William Jennings Bryan to Woodrow Wilson

William Jennings Bryan to Woodrow Wilson

Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925

WWP18164

1913 November 13

William Jennings Bryan writes to Woodrow Wilson to report progress in negotiations with Colombia.

Wilson Papers, Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

My dear Mr. President

I have been waiting for a moment of leisure in which to report progress on the negotiations with Colombia.
The Colombian people have sent a reply to our proposition, but that reply contains some demands which seem to be quite unreasonable, — one in regard to the change in the boundary line. They have asked for a change that would give them nearly a third of Panama. This, of course, we could not consider except in conjunction with the Government of Panama, and, as it is not at all likely that they would consent, negotiations would be indefinitely prolonged without prospect of reaching a conclusion favorable to Colombia unless we were very insistent upon Panama. I take it for granted, therefore, that you will not think it wise to consider a change in boundary.
The monetary demand which they make is for fifty millions, but this, of course, they do not expect. It is merely to have a starting point. Mr. Hannis Taylor, who is representing Colombia in the negotiations here, tells me that he thinks they will accept twenty–five millions and that he thinks they will also accept the present boundary line. While some of the demands in regard to the Canal are excessive, I think there is little doubt that common ground can be found. The two points upon which there is likely to be difference of opinion – the only two – are the amount of cash payment and the boundary line. Minister Thompson, who has found it necessary to leave temporarily on account of his wife’s health, informs us that the first clause in regard to the expression of regret is a very important one to Colombia. He thinks that if we can agree to some language substantially like that which they propose it will be comparatively easy to get over the other difficulties. I have laid the matter before Mr. Moore and he has prepared what he thinks could be offered as a substitute. It reads as follows: “The Government of the United States of America, wishing to put at rest all controversies and differences with the Republic of Colombia arising out of the events from which the present situation on the Isthmus of Panama resulted, expresses, in its own name and in the name of the people of the United States, sincere regret that anything should have occurred to interrupt or to mar the relations of cordial friendship that had so long subsisted between the two nations. “The Government of the Republic of Colombia, in its own name and in the name of the Colombian people, accepts this declaration in the full assurance that every obstacle to the restoration of complete harmony between the two countries will thus disappear.”It is not quite as strong as the statement proposed by Colombia but it contains the words “sincere regret”, which are the words upon which they lay emphasis. I believe, with Mr. Moore, that we can afford to use those words in the guarded way in which they are used by Mr. Moore. It is not an apology for our actions but merely a sincere regret that anything should have occurred to interrupt or mar the relations of cordial friendship, etc. That “anything” may mean what they did as well as what we did. If you think it is safe to use those words, I venture to suggest that I be authorized to send a despatch to–night, about as follows: “The President directs me to say that he is willing to agree to article one if changed to read as follows: ‘The Government of the United States of America, wishing to put at rest all controversies and differences with the Republic of Colombia arising out of the events from which the present situation on the Isthmus of Panama resulted, expresses, in its own name and in the name of the people of the United States, sincere regret that anything should have occurred to interrupt or to mar the relations of cordial friendship that had so long subsisted between the two nations. ‘The Government of the Republic of Colombia, in its own name and in the name of the Colombian people, accepts this declaration in the full assurance that every obstacle to the restoration of complete harmony between the two countries will thus disappear.’and that the cash compensation will be raised to twenty–five millions, provided Colombia is willing to accept the boundary as it was established in 1855. That will leave only for consideration the terms relating to the use of the Canal for consideration and as we feel quite sure that common ground can be found which will be acceptable to the United States and Colombia, the acceptance by Colombia of the definite terms above proposed will make practically certain a satisfactory settlement. This partial answer is submitted at this time because the President has not yet had leisure for a complete consideration of the proposal in regard to the use of the Canal and as the Colombian Congress adjourns Saturday, we thought the President of Columbia might desire to report the agreement thus far reached. We do not desire to have the above offer submitted unless you have assurance that it will be accepted, — that is, we do not want to make the offer of twenty–five millions unless we know beforehand that the President of Columbia will approve of the condition, namely, that the boundary line of 1855 be accepted as the basis of our agreement. If our offer of twenty–five millions was communicated as an offer without the other being accepted, they might demand a higher sum in consideration of the acceptance of the boundary.If you are willing to endorse the article expressing regret and willing to have the twenty–five millions offered on the condition that the boundary of 1855 is accepted, I think it would be well to send this despatch tonight tomorrow so that it can be presented to Congress before Congress adjourns Saturday, provided the President of Columbia is willing to accept the proposition thus far made.
I am sorry to present this as a matter requiring immediate attention, but Mr. Taylor thinks that it is quite important that this communication shall reach Colombia before Congress adjourns.

With assurances of respect, etc., I am, my dear President
WJ Bryan


The President,
The White House.


Mr. Taylor would like to have the above offer made without asking assurance in advance of its acceptance but I am afraid to make it unless they indicate in advance a willingness to accept. What do you think?

Letter

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924