§ 54. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make with reference to the 1,650 Colombian officers and men who sailed on 22nd May from Trinidad under the command of General Vargas to launch an attack on Peru, and with regard to the Peruvian destroyers which also called recently at Trinidad with sealed orders?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have seen a statement in the Press to the effect that certain Colombian troops sailed from Trinidad for the Amazon on the 22nd May. I see no reason to believe the allegation that these troops are destined for an attack on Peru. In this connection I would invite attention to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a question put by the hon. Member last Tuesday when the House was informed that a protocol of friendship and co-operation was signed between Colombia and Peru on the 24th May. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend was informed some little time ago that it was contemplated that two Peruvian destroyers, coming from the Amazon, would call at Trinidad on or about the 29th April. My right hon. Friend has received no information as to whether this visit did in fact take place.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it not rather important to watch the situation in view of the fact that there are now British subjects manning a portion of the Colombian Navy?