611.2131/54

Statement by the Acting Secretary of State Issued to the Press, August 22, 1933

Preliminary conversations were initiated this morning with the Colombian Minister to determine whether it will be mutually advantageous to negotiate a trade agreement. These discussions with the Colombian Minister are informal since they are of an exploratory nature to determine whether a trade agreement will benefit both parties concerned.

At the meeting this morning general views were exchanged on the nature, value, and volume of trade between the two countries. During the next few days these views will be studied and a further conversation is planned for next Thursday.