611.3131/124: Telegram
The Minister in Venezuela (Nicholson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:05 p.m.]
97. Department’s telegram No. 53, September 30, 3 p.m. The Minister for Foreign Affairs wishes the preliminary announcement to be made simultaneously in Washington and Caracas and will advise [Page 785] within a few days when his Government will be ready. He understands that the basis of the agreement on the general provisions thus far reached is his own draft proposal of June 14 as subsequently amended respecting the most-favored-nation principle and the inclusion of Puerto Rico. The final text might modify the form but not the content of his draft thus amended. Kindly advise me if the Department is of the same understanding, as there should be definite agreement on this point before any announcement is made.
I anticipate no objection to the inclusion of the Virgin Islands in the agreement. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is willing personally that they be included on the same condition as Puerto Rico but must consult other branches of his Government before giving his official consent.