810.796/8

The Chargé in Venezuela ( Engert ) to the Secretary of State

No. 1502

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Department’s confidential telegram No. 7 of March 10, 4 p.m., regarding the attitude of the Venezuelan Government towards American interests desiring to establish air lines in Venezuela or between Venezuela and neighboring countries.

In reply I have the honor to refer to the Legation’s despatch No. 1497 of March 616 in which I reported that Mr. Frederic D. Grab, the Assistant Trade Commissioner, had had an interview with the Minister of Fomento on this subject. As stated in Mr. Grab’s letter of March 5 to the Department of Commerce, a copy of which was enclosed with despatch No. 1497, the Minister of Fomento did not appear to hold out much hope that an application for an air line would receive favorable [Page 829] consideration. However, as this inquiry related more specifically to a proposed line between Maracaibo and Curasao, the Department may perhaps desire me to make discreet inquiries as to the attitude of the Venezuelan Government towards commercial aviation in general. But before taking any steps in that direction I shall await further instructions from the Department.

I have [etc.]

C. Van H. Engert
  1. Not printed.