611.2131/128
The Chargé in Colombia (Dawson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received November 29.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with the instructions contained in the Department’s telegram No. 77 of November 22, 2 p.m., I have pointed out to Dr. Pedro M. Carreño, Acting Colombian Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. H. A. Metzger, executive representative of the Tropical Oil Company and the Andian National Corporation, the nature of the order of the Secretary of the Interior dated September 28, 1933, restricting imports of petroleum into the United States.
Dr. Carreño told me that the Colombian Minister at Washington had raised the question of securing a larger “quota” for imports of petroleum into the United States from Colombia on instructions from President Olaya. He gave me to understand that these instructions [Page 245] were the result of a suggestion made to President Olaya by Captain J. W. Flanagan, President of the Andian National Corporation, during his recent visit to Bogotá (November 18–20).
Dr. Carreño said that he would inform the President and the Minister of Finance and Public Credit (who has had supervision in Bogotá over the commercial negotiations with the United States) of the substance of my remarks to him. Mr. Metzger neither affirmed nor denied his companies’ interest in the efforts of the Colombian Government.
The Department will, of course, recall that the Tropical Oil Company and the Andian National Corporation suggested in July 1932 to the Colombian Government that it lodge a protest at the State Department in connection with the then recently enacted American tariff on petroleum (the Legation’s despatch No. 4120 of July 23, 193224).
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩