611.3131/67: Telegram
The Chargé in Venezuela ( Villard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:25 p.m.]
83. Department’s 52, December 5, 3 p.m. It is difficult to estimate the extent of concessions obtainable without entering into more formal [Page 959] discussions with the Foreign Minister, but from our last conversation I am inclined to believe that the subject of petroleum weighs less heavily with him than was previously the case. The Minister’s prime desire now appears to be to remedy the lack of treaty relations between the United States and Venezuela by means of a reciprocal trade agreement, rather than to make use of the latter for the particular purpose of safeguarding the Venezuelan oil industry.