821.51/2338: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:15 p.m.]
42. Finance Minister last night told me that while Francis White appeared less intransigeant than previously debt negotiations now appear to be in doldrums and he wanted my assistance to stimulate action so that service may be agreed upon and included in budget to be presented to Congress July 20. (Indications are that Government also desires to present project to Congress looking to removal of exchange control.) Minister is dining with me July 8 and I may have discussion earlier. Therefore would appreciate being informed status of negotiations, specific points on which I may perhaps be helpful, and answers to questions raised in my despatch No. 117, of May 15.