Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-11-27
j. ). 10 Send
Admissions
To Colombia
Strengthens Bonds
For Defense of
Americas

VI 1CICuSS VI
Americas
BACKGROUND
President Roosevelt t1Uo weeks
ago state at press conference
U. S. 1uas increasing air force by
cast proportions to prouide de-
tense for Western Hemisphere in
cooperation Nth Latin Amer
lean nations and Canada. 1t ,Uas
later revealed that Government
plans to triple and perhaps quad
rnple Army Air Force.
BY the Associated Press.
The United States Government
announced yesterday that naval and
military air missions would go to the
Republic of Colombia soon to CO.
operate with that country in improv-
ing its defensive forces.
The step symboliZed, to some STU
dents of Pan-American affairs,
growing bonds between the United
States and Latin America for the
common defense of the New World
against any foreign aggressor. Five
such missions already are on duty
In other Latin American countries.
1.-THE Department of State is
pleased to announce" a formal
statement said, that in response to
the request of the government OF
Colombia, agreements were signed
November % providing for the fur
nishing by the United States of a
naval mission and a military avia-
ton mission to cooperate with the
Colombian ministry of war. The
two missions will function in an adj
visory capacity to the Colombian
naval and military air forces
Important Because of Canal.
The action is of particular impor-
lance to the United States because
of Colombias proximity to the Pan
anna Canal, vital artery in the
American defense system. The
Panama Canal Zone, now owned by
the United States, formerly was
part of Colombia.
The announcement was accom-
panied by publication of friendly
exchange of notes between Presi-
dent Roosevelt and the Colombian
Senate.
The Senate in formal resolution
expressed its gratitude to the Presi-
dent "for his effective defense of
democratic ideas and systems, for
his intervention to safeguard peace
within and without the Continent,
and for the loyal and constant carry
ing out of the good neighbor policy
which is based upon the respect of
the sovereignty of all peoples"
Mr.. Roosevelt replied:
1.-THE cordial spirit which inspired
this generous manifestation could
not but impress me anew with the
realization of the identity of the
democratic ideals of our two nations,
and of our common determination
to join with our American neighbors
In perfecting understanding and
friendship among the republics of
the new world"
Rare in Diplomacy.
Passage of a Senate resolution
praising the head of another state
In such glowing terms is rare in pres
ent day diplomacy.
Some officials here felt it finally
closed the breach between the two
governments which followed the re-
volt that brought the Republic of
Panama into being. The United
States, which had been unwilling to
pay Colombia's price for the Canal
Zone, recognized the new republic
and bought the zone from it for
less. Years later, Congress paid Co.
lombia $15,0O0,000 as compensation,
but hard feelings that developed over
the previous action spread through
Latin America.
The military air mission will con-
sist Of two regular Army officers,
probably a major and captain, and
three non-commissioned officers
serving for three years. The naval
mission will be headed by a captain
or commander on the active list,
serving four years.
The United States now supports
naval mission of eight officers and
military mission of four officers
In Brazil. Three American naval
advisers and eight Army officers
are on duty in Argentina. Four
naval advisers are presently serving
In Peru. two Army officers in Haiti,
and one Army officer in Guatemala
Roosevelt's Aims Clear.
President Roosevelt has made it
clear on several occasions that he
believes the Nation must be made
sufficiently strong on land, at sea
and in the air to contribute at least
to the security of the entire Western
Hemisphere from foreign aggression.
His immediate militar yadvisers
and other experts apparently are
far from complete accord, however,
rs to the emphasis which should be
placed on different types of arma-
ment.
Better equipment for the Army
and a greater store of war muir
tons reserves were the latest pub
(See MISSION, Page A-40