821.6363/489: Telegram

The Chargé in Colombia (Matthews) to the Secretary of State

119. My 118, October 2, 3 p.m. The minority member of Investigation Committee in his report, brief statement of which is published in El Tiempo, recommends passage of bill ordering Attorney General to proceed before September courts “in defense of the Nation’s interests” and stipulating certain bases for new contract with Tropical (both impractical and highly disadvantageous to the company), upon the acceptance of which by the company the Attorney General is to end his activities in the prosecution of any suit. Should Congress appear to favor his bill I shall cable more in detail. The majority report does not appear to have [met?] with very favorable reception outside of Government circles and passage of the bill recommended therein is somewhat doubtful.

The press is quiet. Espectador favors report but is pessimistic of possibility of successfully proceeding against powerful Tropical. Debate questions congressional jurisdiction but urges calm and thorough study.

Matthews