. What is
said to have particularly aroused the
Colombian minister was a reference
to the republic of Panama In the intin.
erary, country the independence OF
which Colombia never has recognized
Senior Ospina makes yelled refer
ence TO the long delay OF the United
States In answering several notes ad.
dressed to 1t, seeking arbitration. and
charges that this government has dis
eliminated against Colombia in failing
TO give TO her arbitration which the
United States Is now Offering to other
members of the family of the nations.
A tentative itinerary of Secretary
Knox makes provision for a stop al
Cartagena, Colombia. on March 25.
The program for the cruise is ten
tative and subject to change at the
direction of the secretary. As nov
arranged, the cruiser Washington with
Secretary Knox. will leave Palm
Beach on the afternoon of Feb. %, ar
irving at Port Antonio, Jamaica, oil
the morning of Feb. %. Here tn,
Secretary Knox, will leave Pain
across the island to Kingston, return
ing the same day to Port Antonio
sailing later for Colon, where the sec
rotary is due on Feb. 81. The part.
will proceed by rail across the 18th
mus and returning again board tn,
Washington. proceed to Port Limon
Costa Rica, on March 2. arriving tn,
same day.
Here the secretary's party viii
leave the Washington and crossing 4
Punta Arenas, board the cruise
Maryland about March 5. They viii
visit ports on the west coast Of Ger
trail America. later crossing Guats
mala from San Jose to Puerto Barrios
where the Washington will be waitin
for them.
The Washington will sail fror
Puerto Barrios about March 81.