821.6363 Barco/69: Telegram

The Minister in Colombia (Piles) to the Secretary of State

2. Department’s 2, January 12, 2 [5] p.m. Minister of Foreign Affairs answered my note, saying in effect that the memorial requesting reconsideration of the resolution referred to was submitted by Compania Colombiana del Petroleo; that the Department erred in instructing action I took if the company is a Colombian corporation, which it is. In personal conversation with him yesterday I stated that I understood all stock of the company except three directors’ shares was owned by Colombian Petroleum Company, a Delaware corporation. He replied that they knew nothing of the stockholders. I then inquired whether a petition in intervention by that company would not avoid his objection. He will submit this to the President upon his return within a week and advise me. If the Department thinks advisable I will informally feel them out on possibility of our getting together and effecting friendly settlement, that further delay or possible litigation may be avoided. …

Piles