The Leticia Dispute (1932–1934) (A Study in U.S. Documents

Abstract

The border town of Leticia, located between Colombia and Peru, witnessed an armed conflict during the period (1932–1934) as a result of the two countries competing for sovereignty over this strategically important town rich in natural resources. The conflict began after a group of Peruvians occupied Leticia, leading to the outbreak of armed clashes between Colombian and Peruvian forces. In response to this escalation, regional and international powers intervened in an effort to calm the conflict, most notably Brazil and the United States, as well as the League of Nations, which acted within the framework of its efforts to maintain peace. This intervention contributed to reaching the signing of the Rio de Janeiro Protocol in 1934, which represented the official end of the dispute and reflected the success of international and regional mediation in managing border crises, whereby Leticia was returned to Colombia.