ABSTRACT
The entry of the American and Foreign Power Company into Colombia in 1927 marked the beginning of a new stage in the electrical development of the country. Among its many accomplishments, the American utility was responsible for bringing a modern, efficient service to areas that had been lagging behind even by Colombian standards. The president of Colombia, Enrique Olaya Herrera, an unconditional ally of the United States (US), gave Foley full support and the politicians in the city council, not daring to risk the president's wrath, meekly agreed to sell the city's shares in the Bogota Light and Power Company. In effect, the Colombian subsidiary obtained its loans and purchased directly from the US instead of going to the local intermediaries, who wanted to earn commissions. Thanks to Spruille Braden intervention, a precipitate withdrawal by the US company, which would have caused immense and irreparable damage to Colombia, had been averted.
