821.6363/493: Telegram
The Chargé in Colombia (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:19 p.m.]
122. My 121, October 5, 11 a.m. House of Representatives yesterday voted down motion citing Minister of Industry to appear and state Government’s attitude on the reports, knowing his desire not to appear. Discussion in first reading of bills advocated in both majority and minority reports will be continued today. Bills were attacked in House of Representatives as blackmailing the Tropical, as being unconstitutional, and as showing the world the bad faith of Colombian Government. Reaction of this nature appears to be growing and chances of passage of bills diminishing. There also seems to be a feeling of uneasiness as to what our Government might do if either bill is passed. The Government will therefore probably not press the matter. …