821.6363 Barco/427: Telegram
The Minister in Colombia (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:32 p.m.]
11. My 5, January 16, 6 p.m. and 9, January 26, 6 p.m. Mr. Rublee feels that if the Gulf is really interested in proceeding with the Barco proposition it must act promptly. Rublee will remain in Colombia for only one month longer. Even if the royalty matter is agreed upon now, much remains to be done. Also, if the contract is not arranged during this Congress, it will probably never be arranged.
President Olaya is extremely reluctant to put lower royalty than 6 percent up to Congress, and other members of the Government insist that 6 percent is absolutely the lowest figure Congress would approve.