611.3131/668
The Ambassador in Venezuela ( Corrigan ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 6.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that a few days ago the Minister for Foreign Affairs1 in the course of a conversation touching other subjects referred to what he termed “the excessively unfavorable trade balance between the United States and Venezuela”. He added that he was sending me two notes on this subject. These notes have now been received, and one, with its enclosure, is transmitted herewith in copy and translation. The other, which opens up again the old question of obtaining a reduction on the duty on meat destined for Puerto Rico, is made the subject of a separate despatch.2 For the time being the Embassy has merely informed the Minister for Foreign Affairs that these notes have been forwarded to the Department.
The Embassy is checking the figures presented by the Foreign Office to support its claim as to the trade situation between the two countries. It would appear desirable to have an accurate estimate as to the international balance of payments between Venezuela and the United States and any information which the Department can supply on this subject would be most useful. It will be highly desirable also to have an expression of the Department’s views or suggestions on the question raised by the Venezuelan note should the Embassy be actively pressed on this matter by the Foreign Office.
Respectfully yours,