321.1154 United Fruit Company/7: Telegram
The Minister in Colombia (Piles) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4 p.m.]
48. Department’s telegram 12, March 12, 7 p.m. Minister of Industry presented in secret session of House of Representatives a “most important” bill declaring all irrigation canals which, in the opinion of the Government are necessary to provide water for different [Page 636] sections of country, of public utility and authorizing Government to contract loans or open extraordinary credits in budget for acquisition of such canals without requiring consent of Council of State. Payment of loan and construction of other necessary works to be made through tax on properties irrigated. Bill aimed at irrigation system of United Fruit Company and was approved in first reading. Its passage uncertain.