821.6363/70: Telegram
The Minister in Colombia (Philip) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 8, 12.15 p.m.]
144. A telegram from Dr. Davila Florez, dated Cartagena September 20th and addressed to the President of the Colombian Chamber, was read into the minutes of that body on the 30th instant. The telegram is to the effect that our Congress has passed law confirming previous mining legislation which permits the leasing of oil lands to corporations and private individuals but to the absolute exclusion of foreigners who cannot even be stockholders in the leasing companies. This report has added to the adverse criticism of our attitude in the treaty matter and the acting Minister for Foreign Affairs has inquired of me respecting it. I presume that it is incorrect in view of the contents of the last paragraph but one of the Departments September 16, 6 p.m. but respectfully beg information which will permit me to make authoritative statement.