810.796/5: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Venezuela (Engert)
5. Your telegram No. 5, February 17, 1 p.m. The Department considers that representatives of the United States Government should not initiate or conduct private business negotiations on behalf of private American interests with foreign governments. You should not, therefore, approach the Government of Venezuela in the matter as suggested. Of course the Department expects the Legation to give all proper assistance to responsible American interests engaged in legitimate activities in foreign countries, and you may give such assistance to the representative of the interests in question.
Department is informing Department of Commerce.