File No. 800.88/186
The Chargé in Colombia ( Belden ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8.05 p.m.]
Colombian Government has been informed that the United States Government has advised United Fruit Company that its vessels will be taken over by the Government. President Suarez has asked me to explain to the Department of State the great suffering which would result in Colombia should these vessels be taken from the Colombian trade, especially in the present fiscal crisis. He is extremely worried. I cannot but emphasize the President’s anxiety in this matter and I add the withdrawal of these ships, which would amount to a commercial blockade, might cause most serious complications politically for the Suarez Government which the large number of unemployed in the banana districts assist.